Page 13 - ROA Online Riview Library

Saving the Hobby

Whenever collector car people gather, it only about 60% of today’s 18-year-olds When choosing a vehicle, 46% of Mil-
is common to hear many wonder what have a driver’s license compared to 80% lennials prefer to purchase one that is
will happen to the hobby we all enjoy. in the 1980s, cars are still necessary for consistent with their own sense of self
Most collector car hobbyists today those outside of urban areas and have and emotional satisfaction as opposed to
are aging baby boomers along with a become more utilitarian — necessary pride of ownership or accomplishment
decreasing number of those born before to get to school, work and activities and that Alfred Sloan capitalized on years
World War II. They lament that young less of an aspirational goal. Reportedly, ago and copied by Ford & Chrysler.
people seem to have little interest in more than 84% of those older than 25 It was particularly interesting to note
cars as they did in their youth. Rather, it own a car or truck. that many young people are interested in
seems today’s young are more inter- Young people still aspire to own cars for nostalgia for that which they did not ex-
ested in the latest smartphone than in many of the same reasons with which we perience. They seek to know more about
getting a driving license. are familiar — freedom and the opportu- what came before and how it occurred.
There is an amount of truth in these nity to be in control. However, the pres- In other words, they want to know more
general perceptions, but they are mis- sures they face, such as student debts about the car in its context and how it
leading. Katay O. Sullivan, a psychology and modern living expense for housing came to be as opposed to the details of
doctoral student and car enthusiast, has etc., limit their spending. Few can afford its construction and its authenticity that
conducted an assessment of available a collector car, regardless of their inter- drives most in the current car hobby
research on the attitudes of Millennials est. Additionally, the recent major reces- who are focused on the restoration and
and Generation Z cohorts. While there sion of 2007-2008 has created greater display of cars in shows and museums.
are not universally-accepted definitions interest in security and worries about
of these groups, Millennials are typically scarcity by today’s young not unlike So, if those leading the collector car hobby
those born between 1981 and 1996 and those who came of age in the 1930s. today want to save the hobby and attract
Generation Z are born between 1997 The Millennials and Generation Z are Millennials and those who come after,
and 2010. Sullivan’s review included more interested in experiences than in they need to change how they seek to
over 60 publications. Her findings, owning things. A substantial majority, attract them. The current car club model
published by the Society of Automotive 78% in one study, report a preference for won’t cut it. Club events need to be open
Historians in the Spring 2019 issue of spending money on an experience or an to all regardless of membership. Since they
Automotive History Review, are worthy event. This is coupled with the popularity can’t afford a collector car to take part
of consideration by all those who want of sharing of experiences via social media. in events, such as driving tours, young
to save the collector car hobby. Follow- Current collector owners similarly enjoy people should have the opportunity to ride
ing are some of the most important the experiential facets of owning a col- along with those who own cars. Car shows
Interested in having findings of her research. lector car — the sound of the engine, the should provide the opportunity to experi-
ence the collector cars in motion by rides
your Riviera appear in the Riview? All of us are shaped by the culture in car in motion and the acknowledgments and/or by proctored driving experiences.
which we live. The introductions of new from others when on the road. However, Finally, a totally-new marketing approach
For a Member’s Showcase, we have cars are no longer the major news of the young people see no clear path to obtain- is required to attract and acquaint young
Guidelines prepared to assist with the day as they were in the post-WWII pe- ing such experiences. They have little in- people with the hobby that emphasizes
riod. By the time when Millennials were terest in working on cars in part because their psychological interests.
story and photos. coming of age, cars were losing their dis- of complexity and the lack of exposure to
If not, here in SNAPSHOTS, you have an tinctive character with features that en- car maintenance as years ago when car
abled easy differentiation between brands maintenance was part of family life. WILLIAM C . “BILL” ANDERSON, P .E . #2238
opportunity to see your Riviera pictured. and models and new model introductions They are also interested in communities Bill owns Anderson Automotive
If interested in either, contact Ray at were no longer universally-anticipated of shared interests that they build via so- Enterprises in Gambrills, MD, which
annual events. Instead, the news of the cial media. This communal interest is like provides restorations, appraisals, and
ray@rivowners.org. day increasingly focused on the wonders car clubs that band together by brand. maintenance services for collector
of the technological revolution. But these social media communities are cars. Visit his website at www.
Despite the cultural shift, young people founded on shared experiences and infor- andersonautomotiveenterprises.com
are still interested in cars. Although mal — no dues, no bureaucracy. or email him at rivsrgr8@aol.com.
The Riview July/August 2019 13