Which cars are classics /"collectibles" /curiosities /or scrap metal?

jrosasmc

The Stovebolt Six cars are really doggy, even with 120 hp?

andre1969

...the base inline 6 put out 145 hp gross, which is probably around 110 net. I'd guess 0-60 in what? Around 17 seconds or so?

jrosasmc

Now that's slow.

speedshift

Yes, if you're racing it. Around town it would be adequate.

In high school I had a friend with the same engine in a '62 Bel Air, a car that weighs 200 lbs. more than a '57 210 according to the Encyclopedia. His car had decent pickup around town, partly because all the stovebolt puts out is low-end torque and partly because the car was geared to get off the line. Reality caught up in third gear.

'57 Chevies are light and that's why they were so quick even with a 283.

speedshift

Here's a link to the CCCA's list of what they call "full classics". I like that phrase but unfortunately it's their registered trademark so every time we use it we have to pay them a nickel.

http://www.classiccarclub.org/CarList.htm

I wonder if they'd consider this car?

http://www.car-nection.com/ccof/caddy.htm

Mr_Shiftright

My, my--I've never seen a car made out of Spam before.

ballpark

After visiting the above linked site I think I can understand Shiftrights point of view on what constitutes his definition of a "classic". Obviously engeineering and workmanship count heavily in that world.

My opinion is that this really shouldn't play any part at all. Especialy when, for the most part, these cars are no longer driven ("true classics" that is.) and eventualy there will come a time when no '57 Bel Aire or old T-Bird or 60's muscle car will be driven either. At that time the remaining examples will only be admired for thier styling, like a piece of "classic" artwork, if that even. There is always the possibility that they will only be looked upon in the same vein that we view covered wagons and horse drawn cariages today, quaint artifacts from a bygone era.

I would say that aside from styling, anything that insures the car will be remembered from a historical perspective is important. Hence my nomination of the Model-T. After all, if a car is lost to antiquity, can it really be considered a classic? As the first of it's kind, (the lowly mass produced car), and it's impact on modern society, (prior to this it was rare for an individual to venture more than 20 miles from his birthplace in a LIFETIME), this car is likely the only car that will be universaly recognized in the far far future.

I only nominated the Bel Aire because of it's ability to please the eye of the non automotive enthusiast. (people who don't care one way or the other about cars seem to gravitate to this particular car) and because it has embedded itself into the public mind as the quintesential '50s automobile. The fact that the 57 Ford outsold it is a surprise to me, but goes to show that a true classic design will endure, and one that is "popular at the time" will not nescessarily do likewise.

SO, having said all that, I will concede that TODAY the Bel Aire is not a classic. Nor are any of the other 50's and 60's cars, pedigreed or not, since the people that care about them grew up with them and can't help but entertain some bias about them. If our great grandchildren view them as classics then they will be at that time.

The Dusenbergs and Cadillacs that Shiftright favors, well those are classics, but I'm not sure that they will remain such. The design elements of those early "supercars" are very very similar. Surely a few examples will be remembered and thus remain classics, but the rest will be largely forgotten since they have no real historical significance to sustain them in our collective memories.(I could not believe how many cars are listed on that website as "true classics". Outside of the organization of "Classic Car Official Status Giver Outer Of-ers I doubt if anyone even recognizes or remembers most of these cars anymore. I can apreciate why Shiftright wants to eliminate entire classes from consideration.)

Mr_Shiftright

Sure, the list may change as some cars fade into obscurity. But the Deusenbergs and V-16 Cadillacs and the like are such magnificent machines (in real life they are HUGE cars and very imposing), and command such high prices, that it is unlikely those cars will be forgotten.

The styling could go out of fashion, that's true, and maybe someday some of these old cars will look ridiculous to us, but another element of a "true classic" is "timeless" design. Unlike trendy styling, which comes and goes, really 'classic' styling appeals to all generations for all time.

That's why a true classic is somewhat rare. A Model T is rather homely to modern eyes, and I doubt whether even the original owners thought them very beautiful.

