Will Diesel Cars Ever Be Considered "Classic"?
Discussion
It seems to me that the bulk of larger and prestige cars sold in the last 15 years or so have been fitted with Diesel engines - larger Petrols seem to be a niche choice these days.
While 330d's and V8 Diesel A8's may be great cars, I can't really see anyone restoring one or them being an appreciating asset one day. Will we get to a situation where there are almost no cars from this era left, and the few large petrols that were sold are worth a fortune?
While 330d's and V8 Diesel A8's may be great cars, I can't really see anyone restoring one or them being an appreciating asset one day. Will we get to a situation where there are almost no cars from this era left, and the few large petrols that were sold are worth a fortune?
There is something of a delusion at the moment that any good condition 90s german car is an appreciating classic, but sooner or later the market will collapse or fall flat and most will disappear, and all that will be left will be the genuinely interesting models.
No doubt the cycle will happen again in a few years time, with a lot of diesels being caught up, but i doubt many will make it long term.
No doubt the cycle will happen again in a few years time, with a lot of diesels being caught up, but i doubt many will make it long term.
I doubt it, with the exception of a few niche models. The issue with most diesels is they are always the 'economy' model with the high performance (M/AMD/Type R etc) models being petrol. The few cars where the performance/top of the line models are diesels are not exactly 'classic' material (Fabia VRS, Auris SR180 etc). I think however that in appropriate vehicles such as SUVs and offroaders they could well be classic diesels as there already is today because that manner of engine suits the vehicle.
Think of all those knobs who drive any Vag product with a turbo derv and a sticker across the back window saying "no smoke no poke" etc.
One day they will be 45 years old and will have paid off their 65" telly and 3 bed ex council house and will have money to blow, then, and only then will these s
t heaps bring a load of money. Just like a load of 1980/90's ste ford that used to be driven by meat heads bringing top money now 
One day they will be 45 years old and will have paid off their 65" telly and 3 bed ex council house and will have money to blow, then, and only then will these s
t heaps bring a load of money. Just like a load of 1980/90's ste ford that used to be driven by meat heads bringing top money now caelite said:
I doubt it, with the exception of a few niche models. The issue with most diesels is they are always the 'economy' model with the high performance (M/AMD/Type R etc) models being petrol. The few cars where the performance/top of the line models are diesels are not exactly 'classic' material (Fabia VRS, Auris SR180 etc). I think however that in appropriate vehicles such as SUVs and offroaders they could well be classic diesels as there already is today because that manner of engine suits the vehicle.
Except AMG's C30 from 2003. They even produced some in "Sport Coupe"-form, a proper diesel hot hatchUnfortunately it was only available in LHD guise, and admittedly even then trumped by the equivalent supercharged petrol C32s
Classic status has little to do with the engine under the bonnet, for most everyday cars at least, even at the exec end of the market.
There are some I'd already consider classics that were available with diesel engine options - Merc Pontons or series Landies or whatever. Might even say some of the early passenger cars available with a diesel engine are more interesting in that variant for the rarity of the option at the time. I was in Paris the other week and seeing wee diesel hatches from the 80s still chugging around reminded me how pioneering the French were in this sector, and how rare most of them are now on UK roads, in petrol or diesel form.
Hard to see modern white goods cars as classics in any form really, not until a few decades have passed and their numbers have been reduced massively. And even then you're always gonna have your equivalents of Allegros and Marinas that people will argue endlessly over whether they'll ever deserve the label, regardless of engine type.
There are some I'd already consider classics that were available with diesel engine options - Merc Pontons or series Landies or whatever. Might even say some of the early passenger cars available with a diesel engine are more interesting in that variant for the rarity of the option at the time. I was in Paris the other week and seeing wee diesel hatches from the 80s still chugging around reminded me how pioneering the French were in this sector, and how rare most of them are now on UK roads, in petrol or diesel form.
