Free Cars

Tony Judt grew up during World War II when rationing was at its peak. In fact, Judt's sons and family members would say that their father grew up in poverty. This is exactly why Tony Judt appreciated every detail and blessing he had all throughout his life. Judt knew how to save up, which later helped him with the costs of his illness. Everything happens for a reason.

Judt never fully enjoyed cars to the extent at which his father enjoyed them. According to him, cars were a new toy to Western culture, which is why his father was so obsessed with them. Once there is a new object everyone seems to want it, but Judt grew up with these innovative cars, which made them seem meaningless. This is something that's very common amongst us today, we get so used to having things at our reach that we never realize their importance in our lives.

Judt's family had issued with his father's spending on this new toy, which caused many discussions between his parents. This is might as well be another reason why Judt learned how to ration goods and spend wisely so well, he learned from his father's mistakes. 

However, there is a valid reason behind his father's obsession, even though the spending is still not reasonable. Cars could have represented freedom and a new life, which at times of war was important. Cars could have given Judt's father more appreciation over life. Most of all, these cars represented freedom, something new at the time. They were a ray of hope and optimism.