The Psychology of People Who Restore Classic Cars

[Jerry Hall]

What about guys like me that started in the 70's ? At that time, it was "fixin' up" a cheap used car.

Or guys like me who bought them new and never stopped.

 

[Rebelrouser]

I thought I was just being a glutton for punishment.






The Psychology of People Who Restore Classic Cars explores the fascinating mental and emotional drivers behind automotive restoration enthusiasts. This video delves deep into why certain individuals dedicate countless hours, significant financial resources, and immense passion to bringing vintage vehicles back to life. We examine the psychological profiles of classic car restorers and uncover the unique personality traits that make this hobby so compelling.

Classic car restoration represents far more than mechanical work—it's a profound psychological journey that combines nostalgia, craftsmanship, and personal identity. Research suggests that people who restore vintage automobiles often seek meaningful connections to the past, finding therapeutic value in hands-on creation and problem-solving. The restoration process provides a tangible escape from our increasingly digital world, offering restorers a sense of control and accomplishment that modern life rarely delivers.

This psychological analysis examines how restoration projects fulfill deep human needs for mastery, creativity, and legacy-building. We explore the cognitive benefits of complex mechanical work, including improved focus, patience development, and enhanced spatial reasoning. The video also investigates the social psychology behind classic car communities, where shared passion creates powerful bonds and collective identity.

Whether you're a restoration enthusiast yourself, curious about automotive psychology, or simply fascinated by human motivation, this video offers valuable insights into what drives people to preserve automotive history. Understanding the psychology behind classic car restoration reveals broader truths about human nature, our relationship with material objects, and how we construct meaning through dedicated pursuits. Join us as we examine the minds of those who refuse to let automotive legends fade into obscurity.

great video, I think part of it is artistic satisfaction, people since beginning of time have done art. As a kid myself and most of my friends built models for example, a car restoration is just a big model kit.

And part is the car culture baby boomers grew up with. Myself and my friends coming from poor families, fixing up a car was the only way we had to get one. Cruising main street in our hot rods and drag racing on Saturday night, was a lot more special than some people realize. The movie American Graffiti was so popular because so many people could relate to it. Heck my younger days we lived those kinds of adventures every weekend.

 

[eldubb440]

Now there's some reasoning in why I do this. My wife says I'm sick. She's a nurse that focused her education in psychology.

this exact topic came up in conversation yesterday....... Jeff @T2R9 agreed, it is a harmless form of mental illness that has managed to keep many of us out of trouble.

 

[chargervert]

Or guys like me who bought them new and never stopped.

Well that's just insane!

 

[Unkle Krusty]

Not a car, but my Triumph Trophy. I spent more getting it painted by the pros, than the bike is worth.
It is British racing green. Has a full fairing.

 

[Dave6T4]

Not a car, but my Triumph Trophy. I spent more getting it painted by the pros, than the bike is worth.
It is British racing green. Has a full fairing.

My bad! I thought you said Trump Trophy. LOL

 

[Project66]

I have come to realize that for me, the challenge and satisfaction of building a car has been more enjoyable than finally enjoying the finished product, which is something the video pointed out.

As I get closer to completion of the Satellite, I am beginning to suspect that I am the same way. I could pronounce the car "done" and simply enjoy driving it. Instead, I keep finding more things that I need to fix before the car is "done".

The car is fine, I'm the one that's broken.

 

[Project66]

What about guys like me that started in the 70's ? At that time, it was "fixin' up" a cheap used car.

Guys like you are the real thing! I was fortunate to learn from a couple of those guys when I was a kid.

 

[Sedbld]

Preaching the truth!! Doesn’t matter what you do either it’s in soul or it ain’t. Gotta be all in!

 

[68BabyBlue]

I think that goes for almost anyone that made a career
out of working with your hands, doing projects, satisfactions of building something
(in the trades) looking back & thinking I built that or did that,
using your time & sourcing problems & parts/materials etc.,
sometime for me 'the hunt', finding & build details, planning it out
is better than the actual build...

Now, when I was young it was almost the exact opposite,
it was the build, when I got a part "I couldn't wait to install it"
no matter how long it took or what hrs into the early morning to do it...

