Mr. Toussaint: Built, Not Bought

-Mr. Toussaint, Social Studies

For the bulk of the population automobiles are often seen as just a means of transportation; a vessel to get from point A to point B. What little interest is paid to their vehicles is usually limited to the color, the radio, and the rising assortment of creature comforts found in modern vehicles.

Sure, plenty of people take interest in cars. They may daydream of driving supercars like Lamborghinis and Ferraris- or yearn for the latest and greatest in luxury of a Mercedes-Benz or BMW. However, for some, cars are so much more than a status symbol. It is a machine that can be tweaked, tuned, and modified in any way imaginable. An extension of an individual’s identity. A hobby that can foster lifelong friendships and memories while offering an escape from the routines of everyday life. This is what cars mean to me. I prefer mine built, not bought.

My entry to the world of car modification was somewhat atypical. For most self-proclaimed “car people” they grew up with the hobby. Turning wrenches with their parents as long as they can remember. Although my father had always worked on his cars when I was growing up I took little interest. Instead, my world as a youth revolved around sports. It was not until after I received my driver’s license that my enthusiasm for cars began. Oddly enough, it was the original Transformers film that first sparked my interest. I remember the moment vividly, the bright yellow, late 70’s Chevrolet Camaro driven by the film’s protagonist, Shia Lebouf. It was this and not the new model that “Bumblebee” transformed into later in the film that piqued my interest. There was something about that car that seemed overwhelmingly cool. I was hooked, suddenly I needed a Camaro of my own.

Prior to the start of my obsession I had shared a late 90’s Ford Contour with my sister. I hadn’t minded, it was reliable and comfortable and I couldn’t care less that it was remarkably boring. But after seeing Transformers I couldn’t stand it. I needed something like I had seen in the movie. I obsessively scoured Craigslist and the local newspaper’s classifieds for a Camaro of my own. Of course, like many seventeen year olds I had limited funds. That’s why when I discovered a $700 1991 Camaro I knew I had to have it. Not running and covered in American flag decals, I found my first car. This is where my fascination with cars truly began. My father and I worked tirelessly all summer to get the car running. I learned the basics of automotive repair that summer, from changing spark plugs and oil to more difficult tasks like replacing shocks and springs. The overwhelming feeling of pride and accomplishment when that old Camaro started for the first time is something all car hobbyists can relate to. It’s the feeling that through your own hard work and dedication you can turn a machine that was not working to something that can run and drive.

While that first Camaro has long since been replaced by a variety of other toys, I have it to thank for introducing me to my favorite hobby. Since then cars have played a significant role in my life. From fixing and modifying them to attending shows and meeting new people with similar interests. Cars have provided me with continual enjoyment. Today my cars include a 1999 Camaro and a 2016 Volkswagen GTI. The Camaro, while only having 31k miles, is heavily modified to roughly 500 horsepower. While I drive the GTI more often for its modern comforts it is no slouch either, with many modifications of it’s own it has nearly 400 horsepower.

Sadly, car modification sometimes gets a bad wrap. People may see and hear a loud car and immediately think the driver is up to no good. However, when enjoyed responsibly I truly believe the hobby offers valuable lessons to those who enjoy it, especially young adults. Learning to work on your own car is an incredibly useful skill to have. Furthermore, it is fulfilling working towards completing a difficult task. Even the financial responsibility that is learned through budgeting towards buying a car or parts for your car is worthwhile. For some it can even become a career!

While the hobby can be expensive, that should not discourage someone from getting involved. You don’t need a shiny-new-expensive car to have fun. In fact, I’d argue it’s far more fulfilling learning on a budget and finding ways to get the most out of limited funds. This is why when students approach me with questions about my cars or ask for advice on their own I am thrilled and love sharing my ideas. Although the automobile industry is moving away from internal combustion engines towards electric and manufacturers are making it increasingly difficult for owners to perform work on their own cars, I’ll continue to enjoy turning wrenches on my own!