<VV> Classics

[henry kaczmarek]

    Folks
Let me expand on what my good friend has said:

Smitty's dead on in that the word "Classic" has a specific definition in the 
automobile world.

In fact, though not accurate, many different people have their own 
interpretation of the word.

For the groups listed in in HCC, they have theirs.

It's just like customers who call Steele and say they want "a complete 
rubber kit".  I tell them that word means something different to everyone 
who calls.

I have my own definition of Classic in my own mind.  Syling lines on a car 
body can be classic.  Fuel delivery systems can be classic.  Tail-light 
designs can be classic.  There's just too many definitions in my mind of 
what can be described as "Classic"

to Me, the Corvair has a lot of classic qualities.  The em 4dr roof lines 
and rear leading edge is classic styling.  The front headlight bezels of the 
LM that give the "bug" look are classic lines.  3 duces, the 140 4 carb set 
up, and dual high rise Offenhauser manifolds with twin holley 1000+CFM carbs 
is classic fuel delivery. The fastback look of a 67 Impala is classic.
A 70 Chevelle cowl induction hood scoop is classic.

Really to each their own.

Smitty's right about one thing: People who think their car original, find 
out differently at the National Concours Classification.  I've made a habit 
when I'm there on classification day to stand as close as possible without 
interfering  when lclc is making the calls, you can learn an awful lot by 
osmosis.

I've seen many a PO'ed corvair owner after their car was classified.

Smitty's also right that the Corvair is indeed a collector car, not a 
classic. But just as some fraternal groups are societies with secrets yet 
not a secret society,  Corvairs are collector cars with classic attributes, 
yet not a classic car.

Hank
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Smitty Smith" <vairologist at verizon.net>
To: <VirtualVairs at corvair.org>
Sent: Sunday, August 26, 2007 12:00 PM
Subject: <VV> Classics


> Smitty Says:  Not to offend anybody but you must understand that if the 
> CCCA, AACA, or HCCA places a definition of Classic, only on cars of 
> limited production and extremely high original selling price, They are 
> identifying them for themselves.  They don't care what you call your 
> Corvair but they will never accept it as a classic in their club.  It is 
> no more snobbish than in our own community we set the standard as to what 
> a factory original Corvair is.  You might pass off your car as being 
> rarely original at the local Shine and Show but it wouldn't get past the 
> most cursory exam at classification at a National Convention.  You say 
> it's original.  They say it's not.  They set the standard and if you don't 
> like it.  Tough.
>  I grew up in the midst of antique, classic, vintage, veteran, and gas 
> light cars and the clubs that support them.  When I fill up at the pump 
> and somebody smilingly says, Hey that's a real classic.  I smile and say 
> thanks, I enjoy it.  Some little voice down inside says, You ignorant Ass, 
> it's a collector car, not a classic.  Why?  Because I was taught to 
> understand and value the difference, and, why the difference, 20 years 
> before Corvairs existed.  Those people were protecting their definitions 
> in the 40s.
>  In closing, it is as silly to get upset because someone won't accept your 
> car as a classic as it is to get upset if they won't accept your car as a 
> gas light car.
>  Do I belong to any of those clubs ?  No, never have.
> _______________________________________________
> This message was sent by the VirtualVairs mailing list, all copyrights are 
> the property
> of the writer, please attribute properly. For help, 
> mailto:vv-help at corvair.org
> This list sponsored by the Corvair Society of America, 
> http://www.corvair.org/
> Post messages to: VirtualVairs at corvair.org
> Change your options: 
> http://www.vv.corvair.org/mailman/options/virtualvairs
> _______________________________________________
>