It may have been a lifetime dream of yours to finally buy and own your own classic car. But before getting swept up in the excitement of the prospect, why should you give in to your desires and make your next car a classic, and just which classic should you choose?
Of course, defining a classic car in itself comes with some difficulty, as there are a variety of cars that we may now consider classics. Perhaps the 1964 Aston Martin, the Chevrolet Corvette 1963, or the Shelby Mustang race to your mind. Whichever you may ruminate as the most iconic, classic cars have managed to amass a cult following over the years and are both collected and globally admired for their unique qualities and innovative design wherever they appear.
Whether it be the pre-World War One veteran car or the pre-1930 vintage vehicle, the post-vintage automobile or the late-twentieth century car, there is no simple definition of the classic vehicle thanks to its many categories.
But regardless of the type of vehicle that it may be, classic cars always seem to be held that degree above other automobiles. Just as the bygone decades are romanticized in ideas (reminiscent in notions of the Roaring Twenties and Swinging Sixties), cars seem to be no exception. Some of the most pioneering and charming vehicles of the past are now considered to be the classics of their genre. Perhaps it is just that cars from bygone times bring forth senses of nostalgia and rarity that help to denote that classic flavour.
Classic cars generally sit at the top of their class in all genres, including state-of-the-art beauty and inventive design. As the late Karl Lagerfeld said, “There is nothing more beautiful than a Duesenburg” – certainly, a classical beauty can be attributed to the iconic cars over the ages, making it unsurprising that so many lust to have one as their next vehicle.
The cars that stood out as the most design-savvy are now usually the ones that are remembered as the eternal classics. Some typical design features that may be associated with this are the fender-mounted mirrors, introduced in 1921 and later popularized in the 60s and 70s, pop-up headlights, or front bench seats. Even the now banished from the streets wooden side-panelling may signal the presence of what could be considered a classic car. These qualities are typical of their period and are not generally included in the design of cars today, making them classical features uniquely reminiscent of their decades and thus special in our own time.
So, although some of these features may now seem out of date and even a little tacky, there’s no doubt that by owning one you are purchasing a reminder of some of the most state-of-the-art design features of the past.
Another great thing about classic cars is how they have been able to earn their status through their association with film, TV, or perhaps with certain iconic movie characters. The 1964 Aston Martin has appeared in more 007 movies than any Bond actor and has, over its lifetime, earnt not only a status amongst the film’s fans but the stamp of a true classic. A car’s appearance in specific motor races may also work towards the same effect. The Audi Sport Quattro S1 E2 earnt its prestige through its domination of early-80s rally racing. Due to its precision in the sport, the advancements this car had in rally culture allowed it to live on as an icon of its era.
The impact of these cars, as well as their unique vintage designs, make them a rarity and, as a result, a hot commodity in short supply. So, whilst today classic cars can exist simply to be driven and enjoyed, they are also highly valuable to any avid collector.
The Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show, with discovery+, is making a triumphant return to Birmingham NEC this winter. Running from Friday 11th November until Sunday 13th November 2022, the show brings together a fantastic array of classic car and motorcycle clubs, with more than 3,000 vehicles on display and over 600 exhibitors.
For more information about the Motor Show – the Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show
