Dating and Classic Cars

"mikecyc72usa" (mikecyc72usa) 04/09/2015 at 21:10 • Filed to: Dating, Jaguar, Classic Cars, Advice, British Cars, Triumph, Life lessons

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In my life, I've mostly driven unique, older European cars. Some Japanese ones were in there for good measure, but they were the outliers. So how has this effected my life? On the one hand, I've met many really fascinating people, and have given and received lots of help over the last 20 plus years. On the other hand, my cars have cost me a few relationships, and have even been stumbling blocks with people I've met.

I have no idea why this pic is not oriented correctly, sorry!

It takes a certain type of person to want to drive a Triumph year round in Indianapolis, or Austin, or up in the mountains of New York. I also was a road racing cyclist for over 20 years, so my tolerance of suffering in the elements is a bit different. Now it takes a certain type of individual to want to date someone like me. It's almost like a script.

"That's a cool car, but it's so small. Aren't you scared driving it in traffic?" Translation: "I may ride in it for a short distance, but I really think it's suicidal and I'm a bit disturbed that you think it's perfectly fine."

"Oh, no air conditioning. OK." IE: "You are nuts. We live in Texas!"

Typically this thread happens over the course of a few months. It always starts the same, the woman claims to not care, but she really does. Then she insists on wanting to drive everywhere. Then she resents having to, because she wants to have AC, and be dry, and be in a bigger car. Of course, this causes tension, and invariably the relationship dies.

So my latest epiphany is that the next person I date has to be at least somewhat enthusiastic about cars. Not someone who acts like they are doing me a favor to grace me with their presence for a few hours while I'm working a race weekend. (Who would want to leave from all access in the paddock, pits, and garages at COTA during the SVRA Vintage Championships???) It's admittedly not everyone's cup of tea, but I'm learning cars are a great litmus test of how compatible I and my significant other are.

It's not about the cars, it's about respecting each other and compromising on important things. It's about me going to see a band I'm not stoked about, and her going to an event with my car club friends and I, because there will be cool non car people there to meet and lots of time we go to a non car related venue. It's a preview to how the relationship will be away from the car world.

I view how a date or girlfriend feels about my cars and passion for them as a a measure of her character. Don't feign interest, but don't avoid them like the plague, either. Balance. If you need the flash, the latest, move on. But if you can appreciate the effort I put into the cars, the cool period touches, the thrill of a different experience from a Nissan Altima or Mazda 3 or Honda Accord, then hop in. Oh, and you have to love my dog, also.

If she is willing to deal with some water dripping around the tops of the windows in my Triumph, me needing to change clothes in the summer before we go on a date, or actually enjoys a rally or two a year that ends up at a vineyard or great restaurant, then she's a keeper. But to hedge my bets, my Jag XJ6 which is weather proof, has AC and is a 4998lb tank is about to go back on the road...

Happier days when the head gasket wasn't blown. I have enough projects with my cars, no need to have a relationship as another project.

mXxxxXm24 /O/ /O/ > mikecyc72usa 04/09/2015 at 21:27

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Real character comes out when someone is out of their comfort zone. Consider yourself lucky to have found out what kind of persons you were dating early on. :)

Also that miata isn't british lol.

Big Bubba Ray > mikecyc72usa 04/09/2015 at 21:41

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My last girlfriend HATED riding in my Datsun. I was halfway to her house one night to take her out and I happened to be driving the Z. Phone rings. "Bubba, are you driving your dumb car?" "......yes."

I had to turn around to grab my Subaru instead haha

Needless to say that relationship didn't last too long.

mikecyc72usa > mXxxxXm24 /O/ /O/ 04/09/2015 at 21:46

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No doubt. Too bad I thought the last one was different, but her true colors eventually came through. I dodged a bullet it appears.

mikecyc72usa > mXxxxXm24 /O/ /O/ 04/09/2015 at 22:00

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The Miata is temporary while my Spitfire has some things done to it in SC. I'll be going back to collect it in a few weeks.

mikecyc72usa > Big Bubba Ray 04/09/2015 at 22:03

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Yeah the last one wasn't a fan of my Spitfire. She hated cloth (Houndstooth) seat faces, for she felt people would sweat into them... The people I tried to get her to hang with I knew through cars were artists, musicians, etc, like her but she couldn't see through it was cars that were the common thread for me, but not for her.

