Automotive Mortality

[Will Owen <nashwill@domain.elided>]

Luca wrote:

"I don't really know what will be around in 50 years
off today's production. I mostly believe my 75 will
still hang around, also all our Giulia, Giuliettas,
Alfettas, and 164. Surely not the 147, nor the
156GTA."

Some time ago it occurred to me that in fifty years
there will probably be more 100-year-old cars in
running condition than there will be 50-year-old ones,
simply because of the almost infinite rebuildability
(if that's a word) of the pre-'80s machines. What's
more, the farther back you go, the easier it gets to
keep'em running, especially if you're willing to
compromise a bit in the authenticity department, as in
modifying older engines to use modern shell bearings
instead of poured ones. I'd bet that of all the
current stock of Model A Fords, the only ones that
won't see their centennial will be fire casualties!

It's not just cars, either. I also have a collection
of small appliances (waggishly referred to as "The
Owen Museum of Culinary Power Tools"), most dating
from the '20s and '30s, and all in running order. I've
worn out at least three modern toasters and/or toaster
ovens, but the ancient ones still work just fine. And
(speaking of elderly boxy objects) so does the
Berlina...

Will Owen
Pasadena, CA
Yahoo! Sports - Coverage of the 2002 Olympic Games
http://sports.yahoo.com

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