Classic cars
Heep
10-30-2005, 07:11 PM
I've often been asked why I love classic cars so much - today's machines drive faster and further, and do so with more efficiency, so why would I possibly like anything so antiquated?
One reason for this fascination, I suppose, is the classic car world itself. Classic car owners exist in a world of cool where they aren't flustered by such trivial issues as fuel economy, crash test ratings, decent climate control, and high-fidelity stereos. Classic car owners are unimpeded by impracticalities, prefering instead to portray an image of individuality and demonstrate their exquisite, if eccentric, tastes. In effect, they are the same people as modern supercar owners, but usually lacking the outright excessive wealth. I can only do my best to fit that profile.
Classic cars cannot, of course, objectively stack up against their modern day rivals. What was once a sports car, and thus was one of the fastest cars on the road in its day, now struggles to despatch bargain-basement Hyundais; yet, the challenge posed by regular road users is one to be undertaken with vigor and enjoyed to the fullest. Classic car owners are among the few who still have the priviledge to push their cars to the limit yet still remain within the boundaries set by the law. Each drive becomes a celebration of motoring, a test of our ancestors' greatest accomplishments accompanied by a trial of the driver's competence as he/she masters an unsychronised gearbox and practises control of a bias-ply drift without an electronic safety net.
In reality, classic car drivers are among the few real kings/queens of the road. Whether blasting along an open road in a challenging vintage sportster, or cruising through downtown in a flamboyantly styled saloon, these people are free in their own bubble of euphoria.
So, do I shun progress? Not at all! Modern cars are marvelous showcases of engineering prowess, and many have already secured their place as future classics. However, the ability to be the master of, say, a Porsche 911 for one-tenth of the selling price of the modern equivalent (not to mention depreciation) is tempting at the least. In addition, while they may not be as bright and fancy as the latest offerings, classics have a simple magic of their own. For as it is, on occasion, refreshing to listen to The Who on vinyl, or to gaze upon the undoctored image of Farrah Fawcett in 1970, it is equally exhilarating to take in the simple joys of cars from a day long since gone.
However, this is my view, and it may not be reflective of all of you. Feel free to discuss your own feelings here, whether positive or negative.
One reason for this fascination, I suppose, is the classic car world itself. Classic car owners exist in a world of cool where they aren't flustered by such trivial issues as fuel economy, crash test ratings, decent climate control, and high-fidelity stereos. Classic car owners are unimpeded by impracticalities, prefering instead to portray an image of individuality and demonstrate their exquisite, if eccentric, tastes. In effect, they are the same people as modern supercar owners, but usually lacking the outright excessive wealth. I can only do my best to fit that profile.
Classic cars cannot, of course, objectively stack up against their modern day rivals. What was once a sports car, and thus was one of the fastest cars on the road in its day, now struggles to despatch bargain-basement Hyundais; yet, the challenge posed by regular road users is one to be undertaken with vigor and enjoyed to the fullest. Classic car owners are among the few who still have the priviledge to push their cars to the limit yet still remain within the boundaries set by the law. Each drive becomes a celebration of motoring, a test of our ancestors' greatest accomplishments accompanied by a trial of the driver's competence as he/she masters an unsychronised gearbox and practises control of a bias-ply drift without an electronic safety net.
In reality, classic car drivers are among the few real kings/queens of the road. Whether blasting along an open road in a challenging vintage sportster, or cruising through downtown in a flamboyantly styled saloon, these people are free in their own bubble of euphoria.
So, do I shun progress? Not at all! Modern cars are marvelous showcases of engineering prowess, and many have already secured their place as future classics. However, the ability to be the master of, say, a Porsche 911 for one-tenth of the selling price of the modern equivalent (not to mention depreciation) is tempting at the least. In addition, while they may not be as bright and fancy as the latest offerings, classics have a simple magic of their own. For as it is, on occasion, refreshing to listen to The Who on vinyl, or to gaze upon the undoctored image of Farrah Fawcett in 1970, it is equally exhilarating to take in the simple joys of cars from a day long since gone.
