Hey old-timers, it's 2012 already.

This is very hard to believe.  We are at the end of the 2011 year and about to turn over a new calendar page to January 2012!  For us old-timers, that is hard to believe.  Especially for those of us that can remember the cars back when they had style and personality.  You know, before the 80's.  That's what this blog and the American Reflections Car Club is all about.  The american vehicles of the past.  Ones that were made of steel and set the standards. 

Back in the 50's, 60's and 70's  a person could see a car going down the street and know just what it was.  People could recite the make, model and year of many older american cars at a glance.  With the vehicles of today, we cannot tell exactly what they are.  If the color "silver" is popular, almost all cars are then painted silver.  If a Mercedes or BMW has a popular body style, then all cars start to look like a Mercedes or BMW.  If one manufacturer makes an SUV or "Crossover" vehicle, then everyone has to have one.

I grew up in the 50's and 60's and remember trying to think of what a vehicle might look like in say the year 2010.  I thought it would be something that might fly.  Or at least something that would look like a space ship.  You know, like in "The Jetsons".   I  am somewhat disappointed in the vehicles of today.  Oh sure, they are safe in that we have air bags, seat belts and that vehicles are designed to totally disintegrate upon impact. Prices continue to go up as they add "gadgets" and "electronics", but where did the personallity go?    I guess this is one reason that as car club members, we cherish and preserve our vehicles of the past.  As the older vehicles are preserved, the values are managing to keep up with the new ones.  Besides being rare, they have charm, personallity and beauty.

 Some of us car nuts have put our older cars away for a long winters nap.  Myself, I am working on two of my vehicles and am trying to sell the third one.  Usually there is something completely different for us to look at in the spring as people trade, paint, remodel and build over the winter months.  This is a fun hobby!  Full of friendly people that love nothing more than talking about their classic cars or hot rods.  I urge everyone that reads this blog to attend a car show in your area or get a classic yourself and get into this hobby.  The American Reflections 12th annual car show is scheduled for May 20, 2012 at the park in Moxee again.  It should be the best show ever in 2012.  We are also planning a cruise for Saturday the 19th of May to get everyone in the mood.  Come on and join us, you won't regret it and you will have the time of your life as well as meet some great people.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all of you.  (we're old-timers, remember?)