Are there any companies that make classic cars, and if not, why not? Surely they have nostalgic attraction.?

Question

If retro/classic cars have such attraction and aesthetic quality, why aren't there companies making them?

Answer 1

Ford has the new GT and Mustang out, which are almost exact replicas of their classic GT40 and 1968 Mustang--both icons of American styling. BMW has revived the classic MINI in a new car that looks almost exactly like the original, and even Mopar's getting on the boat by producing the Charger and Roadrunner.

Jaguar made a nice move a few years back by producing the XK8, which is an almost line-for-line replica of the old E-types...and handsome, besides. And, lastly, Mazda is producing the Miata, which is a pretty precise replica of the Lotus Elan.

There are many companies going back to the classic roots, but I wish more would. We could certainly benefit from an infusion of classic styling distinction in modern cars!

Answer 2

Companies cannot MAKE classic cars, they can only rebuild them. The only classic cars are those that were saved from the wreckers yard, so the older the car the more valuable. There is an industry devoted just to supplying vintage parts for classic cars. A car truly isn't a classic car unless it has been restored to its original condition (or better) and that requires the use of as many original parts as possible.

A car cannot become a classic until the New Car companies stop making that version, and it hasn't been on the market for something like 20+ years old. Dodge may hope that the Viper will be a classic car, but not for a while yet.

As for the classic style, people prefer the newest car. And true classic car enthusiasts hate anything that fakes being a classic.

Answer 3

The first reason is the market is quite small, making the production cost high due to low volume. Second is that many of the classic cars don't lend themselves very well to modern vehicle regulations regarding gas mileage, emissions, safety, etc. The closest we have to the classic cars would probably be the Ford Mustang with it's styling cues from the late sixties/early seventies Mustang, the Thunderbird taking after the mid-fifties T-bird, the Chevy SSR as a downsized hot-rodded 40's truck and the Chrysler PT Cruiser and Chevy HHR after the '40's fat fendered wagons. We also mustn't forget the rehash of the Beetle by Volkswagon. Chevy is testing the waters with a retro-look Camaro and Chrysler with the Challenger. While a lot of cars do carry a great deal of nostolgic attraction, most are better left in memory or museum or private collections. They are much better cars in memory than reality.

Answer 4

I don't know if there are any companies that make classic cars....

But since a lot today is based on its "modern high-technology," companies would make more money selling those types of cars, also, practicality is big in the market, and well.....soccer-moms might not get the best use out of an old model (or a car designed like an old model).

But classic cars are nice! I agree. And....for a car to officially be classic, its model has to be around for 50 years so it would take a while even if there was a company that designs them.

Hope this helps! =]

Answer 5

There are many companies and people that restore classic cars but a new car that looks like a classic such as a Prowler (Plymouth) is just a new car that looks old.

That would be like reprinting old baseball cards.

Answer 6

You can buy a brand new 1969 Camaro convertible but be ready to write a check with lots of zeros on it. There are still too many survivors to make reproduction cost effective. New bodies for hot rods and full drive it away hot rods have been reproduced in fiberglass or steel for many years. There is enough demand to support that market. It's all about the money.

Answer 7

There are classics, and then there are classics. Some depend or year and some on nostalgia. I have a few in both categories. but time and popularity seem to be the key. The push on the "new" Mustang is example. Get what makes you happy and drive. :)

Answer 8

There are. California has some, some shops will build the car of your dreams...for a price. Clones of retro/muscle cars can be had by checking ebay, related magazines, news ads, etc.

Answer 9

No, no one makes classic cars... it simply can't be done...

However, there are lots of classic car restoration companies that strip classics in need down to the frame and rebuild them from the ground /frame up.

Start here for a list of some
http://www.google.ca/search?q=classic+car+restoration&start=0&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official

Answer 10

there are companies that restore classic cars, but not make them. that's why it's so expensive to get one in good/new shape. people put a lot of money into rebuilding them.