“Car guy” is a term that has been thrown around for decades as a descriptor of a person who has a passion for the automobile. More recently, the term “Car Geek” has made an appearance on the internet and among automotive social groups. I would like to take this opportunity to discuss a distinction between the two.
When someone is referred to as a “Car Guy,” to a person outside of the car world think of someone who is simply into cars. Over the years I am sure that people have referred to me as a car guy. When I hear the term, I think of an alpha male type character, bolting a nitrous oxide system to their five liter fox body. He’s also the type of guy who parks himself in front of the big screen on Sundays watching football. When I think of a celebrity that I could align with this type of guy, Tim Allen hits all of the marks. Let me get this straight, there is nothing wrong with being a Car Guy. At times I think there is crossover into the other category that goes both ways.
A “Car Geek” on the other hand, is the type of person who enjoys facts and obscurity in the automotive world. A Car Geek knows the differences between model years of certain cars. They aren’t necessarily obsessed with dyno numbers and quarter mile times. They are more concerned with what color and options a car has, and if they are original. Car geeks love unmolested original cars. They also like cars that are revolutionary and innovative. I’m not saying that a Car Geek doesn’t like a fast car, but it isn’t the highest priority. A car geek likes a limited edition Miata, just as much, if not more than a 5.0 Mustang. When I think of a celebrity that has Car Geek qualities, I think of Jerry Seinfeld. He has a pension for odd, yet revolutionary vehicles that might not be the most macho, but are damn interesting. If you haven’t had the opportunity check out his video blog project that he has been working on: http://comediansincarsgettingcoffee.com/
Personally, I feel I fall in the Car Geek category for the most part. I love cars that are interesting. Where do you fall?