The Gentleman Motorist is delighted share with you this blog’s first reader question as part of a new series, “Formal Inquiry.”
A gentleman motorist from Texas writes:
A gentleman motorist from Texas writes:
Today in Houston I spied this rig on a wine and cheese run to H-E-B. Proving the driver of this certain accoutrement is a gentlemen, he totally stopped his machine to permit me first access to the parking lot and waved me along in front of him in great spirits ... notice his hand poised for just such events. I was impressed not only by his friendly actions, but also his obvious dedication to the environment ... notice the recycled truck bed, obviously salvaged from another time and place and mated to his Dodge go-unit. What does the Gentlemen Motorist say about the impracticality of a mere car to get around the ranch for the necessity of hauling hay and mending fences? Is this Dodge within the limits of the Gentlemen Motorist when the Range Rover Land Rover simply can not shed its top? Thank you for your advice. My regards ...
Thank you for this missive, dear reader. The motorist you encountered may very well be a gentleman motorist despite his trashed truck. Without analyzing each of the Ten Commandments for Gentleman Motorists in this post, let us focus on some particularly important details from your submission.
Conduct. From your account, the motorist was decisive and polite. Perhaps understanding the limitations of his vehicle, the motorist permitted you to pass before him. Indeed, the motorist’s manners left you with such a positive impression that you felt compelled to share the experience. Such conduct is becoming of all gentlemen motorists and should be acknowledged as such. The caliber of one’s vehicle and the quality of one’s character should never be confused. And the former is never a proxy for the latter.
Environmentalism and Economy. The Gentleman Motorist has an affinity and respect for vehicles from all eras. And this old truck[1] has something that new trucks do not have – a patina of authenticity, or “street cred” as some might say. That truck has no doubt rendered years of loyal service to its owner. Hopefully, as you suggest, the truck is performing important duties like hauling hay around on a ranch. And, as you suggest, such duty is best not performed in a Rover[2]. Utility vehicles should drink life to the lees[3] and wear their service on their sleeves. In so doing and assuming that the vehicle is well maintained, its owner is also performing mitzvah[4] for the environment. Lower emissions in new vehicles is a good thing, but decreasing the resources expended for new vehicle production is also a good thing. Thus, using a well-maintained vehicle for as long as possible is another indicia of gentleman motoring. Moreover, why spend more than $50,000.00 on a new Ford F-150 King Ranch edition[5] when spending $50.00 on this number will get ‘er done.[6]
In conclusion, yes, depending on the circumstances a gentleman motorist may drive an old truck. Even one with a mismatched cab and bed. So, to the driver of this vehicle, keep on truckin’, sir.
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[1] Does anyone else see a potential PBS spin-off here? Bob Villa optional.
[2] If one were to haul hay around in a Rover (particularly in Texas), one would be accused of being all hat and no cattle. Such foolishness is best left to the clueless and the nouveau riche, who (by the way) make great bedfellows.
[3] The Gentleman Motorist wonders if the driver of this truck also enjoys the works of Tennyson.
[4] The Gentleman Motorist also wonders if the driver of this truck is familiar with the Torah.
[5] The Gentleman Motorist loves this truck, but acknowledges that it is tad bit peacocky.
[6] Sorry, the Gentleman Motorist blacked out there for second.
Conduct. From your account, the motorist was decisive and polite. Perhaps understanding the limitations of his vehicle, the motorist permitted you to pass before him. Indeed, the motorist’s manners left you with such a positive impression that you felt compelled to share the experience. Such conduct is becoming of all gentlemen motorists and should be acknowledged as such. The caliber of one’s vehicle and the quality of one’s character should never be confused. And the former is never a proxy for the latter.
Environmentalism and Economy. The Gentleman Motorist has an affinity and respect for vehicles from all eras. And this old truck[1] has something that new trucks do not have – a patina of authenticity, or “street cred” as some might say. That truck has no doubt rendered years of loyal service to its owner. Hopefully, as you suggest, the truck is performing important duties like hauling hay around on a ranch. And, as you suggest, such duty is best not performed in a Rover[2]. Utility vehicles should drink life to the lees[3] and wear their service on their sleeves. In so doing and assuming that the vehicle is well maintained, its owner is also performing mitzvah[4] for the environment. Lower emissions in new vehicles is a good thing, but decreasing the resources expended for new vehicle production is also a good thing. Thus, using a well-maintained vehicle for as long as possible is another indicia of gentleman motoring. Moreover, why spend more than $50,000.00 on a new Ford F-150 King Ranch edition[5] when spending $50.00 on this number will get ‘er done.[6]
In conclusion, yes, depending on the circumstances a gentleman motorist may drive an old truck. Even one with a mismatched cab and bed. So, to the driver of this vehicle, keep on truckin’, sir.
_______________________________________________
[1] Does anyone else see a potential PBS spin-off here? Bob Villa optional.
[2] If one were to haul hay around in a Rover (particularly in Texas), one would be accused of being all hat and no cattle. Such foolishness is best left to the clueless and the nouveau riche, who (by the way) make great bedfellows.
[3] The Gentleman Motorist wonders if the driver of this truck also enjoys the works of Tennyson.
[4] The Gentleman Motorist also wonders if the driver of this truck is familiar with the Torah.
[5] The Gentleman Motorist loves this truck, but acknowledges that it is tad bit peacocky.
[6] Sorry, the Gentleman Motorist blacked out there for second.
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