14th Sep 2013, 08:22
I felt insulted too when I fell for the whole hype that Toyota builds great cars, when in reality my 2009 Camry was a total piece of crap.
14th Sep 2013, 23:35
Of course you are going to see a small block Chevy V8 in a mid-50's Bel-Air; the 1955 model year was when the small block was born.
Unless you have a conversation with the owner; for all you know it could be an original 283 V8 with a dress up kit, and a high energy ignition system.
16th Sep 2013, 02:07
I feel the comments you dislike, are not so much anti-import, but anti-lost money and time that can never be recovered.
My favourite classic cars are the unrestored 1960's Ford and G.M's I regularly see running down the road in the northern city I live in. Usually driven by elderly people who've probably owned them for 40-50 years and have never seen a reason to sell, because they just won't die. They remind me of riding cross country in my Dad's Galaxie in 1975.
As for driving 70 miles a day in a Prius. I can't conceive of it. You deserve a medal from Japan.
14th Sep 2013, 07:09
You missed the point entirely. The "Merican" comment has zero bearing on owning an import or a domestic car. It's demeaning. I am disenchanted today over much of our system vs the past, but respect and appreciate the many sacrifices others have made. I also live here and realize I can hurt others and can be quite selfish with words.
I also feel a person can express that they don't like certain cars. But there must be a reason that a huge segment of the population chooses the most popular vehicles. I can see a 1955-57 Chevrolet built a thousand ways, and find detectable differences. I have over restored many cars with subtle things like perfect body gaps, filling seams etc. Hours of labor with burns, cuts, sweat as a labor of love. I appreciate each and every car. If you have done any of this, the comments you are making will most definitely disappear. It takes a lot of hard work and financial commitment over time.
My brother in law finished a 1955 Chevrolet, bought from a field, mostly parted out in the 80s. He had children to raise, and it was a slow progression and often stalled. His is in the row of cookie cutter 55-57 models you quickly pass by. Just another 30k plus car in the midst in 2013.
My son wanted an exclusive car that may appeal to your tastes. He bought a 2002 Viper; under 5000 produced annually. He has helped me build and restore cars since he was 9 years old. Another cookie cutter I owned won a first place on Fathers Day. He spent 3 days polishing my car.
A lot of Americans by the way like imports and are still Americans. My favorites today are Porsche and Audi. They are imports; not necessary your choice perhaps, but I really like them.