Practically Classics Forum

Luxobarge wrote:Right chaps - let's get one thing straight: this is not going to turn into a "what is a classic" discussion. Period.

From now on, any posts in this thread on this specific subject will be deleted, we've all had more than enough of this stupid subject, enough is enough. That includes references to member's cars being "proper" classics (or otherwise), by the way. If you want to bore the pants of everybody with your precious opinions on the subject, there's a thread elsewhere that you can do so.

Sorry to be firm, but this subject just boils my p!ss.

Not just me, by the way, the above goes for ALL the admins on this forum.

Why are you censoring discussions about classic cars on what purports to be a classic car forum???

The classic car movement is under threat. Practical Classics influence on the general public is part of that problem. Another part of the problem is the understanding of what is a classic car is being diluted, by the magazine, by some of the enthusiasts, and this is leaving the movement open to attack by the powers that be. Otherwise, the term "classic car" becomes meaningless and with that loss of meaning comes the danger from legislators who have it in for us for spurious reasons.

Drive it day is a part of the solution. Support your classic car club, support the FBHVC and support the continued use of proper classic cars.

MG Mal wrote:I agree whole heartedly.

and as for

and supported the use of PROPER classic cars.

If that is'nt elite-ism I dont know what is.

To be fair I like moggys and MGB's and Minis and such like.

But to state "Mines a proper classic" is just "Buffalo droppings" in my opinion.
-snip-

Are you joking?? How can Morris Minors, Minis and MGB's be considered elitist?? Maybe if I were talking about Ferraris or rare 1930's Alfas, but I am not.

And anyway, what is wrong with recognising that some marques and models are more worthy than others? Why is "elite" such a dirty word??

I'm afraid that the buffalo droppings as you put it have been in evidence in Practical Classics magazine for the past decade or so. I'm here not to start an argument but to try and give some constructive feedback to PC magazine, and help the classic car movement thrive and not stagnate and go into decline, which it is in danger of so doing.

To get back on topic (it was not me that dragged this thread OT, but I had to respond to correct misrepresentations).

I actually think saying that "drive it day is stupid" is actually a pretty stupid thing to say. I'm aware the admin of this forum said this- but please think about what you said, go to the FBHVC web site and look up the intention of the drive it day.

It is not stupid, it is about letting the public know that classic cars are alive, well and still being used. Greater public awareness, hopefully = greater security for the classic car world.

Morrisand944S2man, there is a thread open for debate on "what is a classic", if you want to debate that do it in there. That is what Luxo was pointing out and i am reminding you. Please keep the thread on topic.

Thank you, I will post on that thread.

Sorry, I did not realise I was taking the thread off topic, please accept my apologies.

I did, however, very much enjoy the drive it day and am looking forward to the next one. I no longer drive my Minor through our cold and snowy winters so it is nice to get him/her out on the road in April with the improving weather.

Morrisand944S2man wrote:To get back on topic (it was not me that dragged this thread OT, but I had to respond to correct misrepresentations).

I actually think saying that "drive it day is stupid" is actually a pretty stupid thing to say. I'm aware the admin of this forum said this- but please think about what you said, go to the FBHVC web site and look up the intention of the drive it day.

It is not stupid, it is about letting the public know that classic cars are alive, well and still being used. Greater public awareness, hopefully = greater security for the classic car world.

That's all well and good, but as i've explained, the name does not mean anything to those that it should mean something to, i.e. the people outside of the classic car movement, the public you are referring to. Have you not been listening to the discussion here? The day does not let the public know about the classic car movement. That is the point!

I think there are already too many awareness days and, for those people who aren't really into classic cars Drive it Day will mean bugger all whatever it's called. I notice two different reactions to my Ami 6 hoving into view: some people grin, point, wave, turn their heads to watch it go past, come over and ask me what it is (no, it's not a f**king Mini ) and so on; others - probably more than half - don't even notice it or completely ignore it. The former group are already aware of classics on the road, the latter will only ever see them, if they notice them at all, as something slow and old to be overtaken as soon as possible. Alright, I'm simplifying things a bit, but you get my point.

Mr Admin,
YES IT DOES! let the public know about the classic car world still being alive and kicking. You should have seen how many classics were out and about on that Sunday in East Kent- many waving/ beeping at each other. And members of the public very much DID notice. I think you may have missed the whole point of the day.

It is a mass demonstration that we are making with our classic cars- it is about visibillity.

I think the point Admin is making is that the name "Drive It Day" doesn't do anything to raise awareness of the classic car movement. Which is true enough ... drive what day? Why only a day? Without a snappier, more descriptive and marketable name, it's basically just a load of people pottering about in old cars. Which is lovely, but hardly the awareness raising thing that it could be.

Well, we certainly raised awareness on that Sunday in East Kent. Maybe you need to do more on drive it day in your area???

There were LOADS of classics about and the public awareness was raised. Just seeing a lot of classic cars on the road shows Joe Public that we are still here despite EU oppression and the evil scrappage scheme.

So how is that missing the point?? Surely that IS the point??