Paul and the Gang – once again! All Photos by Randy Stern
For every generation, there was an icon that melded automotive enthusiasm and the silver screen.
In the 1950s, that was James Dean. The ensuing decade had Steve McQueen. The 1970s would have an argument, but memory serves me well enough to give that and the early 1980s to Burt Reynolds. There are many others worth arguing about, but you agree that certain key films featuring automobiles and motorsport would not be replete if they did not appear in them.
For the past twelve years, one movie franchise would equal to the films the older icons would have appeared in. “The Fast and The Furious” series opened up a new generation to another level of enthusiasm. It gave an entire generation of enthusiasts a new set of heroes – human and vehicular – to aspire to become a part of.
At the center of these films is an actor – Paul Walker. In the first film, he played an undercover police officer, Brian O’Connor, assigned to take down a ring that had been stealing electronic equipment. In subsequent adventures, Walker’s character would end up on the either side of the law, despite maintaining hero status across the franchise.
We lost Walker on Saturday, November 30th. He and business partner Roger Rodas were in a 2005 Porsche Carrera GT coming from a fundraising event of Walker’s charity, Reach Out Worldwide in Santa Clarita, California. The Porsche reportedly slammed into a tree. The accident trapped both Walker and Rodas inside the car while triggering a fire.
Walker was 40 years old. He is survived by his 15-year-old daughter.
Commentary: A Year (And More) With a VOTY
“I’m a #DETHLOON!” All Photos by Randy Stern
It came as no surprise to you, either.
Based on feedback I received offline, the selection of the Cadillac ATS as the 2013 Victory & Reseda Vehicle of The Year was pretty much expected. Some people even thought that the Mazda6 would be a worthy winner amongst the five finalists, but you truly knew the Cadillac would own this award better.
Certainly the ATS is a worthy winner by virtue of what it represents. I always refer to the story as part of the VOTY win. Not just the vehicle itself, but the journey and impact it would have today and in the future. The Cadillac’s story will be one scrutinized by the most discriminating consumers of automobiles – luxury car buyers.
It is an example of the impact of VOTY. Not everyone has heard of the award itself, but they know when a vehicle is named by such an award, there better be a damn good reason for it. It should also have a legacy and resonance. This is why Motor Trend’s Car of The Year award comes up in conversations with applause, curious looks and some laughter. After all, if you recalled the Ford Mustang II winning MT’s 1974 COTY – you had to figure out why within the context of its image today.
Yet, an award winner should also be fondly remembered. If a winner was one where the story was lived beyond its awarding, that should tell you how much impact the subject had on a publication, website, blog…etc.
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