What Exactly is a Cult Car? By Brenda Williams At Isnare.com Ezine Articles

A Supreme Court Judge once made a statement to the effect that while he could not define porn, he knew it when he saw it. And the cult car shares this attribute. Forbes can designate the top ten cult cars of the time but what is a cult car? Why are these cars considered cult cars? Why are they the top ten cult cars? And why are some cars admitted to the Cult Car Club while others are overlooked?

Actually, there are many ingredients in the cult car recipe, which is probably why it is so hard to define. For some, the cult car evokes an emotional attachment so that it becomes a person in the eyes of its owner, not just a transport vehicle but also a family member.

This is similar to the chemistry in the male/female attraction. Boy sees girl, boy likes what he sees, boy has to date girl. Buyer sees car, the car cupid fires his arrow, buyer has to have car, this car, no other. And when enough buyers react to a car in this manner, you have a cult car. But the buyer can't say exactly why anymore than couples can explain that initial attraction which, for lack of explanation, is dubbed chemistry in the personal ads.

Although the chemistry has to appear often enough for a car to achieve cult status, popularity is not the criterion. Sales determine popularity. A car can be a top seller because it is practical and low mileage but still never make it into the Cult Car Club.

But still people do try to define or perhaps defend their choices. Some say it is design – a design that is individualistic, eccentric or futuristic.

The suicide doors and menacing front bestowed cult status on the 1961 Lincoln Continental. The design supposedly altered the American public's perception of luxury automobiles. And the curved glass side windows, an industry first, helped.

Although there are many luxury cars in the top ten, a car does not need to be a high priced luxury car to achieve cult status. Lesser-priced cars such as the Volkswagen and Austin Mini, although not in the top ten, have been admitted to the club. The Dodge Challenger, much more affordable than the Lincoln Continental or Ferrari Enzo, was Number 3 on the top ten list.

The charisma of the owners can play a part. The Jaguar D Type was a slick racing car, which captured first place in the 24 Hours of Le Mans three times during the 50's decade. And while it was viewed as the sexiest racing car of its time, the fact that it was owned by such celebrities as Steve McQueen and Ralph Lauren contributed to its cult status.

Being in the right place at the right time is essential to many achievements in life – wealth, fame, and career success. It also helps cult cars. The VW van in the 60's owes its place to its appearance in the popular culture of the time. This was the era of war protesters, the civil rights movement, and the Flower Children. The hippie culture embraced the VW van and elevated it to cult status. Had the van come along in the late 40's or early 50's it would probably been nothing more than a people mover attractive to soccer moms.

But like love perhaps the most romantic aspect of cult cars is the lack of definition. They're sexy, they're passionate, and they hit you in the gut. And like love, it's an emotion to be enjoyed, not analyzed.

Published At: Isnare Free Articles Directory http://www.isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=311065&ca=Automotive

Important Notice DISCLAIMER: All information, content, and data in this article are sole opinions and/or findings of the individual user or organization that registered and submitted this article at Isnare.com without any fee. The article is strictly for educational or entertainment purposes only and should not be used in any way, implemented or applied without consultation from a professional. We at Isnare.com do not, in anyway, contribute or include our own findings, facts and opinions in any articles presented in this site. Publishing this article does not constitute Isnare.com's support or sponsorship for this article. Isnare.com is an article publishing service. Please read our Terms of Service for more information.