Road te st
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WHAT MAKES A CLASSIC?
Everyone knows a classic car when they see one, right? Ferrari, Aston Martin, and most of the other exotics. But Richard Webb reckons it is far more esoteric than that
A
classic car is a generic term that can
Many cars that were not originally expensive
cover many genres of cars worthy
have become classics. The original MINI, for
of being ‘collectable’. Many would
example, is not exactly scarce but is considered
use the term ‘classic’ for a 1954 Mercedes-
by many as a classic. So if neither a high price
Benz 300SL ‘Gullwing’ or Ford Anglia in the
tag nor scarcity can define a classic, what does?
same breath. So age alone seems not to be definitive when it comes to classic status. For some, a broad definition is that classic
Classic cars are more than the sum of these parts and desirability is in the eye of the beholder. Instead, what defines a classic car
cars are ones that retain their monetary and
is far more ephemeral. What that thing is, is
aesthetic value after their production has
an aching desire – a longing you feel when you
ended. Age, scarcity, expense and the ability
see a certain car. While beauty does contribute
to define a niche in its time all contribute
to a car’s classic car status, a particular taste
to a car being noteworthy, but they do not
for a type of car is no different than your taste
guarantee elevation to classic status.
in clothing. So why try to define it at all?
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“While beauty does contribute to a car’s classic car status, a particular taste for a type of car is no different than your taste in clothing”
classic cars
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“Many cars that were not originally expensive have become classics”
In the Seventies, my father took me on a road trip from Johannesburg to the then-Bulawayo in Rhodesia in a lowly Peugeot 404. For me, that car is a classic because of the attachment I feel for that moment in time spent with him. For me, a classic also defines the essence of the time. A lot of people have made (and lost) a lot of money by investing in classic cars over the years but it’s hard to know what cars will be future classics and thus collectable. Rarity, stupendous performance, technical innovation and historic significance are factors. The trick, if an escalation in value is the primary objective, is to identify and buy these cars before they become fashionable again. Classic car prices regularly beat returns on equities and gold- and there are negligible returns on cash, and property at the moment, so demand for physical assets with intrinsic
value like rare stamps, coins, art and
agricultural, slow and slightly uncomfortable
antiques and classic cars have increased.
but it’s still the greatest off-roader of them
You don’t have to break the bank to own a classic car, especially if you keep your
all. It’s destined for the chop in many first world countries soon so get moving!
annual mileage low. They can also make a great investment with values of some cars
BMW M Coupe, from R180 000 Developed
appreciating over time, depending on the
from the Z3M Roadster, this Coupe has been
condition and desirability of the car. Here are a
smacked by the ugly-stick but has such chassis
few future classics you can afford to buy now.
agility and handling that looks don’t matter.
Land Rover Defender Ninety, from R80 000
The basic 1948 design was created as a stopgap to head off the Willys Jeep. Some of the interior materials are horrid, it’s noisy,
The M Coupe requires more of its driver than do most other sports cars but it’s well worth it. Honda S2000, from R200 000 Widely considered
the quintessential roadster sports car, the
June 2013 • BUSINESS CLASS
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Road te st
/ classic cars
“Classic cars are more than the sum of these parts and desirability is in the eye of the beholder” S2000 combines uncompromising performance with everyday usability. It rewards driving enthusiasts with a wailing 16-valve DOHC VTEC 4-cylinder engine that loves revving to 8300 rpm and a precise 6-speed manual gearbox. Mazda MX5, from, R50 000 Inspired by the 1960’s
Lotus Elan’s ‘less is more’ philosophy, power is modest, but handling is sweet and the manual gearbox is brilliant. The essence of classic British roadsters, but with Japanese reliability.
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BUSINESS CLASS • June 2013
classic cars
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Ahead of the curve Five new cars you can buy now that have a shot at becoming future classics 1. Ferrari 458 Italia. Arguably Ferrari’s greatest recent achievement, it’s a wildly satisfying car to drive. One of the best-handling cars around, it’s even got an interior of substance. It’s as happy tripping around suburban streets as it is torturing the tarmac at Kyalami. Its sheer pace is matched by an extremely comfortable ride. A pricier car than the F430 it replaced, but it is worth breaking the bank for. 2. Toyota 86. Noisy and not as solidfeeling as other Toyotas but it’s light at only 1 235kg - so it has poise, balance and a great chassis - providing the keenest, sharpest, most enjoyable and loveable small sports car for a generation. Easily as good as the old Celica, Supra and the MR2. 3. Jaguar F-Type. This car puts a smile back on your face and is cheaper than a Porsche 911. It manages to capture the grace and power of past Jaguars of yesteryear without the slightest hint of retro. In short, the F-Type is a triumph. 4. Nissan GT-R. Nicknamed ‘Godzilla’, it’s clinical and outrageously rowdy at the same time. Performance is effortless and it demands to be driven like your trousers are on fire. But the longer you spend with the GT-R, the more you want it. It’s a track-day titan with civilised road manners. 5. Audi R8. This is the brand’s breakthrough model. Named after Audi’s all-conquering prototype racer, this mid-engine, aluminium sports car produces 309kW from its 4.2-litre V8 mid mounted engine. It’s a super-car you can use every day.
Mercedes-Benz 190, from R20 000 Mercedes’
few more instantly recognisable cars than
first compact model was made between 1984 and
Jaguar’s sensational E-Type. The car looks
1993 and makes for a great potential classic car.
as great today as it did when it stunned
Immensely well engineered and less than you’d
critics in 1961. Expect prices to rise.
pay for a clapped-out Volkswagen Citi Golf. Mini, from R20 000 There were only 2 384 genuine Porsche 944, from R50 000 OK, so it’s not
MK I Mini Cooper 1275 S models produced, of
a 911, but few similarly priced classic cars
which only 1 060 were right-hand drive. So don’t
will give you so much style for your money.
expect to find one of those for much less than R400 000. Other Mini’s are much more plentiful and
Jaguar E-Type, from R400 000 There are
even a lowly 850cc is worth collecting, though.
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