THOSE FORGOTTEN GASOLINE MUSCLE CARS

by CHARLES ROBEY
(MOODY AL USA)

PROLOGUE

Having grown up in the good ole days, I developed an infatuation with cars. My favorite was my pearl white '57 Plymouth Golden Fury convertible, the one with the big rear fins and the Scottish red interior. Having replaced the front console with a shiny steel plated top, I was surely the talk of the gang, including my little puppy-love.

If I could only find a replacement today, I wonder what the classic vehicle cost would be? Out of my retirement reach, I’m sure.

Like all my other young like-minded enthusiastic race driver wannabes we couldn’t wait each year to see the new models rolling off the assembly line and on to the showroom floor. If you too happen to be a lad from that particular time frame, you probably had the same mindset. If not, please ask your Papaw all about it.

The cars would be secretly brought into the dealership hidden under the cover of heavy canvas, for the surprise showing. This was always on a Saturday. It was a real party of sorts, including free popcorn, hot dogs and soft drinks. Wow, did we kids pig out on it all!

You see, there weren't that many different car models, as they were all made in well-known vehicle manufacturing plants. Well, time has surely changed in the vehicle market, much like almost everything else. It is now a different world out there.

There are no more grand openings of the new vehicle models. There go the parties, the popcorn, hot dogs, and all the trimmings. Nowadays, it’s the many playful TV commercials bidding for our time and business. Each attempt to outdo the other on the best long-term financing program, not to forget those lifetime vehicle warranties.

Enter the up-and-coming electric vehicle market. Have you priced them lately? Do you know where the nearest electric charging station is located?

And what about all the would-be vacant service stations, and the many related unemployed employees associated with this energy industry? That is the subject of this related blog entitled "Those Forgotten Gasoline Muscle Cars.”

(Nahum 2:4 KJV) “The chariots shall rage in the streets, they shall justle one against another in the broad ways: they shall seem like torches, they shall run like the lightnings."

“Dear, Dear, did you happen to see the latest vehicle advertisement on TV? I think he may have been an official spokesperson, giving his fix for the rising gasoline prices. We should all simply go out and buy a $60,000 electric car,” I declared.

“OK, my Dear, will you please pass the biscuits and gravy?" she replied.

After which I decided to take a little morning nap as usual. That’s when it all happened, another thought-provoking fictious dream of sorts.

Suddenly, I found myself at a display. 'How did I get here?' I wondered. Not knowing all the details wasn’t going to stop me from looking. I have always been a classic car enthusiast. So, I begin strolling around the lot.

It was indeed a pleasant Sunday afternoon. The old, abandoned shopping center parking lot was hosting a well-advertised promotional classic car display. There were all the cars lined up as usual; hoods open for display.

People all ages and from all walks of life casually milled around the lot, the young one’s hand in hand with the elders. They all seemed to be wondering what it was all about.

It didn’t take long, however, to discover the issue. These weren’t classic muscle cars of the Fifties; they were all modern cars of the late 2020s, all cars of the here and now. All were very much up to date.

I just had to get an explanation. I’ll ask this gentleman sitting at rest in his classic car. “Excuse me, kind Sir, why are all these cars labeled classic vintage vehicles?”

“Why, haven you heard?” he responded. “They are all now called classic vintage vehicles as they are all considered to be outdated. Electric powered cars are now the thing of the future.”

Seeing my confused facial expression, he then continued his attempt to satisfy me. “Did you not realize this change was coming, my good friend? These cars are now simply a hobby for these drivers. Their principal cars are the new electric driven ones. We should all consider doing our part to save this great planet of ours, you see.

Without saying a word, I simply gave him a thank you gesture as I walked off. I was still puzzled as to where I had been, and why this had taken place in our country. I then quickly woke up. My bed clothing was wet with sweat, and my pulse was beating overtime.

Thank goodness, it was only a quick dream. I must hurry to get dressed. It was almost time to open up my service station. Can’t let my employees and customers down. End of dream and fictional story.

EPILOGUE

Well, a nice rendering for the morning water cooler discussion, I suppose. I trust you enjoyed this bit of fictional musing. Isn’t our modern-day technology great? Having lived through several exciting and unexpected decades, I can surely attest to its expansion. Here's a prime example:

A recent morning message appeared on my Alexa screen, which I just couldn’t pass up. Seems Alexa is becoming a little testy these days. The message read,

“Ask me the best thing about Monday," which I did.

Her response, “Ask me on Tuesday.”

My next question was, “Alexa, what’s the best thing about Tuesday?”

Her comeback, “It’s not Monday.”

By the way, just who is Alexa?

Oh well, we can’t beat high tech knowledge, or can we? This below faith-based excerpt is taken from God’s holy Word.

“But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.” (Daniel 12:4)

Believe it or not? Google it or not? Time quickly marches on. Guess it's why we are always trying to kill it.

So, what will the forthcoming future bring? What does it hold? Guess that’s one of those GOK (God Only Knows) questions. Being older than dirt and twice as gritty, I seem to have seen it all, Well, maybe not all yet. What about you, my dear friend?

“The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom, and whatever you get, get insight. (Proverbs 4:7)