For someone who doesn’t know much about the automotive world, classic cars are basically a waste. In every essence of the word: space, energy, money, and time. Not only are they heavier, slower, and difficult to maintain but also less dependable and harder on the pocket. Arguably so, newer cars are faster, more efficient, better quality, and usually, cheaper to own. To someone who is well-versed in classic cars, these are just gems waiting to be discovered.
So much so, that though one might predict a decline in car sales due to the current pandemic, the classic car market has been unaffected and is positively flourishing. Considering the many cons to it, you might assume otherwise.
Petrol-heads pay attention to all the other details that we may overlook. For a car to qualify as a classic, it needs to meet certain standards. According to Hartford, a basic definition would be “a motor vehicle of the private passenger type which is 10 or more years old and may be used on a regular basis. Its value is significantly higher than the average value of other autos of the same make and model year”.
Table of Contents
“R” You Ready To Take A Walk Down Memory Lane?
1- Renault 5 GT Turbo, 1984-1991:
This car may not look like much but it comes packing a punch. The Renault 5 GT Turbo, produced during the rally era, has a lot to offer. In fact, it is the same car that assisted Jean Ragnotti to win the Monte Carlo Rally in 1981.
With its 1.4-liter engine buried beneath the bonnet, the 5 GT Turbo only weighs around 853kg and produces 115 PS. The power-to-weight ratio on this beast of a car is incredible as it allows drivers t to accelerate from 0 to 60 in about 7.5 seconds. Furthermore, it consists of slim doors, a wide flared rear, plastic dashboards that add that retro feel, and a standard seatbelt.
Though there are plenty of alternatives such as the Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk I and Ford Escort XR3i, the value of this exquisite vehicle stands at an estimated average of $15000.
2- Rambler Ambassador, 1960:
This beauty was invented by the American Motors Corporation in 1960 and gained popularity soon after its launch. Within the first year of production, over 450.000 cars were sold. Following this, the Rambler Ambassador ranked third in sales within the industry, amongst local car manufacturers.
The design and visual appearance of the Ambassador were exclusive to the brand and came equipped with accessories such as an electric clock, twin ashtrays in the front and back, reclining seats, changeable interior fabrics, and Nash’s customary “deep coil” suspension found in the front and back. Additionally, the car comes with a classic country club hardtop and conventional four doors. Enthusiasts can also expect to find options with the hydramatic transmission along with high compression performance.
3- Rolls Royce 20/25, 1930-1937:
A pre-war, entry-level model with only 3,827 ever produced, the Rolls Royce 20/25 quickly gained popularity for being one of the best cars produced by its maker. The intricate design of this vehicle offers a 3.7 liter, six-cylinder engine made of cast iron. The car also comes with an engine-driven water pump that aims to cool down the engine in case of overheating. The dynamometer of this longer-framed vehicle shows that its capable of producing 60 horsepower at 3000 RPM.
In terms of the external features, this classic creation is nothing short of luxurious. It has a grey finishing with blue pin-stripes on the engine bay vents and doors. The interiors don’t fail to impress either, you can expect black leather seating in front and tan leather in the back. You also don’t want to miss out on the custom-painted wheels!
4- Railton Eight, 1937:
As we move along the list of classic cars, the Railton Eight is one that deserves a review. The Railton vehicles were produced between 1933 to 1940, by the Fairmile Engineering Company. The brand got its name from the famous British Engineer, Reid A. Railton who was known for designing land and water vehicles, though not directly involved in the company; Mr. Railton received a royalty on every vehicle sold.
The Railton Company on its own was known for producing exclusive, luxury sports and touring cars. The Railton Eight was the first British-American hybrid car that was put together using British design techniques and powerful American engines. Its believed that considering the exclusive nature of the car, only 1,379 Railton Eights were ever built. If you’re a petrol-head in search of a very elite collector’s item, be sure to put this beauty on top of that list.
5- Rover 100, 1960 – 1962:
The Rover 100 is every driver’s dream! With only 16,521 ever produced, this coupé changed its nameplate from Metro to Rover 100 in 1994 in continental Europe.
Though the car maintained its integrity by keeping the same 1.1 and 1.4 petrol engines, it allowed for an additional option of a 1.5 diesel engine sourced by Peugeot. Moreover, with upgrades made to every aspect of the vehicle, the exterior of the car was given a facelift. Not only is it available in tons of bold colors but the chrome trim allows for it to stay relevant in the ever-changing automotive market and disguise its actual age. The interior was redesigned as well to give it more of a luxurious, comfortable feel.
Though this model has certain cons to it, such as its poor performance during the crash test along with an outdated layout, It still is a collector’s item nonetheless. You probably wouldn’t get to drive this masterpiece a lot, but it surely is a work of art.
6- Reo Flying Cloud, 1930:
This front-engine, rear-wheel-drive is truly a sight for sore eyes. The 3438cc car was assembled by Reo Motor Co in Michigan and was considered a “middle-class product”. The Flying Cloud comes equipped with hydraulic constraints, coil ignition, spiral bevel, continental engine and draws a slight resemblance to the Grahams.
Though the car didn’t receive much of a positive response from car fanatics at the time, its solid make is not for the faint-hearted. Amos Northup, the American automotive designer, styled the car to appear as it does today – classic, formal, and exquisite. Since there are no further details on how many cars were produced, you’d be lucky to get your hands on this!
7- Riley Pathfinder, 1953 – 1957:
The Riley Pathfinder was produced in the United Kingdom with only 5.152 cars in circulation. Car aficionados believe the best feature of this vehicle was the 2.5 liters twin-cam Riley engine. In addition to this, it offers an incredible power output of 110 bhp at 4400 RPM. Other noteworthy features also include the right-hand shift, front torsion bar suspension, high-end interiors, and servo-assisted hydraulic brakes.
Though the car was visually attractive, at the time, some of its specifics were critiqued. If in plain view, the car appeared cohesive but when analyzed properly. It had separate bodywork beneath. Furthermore, the “cam-and-roller style” steering was considered too outdated. This entire backlash caused the Pathfinder infamy in the late 1950s but this automobile is still very much a classic, collector’s item and is usually a rare find.
Conclusion
If you have reached this far in the article, chances are you’re about to spend a huge chunk of your savings on this. Before you finalize that decision, you need to figure out what it is that you’re looking for and most importantly, the purpose you want it to serve.
What we can tell the three things that make a car a collectible – scarcity, age, and design. The older a car, the less likely you are to see it on the streets. If the car you’re searching for is a special or limited edition, the value increases further. And last but not least, the design – if the car is aesthetically pleasing and all visuals are up to the mark, you’ll know you’ve invested in the right piece.
Just remember, there is plenty of fish in the sea of classic cars, we hope you bag the best one!