What is considered a Classic Automobile?

[falcon6874]

Just wondering how an automobile is classified a "Classic". Is my "87 560SL a classic? Probably not, but who determines what is classic?

[hoddo]

I lifted this post from sl107.com



Posted February 01, 2005 08:02 PM
Ok, as long as you don't call a 107 a classic car - it's not. Even a Gullwing isn't a classic.

The term classic is over used today and means nothing. Even MB has jumped on the band wagon and they know better too.
The term ' Classic ' comes from the classic eara of automobile building from 1929 to 1946. These were rare hand built cars with no exspense spared and real mavels in their day. A real classic is a Cord, Dusenburg or a V 16 Cadillac. Those really are cool cars. I'm particularly fond on of Delhaye's - maybe the most beautiful cars ever made. If you ever get a chance to go to Pebble Beach or Meadow Brook and see these cars you would quickly agree with me.

I'm not trying to start anything or be smart here but there's a big difference between a mass produced car like a 107 and a v 12 Marmon. Even model T and model A Ford aren't classics - they were cheap cars made in the millions.

Classic cars have VERY strict criteria one of which is WHEN they were made and how they were made.

Dan Caron's
SL BARN

benzbarn@ebtech.net
slbarn.mbz.org

[falcon6874]

Hoddo, Thank you for your response. I must admit I knew the answer before I asked the question. The word "Classic" is as you say. So, for anyone thinking that they own a "Classic", (unless you own a Cord or the like), think again! P.S. Hoddo, I'm a Cord fan!

[cbdo]

Any number of definitions could be written, but here's the one used by the Classic Car Club of America:

A CCCA Classic is a "fine" or "distinctive" automobile, either American or foreign built, produced between 1925 and 1948. They are also sometimes called "Full Classics," or just plain "Classics" (with a capital "C"). 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.
http://www.classiccarclub.org/definition.htm

[Roncallo]

Originally Posted by falcon6874

Just wondering how an automobile is classified a "Classic". Is my "87 560SL a classic? Probably not, but who determines what is classic?

Answers

Is my "87 560SL a classic? Yes

Who determines what is classic? I do

John Roncallo

[ILUVMILS]

A "classic" car is the old POS that doesn't run, but looks real nice. It's been sitting in your garage/driveway for at least five years. Someday maybe, you'll have enough time to work on it, and maybe drive it up and down the block once or twice (make sure all the neighbors see you). Then park it for another five years. After enough time has passed, no one will ask about it any more. After all, it's a classic!!! No one in their right mind would drive a classic car every day!!!

After enough time has passed, someone will offer you a few measly bucks for it, and you'll sell it. You'll stare at the empty spot in the driveway/garage, where it sat for so long, and wonder how you could've ever let it go. You'll check e-bay and find dozens of them for sale (none as nice as your's) going for big bucks!!! You'll kick yourself in the A** for being dumb enough to get rid of it!!! You'll lose sleep. Your wife and kids will move out!!! Deep depression will set in.

Then one day you'll see another one sitting in someone else's driveway. You'll notice that it never moves from it's spot. After enough time goes by, you'll wind up buying it for a few measly bucks..................