Keeping the Pontiac Tradition Young & Alive

[duncan2plus2]

I see and hear a lot of discussion about the need to attract new young members and agree wholeheartedly that this is absolutely essential to the survival of the Pontiac tradition.

For me, it's the cars that keep me involved. I don't think a person has to be young or old to appreciate and love these old Pontiacs and the technology and art form they truly represent. However, some of the older clubs and organizations seem to be focused on the purist or concours restorations only, which as many of us know is only part of the enjoyment and interest. I also think many of us, including many of us over 50, still like to build these cars up, add options, boost performance, and bring back some of the unique equipment and features that made these Pontiacs so famous and cool.

I think part of the solution to attracting new younger members, and keeping many of the older ones, is to add focus to cars that may not be perfect restorations based on build sheet stats, but rather cars that have been put together with authentic stock and optional equipment that was available when the cars were coming off showroom floors. I read recently of a person trying to create a "correct" judging class and feel they are definitely on the right track. I'm almost 57 years old, but still love to look at a tripower or dual quad setup on big block Pontiac, and don't really care if the build sheet shows it or not! I would like to think a lot of people feel the same way. After all, we owners build these cars for ourselves, not for a bunch of purist judges.

I also think shows and club functions should be centered on car activities like racing, cruises, drive-ins,fun contests, etc...not just tours to wax museums and famous landmark plaques along the roadsides.

I think "putting the excitement back " about the cars into our clubs and functions will save our organizations. And after all, isn't that how Pontiac saved itself from closure a few years back?