Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

[Uncle Joe]

As a spin of from a comment by Rick in the Off Topic Section.

To help preserve classics for future generations, maybe some special ones should be given listed status, in the same way that buildings are. As I pointed out, a lot would depend on the meaning of the word special. A Gull Wing Mercedes might be considered special, but not a Mini, even though it has done more for motoring.

Lets hear views on this subject, and suitable candidates. As well as the reason behind the candidate!

UJ

[Job-Rated]

As you say, the Gullwing certainly has more style than the Mini, but I don't think the Mini should be ruled out. Definitely give points for innovation, but don't forget about big nasty fins & chrome.

Policing it could prove difficult. However, I nominate the Willys Jeep. Like the ones used in M*A*S*H. Practicality gone mad.

[Uncle Joe]

Job-rated, I would never forget fins and chrome, especially the Chrysler cars, 1961 300G for example, or the 58 or 59's, cant remember which, with fins at the front!

UJ

[Rick]

I still think it would probably work best being limited to special examples, of any type of car, a bit like it is with buildings - some 12th Century houses get listed, just as some 1960s car parks (!) receive the same treatment. Using this approach, a Mini that once belonged to, say, Ringo Starr, would be just as likely to receive a listing as a De Dion Bouton from the early 1900s.

R
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[buzzy bee]

Hi

What is all this attacking the mini!! hehe

This could be really difficult, as we want to be listing the cars on what they have done for motoring and for society, but does it matter if some one famous has had it, in my opinion no, I supose the rareity of a car has something to do with it, so someone can't buy a 1 of 10 car and hot rod it etc.

The problem with alot of cars is they were mass produced, so how do you select the right one, buildings tended not to be. Maybe the first one off the line of that model, or the last, or the one in the middle. hmm, think this could be very difficult. Cars that were built as one offs are easy, but there are so many other mass produced models that deserve the listing just as much.

Some serious thought iis needed on this one!

Cheers

Dave

[Uncle Joe]

I think that just like houses, there should be different grades of classics.

Maybe it could be an idea to have an occ 'standard' or guidelines.

Regarding the comment by buzzy ''does it matter if someone famous has had it?'' Well, the trouble is, a lot of historical cars have either disappeared completely, or been changed beyond recognition. Where are the cars that took Churchill / Truman / Stalin to Potsdam, for example? And look at Kennedy's Lincoln?

J-R, the Willys jeep? That must be a good candidate, if only because its possibly the best example ever of a car being made for easy maintenance, especially the later M151's....Whichever car you care to mention is way more difficult than those!

UJ

[buzzy bee]

Hi

In my humble oppinion, cars are cars, one E83W owned by me is the same as one owned by say the Queen, if you get my drift, cars should not be listed as special just due to who have owned them, more listed due to there characteristics as cars, but that is just my oppinion.

Cheers

Dave

[Job-Rated]

But then you're into 'famous' territory.
A vehicle may be worth next to nothing, but a movie or TV series where that vehicle is featured could make a serious difference to it's value.
Take Del Boy's Reliant Robin (Only Fools & Horses) as a perfect example.

[Uncle Joe]

I've only seen Fools and Horses on the odd occasion when I've been in the UK, but wasnt Del Boys Reliant a Regal, not a Robin?

UJ

[Rick]

UJ, yeah close, it was a Supervan III!

R
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[Job-Rated]

[gillberry]

List cars is a hard one especially with mass production they should be chosen for the innovations they gave to the world and hence todays cars .

[Uncle Joe]

Depending on where one trawls the net, Del Boys Reliant is given as either a Reliant Regal Supervan III or a Robin.

Do we have any Reliant enthusiasts on the forum that knows exactly what it is?

does anyone remember the guy about 20 years ago getting pulled on the M6 in his Reliant doing well over 100mph (according to the Police!)????

UJ

[Rick]

the Del Boy Reliant was a Supervan, based on the Regal!

R
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[PAUL BEAUMONT]

I would like to suggest that all historic motors are important as they mark the path of the ongoing evolution of what must be the most exciting technical product the world has ever seen.
All, in some way show the way that designers have responded to market, technical or legislative challenges, and just because one model was a failure does not mean that it is unimportant. The industry learnt what not to do!
Just a few point to illustrate:
Armstrong Siddeley discvered the problems associated with galvanic corrosion caused by mixed metals.
The mini showed the advantages to be gained by front wheel drive
Jowett, Subaru, Alphasud, the VW Beetle etc demonstrated the advantages of boxer engines.
The RAC horsepower rating led to the development of technically compromised engines.
etc etc.
Look at whatever motor you consider to be humble and you will find some crumb of automotive development, scrap them and we risk re-inventing the wheel.
Soap box abandoned!