Rationalizing the Lunatic Fringe: Bases of Classic Car Enthusiasm

Authors

  • Derek Tam-Scott Student

Keywords:

Automobiles, classic cars, collector, design, emotion

Abstract

This paper systematically explores the reasons for which enthusiasts of classic cars are attracted to the hobby.  It first establishes the differences between how enthusiasts and non-enthusiasts regard their cars, and then describes and explains three facets of interacting with classic cars that shed light on the motivations of enthusiasts.  These include (1) the experiential aspects of the cars (which is divided in to visceral, behavioral, and reflexive aspects), (2) the social aspects of the cars (in a sociological sense), and (3) the cultural and societal aspects of the cars.  The paper then suggests applications of some of its conclusions outside of classic cars with some prescriptive suggestions for future consumption patterns.

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Published

2009-09-28

Issue

Vol. 2 No. 1 (2009)

Section

Comments

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