Never underestimate the influence you can have on introducing the younger generation to classic cars.
Our next door neighbors have a son who is 12, and he reminds me a lot of myself at that age. He seems to have a passion for anything with an engine. He just got an electric powered mini bike for Christmas and loves driving it up and down our street with an ear to ear smile on his face.
The other day, his Dad came by and asked if I would be open to having his son come by to see my cars sometime. Apparently, this young man has noticed many a day/night where I've been working on a car in the garage with the door open, and he wants to come by and see what I'm doing...sound familiar? This is similar to many, many stories that I've heard of people finding initial interest back in the 60s / 70s.
I know I share in the concern that the passion for these amazing cars will die with current ownership. However, I believe that the younger generation can become just as passionate about our cars as ourselves - we just need to expose them to it whenever possible. I also believe that part of the reason people become interested in these cars is because they can see, touch, smell...even ride in them. I know that my passion started the day I first saw a Shelby in person, as I'm sure was the case for many of us.
Please, let that exhaust sing! And, please share your amazing cars with others!
Just my 2 cents