Aaron Warren

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Location

Chicago, Illinois, USA

Birthday

June 07

Bio

My fascination with automobiles and just about everything mechanical started, I think, when a small cluster of cells developed somewhere in the first trimester of my existence. I have always been a fanatic. I am, however, not what one would call a gearhead – but a connoisseur, an automotive philosopher. I look at automobiles the way an art critic looks at the creation of a new talent, the way a vinter critiques a new wine, or the way an antiquarian sums up a piece or fine rare furniture. An automobile, to me, is more than the sum of its mechanical parts. It is an exercise in rolling art. Art so complex that it captivates every sense. So, here I find myself in my first “pleasure” writing format looking to share my insight, opinions, emotions, and knowledge on the subject. I am a, person who revels in being able to work on my own vehicle as well. To me a grease monkey is one which messes about with cars, usually doing more harm than good. I think of myself as more of a surgeon or technician in this regard. Precision requires, well, precision. I have spent the better part of my professional career in the automotive industry in a sales, training, and development capacity. I have an intimate understanding of this industry; its triumphs and shortcomings along with the products that are the result. On a personal level, I am obsessive about the car culture. Every venture I take out into the world is a hunt for a rare glimpse of obscure chrome, or an unidentified engine note. To me, driving is a sort of Zen like experience melding man and machine. The feel of an automobile as it moves and responds to your inputs can make or break one’s experience with a vehicle. Some of the most beautiful cars in the world are absolutely atrocious to actually drive. Harsh, fragile, monstrous beasts that are near impossible to control and civil. The thorns of the rose, if you will. Oh, how I love them so! I read auto industry statistics the way some read the sports page. I visit local dealers to examine new cars the way one examines a vintage comic book. I am the guy in his garage, in a lab-coat, nonetheless, cleaning his engine, and listening to the valvetrain with a stethoscope. I can diagnose most engine issues purely by sound, and can identify most cars by the sounds of their engines. I look at the valve cover of the Jaguar XK engine with the reverence of a religious icon and the intake of a Chevrolet 350 as though it were Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa. I am a student of all things automotive… So, come along with me on my adventure through this world of automobiles, automobile culture, business, enthusiasm, and philosophy!