What is this Autobot grateful for?

i have become better Remind yourself of all the blessings in your life. It’s not something I do every day, although I will definitely do it on Thanksgiving. Before we all fall into a food coma to the sound of lions and bears playing, I’m going to tell you what I’m grateful for as a car enthusiast.

my experience

It’s worth reading about cars, but you can only completely Enjoy driving. I had the pleasure of seeing a double James Bond movie at a drive-in theater, driving a Volkswagen Beetle, driving a 2017 Discovery at Equinox Resort in Vermont as part of the Land Rover Experience, driving an Infiniti QX60 on the Golden Gate Bridge, and driving a Ford Ranger FX4 Camp in a bed tent, race around the track in a Lamborghini Aventador S, and more. I was able to share many of these experiences with people I loved and cared about, and it made them better.

infinite possibilities

I have loved cars throughout my life, but there have been times when I have grown tired and bored. None of these last long, as there’s always some new technology or feature that inspires my (not-so-hidden) inner nerd and shows me that cars will never go out of style for me. I will be fascinated by them again and again for the rest of my life.

The car I can’t buy

Even if I could never afford a Bugatti W16 Mistral or a Rolls-Royce Cullinan, I’d be glad they exist. Vehicles like this are automotive works of art, built by talented and ambitious engineers who push the boundaries of what’s possible, while passionate craftsmen retain some of their old-world skills. They are not just objects of dreams, they are products inproving that fantasy can become reality.

car i don’t want

Every now and then, I see a car and wonder, Why does it exist? or Why would anyone want that? The answers to both questions are interrelated: these vehicles exist because people want them. They’re not me, and that’s okay. One of the reasons the car industry is so exciting is that there’s a model for just about everyone. I don’t have to buy a car that I think is stupid or doesn’t suit my needs or desires, but those who want that particular model able. Good for them.

people around me . . .

Without my parents, I would not have had a lifelong love of cars. They sparked my interest in cars and kept that interest going by buying me Hot Wheels and Maisto model cars and taking me to various dealerships to see and touch their latest products. My friends spent hours discussing designs and specs with me and spent whole days (and sometimes nights) with me testing different vehicles. They told me who to call for certain car services and educated me on car design and technical issues. Vehicles like the Nissan Titan XD and Buick Enclave Avenir marked milestones in my relationship with my wife. Because of these people, I am more knowledgeable and cars have a deeper meaning to me.

. . . and people I’ve never met

There are people all over the country organizing brand-specific rallies, hosting car shows, hosting fundraisers for club members in need, and sharing their years of experience and research with complete strangers for free online. They do it not only out of love for cars, but because they want to make a contribution to others. This dedication makes the hobby more fun and the world a better place.

And then there’s you, the person reading this right now. You could be on any other site right now, but you’re here. Thanks. Your comments and feedback on my articles tell me that I am not only heard, but listened to. I think we are all grateful when we feel this way.

To those of you who celebrate Thanksgiving, happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!