Quote:
Originally Posted by larrys40
Seth,
I'm probably going to get some blowback here but having been a member of each for 35 plus years both Marc, Mafca , and early V8 national including local groups I can say that the emphasis is totally on the judging at the v8 meets and the A nationals are a little more diverse, albeit different between them. Due to the difference in philosophy there will probably never be a combined A national but then I'm good with that as it gives me choices off events. MArc has realized that the touring group is a large percentage but still keeps the importance of fine point and correct 'restoration whereas mafcas events are more touring related typically and are a little more forgiving . To all of their credits I think the best touring thing they have all done is to do the Annual Tours . We have attended and have had some wonderful times.
Now for my slant on A vs V8 national . Having been to a number of nationals of both I can honestly say that the A meets a way more fun for touring and fun overall than the V8 meets . Both A clubs strive to include youth way more and the V8 virtually has nothing for the younger folks or family natured events.
Having just attended Gettysburg where I saw an ice 32 B Tudor there I complimented the attendee on his car. There are many of us for one reason or another or by choice we bring something else occasionally as opposed to nothing or not attending. Could be car is ib process ... etc .
I will never forget when I attended a grand national in Dearborn that my 48 coupe wasn't finished so I drive my 66 Tbird from St. Louis instead but parles it out in modern car parking which is what it was . I was asked rather impolitely if it had a flathead under the hood and i said no that I was to then get that "expletive" car out of here . Wow... what a welcome . You would never here that at a Model a meet. Just different folks . Having attended a number of V8 nationals around the country I usually Go planning to enjoy the sights of the areas and seminars. Their seminars and events etc are pretty self centered around judging and honestly I've said this several times and not meaning any disrespect, but I've never seen so many crabby old men at one time at some of the V8 meets. I've been a judge at both and at the branson V8 meet I remember they had 8 guys judging at the same thing for judging. I won't go into the favor and behavior of the deputy judge. No thanks. I was done with that. Now I'm 56 and had a 46 coupe at 17.. so you think the V8 would be glad to see someone younger involved ... but in my experience that's not the case. In my opinion they are going to need to at one point sell their car to someone possibly younger than them so you would think .....?
I still entertain going to a V8 national but honestly before I spend my money and time off I have to ask which ines more fun as it's my vacation!!!
I know I threw a lot out there but I really enjoy both marque cars and have done all the jobs at the local groups but honestly our A group locally and nationally is more active and event and touring minded. Whatever it's worth I'm good with the two A clubs being separate but do wish they would work together to coordinate their key events more, and I wish the V8 national would get their head out of the sand and be more family and cultivating to encouraging youth instead of discouraging . Who knows ... if they have a V8 meet where I might want to go I'm at give it a shot . I'm rolling the dice about a good time where I know the A gang is awesome all the time.
Larry Shepard
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Larry,
I appreciate your posting. I have never been to a national Model A club meet. I too wish the EFV8 club would work at drawing in younger folks. As you know I'm 37 years old. I've had my Model A since I was 17. I'm an anomaly from that stand point and have always had an interest in both Model A's and V8's. I have attended four national V8 meets and I have always had a good time. When I bring a car I enter in the touring class. I have also made some really good friends in the V8 club in John Mason, Glenn Sanders and Jeff Horrocks, just to name a few. Over all I have found the V8 club guys to be very welcoming. There are always a few crab apples but they don't bother me.
I'd like to get some input in what the Model A clubs are doing to attract a younger and family oriented group. I like to drive the cars and I'm not hung up on just the concourse show. Working on these automobiles and driving them is what I enjoy the most. It sounds to me like the V8 club can learn from the Model A clubs. If I had the time I'd attend both and all of them. Someday I will.