I notice that the Mazda MX-5, Bugatti Veyron and Audi TT have been voted the top three cars most likely to be classic icons of the future. It’s one of those survey things, but it was conducted by a specialist insurance broker Footman James at the Classic Car Show.
Hard to argue with that selection, but the respondents must have sent a pleasingly diverse number of candidates. Just seven per cent predicted that the Mazda MX-5 would be the vehicle most likely to be a classic icon in 50 years' time. The Bugatti Veyron had five per cent and the Audi TT four per cent of classic vehicle owners behind them.
In there with three per cent was the Aston Martin DB9, Fiat 500, Audi R8, Lotus Elise and Jaguar XKR, XF and XK. I was slightly concerned that the PR bumpf contained a claim that 2012 will be the 50th anniversary of the Renault 5. I think that should read the R4, which actually doesn’t get the respect it deserves as a back-to-basics French car that isn’t a Citroën 2CV. Then again, it’s also the 50th birthday of the MGB, which has to be one of the most overrated classics. Especially in standard trim. I like the V8 and people who make Le Mans racers out of them by getting rid of the bumpers.
So let’s turn this on its head and not worry about what’s going to be a classic, because that just happens over time, or doesn’t if the car is not universally loved. In fact, let’s be controversial here. It’s the Lotus Elan’s 50th birthday. It's pretty, light and a delight to drive, but wasn't actually all that well engineered at the time. Especially if you bought a kit and built one, reckons a retired engineer I know who pestered Colin Chapman with blueprinted criticisms.
Which classics do you want to rubbish? The argument starts here.
Join the debate
Londonist
With you entirely on the R4
I'll say no more - oh, except to say that every MG since the MGB will be rated a classic one day but ought not to be.
Smilerforce
hahahaha
They only become classics, because the owners spend more time on servicing them than their other halves.
artill
I am an ex triumph owner and
I am an ex triumph owner and like most of the cars, but the one that gets me is the Stag. Its over rated. Its quite pretty i guess, but almost everything that could be wrong with them is. The engines arent well designed, the timing chain is too long for a single chain so they stretch. The water pumps are fragile as are the heads, and they over heat too easily. The Rover V8 was available, and they chose not to use it.
They rust. Very badly.
The structure is so weak they had to add the T bar which stops them feeling like a convertible even with the roof off, and there really isnt enough room in them for 4.
Not their best effort, and built down to a price in the worst BL way
Citytiger
Stag engines
kcrally
Most classic cars rust, and
Most classic cars rust, and are structurally weak, due to their age and old design / production. However most future modern classics, eg the Audi TT, will structurally last forever, but be let down by failing electronics over time.
Broughster
Can't agree on the Stag
stags were unreliable, wobbly and made at the worst of times at BL. However, I still love the way they look and sound.
All MGs were rubbish post the chrome bumper models. I also think Minis were rubbish. Too small and uncomfortable.
jensen_healey
My Jensen Healey was 'of it's
My Jensen Healey was 'of it's era', i.e. leaky, rusty, stodgy, noisy and unreliable...but had lots of character.... I now have a Mk1 MR2 which is in another league to the Jensen and surely waiting in the wings for it's classic status recognition.
I think German cars are excellent in many respects but ultimately soulless which is the factor that defines classic popularity - can't think of any mainstream German cars over 25 years old that have a big following.......ok, just one, the Beetle.... and they are horrible to drive!
Broughster
Honda S2000
I have never owned or driven one, but a Honda S2000 would make a great future classic....and an undeniably reliable one.
Bialbero
Golf GTi perhaps? nt
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850T5
Old - not classic
A car is not a classic just because it's old. I have a fondness for 1970's British cars but very few of them could be called classics. The Morris Marina has an owner's club and a fan-base of sorts. My father had a Marina Estate when I was 17 and I have happy memories of trying to get it as sidways as possible and touching 100mph (down a hill). Every now and again I see one on ebay and a wave of nostalgia washes over me and I think .......... that it was crap in 1980 and is undoubtedly still crap now. That is true of so many so-called classics. There is a big difference between a classic and an old car that illicits an emotional response solely by disappearing from our roads. Having said, it is the very same emotional response that sustains the classic car fraternity, leading to the restoration and preservation of cars that from a purely objective point of view are and always have been rubbish. I haven't heard of a restoration of a Talbot Solara or Renault 9 yet but you never know.
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