Undoubtedly there are many devoted and passionate followers for any automotive product or model, no matter how intricate or obscure. But with the advancements in technology like-minded enthusiasts can connect much more easily online, the clubs have now been formed by such groups of like-minded people dedicated to those long-gone marques find it easier to assemble their congregations. The unlikely object of affection at the centre of such events in was strikingly and shockingly not an orphaned vehicle, but rather an obsolete 6-cylinder engine is what the centre of attention was for all. The occasion was a roundup and had on display more than 50 vintage products, gathered for an event popularly known as the Slant Six Gathering amongst those who share the passion for the same.
Informality was the prominent tone that prevailed throughout the event: It was marked by no judges, no trophies, no tickets, and surprisingly no rules as well. A $5 entry fee is what compensated to meet for the financial targets of the event. Even V-8 Dodge and Plymouth compacts are tolerated, though these comprise a small minority and command little attention or respect. One Slant Six owner was overhead disparaging V-8s as overpowered borderline muscle cars that anybody can build.
Darts, Valiants, Lancers and their subsequent variants built on A-body chassis are mostly remembered as despite being boring yet reliable chaperones for generations of testosterone fuelled teenagers and young adults. Most were powered by the bulletproof in-line 6-cylinder, installed at a tilted angle to allow a lower hood line, that finally replaced an archaic flathead that had been responsible for economy-minded buyers moving to more modern Ford and General Motors machinery.
No what we are seeing is that more enthusiasts now, more modifications, more young people are now getting passionate about the subject and this in my opinion is a great positive for the field.
