Will 'modern' cars ever be considered real classics?

Grolschevik

There are appreciation societies and clubs for '70s and '80s Capris and Escorts, as well as the usual MG/Triumph/whatever.

I always wanted a Capri since I was about ten, but life...

But will more modern cars ever really achieve club appreciation classic status?

I used to have a 1 gen '83 Fiesta that might probably now qualify, but what about your bog standard 01 Focus or Corolla?

I only thought of this after I realised that, in my opinion, it's only the most recent generation of Fiestas that I find attractive. I've a 2000 Mk4 Facelift since, well, 2000, but the next marks looked like complete dogs to me up until the most recent iteration.

Sorry for the Ford focus (just saw the pun now), but what do you reckon would make a modern classic? Like, that fans would drool over (in due course)?

[Thinly disguised "will my 2000 facelift Fiesta ever become desirable" thread!]

Mister Jingles

There always will be classic cars I reckon in years to come.

Ford will always have it's following by enthusiasts. Probably not to the extent of the current fascination of older Escort's and Sierra's but it will always exist. Other then the obvious, the Fiesta ST, the 5 pot ST Focus and V6 Mondeo might be sought after cars in many years to come.

Esel

Keep it in a dry shed. Drain the tank and fuel lines. Ventilate it occasionally, but don't leave a way for spiders to get in. Smother it in petroleum jelly. Keep all the paperwork in a very safe place (tell someone where it is). Push it into a big strong plastic bag, suck (not via lungs) all the air out. Have a boxload of essential OE spare parts.

Don't die.

There is a buyer out there - for anything.

In the meantime, drive what you enjoy.

Nuw

I see your point OP... I'm actually on the same page, I don't see any of the post mid-nineties cars becoming 'classic' in a sense that you'll have your owner's club and all...

I think the whole point of classic cars is for you to spend time 'rebuilding' it and, lately, most of the cars have been more and more reliable, but what's more is that you can't really access the tools you'd need to 'rebuild' most of them, given there's computers all over the place and that it is not the same as spending time mending something with your own hands...

I think the relationship between one and his 'classic' is a good balance of joy to drive and time passed taking care/mending/rebuilding the thing, I don't see it be that easy with 'modern' cars and therefore can't really see them becoming 'classics' in the same way cars from the 70' and 80' have.

Just my 2 cents

There is nowadays just one car that I can see becoming something of the sort and that would be the C4 cactus... not that I would drive one myself, but it appears very different to the rest of the likes-for-likes-with-a-different-badge market.

millington

Depends if you define classic by age or value.

Plenty of cars from the 70s & 80s aren't valuable either. And some that are, it's only the special ones. For example, it's only really 205 GTis that still get major attention and very few standard models.

I imagine there will always be followings for some cars. In fact, Corollas are one that are guaranteed to always have fans.

Indricotherium

There are lots of cars around at the moment that are a bit quirky looking that I imagine will be considered collectable in future.

Mazda rx8
2003ish Micra
The Micra before that is defo a modern classic
Nissan leaf
The Tesla 3 when it comes out
Fiat multipla

irish bloke

Indricotherium wrote: »

There are lots of cars around at the moment that are a bit quirky looking that I imagine will be considered collectable in future.

Mazda rx8
2003ish Micra
The Micra before that is defo a modern classic
Nissan leaf
The Tesla 3 when it comes out
Fiat multipla

Cant see the Multipla as a sought after car in years to come.

The Audi RS4 (B7) model (05-08) will be a real gem in 20 years...

Indricotherium

irish bloke wrote: »

Cant see the Multipla as a sought after car in years to come.

The Audi RS4 (B7) model (05-08) will be a real gem in 20 years...

I can't see any of the bland, conservative, fade into the background yellow pack design, German cars having any sort of lasting appeal.

In my opinion, the cars that stand out a bit, or that offer something that changes the industry will be the classics of today's market.

The Prius changed the motor industry, it is an important car.

The current crop of Nissans are genuinely different looking to the other cars on the road, as was the last gen micra. So for the Multipla.

The current range of Fiat 500's and their sub models are all striking looking and offer something different.

