I can't remember a singular event that triggered this nuttiness so I'll say it was being born.

After we moved from Kansas to Chicago (I was 5 then) we'd drive back down each summer to visit the family. I remember watching the cars on the highway calling out their make and model as we passed one another. I remember in particular a Metropolitan stuff full with three soldiers who waved to this crazy kid in the back seat. Around home I remember having an awareness of various makes and models, in particular one day as we were pulling into a parking lot a Kaiser Darrin was pulling out. I recall thinking it was one of the sleekest cars I'd ever seen.

In my 12th year we moved to So Cal, that was 1959. A perfect time and place for a kid with a car crush.