However, this is my view, and it may not be reflective of all of you. Feel free to discuss your own feelings here, whether positive or negative.
drunken monkey
10-30-2005, 07:53 PM
i'm not entirely sure i like the whole distinction between car and classic car.
i like and enjoy cars as objects in their own right no matter when it was made or even what it was for.
everything can only be appreciated within its time period which is why when people (and by people i mean intellgent adults) talk about all time great cars they can mention something from the 50s, 60s, 70s and any other time period because a great car isn't defined by how fast it goes, despite what the current crop of shallow minded kids will tell you.
you can make any car fast/faster but you can make a car great.
sure, your boxster s can whoop a LP400 around a track these days but the LP400 almost defined the modern supercar. At the very least it rendered everything else before it obselete when it broke covers back in the day. Go back a bit further and we have the gullwing which is possibly the first ever example of a supercar (by which i mean something that is at the extreme of what can be done in a road car). In all discussions i like to stress context because without it, nearly all things are meaningless. It is context that explains why the XJ220 ended up as a big joke whereas the F40 didn't.
i like and enjoy cars as objects in their own right no matter when it was made or even what it was for.
everything can only be appreciated within its time period which is why when people (and by people i mean intellgent adults) talk about all time great cars they can mention something from the 50s, 60s, 70s and any other time period because a great car isn't defined by how fast it goes, despite what the current crop of shallow minded kids will tell you.
you can make any car fast/faster but you can make a car great.
sure, your boxster s can whoop a LP400 around a track these days but the LP400 almost defined the modern supercar. At the very least it rendered everything else before it obselete when it broke covers back in the day. Go back a bit further and we have the gullwing which is possibly the first ever example of a supercar (by which i mean something that is at the extreme of what can be done in a road car). In all discussions i like to stress context because without it, nearly all things are meaningless. It is context that explains why the XJ220 ended up as a big joke whereas the F40 didn't.
craigcully
10-30-2005, 07:58 PM
Agreed. I have the utmost respect for the new vehicles put out every year, but at the same time I have the passion and love for the classics. I can't say I like what some companies are doing trying to mesh the old with the new (the new Charger's a shining example), as a lot of them just seem to me like they are trying to cash in on the history of their namesakes. Just my two cents.
eversio11
10-30-2005, 08:17 PM
I never got the appeal of classic cars, I would much rather sit in a modern, leather interior with perfect climate control.
It's all a matter of taste
It's all a matter of taste
Rally Sport
10-30-2005, 09:52 PM
I think that i'd much rather have a classic over a new car, I mean the feeling of you driving a car without any ABS, traction control, and much electronics under the hood is unlike any other, especially since you're driving a car that more than likely made automotive history, or influenced it in one way or another, I mean i'd literally take a 1st generation vette that's powerplant is making around 150 HP, over a new Vette C6.. but I do guess its all in the matter of taste.
jcsaleen
10-30-2005, 10:06 PM
What would be the classifacation between vintage & classic though?
Heep
10-30-2005, 10:21 PM
What would be the classifacation between vintage & classic though?
I used them virtually synonymously in my post, but in general, vintage indicates old, while classic indicates significance from the past (often coinciding with old).
I used them virtually synonymously in my post, but in general, vintage indicates old, while classic indicates significance from the past (often coinciding with old).
MBTN
10-30-2005, 10:43 PM
Three words:
REAR WHEEL DRIVE
REAR WHEEL DRIVE
PBking82
10-30-2005, 10:46 PM
As far as going places I prefer modern cars just for convinience but for pure enjoyment I prefer classics/vintage. I don't like having to drive to work in summer/winter with no heat/air. I like having ABS when I'm driving in really shitty conditions and traction control(although I don't have it in my car) is another great thing. I guess my point of difference is between driving/riding for necessity and driving/riding for enjoyment. Peace-
Heep
10-30-2005, 10:55 PM
As far as going places I prefer modern cars just for convinience but for pure enjoyment I prefer classics/vintage. I don't like having to drive to work in summer/winter with no heat/air. I like having ABS when I'm driving in really shitty conditions and traction control(although I don't have it in my car) is another great thing. I guess my point of difference is between driving/riding for necessity and driving/riding for enjoyment. Peace-
Excellent point - At the moment, a classic is my only car, and, though the benefits outnumber and outweigh the downsides, it would indeed be nice to have a little buzzbox to pop down to the shops with...
