Classic and Vintage Cars
Ranked #783 in Cars, #45,719 overall
Classic Cars For Pleasure and Gifts
Classic and vintage cars have proven to be great investments and good for pleasure plus being passionate presents. This lens explains the history and fun they provide.
Who does not like the lines and look of a classic car? Perhaps you know someone who would like one and is searching for the exact car for a purpose, or you may want it for yourself. Whatever the case you will probably get pleasure from reading this lens. To own such a vehicle is like having a wonderful painting or enjoying an opera in that the lines are memorable, the colors fantastic, the smell unique and the drive in it is unforgettable. Who do you know that is longing to have one in his driveway or is even more keen to restore one from scratch. Knowing the amount of work ahead of him he may just prefer to have one delivered to his door and this lens will help you to find one for him. This article tells more
The History and Use of These Cars
The contents
- Classic Car Models
- Classic Car Rallies
- A Great Hobby
- What do you think of Classic cars?
- History of Cars Part A
- History of Cars Part B
- History of Cars part C
- History of Cars Part D
- You Are Invited
- Joke Time
- Squid Lenses You Will Enjoy
- Squid Angel Blessings
- Help This Lens Get an Award
- Vintage cars in pictures
- Vintage Cars
- About Me
- Some of my other lenses that you may enjoy
- Follow me for updates
Classic Car Models
Date of Manufacture

For those who may not know it a classic car is simply an older car that has gone out of manufacture, probably some time ago. It could be of any age but the traditional vintage label applies to cars built between the end of World War 1 and the start of World War 2, but officially as between 1919 to 1930.
There are hundreds of models of classic cars around the world and many are still stored in old sheds or even barns to be uncovered, treasured and restored by the enthusiast lucky enough to come across one. Many have been reproduced into great examples of the original with fine workmanship and a new production.
The value of an original find can be extremely high, occasionally getting into the 6 figure mark. That makes any old car in reasonable condition a sound investment. The very best of them are now extrmely rare making an original even more valuable. They are great treasures for some as this lens shows.
Many a classic was built during the Second World War or just after and the lines of them are rather heavy and more square than their later models that arrived when streamlining and speed were essential factors. The 2 pictured are typical of European models and this photo was taken in Milan, Italy, during a rally in 2009.
Automobile is the magazine for the discriminating car enthusiast. You'll experience the exhilaration of the world's greatest cars in the nation's cutting edge automotive magazine. You'll love the bold graphics in full color and lively and informative writing which highlight the world's most exciting new and classic cars.Car and Driver is the most widely-read automotive magazine, and for good reason . Each issue comes jam-packed with detailed articles about the newest advances in automotive technology, exciting photography showcasing the hottest cars and profiles of the movers and shakers that make the motors run. Car and Driver is highly acclaimed for its automotive journalistic excellence.
Classic Car Rallies
Its Dress Up Time

You see them every now and again driving in a steady stream down major highways or through your local town or village. The drivers invariably dress for the part with berets and special coats or gear that spells out the period in which the car was manufactured.
The pride they display when interest is shown by those who group around a car and admire its shape and beauty is something to see. One would think they had given birth to it, and in a sense some have. They probably took it from some old shed when it was full of rust and rats and lovingly brought it back to life. This is a hobby with many an enthusiast.
Of course the ladies also take pride in the vehicles and they may dress up and some of their costumes are as interesting as the cars themselves. They fit right in as it would have been mainly husbands and wives in the days of their early marriage who would have owned them in the first place.
But some classic cars are raced and this is probably the best thing for owners prepared to take the risk. Its another way of displaying their pride and joy to the world while engaging in some friendly competition. Of course they don't do donuts or wheelies. Neither the cars nor the owners are up to that kind of thing for the most part.
You can create a marvellous model car in the same way that designers do for the real thing, A one tenth scale model in clay that can be reworked as many times as you like. Be creative and make great models and the videos show how to do it. Want a classic or vintage car or a brand new design. It doesn't matter. Check out the website. A Great Hobby
For Both Partners

