This morning Joseph Dennis did a splendid job of self-identification with a 1965 Corvair, finding numerous similarities in its qualities and life trajectory. It just begs the question for all of us to answer: Which car best reflects your personality?
I really wanted to narrow mine down to one car, but I guess I must have a split personality. And although the question doesn’t limit it to cars you’ve owned, for me that’s where the answer lies. My 1986 Mercedes 300E reflects my Germanic side. The W124 was a forward-thinking car, as well as a timeless one, and it blended a superior mix of performance, advanced aerodynamics, efficiency, solidity, comfort, and a timeless design into a very influential package. I don’t pretend to be the W124 of humans, but I do aspire and relate to its many qualities, in one way or another.
It was also somewhat of an arrogant car. Owning it fed my budding superiority complex, and driving it very fast much of the time reflected my risk-taking (and asshole) side. I was pretty full of myself at the time, given that I also had a budding career in the tv industry and stock in a start-up. Needless to say, that all didn’t turn out quite as expected. But many of the 300E’s qualities are still very much a part of who I am today, and I still like to drive fast. And be right, 99% of the time. Hopefully I’m a bit less of an asshole.
My ’66 F100 reflects a rather different side of my personality, one that has a love of old things, whether it’s houses, steam engines, tractors or old cars and trucks. It reflects the summers I spent on a Mennonite farm in Iowa as a kid, absorbing their slower-paced life, love of the land, and the ability to make a living with their hands, and to keep simple old machinery going seemingly forever. I bought it just two years after I got the 300E, largely as a counterpoint, to balance an executive lifestyle that was not really organic to me.
Sitting in its bed with bales of straw for our first garden in 1988, I dreamed of a very different life. One that was financially independent, and based on my own efforts, mental and physical. And one that afforded the freedom to garden, hike, travel and pursue other interests (like CC) with more time and energy. Isn’t that what beds are for, dreaming?
I had no inkling then that the old Ford would become the key vehicle in my future life as a builder/renovator (and old car blogger), or that it was possible to start that kind of career late in life. The two of us got a late start, but we’re both seemingly built to keep running a bit longer than average, and with very little maintenance. We’re also both losing some of our faculties; my ears are shot, and a few other parts are showing signs of wear, as is the Ford. It’s something of a race to the finish: which one of us will give out first?
Me, I’m just an unassuming Skoda with a Leather Cone Clutch.
The car that fits me best is a 1969 Ford XL.
Great styling and an interior that’s fun to spend time in.
My 2007 Accord EXL fits my personality quite well, low-key on the outside, but on the inside things get more interesting (or nicer in the Accord’s case) Unfortunately, it only has a 4 but a EX V6 of the same year/color (and less mileage) is in the family and that fits my personality even better, so hoping I can get my hands on that at some point.
Interesting as I don’t fully believe that one vehicle can convey all that is one Person .
-Nate
There’s a good focus group scene in Mad Men where the participants an idealized version of themselves to perceived characteristics of their pets.
3rd Benz here… as an engineer with german roots and wife, with interest in good mechanical design and especially fluid dynamics, the W124 fits pretty well too. But I don’t like luxury, or speed, and prefer more time in the nature than in the streets. And I like energy and all things related to renewables, a lot. It has become an important part of my life (in my job, at home and in the car I drive now). That makes my ’88 200TD M-B COAL (https://www.curbsideclassic.com/cars-of-a-lifetime/cars-of-a-lifetime-four-times-88-equals-success/) a car I still feel very identified with: good engineer(ed), relaxed (72HP), no-luxury (window cranks, etc.), lots of space, and very open to experiments with alternative energies (biodiesel, etc.).
Besides the cars the owners clearly said dislike, the rest more or less fits, if they choose to settle for that long.
Hmmn, well I guess the car that is still my favorite is probably the one I’m most like: 1988 Saab 900. Attractive and but neither pretty nor too burly. Well thought out, and developed over time. Different from the norm. Minimalist. Good in the snow (I love to ski, etc.). Upright. A little bit of work, but rewarding. Slow to get started but a more than steady and reliable partner. Practical and sporty. From an earlier age. English roots (at least the engine).
I just hope and pray I have a long way to go before I’m defunct!
Be happy with the Swedish engine- The Triumph engine was doodoo.
Hmmm…I think I’ll choose something French. Renault 16, Peugeot 404 or Citroen D series are my French faves. I’m always up for a road trip to anywhere, as long as the seats are comfy and a good meal is waiting at the end.
ArBee- have owned those three cars and still remember them with great fondness.If I was rich I would buy a Series 111 Lamborghini Espada.