For convenience, a modern car beats a classic anyday, but as a toy, it's hard to ignore a classic (and as MBTN noted, most are RWD!).
Excellent point - At the moment, a classic is my only car, and, though the benefits outnumber and outweigh the downsides, it would indeed be nice to have a little buzzbox to pop down to the shops with...
For convenience, a modern car beats a classic anyday, but as a toy, it's hard to ignore a classic (and as MBTN noted, most are RWD!).
Rally Sport
10-30-2005, 11:22 PM
Ohh yeah, its all about Rear wheel drive.. all these new cars with front wheel drive, is just bad, and kinda takes it out of the fun of driving, so is TC and ABS in my mind, but ABS was made because people are stupid and like stomping on the brakes, but sometimes its understandable like when a kid goes after the ball right infront of your car. TC though, in my experience hasnt been really that helpful. Oh well, classic cars are better than newer ones, no matter about your climate control crap and new leather seats.
KustmAce
10-31-2005, 01:30 AM
Ohh yeah, its all about Rear wheel drive.. all these new cars with front wheel drive, is just bad, and kinda takes it out of the fun of driving, so is TC and ABS in my mind, but ABS was made because people are stupid and like stomping on the brakes, but sometimes its understandable like when a kid goes after the ball right infront of your car. TC though, in my experience hasnt been really that helpful. Oh well, classic cars are better than newer ones, no matter about your climate control crap and new leather seats.
Not everyone hot rods there car around. FWD is far more practical in icy/snowy/wet conditions than rear. As is TC and ABS.
Not everyone hot rods there car around. FWD is far more practical in icy/snowy/wet conditions than rear. As is TC and ABS.
SupaMan89T
10-31-2005, 02:49 AM
in 1 year my car will be considered a classic! (1987 toyota supra) isnt it like after 20 years it becomes a classic or somethin?
MBTN
10-31-2005, 09:24 AM
25 I think.
balls_to_the_wall
10-31-2005, 10:17 AM
After 35 years, you can get an antique tag.
twospirits
10-31-2005, 01:07 PM
in 1 year my car will be considered a classic! (1987 toyota supra) isnt it like after 20 years it becomes a classic or somethin?According to my insurance company its the following..
ConditionDescriptionAntiques25 model years and olderClassics20-24 model years oldCollectibles15-19 model years oldCustomsAutos made from 1949 to present that have been mechanically and or cosmetically alteredExoticsCars that are less than 15 years old and are considered to be appreciating in valueStreet RodsPre-1949 cars that have been mechanically and or cosmetically alteredKit CarsCars built from purchased packages and assembled by an experienced professional, manufacturer or dealer
TS out (classifying my car as an Exotic) :lol:
ConditionDescriptionAntiques25 model years and olderClassics20-24 model years oldCollectibles15-19 model years oldCustomsAutos made from 1949 to present that have been mechanically and or cosmetically alteredExoticsCars that are less than 15 years old and are considered to be appreciating in valueStreet RodsPre-1949 cars that have been mechanically and or cosmetically alteredKit CarsCars built from purchased packages and assembled by an experienced professional, manufacturer or dealer
TS out (classifying my car as an Exotic) :lol:
jcsaleen
10-31-2005, 02:37 PM
Three words:
REAR WHEEL DRIVE
Three numbers... 2 5 0 :evillol:
REAR WHEEL DRIVE
Three numbers... 2 5 0 :evillol:
jcsaleen
10-31-2005, 02:39 PM
in 1 year my car will be considered a classic! (1987 toyota supra) isnt it like after 20 years it becomes a classic or somethin?
