Is it a function of age?

[pj67coll]

I'm currently having an argument with my brother, the Jag nut who lives in England about the merits/demerits of Mercedes and Jaguar. It got me thinking about how we like what we like etc.

I recall my father when I was a kid going on about how useless, nebulous, junky etc modern cars were wheras the cars of the 30's and 40's when he was young were instantly recognizeable individualistic classics (at least to him). To me they were just weired looking old things I could never distinguish apart. Whereas to me the current 1960's thru 70's etc Mercedes were the epitome of instantly recognizeable individualistic classics etc. I'm 44. And to me the W140 was the "last true Mercedes". I will never own one made since that series as quite apart from the quality issues I just don't like the look of them. To me they are nebulous Jappanese inspired blobs. They "do" absolutely nothing for me when I see them in the street.

Just wondering if age has anything do do with this? Do we automatically prefer the vehicles of our formative years over newer stuff that will appeal in turn to the next generation etc? What do the rest of you think?

- Peter.