Road te st
/ classic cars
WHAT MAKES A CLASSIC?
Everyone knows a classic car when they see one, right? Ferrari, Aston Martin, and most of the other exotics. But Richard Webb reckons it is far more esoteric than that
A
classic car is a generic term that can
Many cars that were not originally expensive
cover many genres of cars worthy
have become classics. The original MINI, for
of being ‘collectable’. Many would
example, is not exactly scarce but is considered
use the term ‘classic’ for a 1954 Mercedes-
by many as a classic. So if neither a high price
Benz 300SL ‘Gullwing’ or Ford Anglia in the
tag nor scarcity can define a classic, what does?
same breath. So age alone seems not to be definitive when it comes to classic status. For some, a broad definition is that classic
Classic cars are more than the sum of these parts and desirability is in the eye of the beholder. Instead, what defines a classic car
cars are ones that retain their monetary and
is far more ephemeral. What that thing is, is
aesthetic value after their production has
an aching desire – a longing you feel when you
ended. Age, scarcity, expense and the ability
see a certain car. While beauty does contribute
to define a niche in its time all contribute
to a car’s classic car status, a particular taste
to a car being noteworthy, but they do not
for a type of car is no different than your taste
guarantee elevation to classic status.
in clothing. So why try to define it at all?
42
BUSINESS CLASS • June 2013
“While beauty does contribute to a car’s classic car status, a particular taste for a type of car is no different than your taste in clothing”