What is a "classic"?
Post Fiend
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 11,289
Likes: 6
From: Lakewood, Ohio
here are some:
mercedes 300sl gullwing, any ferrarri
jaquar xke, any lamborghini
hemi cuda, some porsches
boss 429 mustang, some bmws
boss 302 mustang, ford retractables
hemi road runner, dodge hemi r/t
chevrolet nomad, plymouth hemi gtx
studebaker avanti, oldsmobile 442 w30
chevrolet el camino, ford ranchero
ford t-bird, most any corvette
they all have the hard to define 'it'.
mercedes 300sl gullwing, any ferrarri
jaquar xke, any lamborghini
hemi cuda, some porsches
boss 429 mustang, some bmws
boss 302 mustang, ford retractables
hemi road runner, dodge hemi r/t
chevrolet nomad, plymouth hemi gtx
studebaker avanti, oldsmobile 442 w30
chevrolet el camino, ford ranchero
ford t-bird, most any corvette
they all have the hard to define 'it'.
Last edited by quicklook2; Jan 27, 2007 at 09:24 PM.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 206
Likes: 0
From: Piney Point Shores, Md
"Classic" is: of or pertaining to automobiles distinguished by elegant styling, outstanding engineering, and fine workmanship that were built between about 1925 and 1948.
This definition came from dictionary.com, however many would argue this, (me for one) cars of that era I would consider as "Vintage". But the term "Classic" in itself is used in many different ways for instance another definition of "Classic is this;
A work that is honored as definitive in its field: His handbook on Internal Combustion Engines is a classic.
And this to;
Something noteworthy of its kind and worth remembering: Ford Trucks are "Classic" Trucks.
and lastly;
An article, that is unchanging in style: His Truck was equiped with a "classic" Bench Seat.
So it is truly the "context of use" that defines "Classic" and not necessarily a "period of time" or "time period"
Hope I did not confuse you...
This definition came from dictionary.com, however many would argue this, (me for one) cars of that era I would consider as "Vintage". But the term "Classic" in itself is used in many different ways for instance another definition of "Classic is this;
A work that is honored as definitive in its field: His handbook on Internal Combustion Engines is a classic.
And this to;
Something noteworthy of its kind and worth remembering: Ford Trucks are "Classic" Trucks.
and lastly;
An article, that is unchanging in style: His Truck was equiped with a "classic" Bench Seat.
So it is truly the "context of use" that defines "Classic" and not necessarily a "period of time" or "time period"
Hope I did not confuse you...
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 206
Likes: 0
From: Piney Point Shores, Md
Noteworthy
It's ambiguous, what ever you feel meets any one of the definitions as stated;
A work that is honored as definitive in its field:
Something noteworthy of its kind and worth remembering:
An article, that is unchanging in style:
etc, etc.
You (quicklook2) gave very good examples of what most would consider a "CLASSIC" as they each had "something noteworthy" about them let alone what car nut or even someone with a casual interest could not "remember" cars that special. They are "worth remembering".
Do I hear an "AMEN"??
A work that is honored as definitive in its field:
Something noteworthy of its kind and worth remembering:
An article, that is unchanging in style:
etc, etc.
You (quicklook2) gave very good examples of what most would consider a "CLASSIC" as they each had "something noteworthy" about them let alone what car nut or even someone with a casual interest could not "remember" cars that special. They are "worth remembering".
Do I hear an "AMEN"??
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 537
Likes: 1
From: Formerly Nawlins
Same here in Louisiana .... actually the statute reads that any car over 25 years old is an antique .... that seems wrong putting a 73 Mach 1 in the same catagory as a Model T .... I think the smogged out 351C had more power in 1 cylinder than the whole model T engine. Classic is not defined by years ... but street rod is built in 1948 or before. Here is the statutes ... may be a bit dated http://www.streetrodderweb.com/regis..._louisiana.pdf
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Post Fiend
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 11,289
Likes: 6
From: Lakewood, Ohio
regardless of what any state says, a classic can be brand new if it is a classic design.
it is impossible to define exactly what a classic is.
it is like pornography, when you see it you know what it is.
it is impossible to define exactly what a classic is.
it is like pornography, when you see it you know what it is.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 206
Likes: 0
From: Piney Point Shores, Md
Originally Posted by quicklook2
it is like pornography, when you see it you know what it is.
The vehicle is 20 calendar years or older and has not been substantially altered, remodeled or remanufactured from its original construction.
or
The vehicle is 60 calendar years or older and has not been substantially altered, remodeled or remanufactured from its original construction.
Not sure why they have 20 & 60 year.
They also have a "Street Rod" registration which requires "The vehicle is 25 calendar years or older and has been substantially altered from the manufacturer’s original design", and also that it is used for only special events, it is not a daily driver, is not used for regular transportation blah, blah, blah.
It would seem, and rightly so that most state laws do not use the term "Classic" to define the eligability of a vehicle to have special registration.
Another way to look at it is that there are plenty of old cars out there but they are not necessarily "Classic".
As "quicklook2" indicated a "CLassic" is in the eye of the beholder...
Last edited by smecomark1; Jan 28, 2007 at 01:17 PM.
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 1,728
Likes: 0
From: Keweenaw Bay, MI
I have a 1930 Ford Model "A" Coupe and it is not considered a classic. It is considered an antique. Classic cars are either low production models or all time favorites like the early "T" Birds.
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