I must first put in a disclaimer here. I recognize, and fully accept, that this is my problem and I am trying to deal with it. Frankly, I probably wont deal with it as it really does no harm other than making me look like a fool. I am okay with that.

It begins with a question:

How can non-car guy men exist?!

I grew up with cars. I had Hot Wheels, model cars, Tonkas, Sizzlers and enjoyed movies like Gone in 60 Seconds, Vanishing Point, and Cannonball Run. My favorite car of all time became my favorite when I was seven. I could not wait to get my driver's license and get my own car. My favorite toy was a huge chalkboard and I would use it to draw roads for my die-cast cars.

I was, of course, born in 1969 and toys were clearly gender demarcated back then. Our family Christmas tree had cars, trucks, and tools on either side for my brother and me with dolls, dishware, and craft stuff for our sister. Though I could not care less, as the youngest in my immediate family has a child of his own now, I would feel safe guessing that there is no longer a definitive line between gendered toys and probably go as far as to say no toys are gender specific.

This is a touchy subject for many, I know. I don't care. Identify however you like. 

I am a car guy

I will not claim to have all the knowledge of an experienced mechanic nor do I have an encyclopaedic memory for the makes and models of all cars. To this day, even though I have "learned" how, I still have troubles remembering the exact differences between the first generation Chevrolet Camaro. The marker light, vent window and trim are good indicators, but I cannot recall which is which. I know how the Wankle roatary works, but I still cannot believe a spinning tortilla chip can actually make a car work. I even had an RX-7!

However, the sound of a flathead Ford with glasspacks still makes me giddy. The smell of racing fuel exhaust elicits find memories. I still have my favorite Matchbox Pantera.

What kind of car is that?

I have an issue with grown men who are not car guys. It seems so unnatural to me. Logically, I know this is fine. Not everyone is into cars. I am not into athletic sports. Only weirdos like me would find issue with that. It's okay Steve. Get over it.

I can't.

For my day job, I drive a lot of different, what many would consider, cool cars. I have driven Ferraris, Corvettes, Humvees, Aston Martins, and even a couple Amphicars. Often, other car guys will give a thumbs-up so I keep a lookout as I drive to respond in kind. It baffles me that sometimes during these drives, no one will respond at all. Sometimes, not even a glance. A good while back, I took out a 1936 Cord and it hardly got a glance. Later that same week I drove a custom PT Cruiser and it got a lot of attention. Some would say that both marques are historically notable for their impacts on the automotive market. But a PT Cruiser???

(Many of this instances are a result of another fully justified problem I have with drivers in that they are most likely playing with their phones. That's a rant for another day.)

Earlier this week, and what got me thinking of this, I was photographing a 1973 Jaguar XKE Series III when a man in his forties had actually asked me what kind of car it was.

I said, "A Jaguar". 

"That's cool, man," was his response and he walked away.

The whole exchange was just that brief, but it was enough to have my mind reeling. The E-Type Jag is, like it or not, one of the most iconic cars to have ever existed. How could a man- any living human over thirty- not recognize an E-Type Jag? If the conversation would have continued, I would have been considerate and if he wanted, I would tell him of the E's automotive and cultural significance. I would have even gone as far as to lift the bonnet to show the Chevy small block underneath and explain to him how remarkable/deplorable it is. I would not have chastised him for his naiveté. But, come on!!! 

Logic dictates that it is highly probable he has interests that do not appeal to me; even ones formerly considered "manly" decades ago. He may have been a professional blacksmith with Caber tossing as a hobby. It still baffles me. It's an E-Type Jaguar!!