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What Are The Modern Day Classics Amongst Us?

Agent009 submitted on 08/25/2008 Official AutoSpies Timestamp: 4:48 PM
from: www.autospies.com

[62] user comments | category: Misc News

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What Are The Modern Day Classics Amongst Us?

What does it take to be a classic?

How about a design that spawns a generation of cars, or even creates a new class all unto itself? Some true classic cars come to mind over the years: The BMW 2002 launched a brand to stardom all over the world. or the Volkswagen Rabbit GTI that spawned a whole generation of hot hatch cars that still proliferate to this day. How about the original Mazda Miata, that took the small two seat convertible to the masses with reliability and style. If you go back a bit further you see the Datsun 240Z which still lives on as the Nissan 300ZX. Even Toyota has a few with the 2000GT and the Turbo Supra.

These are the cars that make you stop and look when you see them on the street. When was the last time you saw an original Lotus Esprit, or even a super clean 70’s vintage RX7? To the knowledgeable enthusiast these cars simply stand out in the crowd and quietly command the attention of those who know truly how monumental they are. We aren’t talking of a Pebble Beach Edition here, we are talking about a pivotal element in the evolution of the automobile.

But you know if I look now, I can still see the stalwarts of a generation gone by with the Miata and 300ZX carrying on the torch. But I also see very few successors in the pipeline, everybody is going generic, plain forgetable is in and many of you don’t care. After all can you really remember what a 2001 Corolla looks like? So tell me I am wrong, look out there and tell me what the future classics are going to be. And let’s be specific, I only want to hear about cars released in the last few years, lets gives 2005 as a starting point, for our modern day classics.

What will you buy 20 years from now and tell your child this was the coolest car of the time, and that you begged borrowed to have this in your garage.

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charlik05 - 8/25/2008 5:11:28 PM

-2 Boost

Going back 20 years in no particular order:

2003 Audi S8
2003 Audi RS6
2001 BMW 740il Sport or 750il Sport
1991 BMW M5
1993 Nissan 300zx 2+2
1994 Mitsubishi Spyder VR4
1999 Mercedes S500 (Grand Edition)
1999 Mercedes CL500
1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.9 Limited
1988 Oldsmobile touring sedan

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dwatson - 8/25/2008 6:12:53 PMView My AgentSpace

+3 Boost

awesome call on the 2001 7 and ESPECIALLY the 99 Grand Edition S class

MadibaP - 8/25/2008 5:14:55 PM

+4 Boost

Original Audi TT.

No doubt the most ground breaking design of the last quarter of the 20th century. Ok maybe the McLaren F1 gives it competition...

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vonbeeler - 8/25/2008 5:19:42 PM

+2 Boost

Starting with 2005:
Mercedes SL55
Ferrari 430
Lambo Gallardo
I would buy any of these in 20 years.
Can't think of much else.

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350zdon17 - 8/25/2008 6:06:48 PM

+8 Boost

Lexus never had a classic and from their designs they will never have one

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AudiNewEngland - 8/25/2008 6:09:27 PM

+2 Boost

People who buy Lexus are more classic then their cars bud.

Though the TT, yes.

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07mcs - 8/25/2008 6:35:33 PM

+6 Boost

1992 or 1993 Lexus SC400 is a classic.

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Agent009 - 8/25/2008 6:44:30 PMView My AgentSpace

+6 Boost

350zdon17 - Actually the original SC was

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204E60 - 8/25/2008 5:31:05 PM

+5 Boost

One thing is for sure: No Lexus would be in that grouping. I'm a fan of the current big S Class proportions and shape. Is it a classic? Not sure, but it was a very bold move for the company. The new Chevy Malibu is very well designed; that might become a classic.

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pushrod27 - 8/25/2008 5:32:51 PM

0 Boost

(Modern) Classic Auto Designs...

1. Audi R8

2. 1993 Lexus SC (best Lexus design ever)

3. 1992 Acura Legend (sedan & coupe)

4. 1993 Lexus GS300 (Giugaro's timeless shape predates the modern Audis which are credited for this look)

5. 2002 Cadillac Escalade (not very popular at the moment because of gas prices, but this design was a bombshell when released. Years from now it will still be an icon of what American society was at that moment. This truck made Cadillac cool again before the CTS debuted.

