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| | From:  Redneck_Dave (Original Message) | Sent: 12/16/2007 12:08 AM |
This is a repost to accomadate duplicate message boards AC 428
59 Cadillac Convertible
Citroen DS Decapotable
Datsun 240Z
Ford Mustang (1964-1966)
Hudson Supper Six
Saab 99 Turbo
Volvo p1800
'93 Cadillac Allante'
Dodge Charger R/T (1967-70) | <NOBR> First </NOBR> <NOBR>Previous </NOBR> <NOBR>2-11 of 11 </NOBR> <NOBR>Next </NOBR> <NOBR>Last </NOBR> <NOBR> Delete Replies </NOBR> | | Reply
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It is important to have a definition and boundaries before making a list. I propose the following definition of a Classic automobile. It is from a 1930 classic car advertisement: In order to merit this distinction, a classic must not merely excel all other cars in every respect, but must do it so definitely and by so great a margin as to establish a motor realm all its own. There have been approximately 400 brands of automobiles manufactured in the United States. Many of those are admirable and have distinctive styling and abilities. Many are worthy of mention like: L29 Cord, Delorme, Marmon, Cadillac and Packard. But few rise to the level of Classic. In fact I doubt that the list is a long as 10 for American cars or even worldwide. I believe there are three American automobiles that can be defended as Classic: Duesenberg J series Ford model T WW2 Jeep Each of these cars established a 'motor realm of its own'. Each is exclusive in that it displaced the market segment it addressed. Each did so definitely and by so great a margin that its dominance is unquestioned. | | | Reply
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Expanding the list to international ads some interesting candidates. Rolls Royce perhaps. But, Rolls was not innovative and it did not establish a realm of its own. The Packard V12, Marmon V12 and Cadillac V16, Bentley and Armstrong-Siddley all served the market as well as Rolls. There are four european makes that qualify: Bugatti Ferrari VW Beetle Auto Union (Horche etc) That gives us 7 that are clear Classics. How should they be ordered and who might qualify for the other three positions? Some candidates are: Tesla, Doble, Cord, Delorme, Range Rover, or perhaps some from your list. | | | Reply
| | | Most of these cars are names from the past. Can a modern car become a classic? Yes, but it is difficult. The reason is that the market is now mature. Excellent automobiles are available at a broad range of prices. All are superior to most classics. So a modern classic has to be more than just a stylish, boutique automobile. It must be unique. The Tesla has potential if it succeeds. I believe the Range Rover has made the grade. It has the performance of a Duesenberg; the comfort of a Rolls Royce and the utility of a WW2 Jeep. It is in a realm of its own. Range Rover | | |
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| | According to your criteria, I concede to your choices. But for the Range Rover... while it may have the performance of a Duesenberg; the comfort of a Rolls Royce and the utility of a WW2 Jeep... it breaks down like an old model Jaguar.
I think it was a good idea to start with definitions and you list excellent criteria. I should have done so.
Will you allow me to start over?
My definition of classic is a car that is so well recognized and so well loved, that any person on the planet, even a person who isn't a car lover will stop, look and say "Wow, if I had a million dollars, I'd have a car like that....."
With this as my definition, I change my list to;
59 Cadillac convertible.
There is no other car that screams "EXCESS" like the huge fins, acres of chrome and aircraft carrier size of this car. It may not have been the first winged car, and it may not have been the best... (it weighed two tons, got lousy mileage and wasn't very fast) but it, more then any car, is a symbol of an era.
Ford Mustang (64-66)
Again, this car wasn't the best for its time, but I've never met anyone who doesn't have some kind of memory regarding this classic. I have one (a convertible) and I people talk to me at almost every light I stop at. Its one of the few cars that was so well styled, modern mustangs still look very much like it... even 40 years later.
According to your definition, the Mustang should be on your list to.
VW Beetle
for the same reasons listed above
Datsun 240Z This is the car that established Japan as the world's leader in sports cars in 1969 and for many years after. It's styling was crisper, more unique and less expensive it competitors.
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| | | Late 60s, early 70s muscle cars. Especially Mustang! | | Reply
| | Go anywhere Lada is always a nice redneck classic!  | | Reply
| | | Go anywhere Lada is always a nice redneck classic! | Finally mowed your front yard, didcha? | | Reply
| | | I have owned some antiques remember these weren't antiques when I owned them a 53 Chevrolet SW a 61 Covair Monza a 56 Chevrolet BelAir a 58 Pontiac Chieftain (I loved that car) and old Harley (shook like a earthquake and leaked oil) a 63 Ford Country Squire SW (put 300K on it before the engine blew) and an old Datsun B210 (right after changing the plugs I had an urge to go find a Nip and kick his ass) My father had a LaSalle 12 cylinder(I think) I swear the float chamber held a gallon of fuel | | Reply
| | | Yes, the occasional mowing does come up with some interesting treasures!!!!! | | Reply
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In 1959 I was at the Santa Maria Inn (Santa Maria CA). There was a thunderous low rumbling and the above Duesenberg rolled out of a garage. 193(1) J Murphy body Boat Tailed Speedster. . It fit Charlies' criterion of : Wow, I gotta get me one of those! | | |
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