When you buy your Espada, may I please have a ride? 😉
My Chrysler 300c fits my personality fairly well. A good helping of both old style schtick and comfort. Plus, let’s face it, I’m not a CEO or investment banker, so I didn’t say S Class. The 300c is a great car for a Midwestern white collar middle class sort of guy like myself.
Now if I really let it all hang out-’72 Caddy Eldorado drop top.
Is there some way to combine these two?
Perhaps not, but they’re both drivers that look fine from across the street but show their age up close. Depending on my mood, both are pretty decent reflections of my personality.
Yes. Google “Ford F100 Ranger”.
Love that ‘Stang!
It seems to me that a Ranchero or a Bronco from the period would mix the attributes you seek, albeit i different proportions of sportiness and hauling capabilty.
Volvo 245. Simple. Reliable. Space-efficient.
I’ve owned dozens of them, as mentioned in my COAL series.
If I could buy a brand-new one today, I wouldn’t hesitate for a second.
Of the cars I have owned, I think I am best reflected in my 68 Newport sedan. It was reliable, and capable. But conservative in that it didn’t really care much about current fashions. It was engineered to do the basic stuff well but did not mess with lots of extra flashy options. Whenever I drove it, it made me happy just because if felt so right.
Very interesting question and a bit tough to answer. As noted in Paul’s post and many of the comments, it is pretty hard to boil that essence down to one car. For me, there are several that come to mind:
BMW 5 Series (specifically the E39 540i). I’ve had more BMWs than any other make of car, so I am clearly a fan. I like their precision, quality and focus. That said, the “asshole” image is a real demerit… though I suppose it sometimes fits me, at least on my bad days.
Jeep Grand Cherokee. Love the “go-anywhere, do-anything” versatility of Jeeps. Plays to my adventurous and practical side, and the brand is considered “nice” and “down-to-earth” at the same time.
But if I had to roll it all up to just one, it would be this:
1966 Buick Riviera. It was my birth year (though I’m technically tied to the ’67s as the new model year had started when I did). My family was a Buick family, so Tri-shields (at least the old ones) are in my genes. The Gen2 Riviera represented GM and Bill Mitchell at one of their finest hours, and combines the style and swagger of the BMW brand with the grounded “it’s just a Buick, not a Cadillac” sensible vibe of the Jeep.
Hmmm… I’m 6’3″, 200lbs, and in very good shape and can be a bit intimidating, so… my Crown Vic P71 fits me to a “T”.
My ’84 Plymouth Turismo 2.2 was the perfect reflection of my personality. It overpromised, under delivered and gave up way sooner than expected.
Leyland P76 – I’m surprisingly capable in certain areas, but a career failure. And ugly as f**k.
I’ve never considered my automotive equivalent.
I guess I’m like an early ’70s AMC Ambassador taxicab with a set of encyclopedias in the trunk…….. hardworking, long-suffering, kinda-odd and full of useless information.
Well I didn’t keep my 1994 Cougar around for over a decade for no reason. The MN12 platform was a technically sophisticated RWD platform from a family of typically old fashioned rear drivers, it also showed lots of promise upon release but at great burden to it’s parent company and never amounted to much. The Cougar itself had all the handsome bone structure of it’s aero platform mate but was about two decades behind in details(fashion) and roofline(hairstyle), yet yearns to be something greater than it is without those things and is surprisingly adaptable to modifications except a for few key stubborn points. It’s very much a an introverted loner among most cars on the road but doesn’t completely blend in, and with the right group who engage it it can hold it’s own and be quite loud and brash
Kinda-sorta overweight, out-of-touch with the younger generation, reliable, loyal, quiet & comfortable, attractive in it’s own way, capable of surprisingly quick movement when motivated…..my Lincoln Town Car IS me.
Hmm, so much of me is associated with my 68 Cougar which hasn’t been a daily driver since 1973. References all throughout my final 1971 high school yearbook, to internet forums where my nickname is Cougar, to walking into a bar in Manila and someone saying “Cougar”. I do like old cars but mainly for their mechanical simplicity and the way they remind me of days past.
However, that said none of them would ever be called a performance vehicle in any shape, manner or form. None of them can put my training to use because of their primitive suspensions. So if I had to name a car that I have owned and that is a pure joy to drive in the manner I am accustomed to then it would be my 2004 Ford Focus. With the bigger 2.3L engine and 5 speed that car loves to run when you put it between 3000-5000 rpm. The better struts and springs with optional tires glue it to the road. When I see a sign saying 35 mph curve I think nah that is 65 mph easy. The car is super quick, nimble, predictable and 100% trouble free.
The famous “someone” once said we never really change, we just become more or less of what we’ve always been.