While tinkering all night in the garage might not sound romantic many a husband and wife team do just that. The wife is as involved and keen on the outcome of perfecting the car as her partner and takes great pride in her role as assistant. There is a lot of detailing required on all cars and women are probably more into the refining of the interior than the engine. So there is a role for both.
Children also love to be involved in their parents hobbies and often will follow in their footsteps later in life. As a family the vintage and classic car owners are often seen picnicking on river banks and in great sea side locations just about every week-end. There is no doubt that the pleasure of driving leisurely in the country side and enjoying the thrill of 'real' motoring, as it used to be known, is making a comeback. That's if it ever faded from popularity in the first place.
There are hundreds of movies made on the subject as well. They never stop thrilling their audiences in either the comic or dramatic scenes in which they are involved. This Ford Woody, a recent copy made in 2003, shows the beautiful lines, wonderful appearance and the extent of detail that manufacturers of such cars went to in their finished products.
What do you think of Classic cars?
Would you like to own one
Fetching blurbs now... please stand byYes
OhMe says:
My dad drove an old Packard when I was a child. Wish I had it now.
Posted January 26, 2012
djroll says:
They are wonderful. My favorite are the old Woodies. I'd love to own one, but they are great to look at too.
Posted January 19, 2012
Tipi says:
I used to collect classic cars. Would restore some of them to resale.
Posted January 10, 2012
ElizabethJeanAllen says:
I would love to have one for show but I would rather not drive it every day.
Posted January 04, 2012
goo2eyes says:
i wanted to have the excalibur classic car. outside, it looks like a vintage car and inside, it has a v8 motor but it costs a lot.
Posted December 30, 2011
kathysart says:
Not sure really but my husband is OBSESSED with them, esp sports cars
Posted November 29, 2011
CruiseReady says:
Yes, I would LOVE to own one. But that's not going to happen.
Posted November 16, 2011
LaraineRose says:
This summer there was a Classic Car Extravaganza in a town South of where we live. One of the main streets was blocked off and I have never seen so many classic cars in one place at one time! I just loved seeing them! Own one? I guess I would like to own one. Something long, low and mean. And RED! :D
Posted September 20, 2011
Oosquid says:
Yes love too - IF - I could keep it in the way it should be accustomed to.
Posted February 26, 2011
Karen_N says:
My husband is crazy about cars, we have a T-Bucket Roadster as well as a couple of muscle cars which he's planning on restoring just as soon as he has the time. Which I don't see happening any time soon. :)
Posted February 09, 2011
cwimmer77 says:
i love classic cars and taking my kids to see them at shows.
Posted December 27, 2010
junior8rules says:
Having had classics all the way from a 1970 Mg Midget to the current "Toy", my 2010 Dodge Challenger Rt Hemi, I really do enjoy cars of all kinds.
Posted December 21, 2010
CreativeJuice says:
When I was a kid I hate it when grandpa keep on telling us that his old rusty thing is valuable. I hate it and I feel sorry for myself every time I have to allow him drive me to school.
Only when children learn the real value of things that important possessions becomes valuable. I am such a jerk.
Now I wish I had my grandpa's treasure.
its-shei
transmission slippage
Posted November 30, 2010
No
mihgasper says:
No, thanks. They look great, but not suitable for my lifestyle at all.
Posted February 06, 2012
efriedman says:
Do not have the resources to own one, but they are lovely to see
Posted February 03, 2012
vallain says:
I admire them, but don't want the responsibility of owning one.
Posted December 27, 2011
Margo_Arrowsmith says:
No, I have a car to get me where I want to go, that is all I want
Posted February 25, 2011
poddys says:
I don't have the know-how or time to tinker with one, nor the money to keep one on the road, but I love to watch them.
Posted February 16, 2011
vallain says:
I'm more of a bread-and-butter sort of car owner. My dad and brother restored antique cars and hotrods, so I do appreciate classic cars.
Posted June 19, 2010
Pukeko says:
Sorry, for me a car is just a mode of transit. Safety is my main concern, not style.
Posted November 06, 2009
History of Cars Part A
Steam Era - information provided by Classic Cars Global

