Originally published in the September-October 2019 (# 350) issue of Lincoln & Continental Comments magazine.

By George Masters

For those of you that are veterans and remember the old smoke break term, “If you got ’em, light ’em up”, I now refer to our classic  cars, and the emphasis here is “cars,” plural.

We recently took in a car that has been in this guy’s garage since 1998. He hasn’t started it nor has he driven this car since the bodywork, wiring, and paint were completed back then. It just sat in his garage needing the finishing touches done. I’d ask him every year or so, “How’s the car coming along?” He’d always shake his head and smile. Well, last April, I asked him that question, and surprisingly, he told me that he was ready to move onto the next step, which was getting the interior done. To secure the deal, I told him I would need $1,000 down, and then I could get it into the upholsterer’s schedule. Sure enough, the deal was struck and  scheduled for late summer 2019. I insisted that it be ready and running. “No problem,” he said. “I’ll have some of my buddies get it running.” Well, long story short, when we went to pick up the car, it would not start, so I got the truck and trailer and hauled it to my shop. Since it was not running, we took the bowl off the carburetor and guess what? There was sludge and gunk in the bowl. This was just the beginning. We wound up pulling the fuel tank, replacing the sending unit, cleaning out the fuel line, replacing the fuel pump, changing the fuel filter, and even buying a new carburetor. Then it was running!

My point is, why do we have these cars? Why do we have one, or two or more cars? Is it the prestige of being able to tell our friends which cars we own? Is it for the investment? Are we saving them for our children or grandchildren?

I have another story. My buddy had a beautiful car which he babied, washed often, waxed regularly, and generally treated it like a king would. He decided to buy a newer one and took his “Pride and Joy” to the dealer where he traded it. After we unloaded it, the car sat outside on the lot for three weeks exposed to the elements. Did he enjoy his ownership? Well, I’m sure he did, but for whom did he save it? I know another fellow who also has a beautiful car, and it just sits. He doesn’t take it out but maybe once a year. If there are clouds in the sky, it stays in.

So, in summary, I’m asking you to think about why you own one or more collectible cars. They were made to be driven, so think about your beauties and, “if you got ’em, drive ’em’!”

George Masters is a member from Minot, N.D.