On a Lighter Note!

MY CHILDHOOD CAR FANTASIES

When I was at that stage of life when children actually start voicing ‘serious’ decisions about their career aspirations, I decided I loved cars and wanted to be an engineer. My folks say I was handy with tools even at that age. They still recount how I dismantled my lil’ brother’s playswing and how my handyman dad couldn’t fit it together afterwards! As I write this now, I pause to wonder how that could be. Nothing dey strong pass that man o!

Anyway, I developed a fascination for cars so much so, that it morphed into a kind of psychic connection with them. I actually felt I could read their minds and gauge their moods! Remarkable? I didn’t think so. It wasn’t a big deal then. I think societal perceptions might have also influenced my views at the time.

Well, for some of the more popular brands then, a few of which I was privileged to ride in, I mentally made up a sort of mood/disposition chart which I would like to share with you. This is the first time it is going in print. Please enjoy. Here goes:

Car	Distinctive Feature	Interpretation
Volkswagen Beetle	Round headlights, smooth curves and edges (hubs and all), portable size, the mousy engine sound	Optimistic, open-minded, eager-to-please, friendly car (I actually felt I could drive this one at what age? Four perhaps). To me it was a child-like car. I didn’t think adults should drive them.
Peugeot 504	Headlight shape, unique boot shape and unconventional curves	Mr. Reclusive, not out-going, but efficient and business-minded. Also seemed bespectacled and a little short-sighted. (The Station Wagon was my preferred long-distance journey preference). When the double-eyed headlight variety became available, that added some cynicism to its attitude.
Mercedes Benz W123 (‘Regular’ Benz)	Headlights, straight lines and that oh-so-heavenly front axle suspension when making a turn while stationary, engine sound	Ah! This was the big boss – the car to have. The car of the ‘made’ and ‘arrived’ (watching Living in Bondage no help mata sef). Strict, no-nonesense demeanour but actually outgoing. Stately presence