Something has shifted over the last decade or so, and at DRIVESHARE, we couldn’t be happier to see it. This shift is a move away from material possessions and towards experiences. More doing – less having, in other words.
Why? Maybe it’s a sense that, in a world that moves this fast, material possessions don’t always deliver the fulfillment we’re after. Perhaps, in part due to the pandemic, there's a growing appreciation for experiences that leave a lasting impact on our lives – that aren’t just about unwrapping a gift, but about making memories. It doesn’t seem like a bad idea to us.
This shift towards prioritizing experiences over ownership has sparked a new movement, known as the experience economy, where the value of intangible experiences outweighs that of tangible goods. It feels like it’s a movement that’s been a long time coming.
Pent-up demand from the pandemic has increased spending on experiences by 65% from 2019 to 2023 in the United States, according to Mastercard's Travel Industry Trends Report. There's genuine excitement around the prospect of new adventures and creating something more lasting than, say, a designer bag or piece of jewelry.
For classic car enthusiasts, this might feel like a case of ‘I told you so’. The experience of the open road and the sheer joy of driving a collector vehicle is exactly what the experience economy is all about. Each journey in a classic car is not just a means of transportation, or getting ‘from A to B,’ but an adventure. Something to be remembered. Something unique.
So what is it about classic cars that captures the hearts of enthusiasts and motivates them to seek out these unique experiences? Perhaps it's the nostalgia, or maybe the craftsmanship of the vehicles. Or maybe it's the sense of freedom and exploration that comes with turning the key in the ignition and putting your foot down, with nothing but the noise of the engine as your soundtrack (unless you put the radio on, of course).
Whatever the reason, there's no denying the special connection that classic cars have between drivers and their vehicles. We call it ‘shared passion’. And as noted in Mastercard's research, experiences provide individuals with their best memories, offering a unique perspective on the world and also creating deep connections with others, which is where the ‘sharing’ part comes in. For classic car enthusiasts, these experiences are not just about the destination but the journey itself, the sights they see, the food they eat, and the places they stay on the way.
But it's not just about the drives themselves; it's also about the shared experiences and community that come with being connected with like-minded classic car enthusiasts. Whether it's swapping stories at a car show, heading off on a group road trip, or simply admiring each other's wheels, classic car enthusiasts share a bond that doesn’t care about age, background, or geography.
It looks like the experience economy is here to stay, and classic cars will emerge as iconic symbols of luxury, freedom, and exploration. At DRIVESHARE, we get it, which is why we’re excited about DRIVESHARE Experiences, coming soon. Whether it's a scenic ride, a bespoke adventure that works perfectly for you, or a curated tour of historic automotive landmarks, our driving experiences promise to create unforgettable memories. This is 'doing, not having' in action…