If you had pictures of the CCCA's cars, I doubt you'd find an ugly one in the bunch.

isellhondas

Our host isn't the person who decrees what is and what is not a "Classic". As he pointed out, certain cars fit into certain catagories within the old car collectors arena.

Now, if you want to consider a Model T or a 1964 Dodge Polara to be a "classic", that's fine. Few would agree with you.

The term "classic" is way overused when describing an old car.

This is the point I think you are missing.

im_brentwood

I think there's some confusion to "Classic"and "Milestone".

I mean, take a BMW 2002. They made a TON of them. Now, it was special in that in it really started the trend towards truly successful, mainstream sports sedans. Yes, Shifty, there had been the Alfas, but the 2002 was signifigant

It is a classic? Nope. Collectible? Starting to appreciate in value? A milestone car? Owned by a very enthusiastic and passionate bunch? Yes.

Ditto my 356A. Never be a "Classic" but they are actively sought-after, reasonably valuable, they have a great and strong following, and are great little cars.

Maybe a 550 Spyder will someday be considered a classic.. But not a 356.

Ditto 57 Chevies, etc... On another note.. you guys seen what the 58 Impala Ragtops have been selling for? Suckers have caught the 57s!

Bill

ballpark

>>Now, if you want to consider a Model T or a 1964 Dodge Polara to be a "classic", that's fine. Few would agree with you.<<

You've got that "half" right. But then again I would never consider a 64 Polara a classic.

>>The term "classic" is way overused when describing an old car.
This is the point I think you are missing.<<

And the point you are missing is that this topic is:
"Which cars are classics."
Not:
"Only these cars are classics and if you dissagree please don't post".

Now, isellhondas, which cars do you think are classics, and please don't say "Whatever Shiftright says."

ballpark

>>The styling could go out of fashion, that's true, and maybe someday some of these old cars will look ridiculous to us, but another element of a "true classic" is "timeless" design. Unlike trendy styling, which comes and goes, really 'classic' styling appeals to all generations for all time.<<

This really is basicly the point I have been trying to make, and the vantage point from where I view a "classic".

This is why I believe that those old Dusie's will survive as classics. They have styling that is admired to this day, even by, or especialy by, the common man. They are intrinsicaly appealing.
Hence, they are true classics.

Let me ask you this though. Would you consider as possible future classics such 60's era muscle cars as the Boss 302, whose roots are certainly pedestrian, but which aquited themselves respectably in the Trans Am races of their day?

Or the MOPAR's that were succesful NASCAR racers?

ghulet

Obviously there are several definitions for 'classic' cars:

The 'official' (sanctioned by some group or several groups, and limited to certain cars, generally made before 1950, with low production numbers, etc.)

The car-buffs definition (wide, varying and sundry, and generally including whatever said car buff owns)

The basic/general definition (includes the usual 'collectible' American and European cars up to the late '60s). A few--Vettes, GTOs, Impala SS, Mercedes SLs, Porsche 911s, Chrysler 300s, 60s Mustangs and Camaros, blah blah blah. Again, this is pretty random and subjective, only less so than above definition.

I don't want to say 'classic' is whatever you think it is, but I don't think it's as narrow as the Classic Car Societies think it is any more.

jrosasmc

What exactly is a Crosley, anyway? Was it an English car from the '40s?

Mr_Shiftright

Crosley is an American car, and they actually made a sports car, too. the Hotshot. It is of some importance in that it was the first production car in the world with disc brakes (they didn't work, but that's another story).

carnut4

When was it that the CCCA first came up with their list of true classic cars? And, do they, have they met periodically since then to discuss possible additions to their list? Is it like the baseball hall od fame, where new members are voted in every few years, or is it a closed subject, as far as the CCCA is concerned? I notice that there are a number of Buicks and Cadillacs on the list that have the same, mass produced drivetrains that were common to a lot of non-classic cars. So, being mass produced in numbers wouldn't necessarily exclude a car from being a true classic? Do you think that any of the possible candidates we talk about here will ever make it on the list?

jrosasmc

How classic and collectible are 1929 Packards? I bet these cars when mint will command pretty high prices.

