Andrew M. liked this
Did anyone else drive like a complete d#ckhead when they were younger?
I shared a post last night by a good friend on here John Davidson (relating to motorcycles) and it got me thinking.
As we get older our outlook on life and abilities over time change. We don't see it coming, it often creeps up on us.
The 80s, 90s and 2000s were a whole different era.
No ABS, no power steering, sketchy handing and to be fair looking back cars were quick but nothing compared to today's standards, when we can buy a car with 700bhp from a showroom.
I think we got away with a lot back then, no ANPR, roads were quieter, no social media and fewer distractions in the car.
I consider myself to be a good driver through lessons learned over time. (OK that might be debatable 🤣)
Looking back, on several occasions I nearly didn't go home, one instance being in a 90mph crash in my 205 1.9 GTi. After rolling it three times on a country road I luckily walked out with a minor cut on my head. Luck was on my side that evening, thanks to a seat belt.
I believe the hot hatch era more than likely encouraged drivers to speed on the road, enter the turbocharged era!
We had a passion for cars, regular meet ups at a weekend, a race down the bypass and a blast down a country road, overtaking everything in our path.
It was more competitive back then, as in we could modify cars ourselves, none of this "plug a computer in"
We'd swap an exhaust and add a filter on our Renault 5 GT Turbo, hoping it would beat our mates Escort RS that evening.
The joys of rooting around a scrapyard at a weekend, for something that didn't even fit our car, but we'd make it fit!
At different ages, we have a different outlook.
Teens - We are invincible, not a care in the world, no respect for other road users.
late 20s - we still think we have it in us, and we'll show the young lads.
30s - priorities change, good job, Mrs, kids time to slow down a bit.
40s - can't be arsed, the penny drops.
50s - too much to lose, family first, we aren't what we used to be.
50s+ let's ride this out sensibly, luxury and comfort are a must, a quick blast now and then for old times sake when it's safe to do so.
At the same time cars gave us something to focus on, they kept us away from crime and allowed us to expose talents we never knew we had whether it be driving or fixing them.
If we couldn't swap an engine and box on a Saturday afternoon outside our house on the main road, in time for the Saturday night cruise, there was something wrong! 🤣
Is there anything you could add to this?