Perhaps.
We change a little over time; our vehicles change a little over time. Sometimes maybe more than a little.
In my youth, the cars were used and cheap (by necessity); all they needed to do is get me where I needed to be. Later, the cars were sporty, or luxurious, or quirky, or family-like in functionality and safety.
That was then; this is now.
In the golden years (when exactly is that?) I don’t care as much about the many things that possessed me in earlier versions of myself (well maybe still a little), so the chosen vehicles become a bit worn around the edges (like me) but still able to do whatever physical labor (truck) or mentally uplifting job (older two seat convertible) I ask of it.
For me it’s not what kind of vehicle reflects my personality, but at any point in one’s life, what vehicle I personally like.
As principaldan noted recently in a COAL comment: “I will say one thing, when it comes to cars, you certainly do not have a “type” “.
Well said sir.
I’ve always been the kind of guy to go my own way. I try to be faithful to my own ideals and not care too much about what is popular. I try to be a good person, courteous, fair, respectful but independent. I have always liked the cherished item, something of value that was taken care of, respectfully used, preserved, and maintained. For most of my life this was fulfilled by my love for the Cadillac marque. I like a car that is fast, quiet and smooth, and particularly suited to long trips. I rode Harley Davidsons for twenty five years of my youth. Now in my early sixties I prefer something a little more understated. My XJ6 Space, Pace and Grace. That sums it up.
AMC Eagle. I have my quirks that not everybody understands. Often I seem to be fascinated by strange things others don’t care about and vice versa – I can “fit in” well enough in everyday life and keep in touch with current events and happenings, but I honestly don’t care about what memes and fads are “popular”. I prefer having a few good, reliable friends (who can be of any age) to many shallow ones. Sometimes I figure out things that others didn’t see, and thus happen to help people understand how things work. It just seems to happen unintentionally, but I always feel good when I help others get through challenges.
But usually I’m quietly going about my daily life, keeping my eccentric side to myself. Perhaps it’s for the better – I need to get things done after all.
When I get bored staring into the same walls for too long, I have to go do something outdoors.
Let’s see…
I’m nervous and fidgety, so I guess I have a rough idle.
I have some allergies (minor) so I guess I have breathing issues.
So I have a nailhead under the hood? Apparently, I’m a 1960 Buick.
I agree almost exactly with Paul’s post.
Character that I admire in people and that I want to emulate myself: reliability; integrity; discretion; confidence; clarity of purpose; indifference to popular opinion or criticism.
In a vehicle these to me translate to W126/W201/W124/R129 Mercedes and Ford F-150 until about the year 2000 or so. In these vehicles there is durability, nothing pompous or not needed, simple styling, complete focus on utility to the driver/owner. The over-engineered Mercedes of that era were indifferent to market whims and relentlessly purposeful The Ford trucks, though simpler and cruder, have unique and honest character that I admire too. So for myself – I guess a blend of the two.
And traits I hate in people and wish to avoid are well represented in cars such as Corvettes, Vipers, any English car (Lucas); GM four cylinder secretary cars; mini-vans; Prius; Tesla; Chryslers after engineering was abandoned, broughams, di-noc woodie wagons – I could go on.
Not necessarily handsome, but tough, usually reliable and devoted to duty.
I remember the first time I saw a ’69 Dodge way back when… I thought they were pretty damn cool looking cars. Handsome? Hell yea they are!
1965 Chrysler New Yorker wagon. Luxurious and practicle and looks good doing both. I wish I looked that good.
McLaren – I’ve smoked plenty of their sponsor’s prducts
“I’ve smoked plenty of their sponsor’s products”
And you’re still alive in spite of that!
I guess the one that fits me the best is probably the Lincoln Mark V. It’s a lazy and ponderous sort of thing, the kind you can’t rush or force to go faster. It’s totally impractical on the most basic levels. It’s completely out-dated and very much stuck in an old school way. It’s not the best dressed, sometimes it can look decent but other times, it has weird combinations of dress that seem really out there. It’s big, almost too big for the kind of environment it might wander into. and I’d be lying if I didn’t say it’s an acquired taste that not many people are very fond of. Yet, it doesn’t care, it knows what it is, doesn’t try and do anything more than that, and doesn’t care what you think of it. It’s got mechanicals that are pretty well proven underneath, stuff that doesn’t try and leave you abandoned on the side of the road, it’s not the most graceful thing under pressure, but it’s buttery smooth and quiet when it needs to be. And, for those that can appreciate it, it’s certainly unlike anything else and it never asks a whole lot from you other than to keep it fed and take care of it. If that doesn’t describe me, well, maybe I can think harder, but that’s what came to my mind and what I’m sticking to.
