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.
The classic car is defined as a distinctive automobiles built during the Pre World War 2 era beginning after the Great Depression of 1929 till the emergence of the modern era of automobiles in the 70s. The classic car era can be divided into two categories, the pre war era and the post war era.
During the pre world war time, cars manufactured with enclosed structures and incorporated fenders were the most preferred ones. In the later years, cars with sedan body including storage boots or trunks became popular and these kinds of quality models ruled the roads for a long time. With the end of the era of classic cars, the use of previously popular models like phaetons, touring vehicles and the open-top runabouts also diminished and slowly got out of use as well.
The running boards, wings, and headlights gradually got incorporated in the body of the car. A number of technological developments took place during this time such as the all synchromesh gearbox, V8 flathead engine, front wheel transmission, monocoque body V12 engines and so on. All these contributed to the development of the classic car. Near the end of the pre war era the number of car manufacturer declined due to the constant mergers and acquisitions of the small auto manufacturers by the giants.
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.
After the war many of the automobile giants felt the need for smaller family type cars. Cars like Ford Consul, Morris Minor and Rover P4 became very popular. The Volkswagen Beetle the largest sold car model till date became a hit in the European and US markets because of its compact size and shape. Beetle remained the largest sold car till the production was stopped in 2003.
It was in this phase that requirement of small family cars gave free passage to Japanese car making companies which succeeded in feeding the market with adequate supply. However, a British Car Mini, small in size, too was very popular in those days.
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.
Technical developments of classic car resulted in the form of inclusion of double wishbone suspension, uni-body shape; McPherson Strut suspension; twin V and boxer engines that took place in later years. To improve the performance of engines in terms of power and speed, upgradation and developments were also initiated from time to time.
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