Cars with the long production run

[billywhizzzzzz]

It always annoys me when you hear how the Toyota Corolla is the best selling car of all time - because of course it was numerous cars, and all they had in common was the name. So, which cars have had long production runs - of the same model, unchanged except facelifts? For example, the E30 was 1983 - 1993 which is pretty long. The Defender has been changed numerous times, but 11a was possibly the longest production run - and really, the Series 3 was just a facelift by today's standards despite the ugly grille - so can be lumped in with the 11a which means a production run from 1959 until 1985. Is there anything longer than this? I guess maybe the Austin Ambassador living on in India. I'm not sure if the Mini should count as one production run or two (1959 - 1982) as the Rover version was so horrible in detail, interior, quality... but I guess it could, really, count as one production run from 1959 - 2000. Again, I'm confused with the Beetle as it changed pretty significantly over the years, in terms of body shape (and engines).

So, 2 questions - Other long production run? And, longest relatively unchanged production run (with mild facelifts only)?

[kambites]

I think various Morgans have been in production for a VERY long time. I believe the 4/4 was released in 1936 but I'm not sure how much it's changed over the years.

I guess you could view the current Elise as a facelift of the original S1, which would put it at close to 20 years.

How long has the live-axle Caterham Seven been in production without major chassis/bodywork changes?

Edited by kambites on Sunday 8th March 17:43

[ClaphamGT3]

The original Jaguar XJ series - 1968 - 1992 with three face lifts along the way
Volvo 140/240 series, again 1968 - 1992 but with four face lifts

[FourWheelDrift]

VW T2 Minivan (Kombi) manufactured for 63 years, only recently ended manufacture in Brazil on December 31st 2013.



Only one body type change, front end changed (split screen windscreen changed).

[DrDeAtH]

Volkswagen beetle.

[TooMany2cvs]

FourWheelDrift said:

Only one body type change, front end changed (split screen windscreen changed).

Split-to-Bay was a lot more than just changing the windscreen. They really are two different vehicles, as is the T25.

The 2cv has to be in the running, too - 1948 to 1990, with several actual parts and part numbers unchanged.

[FourWheelDrift]

TooMany2cvs said:

FourWheelDrift said:

Only one body type change, front end changed (split screen windscreen changed).

Split-to-Bay was a lot more than just changing the windscreen. They really are two different vehicles, as is the T25.

The 2cv has to be in the running, too - 1948 to 1990, with several actual parts and part numbers unchanged.

I didn't say they only changed the widscreen.

[RedBull]

Countach was in production from 1974 to 1990, changes obviously made at various points but the basic design remained throughout so that all were instantly recognisable as a Countach.

[belleair302]

Bristol cars...yes them. They manufactured 14 new Fighters between 2003 and 2010. There is still one unregistered one available. Yours for £165,00 ish. 7 years today for a car unchanged is not bad.

[GroundEffect]

That's why we generally call them 'biggest selling nameplates' rather than cars.

The Focus was the biggest selling nameplate globally last year but that is a number of different versions.

[kambites]

GroundEffect said:

That's why we generally call them 'biggest selling nameplates' rather than cars.

The Focus was the biggest selling nameplate globally last year but that is a number of different versions.

Of course some cars go the other way, for example the Toyota Auris is still called the Corolla in some markets.

[IanCress]

The Mini did 1959-2000. Obviously it's a kind of triggers broom of a car, in that there was never a complete revamp but over the years the body and engines were slowly modified.

[f1nn]

Morris Oxford/Hindustan Ambassador, 1958 to 2014 according to Wikipedia.

[Slidingpillar]

kambites said:

I think various Morgans have been in production for a VERY long time. I believe the 4/4 was released in 1936 but I'm not sure how much it's changed over the years.

Yes, 1936 for the first Morgan 4/4. Chassis while a bit different in the rear spring area is the same basic Z section and cross-members that is still in use. Front suspension cross head looks the the same and the pillars may even be the same part!

If you saw both a 1936 and a 2015 built up chassis side by side, you would definitely think you were looking at the same manufacturer

[mat205125]

I think it all comes down to common or interchangeable parts IMO.

I agree with the OP reference the Toyota Corolla. Nothing common or closely related between the generations, or from the oldest to the newest car.

I disagree with the OP reference the Mini, however, as the car was fundamentally the same body style, engine, and box throughout it's life. Suspension and brakes changed over time, as did the tinsel and trims, however the car was essentially the same.

Same goes for the VW T2 and Beetles, as well as the Land Rover Defender.

Morgan is an obvious one to nominate.

I'd like to add the London Black Cab to the list

[mat205125]

..... also the Porsche 911, up to the start of the 996 model introduction, where it was effectively replaced with a new model.

[lickatysplit]

Anything Built by Mercedes. Everytime I see one its always a c class but in a different guise

[trashbat]

The Fiat 124's still going in some form, right?

[r11co]

trashbat said:

The Fiat 124's still going in some form, right?

In Egypt, apparently.

[trashbat]

r11co said:

In Egypt, apparently.

Aye - so that thing's up to 49 years old, although it might stretch the definition a little by now, and is still unlikely to outlast the Ambassador.