Steam Era (1700's - 1900)
"Steam-powered self-propelled vehicles were devised in the late 17th century. A Flemish priest, Ferdinand Verbiest, was thought to have demonstrated in 1678 a small (24 inch / 61 cm long) steam 'car' to the Chinese emperor, yet there is no solid evidence for this event.
Nicolas-Joseph Cugnot demonstrated his fardier à vapeur, an experimental steam-driven artillery tractor in 1770 and 1771. Cugnot's design proved to be impractical and his invention was not developed in his native France - the centre of innovation then passed over to the United Kingdom. By 1784 William Murdoch had built a working model of a steam carriage in Redruth, and in 1801 Richard Trevithick was running a full-sized vehicle on the road in Camborne.
Walter Hancock the builder and operator of London steam buses, in 1838 built a four-seat steam phaeton. Also in 1838, Scotsman Robert Davidson built an electric locomotive that attained a speed of four miles (6 km) an hour. In England a patent was granted in 1840 for the use of rails as conductors of electric current, and similar American patents were issued to Lilley and Colten in 1847. Between 1832 and 1839 (the exact year is uncertain), Robert Anderson of Scotland invented the first crude electric carriage, powered by non-rechargeable primary cells."
What those inventors would have given to see something like the Ford GT40 heritage vehicle shown above and now available for purchase.
History of Cars Part B
Veteran Era - information provided by Classic Cars Global

Veteran Era (1888 - 1904)
"The first production of automobiles was by Karl Benz in 1888 in Germany and under license to Benz, in France by Emile Roger. By 1900 mass production of automobiles had begun in France and the United States. The first company to form exclusively to build automobiles was Panhard et Levassor in France. Formed in 1889, they were quickly followed by Peugeot two years later. In the United States, brothers Charles and Frank Duryea founded the Duryea Motor Wagon Company in 1893, becoming the first American automobile manufacturing company. However, it was Ransom E. Olds, and his Olds Motor Vehicle Company (later known as Oldsmobile) who would dominate this era of automobile production. Its large scale production line was running in 1902. Within a year, Cadillac, Winton, and Ford were producing cars in the thousands (formed from the Henry Ford Company).
"Within a few years dizzying assortments of technologies were being produced by hundreds of producers all over the western world. Steam, electricity, and gasoline-powered autos competed for decades, with gasoline internal combustion engines achieving dominance in the 1910s. Dual and even quad-engine cars were designed, and engine displacement ranged to more than a dozen liters. Many modern advances, including gas / electric hybrids, multi-valve engines, overhead camshafts, and four-wheel drive, were attempted and discarded at this time."
In 1895 a patent was granted to a USA manufacturer, Sheldon, but it may have hindered the industry in that country rather than helped it. By granting a license to successive car manufacturers afterward he collected a fee on every car produced. Well, that was probably a good business outcome for him.
There were great handicaps to motoring in those times. The roads were bad, fuel was scarce, breakdowns were frequent, and the noise of a horseless carriage frightened the hacks pulling buggies around.
Restoring one of these vehicles is fraught with difficulties. Parts are not available and usually must be hand made or located with great effort. But that has not stopped collectors from coveting them and many are restored to their former glory. At one stage there were over a thousand manufacturers in the USA alone making the task even harder.
The picture above is of a Chrysler Race Car Vintage model that is a replica of the original. Built more than 50 years ago it is for sale in Uruguay and can be transported to any country
History of Cars part C
Antique or Brass - information provided by Vlassic Cars Global

Antique or Brass Era (1905 - 1914)
"The antique or brass era lasted from roughly 1905 through to the beginning of World War I in 1914. This era saw the first mass produced vehicles with gasoline engines, immortalized by Henry Ford's model T. The brass era was named for the widespread use of the fancy brass fittings and brass lanterns that adorned the new 'horseless carriage'.1905 was a signal year in the development of the automobile, marking the point when the majority of sales shifted from the hobbyist and enthusiast to the average user. Brass began to be phased out about 1914 in favor of nickel, which was eventually abandoned in favor of chrome.
Within the 15 years of this era, the various experimental designs and alternate power systems would be marginalized. Steam power proved too cumbersome and electric motors were limited by battery technology (as they still are today), but gasoline was cheap and plentiful, encouraging both two-stroke and four-stroke development."
Far from luxurious these vehicles were mainly owned by the rich. With no doors, windscreen wipers or heaters and with the inconvenience of headlights lit by a match, they must have been an encumbrance to drive around. The engine was started with a crank and in wet and windy weather it was a real horror.
My grandmother bought a car of a later type in which we motored many a happy mile. But by that time they were second hand and almost giveaways as the newer more streamlined limousines came into being. The one she purchased had doors but it started only with a crank and was very high off the ground. It had a running board on either side of the vehicle on which you first stepped to enter it. As a teenager I also had great fun as with some friends we motored around Sydney in a similar vehicle, usually laughing our head off and freezing in the drafts coming through the perspex side windows, or blinds.
They made great jalopies for the young and it is probably in that context that most people would remember them. If not physically at least through movies and television shows. The were a real thrill and it is probably why the original owners flocked to get one. As they had never seen anything better they probably did not mind the inconveniences.
"The early Model T Ford revolutionized the automotive industry with the introduction of assembly-line production, which in turn made it possible for Ford to offer their car for sale at a much more affordable price
. Prior to the introduction of the Model T, automobiles were built by hand, one at a time, and usually sold for anywhere from twice the average worker's salary to several times that amount."
Photo top right is of a 1928 Sunbeam Sixteen Tourer available now from South Australia. It is remarkably similar to the one my grandmother bought.
If you need to tow then you need to check out the web site and make sure that your equipment is safe and reliable.
History of Cars Part D
Vintage Era 1919-1929 - Information provided by Classic Cars Global

