Classic Cars Should Not Be Caged

Just the other day I read an article explaining that men were working hard on making what became the “car” Back in 1335, and I was just astonished to learn the race to do so actually started back that far. A windmill fan was meant to move it - diagrams depict it - and though it said it wasn’t built - it’s likely someone tried. I hope it had some sort of clutch to disengage the mill when the wind got really gusty…and an ox - for when it died. Today the cars do not rely on wind to make them go, but with the price of fuel the way it is, I wish they did. And I am quite amazed when I consider just how much cars have changed between today and when I was a kid. And as the “car” was modernized - evolving through the years - A breed of connoisseur arose that clings to…what once was. He or she appreciates the warm, nostalgic beauty of models from the “good old days”…so this is what he does. He finds a car he really likes, and - if he can - he buys it, Then makes it look the way that he prefers, despite the cost. In almost every instance - with a total restoration - Some of what’s invested in the project may be lost. Others leave them as they’re found, and merely wipe them down. Rarely driven all that far, they’re touted as…“survivors.” Many more upgrade them to the point where - if they choose to - They can safely take them on a trip. These are the, “drivers.” Some will make them perfect, but then never actually drive them! These are what are often called by many…“trailer queens.” But others…and this puzzles me…just stash them out of sight, Despite the fact they’re drivable! I call these…“never seens.” Now I can surely understand, and handle, folks protecting Cars they have a fortune in. I see their point of view. And leaving them as found is really great for car museums, so I am actually grateful that a few collectors do. And changing what is needed so a car can run the highways Safely and dependably makes lots of sense to me. But any man who buys a classic car, then never drives it… Who locks it up inside a cage, and will not set it free… Clips the wings of something that I see as “meant to move,” And heartlessly denies his car the thing on which it thrives. The road. That’s right...the road. And I would argue every classic Owned by each offender…that he never, ever drives… Ought to be abducted from its dungeon, and then sold, Ending up with someone who can understand the breed. Someone who will share the culture oozing from its fenders… Anxious to provide them with the kinds of things they need. Classics should be driven - or displayed in fine museums - So if you’ve got one stashed away that few will ever see, Please consider selling it. They thrive on admiration! Locked away in solitude’s the worst place they can be. Speculators buy them and - protecting their investment - Stuff them into sheds and buildings, with the expectation - What they’re worth will rise with time - as many of them will - Offering them - if they’re right - a hedge against inflation. But, even if I lose some dough, I hope this tactic backfires, And every classic car that’s “stored” - the ones that none will see - Sells to someone like myself, who feels they should be driven, And winds up in the hands of someone sure to set it free. PS: I've now got 4 new Audio-CDs - @ 4 1/2 hours each = (62 diversely varied pieces). They’re listed on EBAY - under - “Mark Stellinga Poetry” - or available by simply contacting me at -- mark@writerofbooks.com -- should those of you who enjoy listening to poems as well as reading them - and particularly those of you that travel - care to be so entertained. (We use safe and simple - PayPal) Cheers, Mark