My First Car and Driving Experience: A Personal Journey

For many, the first car represents a significant milestone and a sense of newfound independence. My journey with my first car, the 1950 Buick, and the subsequent Toyota Corolla 84 AE86, was both intriguing and challenging. Let's delve into the experiences and emotions tied to these vehicles.

Driver's First Car: The 1950 Buick

My first car, the 1950 Buick, was both a memory and a mystery. It was a green giant, or so they say, and an ugly one at that, earning the nickname 'Hulk'. Despite its appearance, it was a source of joy and excitement for me, especially when I was able to use it to take my girlfriend to the drive-in movies. The green color made it stand out on the roads, much like a giant billowing through traffic, but it was the journey of driving it that truly mattered.

Driving for the first time was a sensation of freedom. Unlike hitching rides or having to wait for others, this car allowed me to go where and when I wanted. However, the initial experience was less than glamorous. The strong leather scent, which I couldn't quite identify, came from the seats, courtesy of my best friend who had newly installed leather seat covers. The custom carbon fiber shift stick was a definite upgrade, but navigating the car was initially daunting. It felt like controlling an unknown machine in a hostile environment, and I had to force myself to face my traffic anxiety. Despite these challenges, the 1950 Buick was a key part of my early driving experiences, and I cherished every opportunity to drive it.

Transition to the Toyota Corolla 84 AE86

My next car was a complete change of pace. In 2004, I acquired a Toyota Corolla 84 AE86, a coupe version. Though the car's appearance may have been less impressive, its history and purpose were far more exhilarating. This car, while old as time, had a certain charm. It was a hatchback, which added to its uniqueness, and the leather seats still retained a strong, familiar scent.

Driving for the first time in the Toyota Corolla 84 AE86 was odd. The car was familiar, having seen it in numerous hangouts while we were in college. Yet, the act of operating it was entirely new. I was still a novice behind the wheel, and the initial days of driving felt like navigating an unknown and hostile territory. The shift stick, though custom-made and aerodynamic, added an extra layer of complexity. The experience was different from what I anticipated; it wasn't a wave of exhilaration, but rather a step towards practicality and responsibility.

Learning to Drive and Overcoming Anxiety

Before securing a car of my own, I relied on my parents' vehicles for transportation. As I acquired my learner's permit, my parents were eager for me to gain experience. Ski trips on the weekends provided ample opportunity to practice driving. However, the journey was not without its anxieties. Entering a fast, crowded highway or driving in the foggy, hilly terrain of San Francisco required a different mindset. The natural instinct was to stop and wait for an opening, but this was counterproductive. The right approach was to just go, trusting that other drivers would create a spot for you.

Driving in a large city, such as the unorganized streets of San Francisco, was a challenge. The hills and the unstructured layout made navigation complex and stressful. However, as I gained more experience, these challenges became less daunting. Driving was becoming more than just a means of transportation; it was a skill that I was developing and perfecting.

For many, the first driving experience is often associated with a 'Free At Last' epiphany, a moment of liberation and empowerment. However, my experience was more pragmatic and introspective. I understood cars and had been learning how to work on them for years before I could drive. This practical experience helped me approach driving with a sense of calm and confidence.

Compared to the initial excitement and freedom of the 1950 Buick, driving the Toyota Corolla 84 AE86 brought a different kind of joy. It was about practicality, reliability, and the small victories of navigating the complexities of the road. The journey of driving has been a continuous learning process, and the Toyota Corolla 84 AE86 played a significant role in my development as a driver.