Types of Classic Cars

What makes a car classic?

Before we can get started with classic cars, it is very important to understand the difference between a classic and an antique.

Classic Cars:

Well, there are many conflicts on the definition of a classic car. According to Classic Car Club of America, for a car to become classic, 1948 is the last year. A classic car can be either American or foreign but it should have been produced between the years 1925 to 1948. Of course, there are many other factors involved, like make and model, components like, power brakes and other luxury accessories. A very strict rein is kept by Classic Car Club of America on what cars are allotted the tag of a classic car. Many people mistakenly think that cars from 1960’s and 1970’s are classic, but in reality they are not. The right term for these cars is Modern Classics, which is entirely something different.

Antique Cars:

Antique Automobile Club of America has defined that a car must be at least 25 years of age or older and is currently functioning and restored to comply with the manufacturers original specifications. By the passage of time the definition has been refined to include several classification of vehicles, for example, a new class 18 – Antique Cars with four-wheel brakes was added to the definition.

Now that we have some idea about antique and classic cars, we can move on to the our main topic, classic cars and their types.

Types of classic cars:

We can categorize them in to following types,

1. Saloons & sedans
2. Sports cars
3. Commercial vehicles

Saloons & Sedans:

There is a huge variety in this segment as these cars were produced in large numbers. When it comes to choosing from this category, it all depends on what you want to use the car for and which time period really attracts you. May be you like to drive a mini through the crowded streets, or maybe you like to cruse in style and luxury in 1930’s longest jet black American sedan.

Last but not the least you can make a practical choice by choosing a more affordable sedan, a modern classic from 1960’s, the best balance of practical and interesting cars that won’t make a huge dent in your wallet and t the same time does not cost a fortune to run. Another important thing one should keep in mind is the availability of spares.

In 1950’s and 1960’s Britain was world leader in car manufacturing, and the choice there is great. For example, a classic Austin, A35, Mini, A40, A60 Cambridge or an earlier A40 Somerset or maybe, a Ford Escort, Corsair, Cortina, 105E Anglia, 107E Perfect, 100E, 103E. Standard Triumph, Vanguard, Herald. Some other good options are, Vauxhall, Hillman, and Wolseley.

Despite the above some very common and famous options can be a VW’s Beetle, Citroen,  Renault, Saab and Volvo.

If you fancy something older, there are some very interesting and maintainable options. A Standard Austin, Morris, BSA, Wolseley, Riley and so on.

Classic Sports Cars:

A lot of people admire and aspire to a classic sports car of some type. Well there are lots of details attached to a classic sports car than just appealing looks and style.

These cars encompasses a wide range of potential machinery, varying from cars like Triumph Spitfires and MGB’s of more recent times, back to true classics such as Rileys, Singers, 1930’s MG’s. In reality the later cars are more drivable, more practical and comparatively easier to run and maintain. Some older models of classic spots care have a very good availability of spares, but most of the more unique cars like Singer 9 and Le Mans 9 have very low availability of spares. But for people who admire something a lot more unusual and from the 1930’s, then Wilseley Hornet or a Bentley are excellent options.

For every day usability something from 1950’s or 1960’s are more appropriate. There are plenty of sports cars from this era.

Commercial Vehicles:

One has a vast choice when it comes to classic commercial vehicles, but in reality most of the classic and historic trucks barely qualify for day to day use, most can ideally be used for weekend drives and classic car shows. This segment includes large commercial busses, heavy Lories, light weight pickups, and even ice cream vans, racing car carriers, and police vans.

But such large vehicles are quiet difficult to store and require a lot of space. Another huge issue is maintenance and restoration.

Some of the more popular commercial vehicles are, 1940’s WW2 trucks, and some commercial coaches.

Popular small vans include Fords 1950’s 10cwt and 5cwt range from 1938 to 57, Bedford CA and HA vans, Morris J-Type and similar JB and Austin 101, and Ford Anglia. The only problem with commercial vehicles is that spares are very hard to find and not interchangeable.

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