Imbibing a passion for wheels
For most car aficionados out there, chances are, our first exposure to the wonderful world of cars is through our fathers. After all, who better to introduce us to the passion for four wheels than those closest to us.
It may be through something as simple as car spotting, cleaning the family car, a shared love of motorsports, or even putting a project car together. Any of these can easily stoke the fire of enthusiasm for wheels.
It’s a natural connection as it’s usually the father’s job when it comes to mobilizing the family. Typically the default driver whether it’s short trips within the city, or to farther off places out of town, many families can rest assured that they’ll reach their destination safely with Dad behind the wheel. And inevitably, when the time comes to pass the torch, it’s the sons that take up the mantle, passing it on to their own sons as well.
It's a well-known, yet unspoken tradition I’ve gone through myself. Being an avid fan of Volkswagens, my father inculcated in me a fondness for the ‘People’s Car’ at a young age with a project car we could work on together. Starting out with a rusted shell of a Karmann Ghia Cabriolet, we steadily restored it back to the point that it could be driven daily again.
It wasn’t easy, with nearly everything from the body, to the interiors, to the engine needing serious work. Yet with a lot of time, patience, focus, and careful coordination the project car slowly took shape. And while our main project was the car, he subtly taught me that the same qualities can be applied to practically any goal in life.
I owe a lot to my father, and like many sons today, I hope to show my appreciation this Father’s Day, even if it’s with just a small token.
Join us this week as we go through some inspiring stories as well as gift ideas for Dads in this unique Father’s Day Special.