Cars manufactured fifty years ago are called classic cars. There is no specific definition set for it as various manufacturers, reviewers, associations and clubs pet different concept about classic car. So the best way to explain a classic car is describing it as an old car. In other words, any old car is a classic car.

A classic car is characterized as a typical automobile shaped during the initial period of World War II just after the end of the Great Depression (1929). However, the era of classic cars is broadly categorized into the pre world war and the post world war eras. The appearance of the modern automobiles dates back to the 70s.

During the pre world war time, cars manufactured with enclosed structures and incorporated fenders were the most preferred ones. In the later years, cars with sedan body including storage boots or trunks became popular and these kinds of quality models ruled the roads for a long time. With the end of the era of classic cars, the use of previously popular models like phaetons, touring vehicles and the open-top runabouts also diminished and slowly got out of use as well.

Gradually, headlights, arms and running boards were included all over the body of the vehicle. Other technical advancements that followed included flat- headed V8 engine, V12 monocoque body engines, front wheel transmission, synchromesh gear box and other specialized parts lead to the gradual evolution of classic car. However, nearing the end of pre world war period, the total number of car makers declined to a great extent due to acquisition and mergers with the big manufacturers in those times.

Some of the popular classic cars in the pre war era were, Alvis Speed 20, Alvis Speed 25, Ford V8, Bugatti Type 57, Citron Traction Avant, Volkswagen, and Rolls Royce Phantom III.

War end heralds another phase of classic car. The automobile industry had suffered a great impact of both the wars. The big names of the industry had been washed out. Different new models and makes of different types of cars came into being. Many new coupes and tourers were introduced by the emerging manufacturers who were desperate to leave their marks.

In this phase, requirement of family cars were felt. As a result, Ford Consul and Rover P4 were very popular cars during this phase. Beetle series by Volkswagen flooded the US and European market and had an immediate impact on common man. The unique shape and compact size helped it gain more popularity. It continued to reign the road till 2003 when finally Volkswagen chose to close down the manufacturing.

It was in this phase that requirement of small family cars gave free passage to Japanese car making companies which succeeded in feeding the market with adequate supply. However, a British Car Mini, small in size, too was very popular in those days.

The sports car is another section which saw some changes. A classic car can be a sports car as well. Ferrari 250 series or Porsche’s 356 Roadstar ruled the tracks and road of Europe.

With the end of classic car phase, the new cars manufactured with many new developments of technology like uni-body, double wishbone suspension, latest engine types like rotary, twin V, boxer and so on. Everything that is associated with the present day classic car changed during this phase, from speed to power.

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