Why True Petrolheads Should Stop Hating On Casual Car Guys

Here at Car Throttle we like to think of ourselves as ‘the internet’s car community’. Everything we do has community at its heart, which is why we’ve pushed forward with user-generated content and join discussions in the comments as much as possible. The car scene is a rich and varied place, and is largely one of the most welcoming groups around.

There is one little thing that bugs me, though. While it’s typically respected that some people prefer JDM and others enjoy a bit of muscle, the ‘casual’ petrolhead is mocked, particularly for their appreciation of exotics.

Who cares that they’re not interested enough in cars to spend hours poring over chassis codes and discovering the intricate history of every car ever made to decide their favourite? Those guys being casual petrolheads in no way diminishes how much of an enthusiast you are. In fact, some of the most fun conversations I’ve ever had have been with these ‘casuals’, who have been intrigued at my excitement over some battered old sports car and wanted to know more.

The way I see it is that whether you know every part code of every BMW ever built, or if you just like to look at pictures of a LaFerrari, you should be allowed to enjoy your hobby without being made to feel like you’re not welcome, or that you’re not a true petrolhead. Many people seem to think that unless you like obscure older cars, you’re not really a petrolhead. I’ve never understood that.

The strangest thing about that particular attitude is that today’s modern cars are the ones your kids will be considering old school cool. It’s important to take a step back sometimes and get a bit of perspective.

I play football (or soccer, to the ‘Muricans) every weekend, and some of my mates could tell you the goal scorers in the 1954 FA Cup final should you require it. I’m not like that; while I love playing, I don’t watch it too often, and don’t follow many scores outside of my local team. I still consider myself a football fan, and no one seems to shun me when I turn up for the game, so it’s a shame to see it in my own community.

So from here on in, let’s stop putting prerequisites on the petrolhead tag. If people are interested in any kind of car we should throw our arms open and indulge them. And anyway, cars like the Veyron are engineering masterpieces… who cares if it’s ugly? It’s got an 8.0-litre W16 engine with four freakin’ turbos and ten radiators!

So to all the casuals, you’re welcome here!

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