6. 2002 BMW 745Li (the most discussed, recognizable, and imitated luxury sedan of our day - like it or not)

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Rupert - 8/25/2008 7:36:10 PMView My AgentSpace

+4 Boost

While I hate the Escalade, it does represent a whole genre of automotive and cultural tastes. Bad taste, maybe, but still.

steve27t - 8/25/2008 7:49:57 PM

+4 Boost

Escallade ?

You can see at first glance it is a rebadged GM truck, how can that ever be a classic?

The curves of the donor truck fight with the angles that Caddy try to add, thats not design, its a bastard.

tkindred - 8/25/2008 9:41:37 PM

+1 Boost

Escalade? What a totally ugly, boxy, waste of metal.

M35MT - 8/26/2008 7:58:01 AMView My AgentSpace

+5 Boost

Good list pushrod, except you are taking a chance with the Escalade because its popularity is 'controversial'.

I will add a few to your list:

Early-mid 90's 5-series
96 Audi A4
Range Rover

GreenPlease - 8/25/2008 5:37:35 PM

+5 Boost

2000 onward (in no particular order):
1. Audi RS6 (2003)
2. Audi RS4
3. Audi TT
4. BMW 335i
5. BMW E39 M5
6. BMW e46 M3
7. Mercedes SL series
8. Mercedes CLS series
9. Toyota Prius

How do I define classic? A car that can be used everyday, had a specific set of goals, and achieved them... all in style.

Of the vehicles of above, my favorites are the e46 M3 and RS4. Both of those cars, IMO, have soul (I drive a 335 btw, needs to be harder to be a true BMW IMO).

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QuantumMatrix - 8/25/2008 6:16:31 PM

+16 Boost

HondaJapan,

Do this site a favor and delete yourself.. Nobody on here gives a damn what you think.

All you do is take up screen space with "Troll Shit"!!

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daytonaviolet - 8/25/2008 7:12:04 PM

+3 Boost

These cars are such classics, you can't remember what years you liked?

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audirevolution - 8/25/2008 11:46:30 PM

+12 Boost

HondaJap:

"And Lexus LS is the best luxury sedan in the planet, but obviously those white Yuropean imperialists would not want to admit it. LOL!!!"

Now your pissing me off. If Europeans are "white Yurepean imperialists", aren't the Japs "Yellow monkey war-criminal imperialists?" You are of little value to this site, worse than anyone else. Go back to your room and keep dreaming of one day getting your dad's 1992 Toyota Camry.
And about Hulk Hogan's son driving a Supra. Big deal! His daughter drives a MERCEDES BENZ CLS. Idiot. So much for your argument there.

German cars a just as moddable. Ever hear of VW? People with 1960's Beetles, MKI/II Rabbits mod them to hell. Your unreliable statement doesn't work there.

http://tampabay.com/news/publicsafety/accidents/article524766.ece

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QuantumMatrix - 8/26/2008 9:31:34 AM

+11 Boost

HondaJapan,

German cars are already perfect and do not need to be modified like your Asian, imperfect cars. They are so substandard that people have to mod them in order to compete with the standard German cars, and even then they are inferior.

Most Asian Modded cars are found in run down trailer parks setting in front yards and up on blocks.

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neelio - 8/25/2008 6:24:47 PM

0 Boost

BMW E39 M5
BMW E46 M3
Acura Legend
92 Lexus LS400

Btw, the lexus IS in the pic looks gooooooood

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Agent009 - 8/25/2008 6:45:15 PMView My AgentSpace

-1 Boost

That was Deepflanger's IS350

M35MT - 8/26/2008 8:00:20 AMView My AgentSpace

-1 Boost

Would be twice as nice in black - what's with this smokey grey craze?!

528i - 8/25/2008 7:12:26 PMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

BMW E39 M5
Audi RS4
GS400 (2003)

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IS3andME - 8/25/2008 7:15:13 PM

+3 Boost

Okay, I have to add the Lexus IS300 (Altezza), it had great dynamics, named Japanese car of the year in 1998 and 99, and out handled the E46 3 series sedan. It was like a 4 door Supra, but lighter than a non turbo Supra. And lets not forget that it launched the whole "Altezza light" craze, that we wish would be forgotten. We can see all the Honda Civics and 1993-96 Honda Accords with the cheap imitation aftermarket lights.

