Diesel is for tractors

A little over a month ago, I attended a local Cars & Coffee. It was the first time the event was held at this new venue and the turnout was great. Interesting mix of machines and people, from all walks of life and all ages. It was nice to see families out for the day and taking in the event too. The star car, for me at least, was a breathtaking Maserati. I had seen one in a book many years ago, but couldn’t remember the model. Thanks to smartphones and 4g, a quick search had the info. It was a ’55 300 S Competitzione. Good Lord! I spent most of my time just drinking in the details, in sheer awe of the hand crafted piece of automotive art, which sat quietly before me. I would love to have the chance to spend a few hours, to truly appreciate this beautiful car. I began to let my gaze drift, to notice how others were captivated by the Maserati. Cameras, phones, people arching in to look more closely at certain details, of which there were many. Then, I noticed parents letting their kids lean against the car, for a photo. One father lifted his child and let them put their shoes on the car…This seemed to give others the green light to follow suit. I felt like I was in some kind of nightmare. It wasn’t my car, but I felt angry, like I was witnessing a crime. Why? Why, were so many people treating this sheer beauty, like it was a clapped out taxi? In time, some of those may realise they had the chance to see something which probably won’t be seen again in their lives. Like a Picasso painting appeared in a carpark. So, to the owner of the car, whom I know of, but never have had the chance to speak to, thank you. Thank you on behalf of all the people who you gifted such a wonderful opportunity, to share time and space with such a piece of art.