Retro Cool or old tat?
Discussion
When do old car become cool?
Do they need to have been good all along, have Motorsport connections, be perfect examples regardless of model, be over a certain age or modified in a scene way?
It just seems that some stuff that was once considered tat has found itself desirable not long after (Generally old Japanese or German stuff), while old Ford and VX stuff seems to only become loved again after 20 or even more years and things are viewed with a heavy rose tint.
What does PH think?
Do they need to have been good all along, have Motorsport connections, be perfect examples regardless of model, be over a certain age or modified in a scene way?
It just seems that some stuff that was once considered tat has found itself desirable not long after (Generally old Japanese or German stuff), while old Ford and VX stuff seems to only become loved again after 20 or even more years and things are viewed with a heavy rose tint.
What does PH think?
Generally, people with class and vision rejuvenate a particular marque or model - people take note, and join in the romanticism of the car they used to love, or aspired to but couldn't attain. Then supply and demand economics come into play. There are now a lot of dealers that trade on this, and probably make a tidy sum in helping chivvy along the perceived value / price point.
As has been stated by others on PH before, I think (a little akin to property prices during boom) that a lot of truely wonderful classics, have artificially dragged up prices of more run of the mill / readily available kit.
Equally, as cars get older and take more cash to restore / keep good, fewer good examples survive and continue to be lavished upon, hence spotting a decent one becomes more of a "wow, look at that" moment - and with communication and forums the way it is now, we can share opinion and discussion so much easier.
I think motorsport heritage / angles of interest help, but I also think just damn good design and driving capability go a long way!
Edited to add, old tat and retro cool aren't necessarily mutually exclusive!
As has been stated by others on PH before, I think (a little akin to property prices during boom) that a lot of truely wonderful classics, have artificially dragged up prices of more run of the mill / readily available kit.
Equally, as cars get older and take more cash to restore / keep good, fewer good examples survive and continue to be lavished upon, hence spotting a decent one becomes more of a "wow, look at that" moment - and with communication and forums the way it is now, we can share opinion and discussion so much easier.
I think motorsport heritage / angles of interest help, but I also think just damn good design and driving capability go a long way!
Edited to add, old tat and retro cool aren't necessarily mutually exclusive!
Edited by GraemeP on Friday 30th November 12:51
I think it needs to be something that was cool in its time, or was romanticized. - I think there is a difference in how classics are seen depending on what group they are in.
think of the MGB/Midget/spifire/sprite. Cheap and affordable motoring, but cool in its time. - people could own them and so they have good memories of them - It was many young peoples first sporty car.
Things like the f40/countach/250GTO are dream cars, the sort of thing you have on your wall when you are 10. These are cool because they were the dream. I think that people will always love the cars that they dreamt of before reality crashed down on them as the coolest cars.
Then you have the classics that people like because they are still...not good... but nice to drive/own etc. I.e: a spitfire is not a good car, but it is fun and has a personality.
think of the MGB/Midget/spifire/sprite. Cheap and affordable motoring, but cool in its time. - people could own them and so they have good memories of them - It was many young peoples first sporty car.
Things like the f40/countach/250GTO are dream cars, the sort of thing you have on your wall when you are 10. These are cool because they were the dream. I think that people will always love the cars that they dreamt of before reality crashed down on them as the coolest cars.
Then you have the classics that people like because they are still...not good... but nice to drive/own etc. I.e: a spitfire is not a good car, but it is fun and has a personality.
The first Impreza turbos, I suspect a mint, original UK turbo that hasnt been ruined with Lexus lights, lairy paint and upgrades may appreciate, it defined a genre, it was iconic as the Escort Cosworth, look at how Integrales and Cosworths have gone, I guess they never reached the bargain basement at any point like the Impreza has but I still think it is due its day as an appreciating classic, they will be being scrapped in their droves at the moment, the 22b and its illk have their place secured and have never been cheap but the lesser models will firm up I beleive.
I think nice example sof MG/Rover stuff may aquire a nostalgia led following, not saying huge value but a Rover 200 BRM can be hand for £500 at the moment, seems cheap and worth saving to me, ditto the 800, especially the coupe which I think is one of the most handsome cars ever, ok they have a whiff about them at the mometn but that will mellow over time and nostlgia will kick in, if an RS 2000 can be worth 15 grand anything is possible as, and lets be honest, as standard they werent that much cop.
E36 M3's, got to be as cheap as they will ever get, the relative expense of the E30 will force people to look elesewhere, I know it was never regarded as good, but it is still pretty good by any measure and they are fast dissapearing.
I think nice example sof MG/Rover stuff may aquire a nostalgia led following, not saying huge value but a Rover 200 BRM can be hand for £500 at the moment, seems cheap and worth saving to me, ditto the 800, especially the coupe which I think is one of the most handsome cars ever, ok they have a whiff about them at the mometn but that will mellow over time and nostlgia will kick in, if an RS 2000 can be worth 15 grand anything is possible as, and lets be honest, as standard they werent that much cop.
E36 M3's, got to be as cheap as they will ever get, the relative expense of the E30 will force people to look elesewhere, I know it was never regarded as good, but it is still pretty good by any measure and they are fast dissapearing.
Edited by J4CKO on Friday 30th November 14:46
RAClNG SNAKE said:
Agree on the Classic Impreza, I have even looked at Rover BRMs too although I prefer the 200Vi for full Qcar effect.
How about Pre GM Saab 900 Turbo T16s? Alfa GTV V6?
The saab and the alfa are established as quirky retro cars that are mostly owned by enthusiasts or have been long term keepers by people who aren't so fussed about having a new number plate all the time and appreciate a good car.How about Pre GM Saab 900 Turbo T16s? Alfa GTV V6?
Edited by RAClNG SNAKE on Friday 30th November 15:11
I've been thinking about classic Impreza turbo 2000s recently and quite like the idea of a standard metallic red as they are quite discreet, that and EVO 1,2 3, 4 models in dark metallics to as prices seem quite favourable but running costs are potentially too much for a daily drive :-(
Being more general 90s cars are starting to get to a stage where there have been sufficient numbers lost but availability is still reasonably good. For me the 90s was a good period for significant improvements in reliability/performance whilst retaining character and not being bloated with unnecessary accessories, 55 air bags and more electronic aids than Dr Hawkins wheel chair.
kayzee said:
I think after a car's gone through the 'chav owning stage' and can then be left to proper enthusiasts to restore etc. I'm obviously only talking about classics like 205 GTi, R5 GT Turbo etc.
Not sure I'd ever call a 205 a classic myself. Certainly not for many many years yet at any rate.An enthusiasts choice maybe, but not a classic.
jdw1234 said:
BMW E36 M3
If you have an unmolested one in your cellar I reckon its nearly ready to come out and look connoisseur rather than council.
Half the time I am sure it is only PH who believe such cars are owned by CHAVs - PH where CHAVs have CASH. If you have an unmolested one in your cellar I reckon its nearly ready to come out and look connoisseur rather than council.
Maybe CHAVs vary across the UK but my idea of one is someone who would be lucky if they could afford a £150 car and spend their £50 a week JSA on cheap cider & Londsdale hoddies
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