Your Audi is probably a nice car, but does it honestly stand out, in any way; looks, technical, effect on motor industry, from another bell and whistle car from BMW, Audi, VW so on?

It's a conservatively designed car built not to push any boat out and keep the segment of the market that buys them buying cars.

ironclaw

Anything big engine'd and rare given the current race for fuel and emissions efficiency. People will want a 'real' car in 20 years in the same way people want to hear vinyl now. C63 AMG, BMW M5 and the Audi RS4 would be my picks.

Anything rare and unique for enthusiasts i.e. The VW Lupo GTI has held its price quite consistently and in some cases has even appreciated. The VXR range from Opel, especially the 2.8 V6 Vectra.

26000 Elephants

If you are an adult now, It dosn't really matter if you think that current cars will be classic or not, because you will be either dead or too old to care when they do become classics.

Every generation considers the cars they first remember as classic. The same way you do.

Same reason why there is a Mexican wave in values of exotica when they hit the 35-40 year mark. Kids who saw them when they were new are now in their 40's and can afford to buy them and demand increases. 5 years later they drop again as the next generation start buying the later cars.

irish bloke

Indricotherium wrote: »

I can't see any of the bland, conservative, fade into the background yellow pack design, German cars having any sort of lasting appeal.

In my opinion, the cars that stand out a bit, or that offer something that changes the industry will be the classics of today's market.

The Prius changed the motor industry, it is an important car.

The current crop of Nissans are genuinely different looking to the other cars on the road, as was the last gen micra. So for the Multipla.

The current range of Fiat 500's and their sub models are all striking looking and offer something different.

Your Audi is probably a nice car, but does it honestly stand out, in any way; looks, technical, effect on motor industry, from another bell and whistle car from BMW, Audi, VW so on?

It's a conservatively designed car built not to push any boat out and keep the segment of the market that buys them buying cars.

I wouldn’t be seen dead in a Multipla now, never mind in 20 years.

The same was probably said about the (German) Audi Quattro from the 80’s. That car is an icon now.

The price of a 10year old RS4 is abt 25k and they are been snapped up like there is no tomorrow. Build quality of that engine is incomparable to almost any…

millington

Indricotherium wrote: »

I can't see any of the bland, conservative, fade into the background yellow pack design, German cars having any sort of lasting appeal.

In my opinion, the cars that stand out a bit, or that offer something that changes the industry will be the classics of today's market.

The Prius changed the motor industry, it is an important car.

The current crop of Nissans are genuinely different looking to the other cars on the road, as was the last gen micra. So for the Multipla.

The current range of Fiat 500's and their sub models are all striking looking and offer something different.

Your Audi is probably a nice car, but does it honestly stand out, in any way; looks, technical, effect on motor industry, from another bell and whistle car from BMW, Audi, VW so on?

It's a conservatively designed car built not to push any boat out and keep the segment of the market that buys them buying cars.

Are you serious? The 414bhp V8 4 wheel drive wide body RS4, which was also the last manual RS4 won't be sought after? You need your head checked :eek:


All of the RS, M & AMG cars will be valuable. Theres no 2 ways about that. Most of them are already appreciating.

beauf

Multipla is a design classic. Its not just not desirable for most people.

beauf

ironclaw wrote: »

Anything big engine'd and rare given the current race for fuel and emissions efficiency. People will want a 'real' car in 20 years in the same way people want to hear vinyl now. C63 AMG, BMW M5 and the Audi RS4 would be my picks.

Anything rare and unique for enthusiasts i.e. The VW Lupo GTI has held its price quite consistently and in some cases has even appreciated. The VXR range from Opel, especially the 2.8 V6 Vectra.

Exactly. Even some of the less sporty cars will be interesting
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LhX0Y2wQfqo

Titzon Toast

Stand out cars from every generation will eventually become sought after classics regardless of maker.
Mk1/mk2 Golf gti's, 205 gti's, Celica Gt4's, VR6 Golfs/Corrado's, Fiesta XR2's.
I've an Irish 2.2 Prelude myself, it'll become a classic in 11 years time too!

draiochtanois

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El_Duderino 09

Most things that fall into a 'classic' category are more to do with the people's memories associated with the classic object. There are often questions about what current day music will be regarded as classic in the future. It probably has something to do with quality hut provably not as much as you might think.