It's 25 years for it to be a classic car. If you want it, not to conform to US standards such as emission's etc...
It's 25 years for it to be a classic car. If you want it, not to conform to US standards such as emission's etc...
Jimster
10-31-2005, 06:28 PM
Ohh yeah, its all about Rear wheel drive.. all these new cars with front wheel drive, is just bad, and kinda takes it out of the fun of driving, so is TC and ABS in my mind, but ABS was made because people are stupid and like stomping on the brakes, but sometimes its understandable like when a kid goes after the ball right infront of your car. TC though, in my experience hasnt been really that helpful. Oh well, classic cars are better than newer ones, no matter about your climate control crap and new leather seats.
Not really, there's a ton of really fun FWD cars, they just need to be light to be fun.
I'm more partial to classics, I like a car with a bit of character, a story behind it, I don't really mind if it breaks down so long as the time in beween break downs is just amazing.
Not really, there's a ton of really fun FWD cars, they just need to be light to be fun.
I'm more partial to classics, I like a car with a bit of character, a story behind it, I don't really mind if it breaks down so long as the time in beween break downs is just amazing.
MonsterBengt
11-01-2005, 12:11 PM
New cars simpy have no soul. Classics have.. And whats the fun in having a car that never breaks? No needs of go under the hood? Except to uptade the software (wtf?).
Classic cars have feelings too.
Keep classics rollin, PIT a ricer !
Classic cars have feelings too.
Keep classics rollin, PIT a ricer !
flatlander757
11-01-2005, 01:53 PM
I agree, I'd much rather take a 12 second TRUE musclecar from the late 60s or early 70s(Read: COPO/Yenko Camaro, 454 Chevelle SS/Olds 442/Hemi-Cuda) over a 10 second modern "musclecar" such as an LT1/LS1 Camaro(obviously modded to hell). Why? I love speed, but I appreciate history as well.
It's the same thing how you import guys buy the old ass hondas and whatnot since they're lighter and drop in crazy engines and make them fast.
Have you ever been under the hood of a real classic? You could smuggle Mexicans in there! It's so nice with all the room to work. It's such a bitch just to change spark plugs on my 94 Z. Not to mention that ever since the emissions BS has been mandated, NO engine has come close to sounding as good as an old iron block with true duals or open heads.
I went to a Ford car show last saturday. Know what I saw? An assload of insanely fast 03/04 Cobras. They easily outnumbered the old musclecars there like the 60s Mustangs, Torinos, and whatnot. One guy there was the original owner of a 56 or 57(I forget) Thunderbird. Those cars had a certain aura around them that made them seem magical in some indescribable way. Just looking at them brought a smile to my face.
It's an acquired appreciation.
Just to stir the pot a bit:
Now I'm obviously biased only naming American classics, because in reality I think 30-40 years from now "The Fast and the Furious" will be the equivalent of "American Graffiti" to the import crowd :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:
It's the same thing how you import guys buy the old ass hondas and whatnot since they're lighter and drop in crazy engines and make them fast.
Have you ever been under the hood of a real classic? You could smuggle Mexicans in there! It's so nice with all the room to work. It's such a bitch just to change spark plugs on my 94 Z. Not to mention that ever since the emissions BS has been mandated, NO engine has come close to sounding as good as an old iron block with true duals or open heads.
I went to a Ford car show last saturday. Know what I saw? An assload of insanely fast 03/04 Cobras. They easily outnumbered the old musclecars there like the 60s Mustangs, Torinos, and whatnot. One guy there was the original owner of a 56 or 57(I forget) Thunderbird. Those cars had a certain aura around them that made them seem magical in some indescribable way. Just looking at them brought a smile to my face.
It's an acquired appreciation.
Just to stir the pot a bit:
Now I'm obviously biased only naming American classics, because in reality I think 30-40 years from now "The Fast and the Furious" will be the equivalent of "American Graffiti" to the import crowd :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:
drunken monkey
11-01-2005, 04:12 PM
in reality I think 30-40 years from now "The Fast and the Furious" will be the equivalent of "American Graffiti" to the import crowd
...that is a frightingly scary thought....
heck, the way some kids go on about supras and R33s it looks like it's already happening.
