AMAZING HOW TIME GOES BY

The year 2017 was a busy one in the classic car world. Classic car values went from strength to strength. A lot was achieved in this industry, and all in all, I feel that we managed to instigate change and provide ideas and suggestions to various clubs, movements, and organizations within this industry.

For being outspoken, I’ve also been criticized by those who do not like change, who do not like someone coming into the industry with a different approach and perspective. The best advice I can give to my critics is not to be selfdestructive, not to create negative emotions, but to appreciate what we have, while we still have it. In one of my editorials, I wrote about a potential new movement for this industry — one that shakes the hobby / our industry from the ground.

I am grateful for the opportunities given to me by this magazine, for those who support my business, and for the encouragement received from the industry in general. With my work, and with these editorials, my job so far has been to stand up for this industry, and I should note here that I’ve done this not by myself, but with all those others in New Zealand who share my vision for the future of this industry. I did this while keeping track of my goals and working towards them.

I therefore encourage all classic and vintage car aficionados to embrace change, which, yes, can be frightening — but shying away from it prevents a growth that our industry so desperately needs in this country.

So let’s focus on the things we can control. Let’s not worry about electric cars dominating earth, and start controlling our environment by creating better relationships, new opportunities, and more success within and for our industry.

In 2018, I look forward to continuing to work for this industry. Let’s not dwell on the past. There’s no way to change what happened, and dwelling can be selfdestructive. It can prevent us from enjoying the present, and planning for the future of our industry. There can be a benefit to thinking about the past, though. Reflecting on those lessons learned, considering the facts rather than the emotions, and looking at a situation from a new perspective — all this can be helpful.

This year, we shall consider it important to study what we did wrong in previous years, what we could have done better, and how we can do things differently next time without losing our values and relationships.

Success isn’t immediate, and failure is almost always an obstacle we will have to overcome, but let’s bounce back after every failure and make this industry stronger by focusing on our efforts, accepting criticism, and acknowledging our flaws, and let’s do this without keeping score.

Let’s not expect immediate results in what we try to achieve, but develop a willingness to develop realistic expectations with an understanding that success doesn’t happen overnight, as only then can we reach our industry’s full potential.

Let’s not overestimate our abilities and underestimate how long change takes, so that we may not expect immediate results. It’s important to keep our eyes on the prize and relentlessly work towards our longterm goals. There will be failures along the way, but if we measure our progress and look at the big picture, success will become attainable.

This new classic and vintage car movement I promote/propose will ensure that our heritage remains protected in this country. It would work towards making New Zealand the classic and vintage car capital of the world.

This year, 2018, will be the year our hobby will become the envy of many. This will be the year in which we raise the value of our heritage — by creating something that everyone yearns to be part of.

Let’s continue working to raise standards and to focus on what the industry needs. I, for one, am all out for that, and look forward to hearing from other likeminded enthusiasts.

Until next time, welcome 2018, and happy motoring!

J ES MON D REFLECTS ON 2017, AND GIVES HIS INSIGHT INTO OUR HOBBY IN 2018…

Caffeine and Classics is a brunch-style event held on the last Sunday of every month and open to all types of classic vehicles. Motorcycle, hot rod, muscle car, vintage, and classic car enthusiasts are all welcome to come along for a coffee and to have a look at the wide variety of vehicles that are present.

The event is held from 10am to 12pm at Smales Farm car park, Northcote Road, Takapuna, beside the motorway, just 5km north of the Auckland Harbour Bridge. There is plenty of easy parking.

Caffeine and Classics has become New Zealand’s biggest monthly meet. With numbers ranging from 350 to over 1000 vehicles every month, it is a great place for like-minded enthusiasts to get together.

For the fifth anniversary celebrations on February 25, there will be a free gift on entry of a high-visibility, reflective safety triangle (approx. value of $20) for the first 500 vehicles, kindly supplied by Dura Seal. The organizers of Caffeine and Classics support safe motoring and believe that all cars should carry a safety triangle to alert traffic of an accident or broken-down vehicle — and what better way to achieve this than to give one away? Thanks, Dura Seal!

So, come and join in. Visit facebook.com/ caffeineand classics for more information.