I’m such a practical fellow. Every time I’ve owned a simple car, I’ve felt at home; when I’ve owned or even driven anything fancy I have felt like an impostor.
So I’m going to pick my 1989 Chevy Beretta as the car that reflects me best. It was inexpensive, but reasonably comfortable and good on gas. It had a little style, but nothing over the top.
Until I read through this thread I’d completely forgotten about the Chevrolet Beretta. Now that I’m reminded of it I do recall seeing lots of them in the not-so-distant past. Out of sight, out of mind I reckon. I cannot recall seeing one lately. Do you still have it?
Also, congratulations on your recent nuptials.
The car that represented me in my 20’s-30’s was a 70’s aircooled vw van. Counter culture always constantly needing attention, simple to work on and back in the ninties cheap to buy (and mostly) cheap to maintain.
Now the vehicle that best represents me is my current ride, a 1996 Toyota previa minivan. Reliable and a bit faster than the vw, lots of space to haul kids and crap. It doesn’t kindle the same passion as the old van but when it eventually dies I won’t be temped to spend stupid money keeping it going I will just replace it with something a few generations newer…
Jeep cherokee XJ..
loves the outdoors, might seem simple on the outside but is engineered to be durable and tough where it matters. Small in size and definitely unique.
My 1973 Pontiac Grand Safari. Since June 22, 1973, I have loved this car. I am most comfortable driving it. I know every inch of this car, and how to find and stop every rattle!
Jamie,
You have owned your Grand Safari ever since it was new? I commend you for owning a now-scarce example of a once-ubiquitous vehicle. I bet it has brought you joy over the last 43 years.
I’m guessing you’re not planning on selling the car. However, if you do, I hope you give a worthy person first dibs.
My folks were the buyers. We had a 67 Firebird 400…we were 4 kids and my parents. My dad despised the Firebird, but my mom wanted sporty cars. She knew I loved cars, especially Pontiacs, so when I was 11 she took me to Marbert Motors, the Pontiac, Volvo and Datsun dealer in Annapolis, MD. She said pick out the biggest car you can find. Two weeks later, they drove up in the Burma brown 73 Grand Safari.
The car that best reflects my personality is my 1989 Volvo 740 GL. It is my third 740, and I am about to purchase my fourth, to serve as a winter “beater” because the 1989 is not driven in snow or salt, per mutual agreement between the original owner and myself.
The 740 reflects what I am in my personal and professional life. I am a non-profit specialist, and help manage folks – we non-profit employees tend to be low-key and to the point. It’s a safe, steady and solid job, which is what the Volvo is. And I also place a very high premium on auto safety. This is why I continue to buy Volvo 740s. They are what I consider to be the best bang for the buck.
Cheap GM beater, it’s my pickup truck to haul bagged mortar and concrete, can haul 10′ sticks of lumber and tow my small 1-ton utility trailer. Had 3 now, current model is a 99 N-body cutlass.
I grew up in the junkyard.
Celica coupe, 6th generation. Lean, lithe, reasonably athletic but not powerful, thoughtful, relatively frugal while still being expensive, high standards, and stone cold reliable. I miss that damn car…
A Bristol, really any Bristol. Intelligent in a way that only makes sense to certain people, definitely a lovable but very polarizing car and person. Understated and kinda dorky, bit with good mechanical.
A big, black 60s Cadillac sedan. Like a ’63 or ’64, with (if it existed) a burgundy interior.
No, I’m not a huge black man who wears burgundy velvet smoking jackets 🙂 But I would say I’m traditional/conservative (black, 4-door) yet with a radical/zany flair (like those fins…I cut a figure that is noticeable and noticed but have some restraint and discretion, I don’t have ’59 levels of flash). A bit of an ego. Reminds me of a tuxedo on wheels. And I wear tuxedos a lot, too, because New York is one of the last places where there is a social life where one does that. So that fits. It’s a quick car for its size, I’m at this point in history only moderately tall at 6’0 but I am quick (my sports are squash and serve and volley style of tennis). Big engine/torquey–I am always kind of wound up-never low key, also play a large wind instrument (trombone). Definitely a bit of a throwback (I have no cable, my apartment is entirely older furniture, prefer books to TV, shave with safety razor, only car is a ’75 Ninety Eight, enjoy baroque old restaurants, clothing tastes run towards the Mad Men/Ivy League/J.Press-Cable Car look). Drinks the hard stuff (the 390 or 429 drank leaded fuel, I enjoy my scotch, rye, and gin). Driven by my grandfather in the 60s (he’s one of my role models and we had similar personalities in terms of drive, ego, flair). Yet not totally averse to progress or modern life (the Cadillac is a space age, forward looking car with much of the newest technology for the time) if I feel it makes things better. Finally, the ’63-’64 Cadillac is old school and baroque without overdoing it or looking a little silly./campy (’59). Generally, I have been led to believe I am that way, too…at the end of the day I am still a credible attorney at a good firm who people trust with their problems. Just as the ’63-’64 Cadillac was what most Americans saw as a credible good car and status symbol in those days.