...that is a frightingly scary thought....
heck, the way some kids go on about supras and R33s it looks like it's already happening.
flatlander757
11-01-2005, 08:20 PM
2150: Buy it now! The Fast and the Furious collector's edition DVD pack! Get all episodes Fast and the Furious 1 - 47! We only take credit card and ass-scans.
SakoTGrimes
11-03-2005, 06:51 AM
The age alone never makes it a classic. Nobody will evey call a 1998 beige Toyota Camry a classic.
Heep
11-03-2005, 06:30 PM
The age alone never makes it a classic. Nobody will evey call a 1998 beige Toyota Camry a classic.
Well, you never know - some people have started to take a liking to Austin Allegros!! :D
I agree though, that most of the cars around today will likely have less potential to become "classics." Recyclable cars...
Well, you never know - some people have started to take a liking to Austin Allegros!! :D
I agree though, that most of the cars around today will likely have less potential to become "classics." Recyclable cars...
Porsche
11-03-2005, 09:47 PM
While I won't be able to put it as eloquently as Mark initially did, there is a certain something about classic cars.
Myself, it's not so much the soul or story of a classic car, but the the setting. It seems like certain settings or occasions demand a certain pedigree of automobile. A new car is like a suit, it's versatile, crisp and looks flashy. It can somestimes be an overstatement, but with cars, modesty is a seldom found virtue.
The obvious companion to this analogy is the pair of jeans that you've loved for years. There may be a few holes, a few patches, but they're comfy, you love wearing them and, they still look good.
I could carry on, but the point is this; a classic car may not have the features and flash, but for some occasions, say a sunday morning drive, it's a 356 before a 911. Don't get me wrong though, both would be in the garage.
I'm a fan of all eras, but I'm brand specific, I can appreciate my stepdad's '71 Z28, but maybe not as much as '67 330 GTS.
Myself, it's not so much the soul or story of a classic car, but the the setting. It seems like certain settings or occasions demand a certain pedigree of automobile. A new car is like a suit, it's versatile, crisp and looks flashy. It can somestimes be an overstatement, but with cars, modesty is a seldom found virtue.
The obvious companion to this analogy is the pair of jeans that you've loved for years. There may be a few holes, a few patches, but they're comfy, you love wearing them and, they still look good.
I could carry on, but the point is this; a classic car may not have the features and flash, but for some occasions, say a sunday morning drive, it's a 356 before a 911. Don't get me wrong though, both would be in the garage.
I'm a fan of all eras, but I'm brand specific, I can appreciate my stepdad's '71 Z28, but maybe not as much as '67 330 GTS.
jcsaleen
11-04-2005, 03:16 PM
Some of my favorite classics -XJ220 concept,Jaguar E-type & the 333 sp as well & the greatest classic of all the Mclaren F1.
Vintage the old ferrari's that used to race through the forest such as this...1950 Ferrari 275 F1
http://www.ideahobby.it/Ferrari/Images/1950-275_f1_g.jpg
& the old formula car's back in the legendary days at spa... 1966 F1
http://www.supercars.net/PicFetch?pic=1966_ferrari_246_f1-1.jpg
My defintetion as far as an F1 car when the word comes to mind is this. I have thought of this image even as a child. The low 90's series of bennettons I always loved...
http://www.f1-grandprix.com/schumacher.jpg
Vintage the old ferrari's that used to race through the forest such as this...1950 Ferrari 275 F1
http://www.ideahobby.it/Ferrari/Images/1950-275_f1_g.jpg
& the old formula car's back in the legendary days at spa... 1966 F1
http://www.supercars.net/PicFetch?pic=1966_ferrari_246_f1-1.jpg
My defintetion as far as an F1 car when the word comes to mind is this. I have thought of this image even as a child. The low 90's series of bennettons I always loved...
http://www.f1-grandprix.com/schumacher.jpg
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