Datsuns at the PDX Roadster show

[Bruce Palmer]

Stopped by the Convention Center in Portland last night to see how the Datsuns Northwest display was coming along and WOW, did they hit one out of the park. There are seven of the finest examples of the marque gathered in one spot you'll ever see. Three dimes, two roadsters and two Zs in our display and four Zs in Northwest Z'z display.

I highly recomend checking it out to anyone in the area, Friday afternoon and evening, Saturday and Sunday. Check events pages here for times etc.

[Mike]

Bruce, I'm dying to see it. I will be there on Saturday. Did you happen to take any photos?

[Bruce Palmer]

Mike,

What me, plan far enough ahead to take a camera? You've obviously lost your mind.... Nyuck nyuck

It really is funny when you look around at one of those shows to see what trips people's triggers. There is the usual Ford, Chevy, Mopar stuff as well as a pretty wide assortment of the unusual that I like. The stranger the better.

As far as show cars go, I walked past a couple of old guys when one asked the other, "do you drive yours much"? The answer "In to and out of the trailer"..... My my my, why have it if you don't drive it?

Several people stopped by the display in the hour or so I was there with complements on the way it looked and of course had to share "Datsun story" from years gone by......

[Carl Beck]

..... My my my, why have it if you don't drive it?

Hi Bruce (everyone)

That is a very common question usually ask by people who don't own Show Cars. The real problem is that even if they receive an answer, they don't seem to comprehend it, and they keep asking over and over...

Several people stopped by the display in the hour or so I was there with complements on the way it looked and of course had to share "Datsun story" from years gone by......

The truth is, to an extent you answered your own question in your last sentence. If Show Cars didn't exist and all that was left is "drivers"... in a few years no one would know what that ratty old driver, now driven into the ground, or turned into another wreck on the road - looked like when it was new, nor would they understand why anyone would want to drive such an old rag in the first place...

FWIW,

Carl B.

[Arne]

If Show Cars didn't exist and all that was left is "drivers"... in a few years no one would know what that ratty old driver, now driven into the ground, or turned into another wreck on the road - looked like when it was new, nor would they understand why anyone would want to drive such an old rag in the first place...

Certainly a valid point, Carl. But in my opinion a car need not be a perfect show car example to remind people why they were so desired when they were new. Certainly if someone sees my yellow car in its current condition they are not likely to be impressed.

But all of the 5 cars pictured in the link below are driven at least fairly regularly. None of them are perfect, they all have flaw and some signs of aging. But none of them will embarrass their followers, and all of them draw comments from the crowds where ever they turn up - even if it's just the local 7/11 parking lot.

Cars don't have to be perfect trailer queens to inspire...

http://classiczcars.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=14707&d=1161634846

[Bruce Palmer]

Carl,

Point well taken. It's a hold over from my child hood, I guess. I can't remember one toy I ever had that got left in the box sitting on the shelf. They all got played with.......

I've known too many that have built 90+ point cars in several marques that once done, were screwed because they were too afraid to drive 'em........

[Mike]

I also agree there is a place for show cars in this world. There's no sense in stressing out about it because I don't think it's something we can stop. There will ALWAYS be a market for those who have more money than they know what to do with...

Hell, I'm considering making mine a garage/trailer queen and buying another one I can drive around. I'm too scared to drive her.

[Arne]

I've got a yellow Series 1 you could start over with!

[hls30.com]

I see the point in both perspectives, a trailer queen, and a driver. As long as there are people willing to park a car to keep condition, and there are people who are not willing to keep their passion for driving at bay, there will be both. Together, both make up a healthy situation. Most POs seriously enjoyed driving their cars, and as such were used to seeing them in "lived in" condition.

Kats has one of the most impressive cars I have ever seen Photographs of, Alan too, Carl has one beautiful 240Z that I saw in Orlando(though I didn't get to tell him so and shake his hand-and he probably has more), Sean, C David(with his magical metal flake paint) and the rest of the Fla owners who graced all of the visitors with the gift of letting guests look at their cars.

My '72 will be a trailer queen until the day after Daytona, then it will be racking up (S)miles as I use it for what it was made to provide, driving enjoyment. I am chomping at the bit to see Mckraks car and either (or both) of the twins 26th has.

My "72 will be a trailer queen until I get back from Daytona, then it will

be racking up (S)miles as I drive it when ever I get the urge and don't have to cary more than one passenger.

I will build a low vin full time trailer queen time capsule later, and I am collecting parts for it now. When it is finished, I fully expect to go back through the '72 and have another fifteen years experiencing my favorite view of the car while it is under its own power! I simply could not have a trailer queen without a driver.

WIll

[justaZcarguy]

I plan on showing up Saturday Eve, are people still meeting at the Datsun arena around 5?

[justaZcarguy]

I really have to update that avatar.

[hls30.com]

Hey Mike,

I'm not afraid to drive your ZROFL !

Will