The Machine of My Dreams

I'm in Love with My Car - Queen

I don't own the machine of my dreams. I had it once in the early 1980's but I haven't really seen it up close and personally since. It is funny how some people really appreciate the old classics and others don't even bat an eye to appreciate all the TLC and hard work that went into creating the final product. I have to admit that like much of today's society, I also appreciate the sleek lines as opposed to the the rounded fenders and quarter panels jutting out. But you don't always get what you want and you need to learn to appreciate beauty in all forms. 

The finish for example. On a brand new model it glistens and shines. Water beads off like we have just spent hours waxing and buffing. Decades later despite some dimples and ripples water still has the opportunity to bead off and protect the interior. Sure the colour may have faded somewhat and lost its initial glow, but we can bring the illusion of some of that back. If we have the money and inclination we can even remove some of the imperfections and essentially turn back the hands of time.

Today the fuel to make the machines go has undergone a lot of changes. Today you almost need a degree in chemistry to understand the composition of gas so that you can make the right choices. There are different needs for different engines and if you don't make the right decision you can end up with a lot of backfires, poor performance or engine failures. It seems that with a world of advancements, we sometimes just create more sensitivities. Personally, it boggles my mind to wonder what has happened that we must pussyfoot around our choices to satisfy society and not just ourselves. There are petitions asking us to avoid this company, the environmentalists telling us to consider this option, the professionals telling us to try this product to see if the knocking stops. 

The industry is always making improvements on specific parts that they think we should consider replacing and spend a tremendous amount of advertising dollars convincing us. Take headlights for example. After years of continuous use, even though it is for the intended purpose, headlights will dim and be in need of a realignment. But it is a relatively gradual process and we often don't notice it because if is often utilized in the dark. But making improvements will definitely enhance the aesthetic appearance of the whole package and rarely goes unnoticed. But getting the best doesn't come cheap and once started, the upkeep on the rest of the chassis must be maintained or the sparkling new headlights will look grossly out of place.

It's a money pit really. Just when we think we have it all figured out, we notice that the seat is beginning to sag, the seams are stretched to the limit and there is stuffing sticking out where we never realized it before. It's going to take a lot of hard work and sweat to get it back to where it once was and then it still won't be the same. The original design and comfort of the seat is forever gone. And before we know it, while we are trying to fix the seat, the shock absorbers go. Yes, they can be replaced but the parts will be inferior to the original and once we start replacing parts, it never ends. Next thing we know it is the electrical system that needs attention, and then the ventilation. A little extra lube here and there to make sure things doesn't squeak and creak too much. With the right fuel additive, you can even add a little more power in your stick shift. 

So maybe it is true that the old classics don't have the speed of the newer models, they don't go as far on a tank of gas, need more rest breaks and maintenance costs are increased but the ride can still be enjoyable. It only takes the right connoisseur to appreciate the beauty within. Given the right TLC the old machine can still purr like a kitten and keep you satisfied while you ride with the wind blowing what is left of your hair. 

with the Car of my Dreams - 1982 Datsun 280zx 

There are many things from your past that you cannot get back. There are some things from your past that you don't want back. There are some things that you can and do want back. For me, it is the Datsun pictured above. I may not look like the same person on the hood of that car, but inside I am.  The car will one day be parked again in my driveway, but I will never see her in the mirror again. I will see a wiser, more mature and older version of her though - and I still like her. Even though the time and cost of maintenance has increased, I'm worth it :)

After you have gone back and re-read this post because you have just realized that I wasn't talking about a car at all, jump in the shower and watch how the water really does bead off your skin like a freshly waxed car and marvel at the perfection that is the mechanics of the human body! ;)