What constitutes a classic car?

[james_tigerwoods]

I'm engaged in an argument with a friend, he is insisting that a Delorean is NOT a classic car, I, on the other hand disagree citing it's history and the fact that it's an older, different, car.

My question, really, is this - what constitutes a classic car? Is it subjective or is there a definitive criteria?

[McSam]

What exactly is his argument?

[james_tigerwoods]

McSam said:

What exactly is his argument?

This:

Mates opinion on the time machine said:

Delorean might be on that list due to it's age, but classic failure is all it ever was

Ok, he's right on that it wasn't exactly a success, but I personally still think it's a classic.

[Turbodiesel1690]

DeLoreans are classics, end of

[Frances The Mute]

You can argue semantics on any topic.

For me, Classic Car status is part of the unwritten man laws of the world. Like when you walk into a pub toilet and are faced with three urinals, you don't use the centre urinal unless it's the only one free. You either get it or you dont.

For the record, the Delorean is a classic.

[Rawwr]

When you get in the car and turn the key, can you be more than 95% sure it's going to start? Yes? It's not a classic car.

[cheesyblob]

Your friend is wrong. Only 3 Benz Patent-Motorwagens were made, so it wasn't a success. Does that mean thats not a classic?

[markCSC]

It wasn't a classically "good" car but it is a classic in the sense of old, interesting and valued. Maybe that's what he is getting at.

[minicab]

Classic is a broad term, and isn't related to age, or to exclusivity.

The last of the old Minis for instance became (in some eyes) instant classics, despite the youngest ones now being just over 10 years old.

Some BMW afficionados will tell you that an E30 is a 'classic' - Not in my eyes, a 2002 is a classic, an E30 is just an 80s BMW. A future classic maybe, but that's all.

The Delorean is a classic - it has been confined to the history books, and there is a lot of story surrounding their design and build, not to mention the BTTF connection.

I think a lot of detirmining whether or not a car is a classic is down to how the car is perceived. Most British Leyland tat for instance will qualify for classic status due to their age, and those close to them will brand them classics - Others will just think of them as hateful Midlands produce.