Vintage Era (1919 - 1929)
"A vintage car is usually defined as built between the start of 1919 and through to the stock market crash at the end of 1929. There is some debate about the start date of the Vintage period-the end of World War I is a nicely defined marker there-but the end date is a matter of a little more debate.
While some American sources prefer 1925 since it is the pre-classic car period as defined by the Classic Car Club of America, the British definition is strict about 1930 being the cut-off. Others see the Classic period as overlapping the Vintage period, especially since the Vintage designation covers all vehicles produced in the period while the official Classic definition does not, only including high-end vehicles of the period. Some consider the start of World War II to be the end date of the Vintage period.
After the war, military plants were quick to retool for automobile production and the lack of government regulations for safety, the environment or employees gave it a sense of the wild Wild West. Industrial accidents were all too common and compensation was at the discretion of the employer. As such there were no vehicle requirements like windshields, doors, lights, turn signals or seat belts."
It was after the war that some famous name automobile manufactures started producing their innovative designs. Henry Ford started it with his assembly line production of the T Model Ford. As cars increased in popularity tarred roads were built by governments throughout the various countries. In Australia, however, as in many other nations, dirt roads were to persist in most places until well after the Second World War. They were gradually replaced as money allowed and even today there are many secondary roads that will not be tarred for some time. Still they are pleasant enough to drive on.
The other major factor in the success of the motor vehicle at that time was the availability of gasoline. Thousands of oil wells were springing up in USA, Europe, Asia and elsewhere. Technology was catching up as well. and during the Second World War the motor vehicle was a major defense weapon. Its speed and ability got personnel around the countryside and to their ships or planes, and so on, with little effort. The motor vehicle proved a godsend in many ways and every major nation was now heavily involved in motor vehicle production and ownership.
By that time as well as powering ground based vehicles the petrol engine was flying planes, driving boats, powering ships and allowing tanks and other such things to be manufactured. Steam was on the way out as diesel gradually replaced it.
If those early pioneers had not persisted with their dreams none of those innovations would have been possible.
Pictured top right is an original 1964 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III in immaculate condition, 2 tone and original tool kit included. Only 2555 were produced.
If you are in need of a radiator or other accessory check here first. When restoring older vehicles they can serve you best
You Are Invited
You're Invited
I'm a Squidoo lensmaster, and I'm inviting you to join me. Find and share recommendations online by building a lens. Click the link below to get started.
Still images from Dreamstime - click here
Read my articles on this and other subjects on Ezine ArticlesSubscribe to RSS headline updates from:
Powered by FeedBurner
Subscribe to Squidoo: carclassics by Email
Joke Time
To make you laugh

