Thursday, October 19, 2006
A sense of place . . . .
Evergreen Tree air freshener / artificial pine scent, overpowering at first, then lingering for months
Vibration from engine, sense of power, freedom, speed - Rearview mirror quivering
solid feel of under-sized racing steering wheel / difficult to turn / foamy grips give slightly.
comforting feel of full-sized seat, embracing legs, back and neck.
contoured, slightly askew hurst shifter, stained wood look, grooved for each finger /
One of the most memorable places from my youth was my car, a 71 Chevy Nova SS, completely restored, although not by me. The steady vibration of the small block 350, coupled with the rumble and roar of dual exhaust filtered through two thrush mufflers created an imposing and noticeable presence. This car was my space, my place of repose and escape, a place of growth and exploration.
The seats, covered with faux black fur, were full-size, embracing every part of the body, from legs and back to neck. The bucket seats folded around you like an easy chair, and when I stomped the gas down, kicking in the Holly 4-barrel carbs, the seat provided a stiff backbone for support and control.
The steering wheel was under-sized, for racing, I guess. A small circle covered with hard foam rubber for a good grip. This car did not have power steering, so it took some work to turn the wheel, but it also meant that the driver could really feel the road, the steering wheel in direct connection to the 60-series tires.
Three elements working in conjunction, in harmony -- two legs for gas and clutch -- the left hand firmly placed on the steering wheel, while the right hand resting within the finger-grooved grip of the Hurst shifter. All of these appendages had to work in unison, each dependent on the other for movement in a delicate dance belying the speed, power and control these movements motivated.
Evergreen Tree air freshener / artificial pine scent, overpowering at first, then lingering for months
Vibration from engine, sense of power, freedom, speed - Rearview mirror quivering
solid feel of under-sized racing steering wheel / difficult to turn / foamy grips give slightly.
comforting feel of full-sized seat, embracing legs, back and neck.
contoured, slightly askew hurst shifter, stained wood look, grooved for each finger /
One of the most memorable places from my youth was my car, a 71 Chevy Nova SS, completely restored, although not by me. The steady vibration of the small block 350, coupled with the rumble and roar of dual exhaust filtered through two thrush mufflers created an imposing and noticeable presence. This car was my space, my place of repose and escape, a place of growth and exploration.
The seats, covered with faux black fur, were full-size, embracing every part of the body, from legs and back to neck. The bucket seats folded around you like an easy chair, and when I stomped the gas down, kicking in the Holly 4-barrel carbs, the seat provided a stiff backbone for support and control.
The steering wheel was under-sized, for racing, I guess. A small circle covered with hard foam rubber for a good grip. This car did not have power steering, so it took some work to turn the wheel, but it also meant that the driver could really feel the road, the steering wheel in direct connection to the 60-series tires.
Three elements working in conjunction, in harmony -- two legs for gas and clutch -- the left hand firmly placed on the steering wheel, while the right hand resting within the finger-grooved grip of the Hurst shifter. All of these appendages had to work in unison, each dependent on the other for movement in a delicate dance belying the speed, power and control these movements motivated.