Mr_Shiftright

carnut-- Usually the cars designated classics are chosen for a combination of things, only one of which is rarity. Basically they have to be rare, important, and have to excel in their area at their time. Aesthetics are really important, too, so the coachwork pulls a lot of points. This aesthetics requirement + the rarity is what knocks out a lot of common cars which are sort of plain and homely. I suppose one could argue that a 1929 is as attractive as a 29 Packard, but it is not as rare, nor powerful, nor prestigious nor well-made. So the Packard has the leg up in many ways, once you study the issue carefully.

29 Packards -- yes, all Packards 1925-34 are considered Classics but not all are very valuable. A 1928 Sedan in good shape could be bought for around $10,000 and if it's just a bit shabby, for less than that. You may even see these prices drop further. Quite frankly, a 1929 Packard 6 cylinder entry-level sedan painted a faded green with a little rust and moths in the interior is not my idea of anything very appealing or valuable. But they say "classic" so I respect their decision.

CCCA--this organization has been around for over 30 years. I really don't know when they are planning to do updates, but surely this will happen at some point, once the "new" cars age enough. One aspect of "classic" which is very important is their "endurance", to see if they remain loved, respected and admired for decades. I am sure newer cars will be designated classics, but I'm also sure they will be among the rarer, more powerful, more attractive American and foreign makes.

If you look at the list, all the cars are quite special in their own way. There are no cars produced in the hundreds of thousands.

holesnipe

My personal definition would be any old car or truck that gets my heart pumping. I understand that those who can afford to show at Pebble Beach or Meadowbrook have their own narrow definition, but mine's much more simpler.

I have seen the term much abused though, especially in newspaper ads, for example a "classic" 1977 Pontiac Astre, a "classic" 1968 Plymouth Valiant, etc.

Now, how about a 1961 or 1962 Olds Starfire or Dynamic 88 2 door coupe?? Now the thought of that 394 CID high compression V-8 wrapped in 2 tons of gorgeous steel and chrome, and the interior!!, they don't make them like that any more..............

ballpark

>>My personal definition would be any old car or truck that gets my heart pumping. <<

Watch out holsnipe, thems' fightin' words around har. I got yer back tho'.

dranoel

I've been around long enough to remember V-16 Cadillacs, V-12 Packards, Franklins, and Pierce-Arrows being driven daily in the mid 1940s. Most of them were of the late 1920s and 1930s. Therefore my "cool" cars were about 5-20 years old at the time. Go forward to 2002, the 5-20 year old cars were built from 1982-1997. There are some interesting cars during this period, but the variety of cars available in the 20s & 30s timeframe made that period more interesting for me. I still like good cars, currently own a C series Mercedes, an old Porsche 911, and a Honda CRV. --none classics or even collectable --some might argue the 911 is collectable--I just keep it clean and drive it--it's more fun that way.

Mr_Shiftright

ballpark -- he did say his "personal definition". He wasn't suggesting that they be deemed "classics" officially or that anyone else think so. I have no argument with personal favorites.

ballpark

Just lettin holsnipe know I agree with him. Or is that crossing the line as well?

Mr_Shiftright

Well I agree with him too Just trying to clarify why you got some flak from folks and he didn't, and if you noticed the difference in the "pitch".

ballpark

>>and if you noticed the difference in the "pitch".<<

Yes. I will try not to be as strident in the future.

im_brentwood

One of the most common questions asked on this Web Site is: "What exactly is a Classic Car?" The Club defines Full Classic&#153; Cars as "...fine or unusual motor cars which were built between and including the years 1925 to 1948. These very special cars are distinguished by their respective fine design, high engineering standards and superior workmanship." They were usually quite expensive when new, with relatively low production figures. You won't find your Mom's '72 Plymouth Duster or your Grandfather's Model A Ford in the ranks of CCCA. We applaud other clubs who do recognize these non-classic cars and recognize that owning one can be a lot of fun, but they are not what CCCA is all about.