(Especially when building my racecars, it had to be done)

Now as I'm getting older (I'm 66), I am a lot more patient...
I'm a lot pickier of what I do or won't do now...
I can wait, I'm also not in such a hurry 'to jump in'
I care more about the outcome, even 'if not perfect'
or it takes me longer...

Some people are completely obsessed, gotta' spend every waking moment,
just like I did when I was younger, or gotta' spend a crapload of $$$,
on something I really don't need or have to have, RIGHT NOW...

(I could've spent more time with the family, even though many of them were
more than often with me, traveling or doing something along side of me or helping me)

IMO It's just another car now...
Cars come & go, I'm on like #114, in total...
26 of which were Racecars, maybe 40 or so MoPar muscle,
a crapload 20+ of 4wd Trucks/Jeeps too
(I had 6 drivers in my house at one time too, always something to do)
Cars/Racecars some I built for a buddy, or sometimes at the same time I built mine...
Many of the cars, were to fund my racecars or project cars,
or just to help pay bills, taxes/payroll etc., in crunch time...

What a waste...

Don't get me wrong,
I probably wouldn't have done it any different now, if I had to do it all over again
it was a good time, but maybe just more equitable use of my time...
But;
I'm also not that guy anymore, I do more planning now...
Not multiple project & multiple cars, hectic pace etc.
I enjoy the hunt 'even more now'...
Almost more than the actual build...
Albeit, I don't have all the car buddies over & bench-racing
or beer drinking, comradery, like I did when younger either...
I think that now,
everyone moved or went different ways, & almost nobody helps or comes over now,
just a few once in a blue moon, or even hear from people...
That was a lot of that was what I actually enjoyed,
more than the actual build...
Almost all of them guys, are multiple times divorced now too...

I still love muscle cars & 4wd trucks...
Had my share of both already...

I'm always planning the next build, in my head...
I may never do it, but have a solid plan if I ever do...

Maybe it is the Mechanical Engineering or the Architecture classes
drummed into me, schooling...

Try Horses, or prize Bulls & sports around them, is worse 'yet"
Glad I'm not doing all that too, still...

Seasons change, and you impress me as a smart guy who is doing a sound job of processing it.

 

[Budnicks]

What about guys like me that started in the 70's ? At that time, it was "fixin' up" a cheap used car.

Class of 77' Baby, my 1st in 1974 a 68 Charger R/T 67k miles
the day before I turned 15 y/o for $350, I got my learners permit the next day
all my lawn mowing cash & $1.65 an hr at a local Shell station, as a grunt
filling logging trucks washing of the mud & cleaning windows, getting $5 tips
so they didn't get ticketed for the mess
or working for my dad on weekends for a few $$s, building Redwood decks or Awnings
All of it went into cars or MX motorcycles...

Same here,
all they were was gas hogs or cheap used cars to most people...
That was OK with me...
$350 - $1,500 for some great old MoPar muscle cars was the norm, in the East Bay Area
gen 2 Chargers all R/Ts 12) & RRs 8) mostly 68s & 4) 69's 1) 70, I'm now on #13 a 68 RM23
'they just seemed to find me'
Back then, people would see my car & ask if;
"I knew someone that wanted to buy another gas hog ?",
& yes I did, it was usually me...

Among many other Brand X beauties too,
multiple years of new or used Anniv. Trans Ams,
gen 1 400 Firebirds, GTOs & multiple Camaros & z28s did too
a few special Buicks GS's or Olds 442's crossed my path

when I was young Jeeps & almost any 4wds or especially Power Wagons
were my kryptonite

 

[Budnicks]

Seasons change, and you impress me as a smart guy who is doing a sound job of processing it.

 

[chargervert]

I suspect people like myself who restore classic Mopar muscle cars have a deep sense of self loathing with self masochistic tendencies!

 

[DeltaV]

I suspect people like myself who restore classic Mopar muscle cars have a deep sense of self loathing with self masochistic tendencies!

Whatever makes you happy.

 

[chargervert]

Or makes you cry!