How Classic Supercars Won the Battle to Stay Cool
Supercars are the ultimate driving luxury and they’re not a new thing in motoring. The first supercar is said to be the Lamborghini Miura, which was released by the Italian manufacturer in 1966 and produced until 1973.
While supercars have come a long way since the early 1970s, there’s plenty still to love about the classics.
What’s old is new again which is reflected in fashion coming back into style and the huge vinyl record resurgence. Supercars aren’t exempt from the retrophiles’ gaze, but which in particular are lauded for their older models?
In this article, we’ll look at popular supercar makes and models which fanatics and collectors consider to be more desirable than their modern counterparts. Is a vintage supercar any more desirable than a modern equivalent like a Range Rover Evoque?
Porsche 911
In 1963, Porsche unveiled their first editions of the 911, then titled the 901, at the Frankfurt IAA Motor Show.
It hit showrooms a year later in 1964 and over the next 60 years, the 911 would go on to carve out a legacy that would see revisions and resulting in version of the vehicle being identifiable by their generation.
The sloped design of the car’s body has become one of the most distinctive in all of motoring. This can be seen when you get the chance to look at an original 911 model against one of the more modern editions like the 911 Carrera S. The modern version has a much wider body compared to the more compact vintage 911.
So, what is the appeal of the original if much of what made them special has been passed down to its successors?
One thing that you can compare is price. The base price of a modern 911 Carrera S averages more than £100,000, whereas you can shop around and find a vintage 911 first generation model for much less.
That means you get the timeless look and vintage feel of the supercar at a much more achievable price.
Ford Mustang
Nothing exemplifies what it means to be an American muscle more than the Ford Mustang.
The first generation of the car made its way to showroom floors in the United States in the late 1970s, and helped to define the aesthetic of muscle cars. From the boxy body to the leather interior and crunchy, grinding gearstick, it set the standard for that style of car.
Modern Mustangs feel more polished when you look at the body. They’re attractive, sure, but it almost feels as if they’re missing a certain edginess that the vintage models have. Modern Mustangs like the GT have a sleeker, more streamlined look that has a similar silhouette to the vintage models but is much less wide.
Along with the look, the sound is something that you can’t get quite like the original. For all the modern AirPlay capabilities and built-in GPS, turning the key in a vintage Mustang and hearing the engine roar is an irreplaceable experience for lovers of muscle cars.
Aston Martin DB5
If there’s one word that is associated with British manufacturer Aston Martin, it’s class. Their legacy in the world of supercars is unbridled luxury and quality, and the DB5 is no exception. The Silver Burch supercar was in production between 1963 to 1965 and was available with a convertible roof option.
Aston Martin has released many cars since the mid-60s, so why has the DB5 stood out to collectors more than many of their modern models?
Guy Hamilton’s Goldfinger released in 1964, and James Bond himself drove a DB5 ladened with gadgets landed this car a spot in the hall of fame of cool luxury cars.
James Bond is the perfect character to be a brand ambassador for a quality car like the DB5. He’s a character that has withstood the test of time in pop culture, while being reimagined by directors and actors alike.
One thing that has survived however is the DB5, featuring in various cameos in the recent films like in Spectre (2015) and No Time to Die (2021).
There’s an old phrase that states: “the classics never go out of style”. This could absolutely apply to supercars, and the appreciation for the way that the vintage models are built, how they look, and the how they sound.