That's from:

http://www.classiccarclub.org/CarList.htm

Bill

andre1969

...shouldn't the CCCA's list include only production cars, and not concepts? For example, under "Chrylser", they list, among other cars, "Newports and Thunderbolts". Only problem is, the ones they're referring to were one-off showcars and not production models. Unless, that is, my old '79 Newport would be considered a "classic" ;-)

speedshift

Shifty, any opinion on this car?

http://www.wearsch.com/darrin.htm

This is the kind of esoteric '50s car I think of when I think post-war classic, but with that Willys F-head it falls a little short in the engineering department--although they were quick for their day. Apparently a number of them didn't sell and were retrofitted by Darrin with Cadillac engines. I don't know how well the Henry J chassis they're built on performs.

Mr_Shiftright

HI Speedy,

Well, oddly enough, the Kaiser Darrin brings pretty good money at collectible car auctions, so I cannot argue with its collectibility, even though I think it is one of the most hideous, ghastly things on four wheels. One reason it will never be a classic is that it is ugly to most people; however, being an "attempt" at an American sports car gives it some historical interest, and I think it is on this basis, rather than aesthetics or technical prowess (both of which are about zero or a little less) that the car's value remains respectable.

I would categorize this car as an "interesting curiosity" type of collector car, and this niche has its followers. But as I've said so many times to no doubt bore you, if a car was a flop when it was new, it will never achieve greatness. By "flop" I don't mean financially, but in the eyes of the general and perhaps even non-car buying public. Same holds true for new cars presented today. If it leaves you flat when your 51 it's not going to excite you when you're 51 and got cash to spend. The Kaiser Darrin came and went pretty quickly with some temporary flurry of publicity that quickly died out.

andre1969

...I think it could've been an attractive car, except for the taillights that looked like they were thrown on as an afterthought. Also, central themes up front tend not to go over too well with me, as they end up making me think of a '58 Edsel or some other "piggy" design.

kinley

'Collectible Cars' rather than 'Classic Cars'.

andre1969

...or, to cover it better, maybe "Antiques, collectibles, and classics?" Of course, we've also gone off on tangents such as the Fairmont, GM's Diesels, '77-96 B-bodies, etc, so I don't know what a good catch-all title would be?

speedshift

That's right, I'd forgotten Shifty's Flop Rule.

As usual, the Darrin looks a lot better in the ads than in the amateur photos. The ad photos catch that nose-up jet fighter look, so hip then and so funky today. I've heard the grille called the "Clara Bow grille" because it resembles the mouth of a certain '20s movie star.

As for the main title, I'd like something besides Classic Cars too but since the idea is to draw the largest number of posters to this site I think Classic works best. Classic is the most universal word, it's just that everyone here has their own definition. That's okay--I've learned more about Fairmonts than I...well, than I ever wanted to know ;-).

Mr_Shiftright

Well, let's try a change in title and see what happens. If we don't get a comfortable mix of people and responses, we'll switch back, okay?

Shifty

andre1969

...like Derwood, Duspin, Dumbo, and all the other mis-pronunciations that Endora made on "Bewtiched" ;-)

Mr_Shiftright

Yeah, the name of a car is important!

andys120

It's time to name names:

CLASSICS (to be):

It takes time to make a classic we're probably too close to make a judgment on anything newer than 1960, with a few obvious exceptions. Here are some and a few from the late 40s and 50s that will make it IMHO:

Mercedes 300SL Gullwing/Roadster
Any '50s Ferrari
60s Ferraris 250/275, esp.GTOs
'49/'50 Cad/Olds, HT/Conv
Any Cunningham or Cad Allard
BMW 507
Aston DB2/4
Chrysler 300/300B
Lamborghini Miura
Maserati Ghibli

COLLECTIBLE: Really to numerous to list..If enough time passes almost everything is collectible (look at the Nash Metropolitan, a hot collectible right now).

FUTURE SCRAP:
Mass-produced sedans that didn't have a big motor or high trim level.

Suvs with some exceptions such as original Land Rovers, FJ series Land Cruisers, G-Wagens, CJ-2
thru 5s.

Most pickups except for some oddballs w. collector potential (Dodge Red Wagons, that Dakota convertible and of course Power Wagons.

You'll let me know if I've forgotten anything.