Listen to “Little Deuce Coupe,” a fun tribute to the 1932 Ford Coupe and California car culture. Now imagine the Beach Boys writing a great song about a Prius.
Unfortunately, that's the future California's climate change-crazed Preach Boys want us to have.
The proliferation of legendary hot rod brands, builders, and enthusiasts came at a time when individual expression, rather than institutionalized expression, reigned supreme.
The California Air Resources Board is considering a proposal that would allow local governments to create “zero-emission zones” in the new future. In other words, gasoline vehicles are prohibited.
EV only
According to a recent report from Autowire, these zones will be similar to the ultra-low emission zones found in London boroughs in the UK, and plate readers will issue fines to drivers for violations.
This happens to coincide with CARB's renewed interest in classic cars.
CARB sent out a survey to owners of classic cars from the 1978 model year and earlier. The questions were aimed at finding out how these classic cars are used, how they are stored and where they are driven. Also ask about the number of miles shown on the owner's odometer.
Somehow I don't think they're collecting that information for fun.
Classic cars on the verge of extinction
California has set a goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2045. We hope the authorities don't go door-to-door looking for classic cars, seizing them, and crushing them, but the mere mention of zero-emission zones is enough to make people think that just a few years ago they would have dismissed it as a crazy conspiracy theory. I did.
The collector car market is huge. The United States is the world's largest market for classic cars, with 2020 revenue between $14 billion and $15 billion. California has the largest classic car market of any state. Additionally, the U.S. classic car market is projected to grow to approximately $18.77 billion by 2024.
Banning classic cars would be an economic disaster. It is also a betrayal of our history.
proud heritage
California was definitely the center of cool car culture. The proliferation of legendary hot rod brands, builders, and enthusiasts came at a time when individual expression, rather than institutionalized expression, reigned supreme. Unfortunately, it looks like it will eventually go the same way as the dodo.
California's car culture isn't what it used to be, but it's still pretty great. However, such a move could accelerate the current downward trajectory.
Of course, climate change is the rationale for banning old cars outright in certain areas, or forcing owners to pay a daily fee to drive in those areas. When we look at the emissions emitted by private jets, cruise ships, EV mining production, SpaceX rockets, and many other things that are widely admired, defended, or even enjoyed, we find ourselves cynical about these increased limits. I can't help but feel it. .
In charge of California?
I want California's elitists to put their money where their mouth is first.
Classic cars are part of our history and symbols of culture and pride. They bring joy to many people. These upcoming rules are really about control and nothing else.
This affects New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Oregon, Washington, DC, Colorado, New Mexico, Maryland, and more, as 17 states follow the rules set by California. Please note that The impact affects our freedom and investment in those cars, forcing us to think that we can be happy without owning anything.
I'm afraid not! I have no intention of giving up the keys to my 1965 Mustang.