The driver of an old T Model Ford had breakdown problems on a busy highway. A thoughtful Porsche driver stopped to give assistance. When they could not get the vehicle to start he offered to tow it to the nearest town, some 40 kms away.
No sooner were they in motion when the latest sports car, with all its flashy dooda's flew past tooting its horn like mad at the slow pace of the Porsche. Not to be outdone the driver of the latter instantly hit the accelerator in an effort to catch up and perhaps pass it. With the increased speed the driver in the Ford was somewhat frantic and decided he had had enough. So he blew his horn repeatedly to the driver of the towing vehicle to slow down. "Hooonk, hoonk, hoonk" the old horn was echoing his frustration.
As they flew up the highway they passed a traffic cop on the side of the road. He scratched his head and immediately radioed for assistance. "You won't believe this" he said to the operator. I just witnessed a sports car doing about 200 kilometers per hour with a Porsche in hot pursuit and an old guy in a T Model Ford blowing his horn like mad trying to pass them. You better send a squad out to catch them.
Squid Lenses You Will Enjoy
Squid Angel Blessings
The following Angels have swum by and blessed this lens. Thank you each and every one. You do a great job and it is very much appreciated.
Help This Lens Get an Award

Does this lens strike a cord with you? If you are touched by this lens and would like to see it as LOTD then simply press the image below and fill in the form with some details. You will also earn yourself 20 points.
This module only appears with actual data when viewed on a live lens. The favorite and lensroll options will appear on a live lens if the viewer is a member of Squidoo and logged in.
Did you enjoy your visit here. If so please scribe a little note about what you think of this lens. Thank you.
Remember these quizzes will earn you heaps of points
Find out why I featured your lens on mine
-
Reply
-
mihgasper
Feb 6, 2012 @ 5:47 am | delete
- Beautiful lens with a lot useful info for car owners and romantics... Thumbs up!
-
-
Reply
-
AndyPo
Feb 2, 2012 @ 9:57 am | delete
- Excellent lens. Thanks very much for featuring my Fiat 500 and Ferrari 308 lenses.
-
-
Reply
-
d-artist
Jan 29, 2012 @ 11:34 am | delete
- Very cool lens...Love these cars! ~d-artist Squid Angel Blessing~
I'm wanting to do a lens on my son-in-laws collection of Mustangs he has restored.
-
-
Reply
-
OhMe
Jan 26, 2012 @ 5:20 am | delete
- We have a friend who collects old cars and goes to lots of car shoes. He really has some great ones and I enjoyed reading about Classic and Vintage Cars here.
-
-
Reply
-
CNelson01
Jan 19, 2012 @ 10:58 am | delete
- A fun and interesting lens.
-
-
Reply
-
sheezie77
Jan 19, 2012 @ 9:26 am | delete
- I realy enjoy reading your lens! Thanks for sharing thumbs up
-
-
Reply
-
AndyPo
Jan 14, 2012 @ 6:47 am | delete
- Great lens. I am a big fan of classic cars and have owned quite a few.
-
-
Reply
-
Tipi
Jan 10, 2012 @ 9:24 am | delete
- Very nice, you know a lot about the classic cars. This must have been a lot fun for you to create this lens. I love the old cars, and have owned many. ~ Blessed!
-
-
Reply
-
Pennyseeker
Jan 10, 2012 @ 3:44 am | delete
- Interesting lens!
-
-
Reply
-
ElizabethJeanAllen
Jan 4, 2012 @ 5:16 pm | delete
- I love the look of the classic cars but I woud not want to drive one everyday. They use a lot of gas and I really like my air conditioning.
-
-
Reply
-
sandyspider
Jan 1, 2012 @ 8:10 pm | delete
- Blessed! Please add this to the plexo on my New Year 2012 Blessings and Zazzle lens. You can find in listed on my profile page.
-
-
Reply
-
goo2eyes
Dec 30, 2011 @ 8:43 am | delete
- the problem with vintage cars is that it drinks a lot of gas.
-
-
Reply
-
zap1994
Dec 30, 2011 @ 6:32 am | delete
- Love the old cars...great lens
-
-
Reply
-
aesta1
Dec 30, 2011 @ 4:37 am | delete
- We happened to stop by a car museum this Christmas holiday in a vineyard in the Western Cape, South Africa and my husband told them to forget the wine...just stay with cars. The visitors were there for the cars. It was the second biggest collection in the world.
-
-
Reply
-
partybuzz
Dec 27, 2011 @ 9:01 pm | delete
- Great lens. We have a 55 Studebaker...if you're inerested, check out the lens I made about it. :)
-
-
Reply
-
iijuan12
Dec 21, 2011 @ 10:23 pm | delete
- Very informative lens!
-
-
Reply
-
whiteskyline
Dec 17, 2011 @ 7:13 pm | delete
- Thank you so much :) This is a great page, I LOVE cars!!! My dream is to own one of the cars they have down under that aren't over here, aside the new version.
-
-
Reply
-
Aurogra
Dec 15, 2011 @ 7:54 am | delete
- Go European give me an e-type any day wow what a beautiful car just point me at the road and start her up...
-
-
Reply
-
kathysart
Nov 29, 2011 @ 1:13 pm | delete
- Fun lens.. THUMBS UP!!
-
-
Reply
-
TransplantedSoul
Nov 19, 2011 @ 1:21 pm | delete
- Old and vintage cars are such a big part of our history. Thanks for the background info.
-
-
Reply
-
CruiseReady
Nov 16, 2011 @ 2:01 pm | delete
- Nice lens. Loved the funny story, too.
-
-
Reply
-
staciewalker
Nov 11, 2011 @ 7:59 pm | delete
- This is a great lens. You have so much interesting content to read through. Thanks for sharing.
Best,
Stacie Walker
-
-
Reply
-
LaraineRose Sep 20, 2011 @ 3:49 am | delete
- Wonderful lens! It was like going to a car show.
-
-
Reply
-
whiteskyline
Sep 10, 2011 @ 1:01 pm | delete
- I just love car period :) You can't go wrong with me here. Classics have such character!
-
-
Reply
-
crushwb
Aug 23, 2011 @ 2:42 pm | delete
- I own a classic Lada one that is a Fiat 124 with several modifications for cold weather
-
- Load More
About Me
My bio
Some of my other lenses that you may enjoy
Follow me for updates

