Picking up from where we left off in the conversation about driving older cars, here are rules 6 through 10 that one should abide by when spending time enjoying vintage vehicles from the driver’s seat.
Rule #6. Create some errands to run
There is nothing better than having an excuse to be driving around in something that is involving, garners attention, and eclipses barriers. Fortunately, old cars check all of those boxes, so it only makes sense for the owner of a vintage pick up truck to help a friend move an item that won’t fit in the trunk of their car, or for the driver of a mid-engined two seater to travel across town to check out that book from the library that the local branch doesn’t have (while also completing ignoring that almost every “book” can be read via the net). Of course, the errands should match whatever vehicle is being driven—tight, mountain runs for Lotus Elans, and long, leisurely cruises for long, magic-carpet Cadillacs.
Rule #7. Be careful going around that curve!
As we alluded to earlier in this piece, the performance capabilities of older cars are not up to par with current ones, and this realization is reached for many of us the first time we drive through our favorite set of turns. The rapid advancement of tire technology has left many eras of automobiles in its wake, as increased wheel diameters and widths has resulted in tires becoming more durable, quiet, and, most importantly, much grippier. If you’re driving an old car with period correct tires, you may want to take it easy going through that set of esses and into that decreasing radius hairpin.
Rule #8. Be prepared to be friendly, and to have long conversations
Have you ever seen a vehicle and been immediately reminded of a specific moment or person from your past? Well, you aren’t alone, and even if your classic ride is the rarest of the rare, there is no doubt that people in the world will want to spontaneously interview you about your machine when they find out it belongs to you. It’s common for people to provide erroneous “facts” about your car (the model year, color code, engine specs, and the list goes on), but take it all in stride when you converse with them. Usually, these exchanges leave both parties feeling pretty good inside, and they’ve even been known to be catalysts to provoke onlookers to become participants. With that in mind, do like Terrell (T.O.) Owens said, and “get your popcorn ready,” because you have a lot of chatting to do!
Rule #9. Be prepared to do some general maintenance on every drive
Whether it’s topping off the oil, adding some air to the tires, or replacing a bulb, don’t fret if (and when) you find yourself tending to the old car you’re driving when you’re out and about. It’s all part of the experience!
Rule #10. Make it loud
Since you’re driving something a bit unique already, please do the world a favor and let us know when you’re approaching. This can be done in different ways—driving around one gear lower than what’s required is one way, and tooting those airhorns is another. Of course, burning rubber always creates an unmistakable sound, and there are roads where we know that a downshift right at a certain point will create an echo off the trees that will excite even the most mundane bystander. We’d also be remiss if we didn’t consider comin’ through with two 12s bumpin’ some Isley Brothers on a beautiful sunny day. Whatever it is you come up with, make sure it’s done loudly and proudly!
So, there you have it–10 rules for driving old cars that will help make your journey safer, more comfortable, and certainly more enjoyable. Whether you choose to follow these, or to add some more of your own, please do all of enthusiasts a favor and keep sharing those old cars with the rest of the world!