Hard to see modern white goods cars as classics in any form really, not until a few decades have passed and their numbers have been reduced massively. And even then you're always gonna have your equivalents of Allegros and Marinas that people will argue endlessly over whether they'll ever deserve the label, regardless of engine type.
Edited by Citman on Saturday 15th October 01:51
Citman said:
Classic status has little to do with the engine under the bonnet, for most everyday cars at least, even at the exec end of the market.
There are some I'd already consider classics that were available with diesel engine options - Merc Pontons or series Landies or whatever. Might even say some of the early passenger cars available with a diesel engine are more interesting in that variant for the rarity of the option at the time. I was in Paris the other week and seeing wee diesel hatches from the 80s still chugging around reminded me how pioneering the French were in this sector, and how rare most of them are now on UK roads, in petrol or diesel form.
Hard to see modern white goods cars as classics in any form really, not until a few decades have passed and their numbers have been reduced massively. And even then you're always gonna have your equivalents of Allegros and Marinas that people will argue endlessly over whether they'll ever deserve the label, regardless of engine type.
Maybe, maybe not. Part of the problem may be right engine in wrong car.There are some I'd already consider classics that were available with diesel engine options - Merc Pontons or series Landies or whatever. Might even say some of the early passenger cars available with a diesel engine are more interesting in that variant for the rarity of the option at the time. I was in Paris the other week and seeing wee diesel hatches from the 80s still chugging around reminded me how pioneering the French were in this sector, and how rare most of them are now on UK roads, in petrol or diesel form.
Hard to see modern white goods cars as classics in any form really, not until a few decades have passed and their numbers have been reduced massively. And even then you're always gonna have your equivalents of Allegros and Marinas that people will argue endlessly over whether they'll ever deserve the label, regardless of engine type.
Edited by Citman on Saturday 15th October 01:51
I don't like the oily side at all, but a V10 Phaeton might have some legs & if Audi had dropped the V12 into something a bit more loveable than a Q7, that could be a winner. However, they didn't, so reasonably hard to see beyond the workhorses.
Depends on the car but possibly yes. As said on the other thread I have an immaculate low mile 190d 2.5 auto which is just a great usable modern classic to have. It runs beautifully, never gives any bother and is just a nice place to be.
I don't get time to attend many shows/events but the odd one or two, and if I take the 190 it always gets plenty of attention.
I don't get time to attend many shows/events but the odd one or two, and if I take the 190 it always gets plenty of attention.
Jimmy Recard said:
I didn't even know there was a diesel 190
Is the Mercedes 190 a classic? I think it's old but not actually classic
Interesting point - at what point does a common run of the mill car become classic? Halo cars always become classic, but there must have been a time when a Minor or a BMC 1100 was simply "old sIs the Mercedes 190 a classic? I think it's old but not actually classic
te".tomic said:
I can't really see anyone restoring one or them being an appreciating asset one day.
Wrong on both counts: http://www.prewarcar.com/index.php?option=com_cara...Yes I really don't understand the hate for the diesel engine ,it built the modern world , is more thermaly efficient than petrol and LPG engines , until recently simple and reliable , a big diesel six cylinder hard at work is music ... so yes
oh and in my experience people who are mecannicly minded like diesel,
oh and in my experience people who are mecannicly minded like diesel,
Riley Blue said:
Wrong on both counts: http://www.prewarcar.com/index.php?option=com_cara...
My thoughts too, they already are. I have pics somewhere of iirc might have been a pre-war diesel Merc.powerstroke said:
Yes I really don't understand the hate for the diesel engine ,it built the modern world , is more thermaly efficient than petrol and LPG engines , until recently simple and reliable , a big diesel six cylinder hard at work is music ... so yes
oh and in my experience people who are mecannicly minded like diesel,
Diesel stinks, has poor throttle response, doesn't rev, knocks/rattles/vibrates and is appallingly bad for human health.oh and in my experience people who are mecannicly minded like diesel,
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