Classic Car Design

David_Aston

I was wondering which classic car models, forum users consider to still look "nice"? Despite changing design over the years.
Was looking at an XJ Jag. yesterday. Ridiculously low and wide, I thought, but also, still just right.

NBLondon

Do you mean the original XJ from the late 60s and 70s? Definitely - especially the XJC. Series III (the 80s version) was less so. XJ 40 better - but the mid-90s onwards version (X300/X308/X350) lost it.

I think a good Mk 1 Ford Capri still has the looks; as does a Mk 1 Granada; the later iterations just softened. Maybe better to drive and own but not to admire.

Lancia Stratos - an iconic shape. Audi Quattro - ditto. Citroen SM - looked futuristic in 1971; still does today.

David_Aston

Good point about which XJ it was NB
Pushing our granddaughter past in her buggie, I didn't do due diligence on model or even number plate.
Forgive me, I thought the Capri improved in shape through development.
I note your other suggestions.
How about the "Maigret" Citroen?

Car_54

NBLondon wrote: »

Lancia Stratos - an iconic shape.

Iconic? I think not. You'd struggle to find anyone - apart from Lancia fanatics - who could remember it, let alone describe the shape.

daveyjp

Whilst not old enough to be a classic there is one car you could launch today and it wouldn't look out of place. The Audi A2.

Richard53

Citroen 2CV
Triumph Dolomite (original 1854 or Sprint)
Ford Capri Mk 3
Land Rover Series 2


Apart from the first, all looked 'just right' when they were launched, and still look good today. The 2CV looked bonkers then, and does now, but it's still a classic.


Original 1960s XJ6 was just lovely, and still is.

AndyMc.....

Car_54 wrote: »

Iconic? I think not. You'd struggle to find anyone - apart from Lancia fanatics - who could remember it, let alone describe the shape.

I must be a Lancia fanatic then.

I've never owned or want one though.

fatbelly

daveyjp wrote: »

Whilst not old enough to be a classic there is one car you could launch today and it wouldn't look out of place. The Audi A2.

Definitely ahead of its time. Aluminium body, low drag, 3-cylinder engine, Good crash safety rating

You can get one for £1000

RichardD1970

Car_54 wrote: »

Iconic? I think not. You'd struggle to find anyone - apart from Lancia fanatics - who could remember it, let alone describe the shape.

Oh I don't know, to people of a certain age it is.

I know it was one of my favorite cars growing up, along with the Rover SD1 and the Manta GTE. :cool:

Oh and the Lotus Esprit.

Robisere

I worked as a foreman in a Classic Car garage.



My choices would mostly be American:
#1 - '68 Pontiac GTO, 2 door Coupe, cleanest lines of any American carmaker, no fins or "Rocketship" influences in design.
#2 - also '68 but '67 acceptable - Ford Mustang fastback, preferably the straight 6 inline engine, in Royal blue. V8 or V6 a good engine, but the straight 6 is better balanced and performance not far behind.
#3 - Chevrolet Camaro RS. 350 Cu inch engine, in metallic Blue.


Uk:

Ford Granada Mk.II with the Cologne 2.8 Ltr engine. Preferably an aouto box and the fastback body. Relaxed motorway cruiser.
Ford MK.I Capri GTXLR, now a revered classic and rare. I had one!
Capri 2.8 rally RS, had one in Germany and was worn down by an officer, to sell for more than twice what I paid for it.
Japan: (then Datsun) - Datsun Fairlady convertible, worked on and road tested a US import for a US banker working in the UK. Could never find another.

Nissan/Datsun original 240z convertible with hardtop. Blew away every Brit sports car at the time. Drove and handled like no contemporary.
Germany: Opel Monza 2.8, preferably auto box, in white. Relaxed Autobahn cruiser, so much better than the Vauxhall equivalent.

Begsey

I'd be SD1 (owned one around 2005, but wouldn't mind another), MK1 Granada, 2.8i or 3.0s Capri, 800 series Vitesse and perhaps a Turbo-x imported Nissan Bluebird.
The Rover 75 v8 would be a more modern option for me as well.