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Classic categories
Lud
on 25 January 2006
In another thread, it has emerged that the word 'classic' is used generally and vaguely, most often to mean 'lovingly preserved or restored old car'. Excellent though such personal statements are, they blur the meaning of the word until it is lost.
A sort of consensus seems to have emerged. I would suggest eliminating all exotica and luxury cars, there being a good case for saying anything really expensive is a classic. The categories that suggest themselves are:
Production classic (examples: Model T Ford, first true mass produced car; late-30s Lancia Aprilia, steel monocoque, compact V4, rear non-synchromesh 4-speed transaxle, all independent suspension).
Styling classic, styling being important to many (examples: first Raymond Leowy pushme-pullyu Studebaker 1948?; DS Citroen).
Speed classic (examples: chain-drive Frazer Nash; Porsche 356: both oversteerers that do a lot with a little, cars with edge).
Plenty more where they came from of course. Let's not make it too complicated.
A sort of consensus seems to have emerged. I would suggest eliminating all exotica and luxury cars, there being a good case for saying anything really expensive is a classic. The categories that suggest themselves are:
Production classic (examples: Model T Ford, first true mass produced car; late-30s Lancia Aprilia, steel monocoque, compact V4, rear non-synchromesh 4-speed transaxle, all independent suspension).
Styling classic, styling being important to many (examples: first Raymond Leowy pushme-pullyu Studebaker 1948?; DS Citroen).
Speed classic (examples: chain-drive Frazer Nash; Porsche 356: both oversteerers that do a lot with a little, cars with edge).
Plenty more where they came from of course. Let's not make it too complicated.
Comments
Garethj on 26 January 2006
"Landfill classic"I'm too polite to mention any specific vehicles which would fall into that category, but when you go to a classic car show and see an immaculate example, you think "why bother? Should have been landfill like all the others 20 years ago"
"Biggles classic"
Bentley Speed 6, Invicta etc. Chocks away!
Lud on 26 January 2006
Landfill classic is quite a good idea, but not if you're too polite to nominate one... how about Mercedes E class which goes well they say but seems to rot. As for Speed Six Bentley or Invicta, they were both very expensive when new. And how did you know my nickname was Biggles when I minicabbed in the 70s?
mrmender on 26 January 2006
I knew you could be trusted to kick this one off Lud!How about this one just on paper this sounds the bussness, date 1968 launched 5 door hatch light alloy engine 5 speed gearbox masses of interior space toaly flat load area.....Moved the game on No other manufacturer had anything close.... The car was of course the Austin Maxi! (ok Renault had the 16) On paper sounds great, but styling wise one for the landfill
Ford Capri styling moved the game on slightly but after all it was just a cortina in a party frock
Cars that get my vote Citroen Traction avant/ DS, Ford transit, (are we alowed vans)Original Mini, Beetle, Model T (actual driven one in the Isle of Man once)Original Lotus Elan Original Range Rover, I'll think of more later!
Round The Bend on 26 January 2006
I can put them into 2 simple categories:a) ones I like
b) ones I don't like
_______
IanS
Lud on 26 January 2006
So, a=classics, b=carp?
Round The Bend on 26 January 2006
So, a=classics, b=carp?>>
Only in my opinion ......
_______
IanS
Glaikit Wee Scunner {P} on 26 January 2006
We organise a road safety event for old cars and bikes every year in the High Peak. The question of the 'classic' vehicle comes up regularly.We impose a general cut-off date of 1959. Our thinking is that owners of Lagondas , Bugatti, Railtons would be put off entering if we are overwhelmed by Cortinas, MGBs etc.We get the odd dodgy/rusty Minor sneaking in but last year we'd a large entry from the Sunbeam(Talbot) owners club which just sneaked in below 1959 and were very nice. I have nothing against the more recent vehicles; but when we get unique vehicles like Sir Malcolm Campbells bluebird blue Aston Martin our policy seems to pay off.
--
I wasna fu but just had plenty.
Lud on 26 January 2006
Cars that get my vote Citroen Traction avant/ DS, Ford transit,
(are we alowed vans)Original Mini, Beetle, Model T (actual driven one
in the Isle of Man once)Original Lotus Elan Original Range Rover,
I'll think of more later!
A rusty left hand drive Light 15, 1948, twin carbs, matt buff paint, was my first car and what a beauty... bit past it of course, cost £60 from two Aussie girls in West Kensington. Enjoyed it greatly and killed it in about 6 months... A friend had two early Elans, one roadster one coupe... needed delicate clutch foot, but gear lever like a light switch, click-click, sublime... earlier you I think praised the Austin 1800 which was nicer in some ways than the Maxi and utterly enormous inside. But since it's you the Maxi can pass.
mrmender on 26 January 2006
Yes 1800 was better but on paper Maxi was aheadOthers that have come to mind Jag xj6 nothing to touch it when it came out Jag/Daimler double 6 (V12) again in a class of its own Car magazine in the 70's voted it the best car in the world at that time (May count as too expensive)
There are also cars that have moved the game backwards too Allegro, Marina, Mk3 cortina, Mk4 Escort, Lets not go there Lud! there's enough material for another thread!
Lud on 26 January 2006
Although of course mm we have to acknowledge that even these sorry devices have their adherents (in yr previous thread)... even had a Marina briefly myself with drum front brakes, wd have been all right almost without them and useless Armstrong lever shock absorbers, people with MGBs change them for telescopic ones...
Sofa Spud on 26 January 2006
>>There are also cars that have moved the game backwards too Allegro, Marina, Mk3 cortina, Mk4 Escort, Lets not go there Lud! there's enough material for another thread!Is a current example is the new Seat Leon?
Cheers, SS
mrmender on 27 January 2006
Although of course mm we have to acknowledge that even these
sorry devices have their adherents (in yr previous thread)... even had
a Marina briefly myself with drum front brakes, wd have been
all right almost without them and useless Armstrong lever shock absorbers,
people with MGBs change them for telescopic ones...
Marina's were pretty dire! In my time i've had 3....Yes 'Cos they were cheap 1x Ex gas board van 1 x1.8TC Auto! & 1x 1700 estate don't think i paid more than 200 quid for any
THey were all bad
Lud on 27 January 2006
Mine was free and only 26k miles but I still got rid of it. My father had bought it new (against my strong advice) and failed to check the front brakes for several weeks, so the fact it had drums had to be just accepted. He used to do his own mechanical work. One day when he was in the middle of changing the brake shoes, the local Conservative parliamentary candidate swept into his driveway and seized him heartily by the hand before noticing its condition. My father said the expression on the candidate's face was most rewarding.Add a comment
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