I suppose the value for money calculation has to include what I get out of it..and for me, that's almost nothing these days. I'm not looking at new projects, nor for parts for a current one, and as a misanthrope, it's kind of anathema going to any sort of gathering anyway......it mostly serves as a thin reason to go for a drive, so having to pay for the privilege, just feels a bit poor value for me. YMMV of course!
Word of the week. I'm going to try to fit that into conversation over the next few days and see who looks puzzledOriginally Posted by NoCorseChris
As for shows, I guess there's not much point in a manufacturer going to a show where the aim is to sell cars or take orders for cars if, for whatever reason, they can do neither or have enough orders already. I've always thought the Owners Club displays at these events did a great job of promoting the manufacturers and maintaining brand awareness anyhow so even that's already covered.
Ultima aren't perhaps the best example because in some ways the actual car itself isn't as great as the hype that goes with it but they are a pretty good example of moving with the times. When I was first looking at getting an Ultima everything was based around Stoneleigh as the centre of the kit-car world. Now it's the Goodwood FoS and Silverstone Classic mixing in the company of folk who might splash out £140k as an impulse purchase and get the matching watch (yes, there is a limited edition matching Ultima watch for both the Evo and RS models) and I'd not be surprised if Stratos replica manufacturers gravitated in that direction as well. These new metal Hawk cars must be up there. Ultima don't bother with Stoneleigh now but they do cover the cost of the Owners Club tent and supply a stash of soft drinks and snacks.
I'd actually never given any thought that a reason for going to any show was to encourage other folk to join the SEC. I'm maybe even more antisocial that I thought. I saw it more as a good excuse for a bit of a road trip to nosey at other members cars but also to be supportive to the manufacturers and help them sell their wares. For that reason I'd rather sign up for Goodwood / Silverstone / Classic etc rather than Stoneleigh..... just to stay away from blokes in sheds (joking!!)
Value for money....well, a few quid for petrol and a fiver to get in, and you get to mooch round the halls to see what wacky concoctions are emerging into the light of day this year, then wander wide-eyed round the club stands outside and go from horrified to awestruck in the space of a few seconds. Several times too. Sounds like a bargain to me!
Jim, you're right, Strat reps are indeed gravitating up the marketing and social pole, but they're still kit cars so they've not shaken off Stoneleigh and Newark yet. But no-one seeing an LB or Hawk stand at Goodwood etc. would be horrified these days, like they might have been 10 years ago. Interesting to hear that Ultima cover the club tent costs and chuck in nibbles etc....Craig, Gerry, are you listening?? (just kidding.)
One of the reasons for a club stand is indeed to try and entrap new members, by showing those who're unaware that we exist and encourage peeps to join up - we're only a small outfit with around 200 members at any one time. Remember we're an ENTHUSIASTS club, not an OWNERS club, so having a Strat isn't a condition of joining. Of course it's great to see other peeps' cars as well (see above) but Stoneleigh and Goodwood/Silverstone are very different animals, aiming at very different audiences.
No arguments over your social status tho
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