1. I am one of the organizers of the BayArea02 Swap&Show and have been around these cars literally my entire life having been brought home in the Tii my parents bought new fifty years ago last February, and drove to the show together. Our show and other gatherings welcome ALL enthusiasts of ‘02s whether they are original owners, or bought it that day at the show, whether they spent multiples of six figures on a restoration, or zip tied it together to push onto the lawn. We don’t judge the socioeconomic position or taste of anyone who’s a fan of these cars we all love. I’m sorry that you feel a need to.
1.5. With over 80 ‘02s in the lawn, many more in the swap area and more yet in the lot who only came to spectate, there was enough variety for everyone to enjoy. I suspect you would’ve liked it too. We usually pack 100 plus on the lawn. Sorry you weren’t there to add to those numbers.
2. Yes, we have seen a change of how some choose to build their ‘02s, some with mods that I wouldn’t choose to do on my own car. Yes. But, does that keep me from appreciating their enthusiasm, or respect them for showing their skills? No it does not. I respect that they would join me in messaging our legislators in support of allowing us all to keep driving our cars on public roads for the foreseeable future. Same as I respect the builders of cars I saw at the Sacramento Autorama the weekend before.
3. While I know whether that was an 1800TI or a TI/SA, I won’t tell you which. You’ll just have to wish you were there to see it in person. ?