The Acura Legend coupe was the shit back in the mid 90's especially the last iteration, it had to be one of the most well designed and sexy coupes from Honda/Acura, aside from the NSX.

the 135i will become a classic, as well as the E46 M3 and the 2001 Audi S4, I liked that design. also the current E500, which recalls the old E500, which I think was hell of a car as well.

The 300Zx was a sexier design than the current 350Z, which looks like Nissan's take on the 993 Porsche 911, which again, will be a classic as being the last of the air-cooled Porsche, and that 993 Turbo and GT2, were the shit, straight fire, baby!

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M35MT - 8/26/2008 8:02:37 AMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

I wanted to mention the IS300/Altezza but didnt for fear of severe flaming. Even if you hate it, it did start an aftermarket craze and it had some awesome & unique details (chornograph gauges were awesome). And as you said it's a N/A I-6 Supra motor.

t_bone - 8/25/2008 7:18:35 PM

0 Boost

Funny that no one has mentioned Porsche sports cars or the Corvette. Because unlike the other theoretically interesting choices I can pretty much guarantee you'll see these sitting on manicured green lawns at concours events and trackside in 2028, just as their predecessors have for many decades.

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adoptgreyhounds - 8/25/2008 7:31:54 PM

+5 Boost

E46 M- last of the real racing M3's

E39 M- best all around car period

Ferrari 360- 1st true modern Ferrari

Veyron- 253mph

Enzo- what a road Ferrari should be

New Mini MK1- revived a icon

993 - last of the widow makers

Z8 (just for its shape)

Always a classic for all time McLaren F1

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GreenPlease - 8/25/2008 8:27:48 PM

+3 Boost

I like your picks. Can't believe I left out the 993...

Rupert - 8/25/2008 7:47:14 PMView My AgentSpace

+8 Boost

2000 BMW X5 - while not an interesting, exciting car, it launched the whole idea of a 'sports' SUV.

2002 (or was it 2003?) 7 series - iDrive and flame surfacing. Hate them we may, but they are important.

Cadillac Escalade - an automotive subculture encapsulated.

2005 or whatever Audi RS4 - an Audi that knocked the socks off the competition, handled amazingly and had an amazing engine

Mercedes CLS - a new type of car.

1997 Jaguar XK - the first proper sporting Jaguar in years.

2002 SL55AMG - for a while, the coolest, most fashionable car in the world. Folding roof, awesome engine and total usability.

Porsche Boxster - opened Porsche up to a whole new market (not just hairdressers).

Original Audi TT - a design icon.

Aston DB9 - just because

Bentley Continental GT - a new owner, a new market and a new spirit for Bentley, which no longer is Rolls-Royce's stupid cousin dressed in hand-downs.

2004/5 ish BMW M5 - a new found agression for BMW, and a new engine which amazed everyone.

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M53R - 8/26/2008 3:34:36 AMView My AgentSpace

+4 Boost

Well said. I agree 100%.

Matthew1 - 8/25/2008 8:45:24 PM

+4 Boost

Was this topic not already covered by another Agent a few days ago?

Here are some new topics to consider:

"Is Audi the new BMW?"

"SOUND-OFF! I heard a guy in Starbucks tell his friend that Lexus is better than BMW. Is this guy right?"

"Is Lexus tier-1? Let's argue"

"Would you buy a Hyundai over a Lexus? Which has more prestige?"

"Peter Frampton drives an Infiniti? We don't know but what would YOUR favourite rocker drive?"

"What is luxury?"

...all guaranteed to get 70+ posts.

All Rights Reserved.

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Agent009 - 8/25/2008 10:25:17 PMView My AgentSpace

+3 Boost

Man I can see the headlines now!

S4cabriofoxone - 8/27/2008 12:04:22 AMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

Good to see you still alive and kicking, Matthew.

Rupert - 8/27/2008 5:39:31 AMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

Where have you been S4?

Rupert - 8/27/2008 5:39:33 AMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

Where have you been S4?

Agent009 - 8/25/2008 10:26:13 PMView My AgentSpace

0 Boost

Homer007- seems like only you can actually read!

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QuantumMatrix - 8/25/2008 11:19:57 PM

+3 Boost

Moderators, if you ever needed a reason to delete a member, HondaJapan qualifies 100%.

Read all of his posts and see what you think.