I can't help thinking that boyzone or westlife will be considered classic pop in the future because people had a great time following them. The same will happen with today's cars. This doesn't address which cars will be considered classics. But something will definately be a classic from the 2010s.

frozenfrozen

draiochtanois wrote: »

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those V6 bmws will be the rarest of them all

josip

It's less usual for low powered, volume sellers to end up being considered a classic. eg. 2CV
Normally, a car with any kind of rally/racing pedigree will be considered a 'classic'

I should never have scrapped my 83 Fiesta.
It looked after me a few times when things got sideways...

ShadowHearth

In my opinion current cars have one massive problem to become classics. They are fitted with so many electronics and sensors. Some older cars already are a pain in a hole for that as prices for parts become more expensive then car worth all together.
Imagine in 20 years getting all those electronic bits for audi rs4.

The beauty of classic cars at out time is that they are very simple. Current moderns won't.

draiochtanois

This post has been deleted.

irish bloke

beauf wrote: »

Multipla is a design classic. Its not just not desirable for most people.

The Multipla is an average car at best built by a company with a deservedly poor reputation, designed by a couple of weed smoking hippies….

Just because it looks like one car welded to the top of another car, does not mean it will be a classic or even desirable..

ba_barabus

irish bloke wrote: »

The Multipla is an average car at best built by a company with a deservedly poor reputation, designed by a couple of weed smoking hippies….

Just because it looks like one car welded to the top of another car, does not mean it will be a classic or even desirable..

The Multiplas genius lay on the inside

irish bloke

ba_barabus wrote: »

The Multiplas genius lay on the inside

Well it certainly wasn't the outside..:)

irish bloke

ba_barabus wrote: »

The Multiplas genius lay on the inside

Ah ya, shes a lovely girl, great personality...:)

26000 Elephants

irish bloke wrote: »

Ah ya, shes a lovely girl, great personality...:)

Aside from the passive misogyny, I think you're missing the point. Your irrational hatred for the car is probably the reason why it will be a classic. Cars that divide opinion, or break the mould tend to be remembered. I'd say you will have more Multipla's turning up at shows in years to come than, say, qashqais.

ba_barabus

26000 Elephants wrote: »

Aside from the passive misogyny, I think you're missing the point. Your irrational hatred for the car is probably the reason why it will be a classic. Cars that divide opinion, or break the mould tend to be remembered. I'd say you will have more Multipla's turning up at shows in years to come than, say, qashqais.

Yep. If only I could have the Tara Green Maxi back that I sold a few years ago.

07Lapierre

What about the Toyota GT86/Subaru BRZ ?

irish bloke

26000 Elephants wrote: »

Aside from the passive misogyny, I think you're missing the point. Your irrational hatred for the car is probably the reason why it will be a classic. Cars that divide opinion, or break the mould tend to be remembered. I'd say you will have more Multipla's turning up at shows in years to come than, say, qashqais.

I dont HATE the car.. Its a car ffs...
If it is a classic it will be a classic for all the wrong reasons...

millington

07Lapierre wrote: »

What about the Toyota GT86/Subaru BRZ ?

Performance cars always end up with some sort of classic status. Theres no questioning that.

It's the peoples cars, the ordinary day to day stuff that is questionable.

Joe 90

millington wrote: »

Performance cars always end up with some sort of classic status. Theres no questioning that.

It's the peoples cars, the ordinary day to day stuff that is questionable.

Speaking as a 66 year old I see a lot of cars which were absolute rubbish when they were new being considered as classics by people who weren't born when they were new. Now they are just rubbish cars with the additional problems that come with age.

Indricotherium

26000 Elephants wrote: »

Aside from the passive misogyny, I think you're missing the point. Your irrational hatred for the car is probably the reason why it will be a classic. Cars that divide opinion, or break the mould tend to be remembered. I'd say you will have more Multipla's turning up at shows in years to come than, say, qashqais.

Exactly this.

