I am opposed to escalating the prices of our beloved roadsters! I have
been to too many car shows where the biggest discussion is how much the
owner spent to have it restored and who does the detailing work to keep it
so clean. Most of these owners have know idea of how to work on their cars.
Many don't know the history of the marquee. And far too many don't even
know the thrill of pushing one of their expensive, restored well beyond
factory spec's and polished to a T cars, though a series of corners on a
winding road. But they can all quote you what it costs!
Most of what I read on this list is about the joys of working on our cars.
The next biggest collection of stories is about who chased who up a mountain
road and who managed to lose it in a turn. Why some of the list even race
their roadsters! And of course there is the human side of the list also.
The accidents, a few divorces, custody struggles and more than one of us has
been out of work for a period of time. Some complain about these letters
but I see it as part of the personality of these cars. They are available
to the everyday enthusiast not just the rich and famous.
When I head off for an OROC event, I am always excited about seeing if any
new cars show up, but you know what? As nice as seeing another roadster is,
meeting another enthusiast is even better. The people I have met are the
best part of owning my roadster. In seven years of owning a show quality
car prior to my 1600, I never met as many nice people and families.
If the values climb to $25,000, so will the parts and the insurance.
Suddenly people will start thinking twice before putting 500 miles on their
cars just to attend a gathering in the next state. The free parts that are
exchanges between club members as well as from coast to coast thanks to this
list, will cease to exist. And unfortunately, so will many of the owners of
today.
I'm done; I've said me pieces, my $0.02 worth ( okay so maybe I went over
the 2 cents limit, sue me!). But as I read back over what I have written,
it still doesn't express how much against rising costs I feel!
Paul Kort
Ohio Roadster Owners Club
1969 Datsun 1600 SPL311-25812
Rescued from a barn in Salem, Ohio, and lovingly rebuilt over two years with
much help from my wife and son, and this list of great car enthusiasts.
Want to watch $$ go up, .... go play on Wall Street!
(I feel I need to add a disclaimer that declares these are my feelings and
not necessarily reflective of the Ohio Roadster Owners Club and it's
membership. But I'm willing to bet, most would agree with me.)
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