[img] http://www.imcdb.org/i023788.jpg [/img]
I’m like my first generation Miata. Everything you need, nothing you don’t – quick and amusing enough but at its best with groups of 2 – or 1!
My first car. 1986 Mercury Marquise. Simple and easy. Can make someone cuss a blue streak when trying to be fixed. Fast enough to be fun without getting in too much trouble. And kinda of dorky looking in a classic not bad looking way
Any Electra 225, I like the nicer things in life, But I don’t wanna throw it in everyone’s face!
Studebaker Scotsman. I’m a cheapskate and politically incorrect but get the job done.
Politically incorrect would have been a Studebaker Dictator.
True, LOL!
This has me thinking…this is question that is pretty deep, and I like it.
After reading all previous responses, my first knee-jerk answer keeps resonating with me. Ford F-150. To go a step further, I suspicion the different generations of F-150 could, to a degree, represent various stages of life but there remains the consistency.
This consistency is the ability to successfully do a lot of things, have enough versatility to flourish in a variety of situations, and remain reliable throughout.
Having driven Grandpa Albert’s ’92 F-150 earlier today (for the first time in 15 years), it represents a time in life in which we are less refined, but are straightforward in its abilities and is well respected by many.
Progressing to my ’07 F-150, there is an added degree of complexity by virtue of it having more doors, more drive wheels, and all around just more talents to offer – but still keeping its core values of hard work and reliability.
Like me, its the sort of vehicle that says “here I am. If you like me, that’s fine. If not, that’s fine too, but it’s your loss.”
FWIW Jason ;
I’ve had two 1959 Ford F100’s short bed , step side base model pickups , one in 1968 , t’other in about 1988 , both were just basic beaters , 223 (?) i6 with three on the tree manual trannies and both were reliable and economical , fairly quiet too , less rattles than my various Chevy pickups over the decades .
Your Granpa’s truck prolly fits the same mold : make for hard work and plenty of it .
Nothing to dislike and good looking too, in a Conservative way .
-Nate
Something short, burly and comfortable, with a large appetite; stubborn but very creative in an oddball way, exhibiting doggedness towards what it wants to do and laziness/avoidance toward what it doesn’t want. Increasingly leftist as it ages… and knows better than to take itself seriously.
And make it a wagon.
(Photo by Christopher Ziemnowicz)
I’m not sure what car I’d be, but to add a twist to this discussion, I can relate to a certain engine–the Slant Six. I’m reliable and dependable, but my unflashy nature means that I’m often overlooked for something bigger or better. The girls, they want to take a ride in the Trans Am or the Hemi Cuda, they like the danger of those bad boys, but they are extremely impractical if you want any sort of daily reliability. The Slant Six, he will be there for you at the end of the day.
Easy. My first new car – a stripper ’93 Ranger. That’s me all day long: no frills, practical, stubborn, unremarkable and cheap as hell.
you remind me of a Tom Waits song or two.”Saturday Night”.
I’m thinking for me a 74-78 Chrysler Newport. a bit overweight and slow off the start but once she builds up a head of steam pretty much unstoppable. can look conservative but cleans up good and with the right options will turn some heads. tough as nails mechanicals and won’t give up on you if you don’t give up on it.
Yup…..that’s me!
My ’02 Durango. Simple in mannerism, but subtlety clever underneath. Smaller (relatively), but stout; hardworking, though a touch lazy; loyal, though with flaws underneath. Simple in dress and appearance, yet with a subtle flash, with a taste for the finer things, trinkets and such, though not too complicated. Dabbling in the new, yet strongly attached to the old. Uncomfortable in spots for people, but always having a place for them inside. Flaws and brokenness inside, yet always managing to be reliable.
Now if only I was as lean and good looking. Sigh…
A Durango is “lean”? 😛
Absolutely. No bloat on it, it’s all muscle.
I’m biased, but I agree. I’ve had my ’02 since it was new. Raised a family with it, and now my offspring are driving it!
Sold mine last year. I miss it dearly.
My ’03 Silverado ext. cab. Practical, loyal, keeps on keepin’ on. Better looking than the newer models…haha.