Ford Mustang

Back in the day, the first car we drove meant something — a symbol of freedom and independence, or perhaps a candid memory that reminds us of a grandfather and what he drove. In the 20th century, cars first began to pull at our heart strings, in the same way old timers probably adored the family horse. We have yet to see what this century has in store for our emotional receptors.

As a ’70s child, one car that makes me fuzzy is a Ford Mustang. When I was 15, my best friend started dating a rich kid with a green Ford Mustang GT convertible — I would estimate a ‘91. My girls and I would pile in the car on the way to the lake, certain we had found the key to large living. Long after the guy disappeared, and my friends and I drifted, any mention of a Mustang would take me back to that sweet time and the mischievous feeling I had before we were picked up for an outing. There’s been plenty of Mustangs in my life, a perk that comes with the job — driving in a pace car Mustang just before a Champ car race, peering under the hood of Funkmaster Flex’s custom job on a bustling New York street, test driving rare models of the infamous Bullitt and a Carroll Shelby special, or attending a Mustang convertible redesign launch on the California coast in 2005. No doubt I’ve been able to extend this guilty pleasure well into adulthood.

Now the question is posed, has the automotive affair ended? Will I swear off loving cars, because the news has broken that emissions and carbon dioxide really are bad? This is the ambiguous notion left dangling in one publication today. For many squirmy owners I believe the answer is yes — but for other red and blue-oval bloods, no way. As long as we are on the road, the relationship continues though the parameters may change.

For the average upscale buyer’s satisfaction, doubts are rightfully building. What they enjoyed up until recently has been cruelly exposed. Perhaps they drove a large fully-loaded SUV or expensive premium gas-using luxury car until one day reality set in — they drive a car beyond their means and needs. The car of choice may have been leased or financed, beyond what they could reasonably afford if they listened to longtime advice from a smart money adviser. Many of these drivers could be seen on major thoroughfares like L.A.’s 405, thick plumes of smog deliriously flowing from these tailpipes, lazily driving a block to the corner store using gas like it’s as available as air that they breathe. Now they just seem pissed off, stuck in unhealthy toxic scenarios. The pesky strain of expensive gas, the unseasonable weather and their sudden interest in a fruitless war may be the final wake up call that occurs for these drivers. This realization eventually arises in any shallow relationship based on looks, circumstance and status resulting in the forlorn cry “Where did the love go?” This fallout will continue as status seekers come to the realization that they’ve been living like fools, dressing to impress for a party that was broken up soon after they arrived. Unfortunately for ailing car companies, a lot of Americans who lived with these choices are running for the hills as they find out they didn’t need to live with such excess. No doubt, the breakup trauma will continue until these people learn to manage reasonable expectations in their material relationships, and settle for what is practical, not just sexy.

But for the automotive purists, a smaller more select group that spend their time and energy buying, trading and researching cars that they hope to show off, these doubts are simply a blip in the emotional investment of a longterm relationship. The aspiration toward particular vehicle of fancy is a dream come true. These are the people who fantasize about cars and horsepower and geeky factoids about engine differentials, co-efficient drag and performance feats. Have the national consciousness of worries impacted this set of car maniacs? Heck, no. First, these people are so attuned to their cars, most were aware of the damage they inflicted long ago, as their investments required them to choose wisely. To them, nothing outweighs the joy that cars bring into their lives; these cars are a truly a part of their identity. Tough times may force them to sell their rides, but they will not forget the sheet metal that stole their hearts.

Increasingly, car companies are tapping into the psyche of these characters who spend time in Internet chat rooms fussing about what they have or want. The latest to the game is the Mustang Social Media Press Release. Enthusiasts and media can find each other here with accessible direct product news about the cars they love best both from the maker and the media. No need to scour for a sly mention of a particular pony, just browse around and get the goods.

It’s not just the classics that cater to their loyalists. Smart has launched Smart USA Insider that already boosts burgeoning Smart owners. These internal car company sites are building on the communication that used to occur at car cruises and in print car club newsletters. If anything, for enthusiasts, they can live more cars more of the time, perusing online. One word of caution to these serial monogamists who take their cars very seriously– like any relationship, balance is important. If the car is the object of passion and desire, don’t stifle yourself with too much time. That’s what called obsession, and we all know where that leads.

And where do I fall in this spectrum? I think that I’ve got a good thing going with the cars that I love. First and foremost, I care deeply about the world we live and protecting it, which is a priority over my hobbyist nature. Yet, I also know that moderation and sensibility are first steps to problem solving. I could drive any car for miles everyday if I wanted thanks to the privilege of press cars. But I love to walk, and when I’m not assessing a car’s finer qualities, I tread with a minimal carbon footprint. Occasionally, I tiptoe to the track for a little moment of excessive exhaust glee, but for the past decade I’ve never commuted for more than five miles. Am I rationalizing my car connection? If so, then I’m in a blind spot. It’s all about balance and trade ins, and making space for the things that you love.

{ 1 comment }