The Future of Classic Car Shows - What Will They Look Like?
Some of the Pendle Team recently went to a local classic car show in Essex and were amazed by some of the incredible classic cars on show. These had been loved and looked after for decades by their owners. It was a common sight to see older gentlemen with a cloth wiping down the pristine bodywork of their classic motor. From a Ford Model T to VW Beetles, classic car shows are a perfect illustration of how far the automotive industry has come in the last several decades.
But it got us thinking. What will future of classic cars look like? In fifty years time, what cars will be show at such events? Cars today are more mass produced and widely available than the cars of the 19th century. With the growth of leasing and finance options, cars are now a commodity that we replace every 2-5 years, much like a mobile phone. Manufacturers, in a bid to stay one step ahead of their competition, are constantly updating and upgrading their models at rate that is impossible to keep up with. In the modern era of cars, you can be driving a brand new car that is not more than a year old but is classed as the 'old model'. Of course, there are still rare cars being produced today, but that title is almost exclusively reserved for the super and hyper car market. We wanted to consider what every day cars will be on display as a classic of the future.
What makes a car a 'classic'?
The answer to this question is far from obvious. It is open to much debate and when depend on who you asked. In short, there is no definitive answer. Cars that are 40 years old and upwards are exempt from paying Vehicle Excise Duty (aka road tax), so people often use this as an approximate guide when determining if a car is a classic. In addition to classics, any car before 1930 would be classified as a vintage car. We spoke to some of those who owned classic cars at the show we went to and asked them what makes a car a classic. Naturally, it is a title that is not automatically earned when a car celebrates its 40th birthday.
Nostalgia and Memories
We spoke to Brian, who is the owner of a 1994 Mini Cooper.
He said that, for him, fond memories of a car from one's childhood and the nostalgia associated with it are what makes a car a classic. He remembered growing up with Minis that his parents owned, even recalling the distinct smell of it. Brian went on to add that many classic car owners have some historic link to the car that they now own and cherish.
Wow Factor and Rarity
Another gentleman we spoke to, although we didn't catch his name, was the owner of a very impressive Ford Model T. The Model T was produced by Ford Motor Company from 1908 to 1927. It is arguably the first mass produced, affordable car of its time. In 1924, it was priced at $290 which is the approximate equivalent of $5,156 today. Now we mentioned earlier that the cars of today are mass produced, but so was the Model T. In fact, over 15 million Model T's were sold worldwide.
The owner of this particular Model T was quick to point out that not many of them actually survive today. It is estimated, according to www.modeltregister.co.uk , that around 100,000 survive today of which 600 of those were built in England. In this respect, the age, rarity, and pure impressiveness earn this car the right to be called a classic/vintage.
The Future...
So, the future. It seems a long way off. But what sort of cars could we possibly see at the classic car shows of the 2060s+?
The Pendle Team put our heads together to have a little think of what would be on show.
Ford Focus Hatchback: Early 00's
The Ford Focus is a staple car and one that many people have owned, driven, been in, known someone with one etc etc. Yes, the Ford Focus was mass produced, but its model changes were slower during the early 00's and up to 2010. Could we possible see some early model Ford Focus at the future classic car shows?
Mercedes C63 AMG W204: 2008 - 2014
The Mercedes C63 AMG was a true powerhouse and known for its throaty roar of a 6.2L naturally aspirated V8 engine. But, in 2014, this engine was phased out and replaced with 4.0L. Many V8 enthusiasts argue that the V8 in general is dying out. As such, many AMG and V8 lovers detest what the C63 has become and resent it for even daring to bare the same name. You can still pick these cars up and they gained a bit of following.
Audi TT: 1995 - 2023
After 25 years of production, the final Audi TT rolled off of the production line in Hungary on 31st August 2023. Over 662,000 of them were made during this period and were a much love 2-door sports coupe and convertible. The engine types available cater from everyone, from its 1.8T Quattro to its 3.2L VR6, the Audi TT has been loved by many. With it now discontinued, its numbers were gradually dwindle, leaving a dedicated few to continue its legacy.
What do you think of our very short short-list? These are the top 3 cars that we think will bless the car shows that we walk around with our children and grandchildren. Will see be washed over with nostalgia at the sight and smell of 2002 Ford Focus? Will we have to explain to our descendants that yes, we once did have to put a liquid fuel in our cars and not just plug them in. Maybe we will be explaining what a gear stick is, what an engine is, and what the funny circle at the back of the car is that kicks out smoke and smells funny.
Who knows what the future will hold. Maybe 100 years from now, classic car shows will be a thing of the past as electric cars slowly kill off the fun of spending endless money maintaining a car held together with spot welds and sticky tape.