Other major requirement: can't hate the idea of a roadtrip.

Milky > Big Bubba Ray 04/09/2015 at 22:18

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Soooo do you actually go by Bubba IRL? Asking because I go by Milky IRL.

mXxxxXm24 /O/ /O/ > mikecyc72usa 04/09/2015 at 22:19

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Ha well Miatas are awesome machines! I drive one and it is currently my only car... Would love to own a little European project car. Funny thing is everywhere I go people already comment on how small the miata is... I can't imagine their reactions (not that I care) when I have a little elan (I'm dreaming).

Ps: I usually just make fun of people for having overly large cars when they say anything!

mikecyc72usa > mXxxxXm24 /O/ /O/ 04/09/2015 at 22:31

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Read my post about driving the Miata back from Hilton Head to Austin non stop. They are about two inches too short in legroom for me, but it got me home.

Big Bubba Ray > Milky 04/09/2015 at 22:32

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Haha it's rare but sometimes, yes. She called me Bubba occasionally and two or three of my friends call me that as well. I can't even remember where the name came from. I'm not even a fat dude haha

How did your name come along?

shop-teacher > mikecyc72usa 04/09/2015 at 22:47

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Very wise. Very wise indeed.

Milky > Big Bubba Ray 04/09/2015 at 22:48

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Lol, its better a nickname nice you're not fat. Mine's actually just my last name (Mielke), not that original but it works.

mXxxxXm24 /O/ /O/ > mikecyc72usa 04/09/2015 at 23:01

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Ha I will what's the title? I'm 6' 4" and fit rather... Let's say snugly lol. I had to relearn a new method of heel toe (now using the side of my foot instead of the heel) and things like that, but I'm used to it now!

mikecyc72usa > mXxxxXm24 /O/ /O/ 04/10/2015 at 00:11

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How I Aged Overnight.

DrScientist > mikecyc72usa 04/10/2015 at 00:15

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my current "collection" has definitely driven arguments between my ladyfriend and i at times. beyond the time spent wrenching, reading forums, wandering the aisles at the parts stores...

she hates, HATES, my XJS partly because it has left us stranded (or nearly stranded) on the side of the road around 5-6 times. and partly because the $800 AC repair job crapped out as we descended into death valley on a cross-country trip. i will never make that up to her. i did spend another $1200 on the AC while in LA, so it worked for the trip back to the east coast. but we took the northern route, so it wasn't as big a deal.

she hates my 996 because of the way i drive it. and i have tried to be more careful when she's in the car. her neck snapping back and forth with every press of the accelerator or brake pedal like a tulip head too heavy for its stem. if the road is the least bit twisty the car sickness sets in.

she does love me though, as she is still with me, and i know now that for every minute i spend replacing a gasket i should devote 10 to her and doing what makes her happy. and for every $300 i spend on a starter motor or alternator whatever the next thing there is to fall apart, there'll be a pretty piece of jewelry on her neck or beautiful dress in her closet. :)

random001 > mikecyc72usa 04/10/2015 at 06:56

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I love you, fender flares!

But seriously, it'll happen. Honestly, took me 34 years to find someone who doesn't look at me funny when I yammer on for an hour about the differences in carbs and intakes on 60's era muscle cars and why Corvette's are perfect family cars. But in the end, she loves me and accepts my hobbies and interests, and I accept hers. No fuss. It'll happen!

mikecyc72usa > random001 04/10/2015 at 09:09

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I did see a woman who is a race car fabricator, dog lover, t h tee time national autocross champ, and raced Spec Miata before becoming an MX-5 Cup team manager. Sadly the timing was off. My ex wife at least wasn't dismissive of it, and she shared a love of cycling with me and also trains.

