Classic motors from around the world

2011 Ford Mustang GT from GeigerCars

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As we know, technology is rapidly evolving and especially within the Automotive sector. We’ve recently seen driverless innovations being introduced, along with luxury heated systems, surround sound and self-parking vehicles. However, many find that vintage cars cannot be beaten. Older vehicles were designed differently – their lines and curves are unlike the cars you see today. And, driving them is different too – they require more manual work from the owner which leads them to favor them for the journey over their destination. Global retailer of stair lifts, take a closer look at classic motors from around the world…

Ford Mustang
Designed in America, the Ford Mustang was manufactured in 1864, and the sixth generation of the vehicle is still being sold today. The ‘Stang started the ‘pony car’ craze in America — a collection of vehicles which were affordable, sporty and had a performance-oriented image. This class of the car was aimed towards the younger market, rather than the traditional car buyer and it proved popular. In fact, 22,000 sales of the model were made on its release date.

The purpose of the model, was to be like no other car. This was achieved through its sport coupe silhouette and short rear decks. The generations that came after the ’64 version seemed to become wider and longer in size, yet still remaining as popular.

The classic look of the Mustang, is said to be the models between 1964 and 1972. This encompassed vintage models such as the Boss Mustangs Lineup, Shelby Mustang and the Cobra Jet.

Today’s Price: £6,500 – £70,000 depending on model, age and condition.

Fiat 500 Coupe Zagato

Fiat 500
Like the Vespa, the Fiat 500 is symbolic to Italy and the 2007 version of the vehicle gets hired by many tourists to explore the country in style. Fiat has produced many products that weren’t related to the automobile industry, such as aircraft engines and military equipment during World War II. Their first car rolled off the production line in 1900 and, in the same year, their manufacturing plant was established which lead to the production of 24 cars per year.

The automotive was designed originally to be small and affordable for everyone, Fiat then went on to produce many other models that were successful, such as the Fiat 525, 514 and the SuperFiat. The original Fiat 500, commonly known as Topolino, was launched in 1937. It stood out from competitors with a lowered aerodynamic nose profile whilst others had a flatter grille. Fiat went on to produce two further models of the 500, one in 1957 and the other in 2007.

Today’s Price: £4,000 – £50,000 depending on model, age and condition.

MINI Coupe Concept

Mini
The Mini was originally penned on the back of a napkin by Alec Issigonis in 1956, and like Buckingham Palace and the red double decker bus, its iconic to Britain. By 1959, the car had been launched, named the Morris Mini Minor at the time (known as simply the Mini ten years later) and it went on to become the best-selling British car in history.

The aim of the car, was to provide passengers with great legroom whilst remaining under 10ft long. Achieving this, 80% of the car was devoted to passenger and luggage space. Since the boot was smaller, Mini came up with a solution to maximise on space. The company offered the extra option of picnic wicker baskets which fit perfectly underneath the rear passenger seats and were ideal for transporting belongings from A to B.

An innovation had to be used to fit the compact engine into the car, for this it had to be placed on its side, which allowed the engine to be slid into the smaller space, a concept which is still being used today when creating smaller vehicles. Wheels on other cars at the time were generally around 15 and 16 inches, those on the Mini however were a tiny 10-inches to maximise interior space.

Today’s Price: £5,000 – £50,000 depending on the model, age and condition.

Volkswagen Beetle RS by VWvortex

Volkswagen Beetle
The reason behind the name Beetle, is unknown. The first time the reference was used in print was in a 1958 edition of Autosport magazine and the use of the term continued to grow. Built either side of World War II, it took a while for the Beetle to gain popularity. Just as the first few cars were manufactured in 1938, the war began, and the factory was used for war efforts instead. It wasn’t until 1947 when people finally got behind the wheel of the automobile.

Originally built with strength in mind over aesthetics, however it’s iconic appearance is what makes it wanted today. One of the features that many collectors love is the original split-rear window design that got replaced by a single oval window in 1952. Unlike smaller vehicles that were around at the same time, the Beetle accommodated for four adult passengers with plenty of storage beneath the seats and in the boot.

Today’s Price: £1,000 – £40,000 depending on model, age and condition.

Many vintage car collectors, take pride on restoring old cars – The cars usually have to be stripped down entirely and put back together with restored parts. The prices of each model range massively due to the quality of the vehicle, the mileage and the model — which one takes your fancy?

Courtesy of Acorn Stairlifts

Sources

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/car-manufacturers/mini/10456893/Mini-a-brief-history.html

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/mini/89417/eight-design-innovations-that-made-the-mini

https://www.globalcarsbrands.com/fiat-logo-history-and-models/

https://www.caranddriver.com/flipbook/the-bugs-life-a-history-of-the-volkswagen-beetle#2

http://www.classiccarsforsale.co.uk/

https://www.topgear.com/car-news/usa/brief-history-ford-mustang

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