What does it take to be a classic?
How about a design that spawns a generation of cars, or even creates a new class all unto itself? Some true classic cars come to mind over the years: The BMW 2002 launched a brand to stardom all over the world. or the Volkswagen Rabbit GTI that spawned a whole generation of hot hatch cars that still proliferate to this day. How about the original Mazda Miata, that took the small two seat convertible to the masses with reliability and style. If you go back a bit further you see the Datsun 240Z which still lives on as the Nissan 300ZX. Even Toyota has a few with the 2000GT and the Turbo Supra.
These are the cars that make you stop and look when you see them on the street. When was the last time you saw an original Lotus Esprit, or even a super clean 70’s vintage RX7? To the knowledgeable enthusiast these cars simply stand out in the crowd and quietly command the attention of those who know truly how monumental they are. We aren’t talking of a Pebble Beach Edition here, we are talking about a pivotal element in the evolution of the automobile.
But you know if I look now, I can still see the stalwarts of a generation gone by with the Miata and 300ZX carrying on the torch. But I also see very few successors in the pipeline, everybody is going generic, plain forgetable is in and many of you don’t care. After all can you really remember what a 2001 Corolla looks like? So tell me I am wrong, look out there and tell me what the future classics are going to be. And let’s be specific, I only want to hear about cars released in the last few years, lets gives 2005 as a starting point, for our modern day classics.
What will you buy 20 years from now and tell your child this was the coolest car of the time, and that you begged borrowed to have this in your garage.