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.
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Believe it or not, a green
Believe it or not, a green example passed by my left this morning and I thought about this same topic! new audi coupe A5 version was one of my favourite cars of the era, and I regard them as very reliable and beautiful cars. Classic?
Future classics
It's got to be good (anyone can build a bad car) which means it was pretty trouble free to own and run and relatively rare - not because they've all imploded or rusted away but because they were so good and individual that not many were made or bought. IMO these mass produced lumps don't cut it - MGB sills, Mini Cooper S' with hydrolastic suspension, unsteerable Healey 3000s with tin worm, the evaporating Fiat 124 Special T, Citroen DS needing an on-board mechanic etc etc. And exotic supercars which owners didn't dare drive - Maseratis, Ferraris, Lamborghinis in general and the odd Jaguar and Aston were rare for good reason. For me past classics include the likes of 70's Porsche 911 through to a Mercedes 190 Cosworth, picking up an Audi A2 and A4 Cab. and the correct spec Merc SL on the way. For the future Audi R8, Ferrari 456, Aston DB9, Mk II Focus RS, Mitsubishi Evo VIII, Impreza STi 8, Toyota Supra, Nissan GTR - but favourite must be the Noble M-12 GTO 3.0.
Future classics
Classic cars do not have to be good cars. I dont agree that an Audi TT will ever be a classic, it doesnt have any defining special characteristic.
I think the veyron is already a classic, because of its engineering brilliance.
I agree the mazda mx5 will become a classic, because of its handling design focus. For the same reasons I think the Toyota Gt86 / subaru brz will one day be a classic. But maybe only when they get a bit rarer and stop depreciating.
Any car with a Rover V8 is surely a classic. Imagine a petrol-less future, when all cars are electric and silent, hearing the roar of an MGB, Stag or Marcos Mantula.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bFnsPIjVI4U