Bonding

What makes people bond with their machines? We see this phenomenon over and over, with everything from airplanes to motorcycles, cars, boats and Dodge pickups with Cummins engines. Owners begin to identify with their vehicle, to build a bond, and sometimes are brought to tears by the loss of it. I’m one of the afflicted, but I’m not sure why.

I can remember the sound, feel and even the smell of my first car, truck and motorcycle, and recall almost every detail of the ones I’ve bonded with over the years. Perhaps it’s because they take us on our favorite adventures, that they’re always there, like a stalwart companion. Or maybe it’s because they don’t ask much of us and never really complain, even if we damage them. Or all of the above.

But what is it that causes this bonding only to certain machines, and not all?

My theory is that in order to bond with it, we have to like its looks and at least something about its performance. The more character it has, the better. I used to sometimes sit and stare at my ’57 Chevy coupe and ’66 GTO Tri-Power convertible, admiring their lines, and there’s hardly a day that goes by when I don’t think about ’em and regret selling them. Both are worth far more now then when I sold them.

I also remember why I broke my bonds with some of my vehicles. It was when they were undependable, constantly breaking down and leaving me stranded. Between the Chevy and the GTO and a few of my other vehicles, I’ve had a mechanical breakdown in just about every state.

What is it that makes you bond with a vehicle (if you do)? And what makes you fall out of love with them?