The megane with the bum is another one that stands out.

Whatever the current fashion fancy car is will fade when the new one comes out.

Indricotherium

irish bloke wrote: »

I dont HATE the car.. Its a car ffs...
If it is a classic it will be a classic for all the wrong reasons...

Love it.

Morality to considering a car a classic!

What are the right reasons?

Brooooom broooom German brrooooommmm ?

Indricotherium

Nissan Leaf normalised electric cars in Europe.

If you were to buy and garage one now, keep it 100% mint, I feel you would make a big profit over 30-40 years.

frozenfrozen

Would someone pay 80 thousand for a nissan leaf in 40 years?

Indricotherium

frozenfrozen wrote: »

Would someone pay 80 thousand for a nissan leaf in 40 years?

It's as significant a car as the model T or the mini.

what would a mint, off the forecourt, original Mini or Model T go for now?

http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C473985

£560 new in 1967.

I would bundle the prius in that group too.

conzy

Its hard to imagine getting a 5 figure sum for my RX8 at some point in the future. It does have a unique selling point in that it was one only of the only mass produced rotary cars. But they were made in huge quantities and there are rarer variants like the PZ and R3 and the various RX7 models will always be more collectable..

At the same time look at the amount of people that scrapped VW Type 2s and used them as chicken sheds and now they are worth a fortune

Its impossible to know really what will be considered "classic" The Tesla Roadster is probably another example of something interesting that wasn't made in huge quantities

07Lapierre

millington wrote: »

Performance cars always end up with some sort of classic status. Theres no questioning that.

It's the peoples cars, the ordinary day to day stuff that is questionable.

I would call the GT86 or BRZ ordinary Day to day motors! ... well I do when i'm looking for insurance!

irish bloke

Indricotherium wrote: »

Nissan Leaf normalised electric cars in Europe.

If you were to buy and garage one now, keep it 100% mint, I feel you would make a big profit over 30-40 years.

Yes, but it would still be a pile of sh1te....

swarlb

irish bloke wrote: »

I dont HATE the car.. Its a car ffs...
If it is a classic it will be a classic for all the wrong reasons...

The mere fact that all you need do is mention the name 'Multipla' deems it a classic already. Your basic problem with the car is based on nothing more than the simple fear of the unusual, and most likely you'll feel more comfortable with something simple, bland even. How would you compare, lets say a Ferrari 250GTO with a Ford Capri.. both classics, and for completely different reasons, yet I doubt somehow if you can see them as such, as the overwhelming feeling to mock is probably too great.
Cars become 'classics' for many different reasons, nostalgia, sporting prowess, beauty, engineering specification... too many reasons to list, but the overwhelming reason is that they infuse debate or conversation. I would argue that if you mention the simple phrase 'MK2' to a car enthusiast they will know exactly what you mean, without even having to mention the Manufacturer or Model... and the same with the Multipla, and many more cars beside.

irish bloke

Indricotherium wrote: »

Love it.

Morality to considering a car a classic!

What are the right reasons?

Brooooom broooom German brrooooommmm ?

The right reasons would be everything the Multipla doesn't have

irish bloke

swarlb wrote: »

The mere fact that all you need do is mention the name 'Multipla' deems it a classic already. Your basic problem with the car is based on nothing more than the simple fear of the unusual, and most likely you'll feel more comfortable with something simple, bland even. How would you compare, lets say a Ferrari 250GTO with a Ford Capri.. both classics, and for completely different reasons, yet I doubt somehow if you can see them as such, as the overwhelming feeling to mock is probably too great.
Cars become 'classics' for many different reasons, nostalgia, sporting prowess, beauty, engineering specification... too many reasons to list, but the overwhelming reason is that they infuse debate or conversation. I would argue that if you mention the simple phrase 'MK2' to a car enthusiast they will know exactly what you mean, without even having to mention the Manufacturer or Model... and the same with the Multipla, and many more cars beside.

Capri, MK2 both classic, cool, iconic Fords. I could list many good things about them both and many others for that matter.

Just because I think Multiplas are hideous pieces of crap seems to make you think I have no appreciation or knowledge of true classic cars.