Matthew Phillips > mikecyc72usa 04/10/2015 at 09:15

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That Jag is Beautiful, I hear ya on the relationship thing. I'm not giving up my passion for anybody. If you like me the passion is a bundle deal.

the day I can afford a working and broken car will be the day I'll actively look for someone :p

random001 > mikecyc72usa 04/10/2015 at 09:32

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It's never too late to track her down!

The Real Dacia Sandero > mikecyc72usa 04/10/2015 at 11:32

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My Miata has been a source of problems in relationships for me. They think it's cool, then the loud exhaust, no a/c, leaky top, and bumpy rattle-y ride set in. Now, I do try and drive as safely as possible with lady friends in the car. The only way I'm gonna impress them with my driving is with extreme smoothness and not speeding.

mikecyc72usa > random001 04/10/2015 at 12:08

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We're still friends, just in different places in life. One of the best people ever in my life.

mikecyc72usa > The Real Dacia Sandero 04/10/2015 at 12:11

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I actually am very conservative as a driver. Maybe 5-7 mph over the limit. I don't throw the car around on the street at all. It's just a Spitfire is even smaller than a Miata (but with so much more legroom inside) that some have freaked out about being run over by something as big as a Honda CRV.

random001 > mikecyc72usa 04/10/2015 at 12:27

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That is also pretty awesome.

The Real Dacia Sandero > mikecyc72usa 04/10/2015 at 12:59

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Me too. I'm just extra careful with driving in those circumstances. I've never had any complaints about the size of the car though.

O rly? I'm 6'5" and would love a little more room. I sat in a MG Midget and literally could not move my legs. I didn't realize the spitfire had more room. I figured that since they were cousins, that the room would be similar. Once I get a reliable daily...

mikecyc72usa > The Real Dacia Sandero 04/10/2015 at 13:57

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The Midget and Spitfire only shared an engine and transmission the last few years. Totally different otherwise. All Triumphs have lots of leg room. Just pick a model you like.

The Real Dacia Sandero > mikecyc72usa 04/10/2015 at 16:08

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This is good

Gaseous Clay > mikecyc72usa 04/19/2015 at 13:25

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I’ve never met anybody with anything nice to say about my Toyota. My car isn’t a “classic” but it is 31 years old and takes (and needs) lots of work. It’s also cramped and uncomfortable and noisy and I took the AC pump out to save weight and power. It leaks in the rain, the back end comes out at the slightest decrease in grip, the horn doesn’t work, the lights are terrible, the radio antenna is just there to get caught on things, and there’s no airbags. I got the ‘84 model with the carb on purpose , and it runs too rich when it’s cold.

Think I’ll just get a cat.

zeropointzero > mikecyc72usa 04/20/2015 at 13:19

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One of my best friends throughout high school & college had a GT6 - I spent a lot of time in that passenger seat. Always loved it, although I think I’d feel precariously low to the ground in it these days (not like I drive a pick up or anything highly-situated - just an Acura sedan). Glad to see you’re still keeping it going.

mikecyc72usa > zeropointzero 04/20/2015 at 13:52

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Thanks! They are low but fun. Though my Jag XJ6 is a lot nicer on a longer drive.

Paullubbock > mikecyc72usa 04/20/2015 at 15:16

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Lets see, I love dogs, I used to own an MGB LE, love rally events, car shows, to bad you’re looking for a girlfriend, how bout just a soul bro. Also, I own a 911 that is a speed demon and has great air conditioner but I don’t think the dog would fit.

mikecyc72usa > Paullubbock 04/20/2015 at 15:53

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Haha! I had a 911 Targa. That was enough. I’ve met lots of great people through cars, bikes and dogs, it just seems I make bad dating choices.

Paullubbock > mikecyc72usa 04/20/2015 at 16:29

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I guess we’re just a different kind of folk, you’ll find the one. I once came close to buying an 83 911 Targa, burgandy, Fuchs wheels and brushed aluminum targa bar, it was gorgeous! I wish I wasn’t so broke at the time it would be worth a good bit now.