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Classic car - Era of change
Cars manufactured before 1959 are usually termed as classic cars by some experts. The real definition of a classic car may be a bit subjective with difference of opinions among car specialists, car associations, automotive clubs and car manufacturers etc. In general sense, an old car is categorized as classic one. Owning a vintage or a classic car has been a popular hobby amongst car lovers.
It can be said that the cars manufactured between the Great Depression that took place in 1929 till the onset of a modern day or 1970s, covering the stint of World War 2 can be said to be the classic cars. These cars can be categorized in two groups- cars manufactured Before WWII or After WWII.
Car with integrated fenders and completely closed bodies were among the popular ones in the pre war period. In the later part of the war years the latest sedan type body with attached storage trunk or boots in the rear dominated the roads. The previous open-top runabouts, touring cars and phaetons were abolished at the closing end of the classic car era.
Gradually, headlights, arms and running boards were included all over the body of the vehicle. Other technical advancements that followed included flat- headed V8 engine, V12 monocoque body engines, front wheel transmission, synchromesh gear box and other specialized parts lead to the gradual evolution of classic car. However, nearing the end of pre world war period, the total number of car makers declined to a great extent due to acquisition and mergers with the big manufacturers in those times.
Most popular of all classic cars in the before World War II phase were Alvis Speed 20, Rolls Royce, Citroen Traction Avant, Volkswagen, Bugatti Type 57 etc.
War end heralds another phase of classic car. The automobile industry had suffered a great impact of both the wars. The big names of the industry had been washed out. Different new models and makes of different types of cars came into being. Many new coupes and tourers were introduced by the emerging manufacturers who were desperate to leave their marks.
In this phase, requirement of family cars were felt. As a result, Ford Consul and Rover P4 were very popular cars during this phase. Beetle series by Volkswagen flooded the US and European market and had an immediate impact on common man. The unique shape and compact size helped it gain more popularity. It continued to reign the road till 2003 when finally Volkswagen chose to close down the manufacturing.
The popularity of family cars also led to the introduction of many small manufactures from other countries too like Japan. In the later years, these small companies gained tremendous popularity in the US and European markets too. Spacious Mini Model of the British Motor Corporation gained popular as another small car in Europe. This particular small car model proved to be for the small European streets.
The sports car is another section which saw some changes. A classic car can be a sports car as well. Ferrari 250 series or Porsche's 356 Roadstar ruled the tracks and road of Europe.
The technological developments during this time were uni-body, McPherson Strut suspension, Double wishbone suspension, and different types of engines like the boxer, twin V, rotary were also introduced. The performance of engine in terms of speed and power was constantly being developed and upgraded. Each of these cars is an example of a classic car. So if you want a classic car to be a part of your possessions, then you have this space to refer to.
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