Please feel free to tell me what's so impressive about this car except its horrendous outer design

josip

irish bloke wrote: »

Capri, MK2 both classic, cool, iconic Fords. I could list many good things about them both and many others for that matter.

Just because I think Multiplas are hideous pieces of crap seems to make you think I have no appreciation or knowledge of true classic cars.

Please feel free to tell me what's so impressive about this car except its horrendous outer design

Top Gear Car of the Year 1999 (for those of us unable to form our own opinions)

26000 Elephants

irish bloke wrote: »

Just because I think Multiplas are hideous pieces of crap seems to make you think I have no appreciation or knowledge of true classic cars.

No. The fact that you think because a car is ugly is reason not to consider it a classic is why we think you have no appreciation or knowledge of true classic cars.

EazyD

What about 90's Kei cars like the Suzuki Cappucino and such? I always wanted one of them, despite the marmite looks.

irish bloke

Was TG car of the year in 2000, but that's neither here nor there.

A classic car for me has to be at least somewhat cool, something I would like to drive around in and be seen in. Not something that is classic because it looks different.

The design is wrong, it doesn't work and if it didn't have this design then we wouldn't even be discussing this car therefore it proves looks are a major factor in what is considered as a classic car...

Indricotherium

irish bloke wrote: »

Was TG car of the year in 2000, but that's neither here nor there.

A classic car for me has to be at least somewhat cool, something I would like to drive around in and be seen in. Not something that is classic because it looks different.

The design is wrong, it doesn't work and if it didn't have this design then we wouldn't even be discussing this car therefore it proves looks are a major factor in what is considered as a classic car...

So if a fiat multipla wasn't a fiat multipla it wouldn't be a fiat multipla?

But seriously,

It is an incredibly well designed car. It is unusual, it is rare.

It has things going for it other than price and marque, which seem to be your criteria for a car being a potential classic.

ba_barabus

Original scenic and the Hyundai coupe will be classics in the future.

Indricotherium

ba_barabus wrote: »

Original scenic and the Hyundai coupe will be classics in the future.

Scenic for sure, invented a class of vehicle in Europe at least.

Not so sure about the Hyundai coupe though. Don't know enough about them

swarlb

irish bloke wrote: »

Was TG car of the year in 2000, but that's neither here nor there.

A classic car for me has to be at least somewhat cool, something I would like to drive around in and be seen in. Not something that is classic because it looks different.

The design is wrong, it doesn't work and if it didn't have this design then we wouldn't even be discussing this car therefore it proves looks are a major factor in what is considered as a classic car...

Ok.. you say the 'design' is wrong.. but what you really mean is 'you don't like where the high beam headlamps are located'. The car is a wonderfully efficient design. It has six full sized seats, each completely independent of each other. It has a wider track than most 'normal' cars, giving a fairly smooth and balanced driving experience. Most models came as standard with multiple air bags, including seat and side bags. For a car from 1998 this was a decent enough spec. In the rear you can fit three standard child seats, and still have room to carry three adults in comfort and safety. Most cars (even today) with just 2 child seats in the back can only manage 2 adults up front. The driving position is high, and as the glass area is vast, all round vision is rarely a problem. From memory, there were a number of clever accessories, making full use of the rear space. Remove one rear seat for example, and you could fit a bicycle rack in it's place, which could carry 3 bicycles, so no need to fit a roof rack or rear mounted rack, and even with the cycle rack there is 5 full sized seats left. Driving them does not feel like as if you are driving a van, both the front and rear suspension layout shared components with the Fiat Coupe for example.
I could list more, but I'm most likely wasting my time as it is.
Getting back to those odd front lights, the beam they project at night more than makes up for any 'offence' they may cause from the outside.
But the main reason it is a classic, is because it carries on the tradition of the name. The original Multipla was also odd looking, and had six seats.
But if you don't 'get it', you never will.
By the way, choosing a car so that people will look at you and think you're 'cool' is most likely not what they think of the driver... it's most likely something completely the opposite.

frozenfrozen

swarlb bought 10 fiat multiplas brand new and he has them covered in a shed somewhere