For as long as I can remember, I’ve loved cars. Not just the look or the speed—but the whole package: the engineering, the history, the way a car feels when you’re behind the wheel. To some people, a car is just a tool to get from point A to point B. But for enthusiasts like me, it’s much more. It’s a relationship, a passion, and in many ways, an extension of who we are.

Over the years, I’ve restored vintage Mercedes and Jaguars, spent weekends at car shows, and connected with countless other car lovers through the Mercedes-Benz Club of America. And through it all, I’ve come to understand that being a car enthusiast isn’t just a hobby—it’s a mindset, driven by emotion, memory, and meaning.

Nostalgia in High Gear

Ask any car enthusiast about their favorite car, and you’ll often hear a story that goes far beyond the specs. Maybe it’s the car their dad used to drive, the one they rode in during high school, or the dream car they finally saved up for. For me, it was the first time I saw a 1960s Mercedes SL in person. It wasn’t just the chrome and curves—it was the way it made me feel.

That feeling—call it nostalgia—is powerful. It brings us back to simpler times, to people we love, to memories that matter. For many of us, restoring or driving a classic car isn’t just about performance. It’s about reconnecting with a moment in our past that shaped who we are.

The Joy of the Process

There’s something deeply satisfying about working with your hands. Taking apart an engine, restoring a fender, or even polishing chrome—it’s therapeutic. In a world that moves fast and often feels out of our control, the garage becomes a sanctuary. It’s where time slows down, and effort turns into progress.

Restoring a classic car teaches patience, problem-solving, and perseverance. There are no shortcuts. Every part you touch tells a story. Every challenge you fix brings you closer to the finish line. And when that engine finally roars to life, it’s not just a car—it’s a symbol of time, work, and love well spent.

Connection Through Community

Being a car enthusiast can be a very personal experience, but it’s also one that thrives in community. Whether it’s swapping stories at a show, trading tips on a forum, or joining a club like the Mercedes-Benz Club of America, we car lovers understand each other in ways others might not.

There’s an instant bond between people who “get it.” We speak the same language—model years, torque specs, paint codes. But more importantly, we share the same spark. We can spend hours talking about cars not because we’re obsessed with metal and rubber, but because we see the beauty and character in each vehicle.

That sense of belonging is something we all crave, and for many of us, the car world is where we find it.

Identity and Expression

Cars can say a lot about a person. They reflect taste, values, even personality. Some people go for power and performance, others for elegance and design. Some want a roaring V8; others prefer the purr of a precision-built inline-six. For enthusiasts, cars are an expression of who we are and how we see the world.

When I drive one of my restored classics, it’s more than just a ride—it’s a statement. It’s a tribute to craftsmanship, to tradition, to attention to detail. It’s a way of saying, “This matters to me.” And that kind of personal connection fuels the passion year after year.

Escaping the Fast Lane

Ironically, in a world obsessed with speed, many car enthusiasts find joy in slowing down. Sure, we love acceleration—but there’s something special about taking a Sunday drive on a back road, windows down, engine humming, no rush to be anywhere.

That simple pleasure—driving just to drive—has become rare in modern life. For me, it’s a form of meditation. It clears my mind, helps me think, and reminds me of what really matters. Behind the wheel of a well-loved car, the stress of emails, deadlines, and to-do lists disappears. It’s just you, the road, and the machine.

Passing It On

As someone who serves on the La Roche University Board and Alumni Board, I think a lot about legacy. And with cars, it’s no different. Whether it’s sharing knowledge, teaching younger generations how to care for a vehicle, or preserving automotive history, part of the joy is knowing that the passion doesn’t stop with us.

When I see a teenager excitedly asking about a classic model or someone restoring their grandfather’s car, it gives me hope. It reminds me that while technology may change, the heart of car culture remains. People will always be drawn to beauty, detail, and connection—and cars bring all three.

Why It Stays With Us

So, what drives the car enthusiast? It’s not just horsepower or horsepower envy. It’s emotion. It’s memory. It’s craftsmanship, creativity, and community. It’s a love of stories—mechanical and personal. Every car has one, and so does every person who loves them.

For me, being a car enthusiast is about finding meaning in the details and joy in the journey. Whether I’m under the hood, at a show, or just out for a drive, it’s a passion that grounds me and brings me to life.

And if you’ve ever felt that same spark when hearing an engine turn over, then you already understand. It’s not just a hobby. It’s part of who we are.