What is a “Classic Car?” Ask twenty automotive aficionados for their definition of a classic car and you will get twenty different ideas on what each believes to be a classic. You will find some that agree as to a cutoff age, like any cars more than 30 years old. Others will tell you that any car that is still admired and desirable after fifty years is a classic.
Ask the Classic Car Club of America (CCCA) and you will get a strict definition and an extensive list of vehicles by year, make and model. They say that a CCCA Classic is a “fine” or “distinctive” automobile, either American or foreign built, produced between 1925 and 1948. Generally, a Classic was high-priced when new and was built in limited quantities. Other factors, including engine displacement, custom coachwork and luxury accessories such as power brakes, power clutch and “one-shot” or automatic lubrication systems, help determine whether a car is considered to be a Classic.
Below, is a sampling of some of the definitions that were submitted by a cross section of gear heads when asked to define a “Classic Car:”
- Time has confirmed its appeal.
- Represents an engineering, styling or event (e.g. World’s Fair) milestone.
- Many define a classic car based on an emotional response or a calculated statistic with most falling somewhere in between.
- At least 50 years old and is still admired and desirable because of its design, engineering, style, rarity and provenance.
- Sets a benchmark(s) for engineering, styling, performance or uniqueness…singularly or in some combination thereof. Those benchmarks stand the scrutiny of time, technology and taste.
- An automobile that defines an era.
- It’s like pornography….I recognize it when I see it. (my personal favorite)
- A vehicle that transcends generations is attractive to a broad cross section of people & never goes out of style.
- I want it.
Obviously, there is no consensus and none was expected. The on-going argument on the definition of a classic car has been with us for many years and it is expected to continue for many more. But maybe it is time to put it to rest and waste some time on defining antique, vintage and veteran motor cars.
The Irish author, Margaret Wolfe Hugerford gave us a clue back in 1878 when her novel, Molly Bawn suggested that “beauty is in the eye of the beholder.” Could a classic car be in the eye of the beholder and not necessarily in a published definition?
One last thought. Just because you “behold” your Yugo to be a classic, don’t expect an invitation from the Amelia Island or Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in the near future.
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