IML: Why We Collect

[Mark McDonald <tomswift@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Over the past few years I've had to sell off my collection of Imperials, but now I'm starting to rebuild it and the whole process has got me to thinking about why we collect cars, and how we go about it.

First of all, there is the issue of HOW.  And by how I mean, what is the system you use?  Is there a pattern to your collecting, conscious or unconscious?  Or is it strictly random, a result of happenstance and luck?

For example, I once read about a man who bought only cars from 1957, because that is the year he graduated from high school.  He didn't care what it was as long as it was from 1957.  Then there are those who only go after particular models, such as Corvettes or Imperials.  Some only collect muscle cars, some only sedans, some only British cars, some only Italian, some like perfectly restored cars, some only like cars that aren't in good condition and present a challenge to restore, etc., etc.  I'm just wondering what are the criteria are that some of us use to collect cars?

For me personally it seems to be that cars from about 1960 to 1971 interest me the most, with the year 1968 being my favorite.  At one time it was my goal to collect one of everything Chrysler made in 1968.  I wanted (and still want) a Dodge Charger with a 426 hemi, an Imperial LeBaron, a New Yorker coupe, an avocado green Fury III, a Satellite, a 300, etc.  I doubt I will ever own all these, but that's my "organizing principle," if you will.

The second big question is WHY.

Do we collect to impress people?  To show how much money we have?  Or how much taste and intelligence?  Do we collect Imperials in order to make the statement that we're "different"-- or do we do it in order to fit into a particular group whose approval we need?

I know one person who buys old Imperials because his grandmother owned an Imperial and he was very close to his grandmother.  I probably like Imperials because my favorite uncle sold them when I was a child, and because I was the "rebel"-- a Chrysler lover-- in a "GM family."  Others buy cars because they owned a similar car when they first met their wife, etc.

I never really gave any of this much thought until now, because I am faced with a choice of getting a really flashy "high dollar" Imperial in great shape-- or buying a somewhat rough, somewhat undesirable, and very cheap Chrysler station wagon.  Part of me says "Go for the wagon!  It'll be fun!"  And part of me says "Go for the nice Imperial, it's a smart investment!"  And so on.  (And yes, I know, you don't buy old cars as investments.  I just mean I'm far more likely to get my money back from the Imperial if I have to sell it later.)  And part of me says "Nah, get a VW!"

So I guess I'm just wondering which voice to listen to and how others decide what they'll buy when they buy.

Mark M