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audirevolution - 8/25/2008 11:47:13 PM

+1 Boost

Agree +1

Monk - 8/26/2008 2:38:51 AMView My AgentSpace

+5 Boost

Hondajapan is the worst one on this site right now - he contributes NOTHING
at least MT gives us a laugh....

Agent009 - 8/26/2008 11:31:35 AMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

HondaJapan- has been retired.

SVXXX - 8/27/2008 2:14:36 PM

0 Boost

Here are others that need to go: EL34, Star, Staar, bmwman1963.

asiancars233 - 8/26/2008 1:54:07 AMView My AgentSpace

0 Boost

Definite Classics:
06-08 3-Series
94-98 Supra
98-02 Skyline
09-? SL
03-07 Lancer EVO (especially MR)
09 GT-R
05-? Veyron
01-? Murciélago
03-? Gallardo
05-? Mustang (I chose this because there are so many variants of this, it has to be a classic)

Unsure Classics:
06-? Charger
09-? Camaro
09-? Challenger

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E36er - 8/26/2008 2:59:13 AM

+3 Boost

94 Mercedes W124 500E, hand built by Porsche
92 BMW E30 M3, 195 HP was a lot of power back then
81 BMW M1, Lambo + BMW = timeless
08 Nissan GTR, a tour de force sports car
98 Porsche 993, the last of the air cooled 911's
90 Honda NSX, first Japanese super car

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M53R - 8/26/2008 3:37:46 AMView My AgentSpace

0 Boost

I would say the BMW 135i. It brings back what BMW's are all about. Small, Fast, Sporty, and amazing on the corners.

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ameerlambo - 8/26/2008 7:35:40 AM

+3 Boost

In my opinion some post 2000 cars that will no doubt become classics:

Lamborghini Diablo GT
Lamborghini Diablo 6.0
Ford GT
Alfa Romeo 8C competizione
Porsche Carrera GT

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SVXXX - 8/27/2008 2:18:16 PM

0 Boost

I would say the original 2003 Infiniti G35 Coupe and 2003 Infiniti FX vs. the G37 and FX50.

The G Coupe and the FX were super unique when they came out. They have also survived the test of time, ie NOT forgettable designs.
Alot of very good designed cars are pretty forgettable.

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Shredmo - 8/26/2008 10:47:05 AM

+2 Boost

Just a few odd balls:
Subaru WRX
Jeep GC SRT8
Mclaren SLK
Audi RS6 avant
F-150 Lightning

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sector - 8/26/2008 11:01:53 AM

+3 Boost

135i a classic? common, it's a quick car but it looks like a night on the town Miss Piggy!

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gooch - 8/26/2008 11:22:26 AM

+2 Boost

If you're going to use 2005 as a starting point, I'll have to go with the 2006 BMW M3. Still an E46, the last year of that body and motor, and it had been around long enough for the bugs to be worked out. It is agressive, it drives well, it is fast and handles great.
The 2007 Corvette ZO6 gets my vote as well. I also like the Aston DB9 (although it really is a no-brainer that will be a classic) and the Porsche Cayman S. The 2006 Infiniti G35 coupe is unappreciated in its time, but as time goes on, the design will be remembered as classic. Proportions never go out of style, and this car had perfect proportions.

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sector - 8/26/2008 1:11:13 PM

+2 Boost

I agree with the G35 coupe, when I first saw that car my jaw dropped... and when I heard it, Wow, what an exhaust note :)

theoptimisticpessimist - 8/26/2008 2:01:39 PM

+3 Boost

Any car with a six speed manual transmission and a clutch. Sorry kids SMG and DCT while desirable will less then a car with a clutch. If the car has a six speed with a turbo or V8 so much the better.

The less made of the a performance model the better.

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ubercool - 8/26/2008 2:36:04 PM

+2 Boost

Aston Martin DBS

Jaguar XF & XK

Lotus Exige

Ferrari F430 Spyder

Lambourghini Gallardo & Murcielago

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EvoAudi - 8/26/2008 6:28:38 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

E46 M3 CSL
300ZX
Supra
DB9
Original RS6
2001 735i
early 90's M5
98-06 S-Class

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Shredmo - 8/27/2008 3:29:47 PM

+2 Boost

I hate SUVs, but I think the Hummer H3 Alpha could become a classic in a couple decades.

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