by: Carmel Roberts
December 23, 2011
Last month, the Historic Vehicle Association hosted an internationally diverse group of car clubs in Washington, D.C. While government and regulatory issues dominated the daily discussions, arguably more interesting were some of the topics of discussion kicked around the dinner table after hours.
Ever wonder what a “United Nations of car guys” might look like? Well, last month in Washington D.C., the HVA was honored to host an event that came close. Through our affiliation with the Fédération Internationale des Véhicules Anciens (FIVA), which has representatives of National Car Clubs from 62 countries, the HVA hosted club representatives from across the globe for FIVA’s annual general meeting. In the 45-year history of this FIVA meeting, this marked the first time it had ever been held outside of Europe.
While the subject of the meeting itself was largely to address governance and common international regulatory issues and social trends, it was clear that the HVA’s participation and relationship with this federation of international clubs is beneficial. When talking with regulators or “non-car groups” about the importance and contributions of the historic vehicle community, being able to leverage and point to an international network of 1.3 million car guys has been very helpful in advancing initiatives supported by HVA members.
However, arguably the best part of bringing this diverse group of car guys together was the casual conversations over the course of the weekend. Some of the discussion topics kicked around the dinner table on any given night:
Q: What do Germans think of American hot rods?
A: At their best, Bauhaus meets American automotive engineering.
Q: What do Italians think of American muscle cars?
A: Imagine a conversation akin to a passionate discussion among Union and
Confederate Civil War reenactors, only with Italian subtitles
Q: What is the fascination with American muscle cars in Scandinavia?
A: They are iconic, powerful, and fun to drive. What’s not to love?
Q: How has European car design influenced our “Big Three?”
A: You can take Big Three ownership out of some European car marques, but
you can’t take European design influence out of the Big Three.
Q: How is the impact of ethanol on historic vehicles getting noticed in Latvia?
A: A longtime shop owner in Latvia has been writing papers and educating
collectors throughout the European Union on the effects of ethanol. Same
problems, just narrated in a different language.
Q: What does a car show sponsored by a Prince in the Middle East look like?
A: Think Lawrence of Arabia meets Pebble Beach. A great example of how
the passion among car enthusiasts knows no geographic or cultural
boundaries.
Q: How are Greek “car guys” surviving the European financial crisis?
A: Holding tight to their cars and their checkbooks while the bureaucrats and
the banks sort things out. Sound familiar?
Q: How has Argentina grown its historic vehicle community and attracted
sponsors?
A: With great cars, good planning and breathtaking countryside.
As the HVA continues to grow and develop its relationships at home and abroad, we will maintain our efforts to host the broadest possible forum of “car guys” in the world and bring together information and experts.
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