RE: IML: Gawker's vs. Admirer's

I think a lot of people start out "gawking", because many have either never, or seldom, seen a car like the one they are looking at. I tend to prefer staying near the car, both to protect it from thoughtless lookers, and also to answer the inevitable questions. I have found that by far, most people become admirers, especially after they have been gently and respectfully corrected-- "No, this is most definitely NOT an Impala-- it is an IMPERIAL, and it was made by Chrysler". Then I explain the reasons for such things as the rectangular steering-wheel_ "Yes, it IS very comfortable and does not feel weird when you've used it awhile"; "Yes, the push-buttons are wonderful to drive with, and I prefer it to the lever"; and so-on.

On the other end of the spectrum are the ones about whom I have commented on one or two other occasions-- the crowd that gets their kicks from destroying rare beauty. They usually "admire" in a different fashion-- they stand and talk, not TO me, but obviously want me to hear them, and describe to each other what they would do if they had that car. I usually don't engage them conversationally, because they are completely un-remorseful for what they've done and would do again, and I'm afraid I might lose my patience and say exactly what I think. I am not "elite" in comparison to anyone else, but I know I would be put into the position of "talking down" to people like that, so I figure it's best not to even recognise their presence.

The ones I REALLY like are the young kids/ folks who have no clue what this thing is because they've never seen or heard of this kind of car, but really want to know about it, and they usually leave as great admirers.

Kristian Oyen

1963 Imperial Crown Southampton

1966 Imperial Crown Sedan

1967 Imperial Crown Coupe

From: mailing-list-owner@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:mailing-list-owner@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of YBSHORE@xxxxxxx
Sent: Saturday, November 04, 2006 4:21 PM
To: mailing-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Cc: YBSHORE@xxxxxxx
Subject: Re: IML: Gawker's vs. Admirer's

Imperialists,

..............I believe Imperialist in no way implies Elitist, and also certainly no one enjoys the attention more than ANY car enthusiast who owns a vintage vehicle of any make or model and receives glory for it..... and a true admirer understands the etiquette these cars require....."peeved" is being there to watch them dishonor a car via "gawk" and coming back to find hand prints, drool, dings in irreplaceable stainless steel side moulding's and bodywork as drivers open adjacent car doors with no respect despite how far off in the parking lot you go (in fact someone is usually waiting for me there to ask questions) , scratches (from "belt buckles and rings" or "nearly being run off the road by the gawker who then speeds away in embarrassment" as another member put it), or even 6'8" "admirer's" leaning their 300+ pound carcass on your masterpiece while they tell you their story about "the one that got away" and forever crease what was a perfect body line.....owning cars of special effort and heritage such as ours does not require us to "owe" anyone else anything in terms of explanation, expectation or invitation......if one is "peeved" at not seeing them at car shows, my suggestion is you put your body, soul, time and monies (and eBay/Hemmings search) into an Imperial and clean up after an "admirers" once over.....attention or questions are not discouraged, in fact they are quite usually appreciated.......and lastly, True Imperialists never hide, we are MUCH too proud, you just need to look harder.....

ybshore

56 Imperial Sedan

55 NY'er Deluxe Sedan

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