Are cars magic; especially Mustangs?

[BeauxXL1200]

So what is it about folks like us who join and participate in forums like this b/c we simply share an interest in cars in general and specifically our current rides?

I know so many people who could not care less about cars, even their own car. To them, a car is nothing more than a tool to get from A to B.

And then, there are enthusiasts like us.

For me, a few insights/thoughts:

I'm a gadget guy. Have always been interested in stuff and how stuff works.
I like a bit of thrill and excitement in life. e.g going thru the gears of my GT.
I like mechanical things that not only function well but that look good doing it.
Grew up in an era when cars, especially powerful, fast cars, were cool.

What say ya'll? Why are we so intrigued by automobiles, especially our new Mustangs which are just awesome?

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[IndustryLeech]

Cars represent freedom, both on a psychological and practical level. Beyond that they are highly engineered machines that, when done right, have a lot of heart and soul poured into them. The best of them, like the Mustang, absolutely qualify as pieces of art.

 

[Zeenobit]

Beyond that they are highly engineered machines that, when done right, have a lot of heart and soul poured into them.

I agree with that a lot. To me, it's the fact that I'm absolutely fascinated by machines. All kinds of machines.

A car is a very sophisticated machine, yet available to the average Joe. It's probably the most advanced machine an average person could own, along with something like a smartphone. This is absolutely incredible to me.

Another point is that a lot of people consider cars an extension of themselves. There was an interesting point I read about somewhere a while ago: You rarely hear people say "I drove my car to the supermarket" or "My car drove me to the supermarket". Instead, it's much more common to hear "I drove to the supermarket". This should tell you why a lot of us care so much about our rides. They're part of us on a psychological level.

Also, I think it has something to do with the fact that a car symbolizes power. I'm not talking about authority or social status. I'm talking about raw power when you hear the sound of that engine roar. Something about it just makes me feel alive.

I've never owned anything more than economical cars before. But since I was a little kid, I've loved cars and dreamed about driving these powerful beasts. My 2015 V6 is going to the be the first. And everyday, I count the days until it arrives like a little boy counting days before Christmas.

 

[BeauxXL1200]

I agree with that a lot. To me, it's the fact that I'm absolutely fascinated by machines. All kinds of machines.

A car is a very sophisticated machine, yet available to the average Joe. It's probably the most advanced machine an average person could own, along with something like a smartphone. This is absolutely incredible to me.

Another point is that a lot of people consider cars an extension of themselves. There was an interesting point I read about somewhere a while ago: You rarely hear people say "I drove my car to the supermarket" or "My car drove me to the supermarket". Instead, it's much more common to hear "I drove to the supermarket". This should tell you why a lot of us care so much about our rides. They're part of us on a psychological level.

Also, I think it has something to do with the fact that a car symbolizes power. I'm not talking about authority or social status. I'm talking about raw power when you hear the sound of that engine roar. Something about it just makes me feel alive.

I've never owned anything more than economical cars before. But since I was a little kid, I've loved cars and dreamed about driving these powerful beasts. My 2015 V6 is going to the be the first. And everyday, I count the days until it arrives like a little boy counting days before Christmas.

I think you and Industry Leech make excellent points. Powerful pieces of mechiancal art that epitomize that sense of freedom that we all yearn for. And the average Joe can own one with a bit hard work and saving.

 

[Asharus]

very interesting points.

for me, ive always liked cars when i was growing up. i always remember what cars people drive. sometimes i remember more about someone's car than they do.

personally, i'm in my car 2 hours a day on weekdays, so it's very important that i enjoy whatever car i drive. it's the same thing with anything else you spend a lot of time with, such as your smartphone.

the 2015 is pretty special. i've never really liked mustangs and never pictured ever buying one, but ford's definitely caught my attention and im sure many others. i know quite a lot of people switching from chevy, bmw, subaru, etc.

 

[SVTFreak]

I grew up in a car oriented house. Our family outings every weekend wasn't to zoos and museums (although we did a lot of that also) but to the drag strip. Dads friends all had cars and dad always tinkered with what he drove (still does). Me and my brother take it to a whole new level though.

I can count on one hand the number of football/baseball/sports games I've been to, but the track was a regular thing. Drag, circle (when there was one here), even trips to nascar races.

Dad would spend hours with us changing his oil letting us "work" under his cars with him. He had lots of patience teaching us (although we are both very mechanically inclined). Even my mom can work on cars cause that's what she had to do to spend time with us (her boys) when we got a little older. I remember her coming out and helping while talking swap heads on my First mustang (95 gts).

Guess when you grow up with gas on your chest, it never really fully evaporates.

 

[Firepath]

I'm on the same wavelength as the OP. A car (or any machine) can be created to be functionally just as good, but can be ugly, soul-less and boring. It is the beauty that goes into the machine that is so engaging.

Of course there used to be a lot more beauty in the actual mechanical parts, whereas cars, and especially modern cars are more a beautiful wrapper for a 98% pure functional machine.

 

[Ecobeast]

For me it's is on the same level as loving my Sports teams ( Packers & Canucks ) , there is a level of pride, a comradery among likewise persons. I love the chats around the water cooler, while out and about when others realize a commonality. Just like the "art" of a well thrown pass or an incredible save, the look , feel and performance of vehicle is a conversation worth sharing.

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