Can you imagine the launch of a new VW Golf or BMW 3 Series without talking about all the previous generations? Neither can I and that's because classic car culture is a huge part of the industry. Of course, there are models that simply die and are never heard from again. But some, the really famous ones, get a second or a third chance at life.
Take the F-Type, which is basically Jaguar admitting that even after 60 years, the classic E-Type is the best car they ever made. There's also an abundance of examples from smaller car segments, since retro=cute=sales. The MINI brand, Citroen DS, Fiat 500 and VW Beetle all fall within this category.
Which got me thinking: what other classic car or brand might work in the 21st century, if re-imagined?
I'm going to start with a few of my own ideas, which have been ruminating in my mind for a couple of years. The British car industry used to be the biggest in Europe. They made everything from sportscar to family cars and vans. I think it would be cool to see a modern day version of the Triumph Stag, built as a sort of budget brand derived from Jaguar.
The Stag Reloaded would be great as a convertible available with the basic 340 horsepower supercharged V6 from the F-Type and without all the frills of its Leaper cousin. Since modern buyers love heavy, powerful GT-type sportscars, this idea makes more sense than any Lotus.
And what about the Italians? Well, I really can't believe there aren't any Lamborghini fans out there who want a modern Espada or a 350GT. The company founder would probably jump for joy in his grave if they decided to put the engine at the front and soften up the suspension… a lot.
You want to buy American? So do I. Something like the Ford GT, AC Cobra or Plymouth Cuda would make me jump for joy. But if the new Viper has tought me anything, it's that pure muscle doesn't work any more.
The continental Europeans built some pretty amazing cars that deserve a second chance as well. If Renault can put the engine in the back of Twingo, why can't I buy a new Karmann Ghia? And why can't Porsche stop making 10 versions of every car and just build a successor to the 928 or 944? Put the engine in the right place for goodness' sake!
Volvo P1800, Citroen SM, VW Corrado, Maserati Sebring, BMW M1, BMW 8-Series, Alfa Romeo GTV – I'll just leave these here so you can pick one… or four.
Since most of the classic Japanese cars are clones, it's hard to put my finger on any specific model that needs to be brought back from the dead. But, there's always going to be a place in my heart for the sweet Mazda Cosmo. I also can't argue with a 1.1 ton mid-engined car, so the Toyota MR2 is a gooden.
But I don't think I have a monopoly on good ideas, which is why I'm curious to know which old timers you think deserve to rise like the phoenix bird.
Which got me thinking: what other classic car or brand might work in the 21st century, if re-imagined?
I'm going to start with a few of my own ideas, which have been ruminating in my mind for a couple of years. The British car industry used to be the biggest in Europe. They made everything from sportscar to family cars and vans. I think it would be cool to see a modern day version of the Triumph Stag, built as a sort of budget brand derived from Jaguar.
The Stag Reloaded would be great as a convertible available with the basic 340 horsepower supercharged V6 from the F-Type and without all the frills of its Leaper cousin. Since modern buyers love heavy, powerful GT-type sportscars, this idea makes more sense than any Lotus.
And what about the Italians? Well, I really can't believe there aren't any Lamborghini fans out there who want a modern Espada or a 350GT. The company founder would probably jump for joy in his grave if they decided to put the engine at the front and soften up the suspension… a lot.
You want to buy American? So do I. Something like the Ford GT, AC Cobra or Plymouth Cuda would make me jump for joy. But if the new Viper has tought me anything, it's that pure muscle doesn't work any more.
The continental Europeans built some pretty amazing cars that deserve a second chance as well. If Renault can put the engine in the back of Twingo, why can't I buy a new Karmann Ghia? And why can't Porsche stop making 10 versions of every car and just build a successor to the 928 or 944? Put the engine in the right place for goodness' sake!
Volvo P1800, Citroen SM, VW Corrado, Maserati Sebring, BMW M1, BMW 8-Series, Alfa Romeo GTV – I'll just leave these here so you can pick one… or four.
Since most of the classic Japanese cars are clones, it's hard to put my finger on any specific model that needs to be brought back from the dead. But, there's always going to be a place in my heart for the sweet Mazda Cosmo. I also can't argue with a 1.1 ton mid-engined car, so the Toyota MR2 is a gooden.
But I don't think I have a monopoly on good ideas, which is why I'm curious to know which old timers you think deserve to rise like the phoenix bird.
Google News