- pippie
- aka pippie
- 838 followers
- 912 following
-
- How young is too young to start a child on the road to learning and towards understanding what education is about? http://t.co/FxJ20e6N
-
- All have the ability to write but not many have the enthusiasm to actually write a book. But it is not that hard to do. http://t.co/etTQywbD
-
- Struggling against complacency to save the earth from tragedy of climate change,overpopulation and global warming. http://t.co/Twc6xHL8
-
- Starting a web site for the first time is a daunting task but there are ways here to make it simple and enjoyable. http://t.co/IhpuMyxE
-
- It's incredible how many of these creatures there are and of the hardship, trauma and pain they cause innocent people. http://t.co/os7qaSCs
-
- They go together more than other types of foods. We hunger for the taste, celebrate with it and we give it for gifts. http://t.co/CfqouRH8
-
- Maybe people do need a license to have children, especially if they turn out like this. http://t.co/miw2EoEw
-
- We are all vulnerable and the more violent and drug obsessed young people become the more we need protection from them http://t.co/Ch5er01o
-
- They are great to look at, exciting to ride in and fantastic to restore. Classic cars always appeal to the imagination. http://t.co/BwEQsVLm
-
- My lovely Valentine is beyond reach by most but in my heart and mind continually. Get with it and love everyone. http://t.co/BaZwFwM8
-
- Gambling is a drain on society and robs people of their life. Only the bankers come out on top. http://t.co/txjxO8Pb
-
- What it is like to live through a fire storm and watch as neighbours houses were burnt to the ground and people died. http://t.co/IsmBiKHc
-
- Our homes, family and other are unsafe in todays world. How well are you protected? http://t.co/Ch5er01o
-
- We need to ensure that our health is the best it can be. These lenses will help. http://t.co/wQxgLaMF
-
- It's almost the day for lovers to celebrate their loves, their partnerships and their families. But do you know why? http://t.co/BaZwFwM8
by skiesgreen
Cars have always had a special place in my heart. My first was a Morris Minor that I called Dobey. We went everywhere together and I made up a really... more »
- 252 featured lenses
- Winner of 31 trophies!
- Top lens » Games for Young and Old
Explore related pages
- Games for Young and Old Games for Young and Old
- Child Abuse and Child Murder Child Abuse and Child Murder
- What Do Genes Do What Do Genes Do
- How To Protect Children and Child Safety Guidance How To Protect Children and Child Safety Guidance
- Roman Emperor Constantine Roman Emperor Constantine
- Neighbour Bullying Neighbour Bullying

Click here to nominate this lens for LOTD
. . . Please choose a star rating to express your appreciation










