classic car

What makes me believe people liked a car is not based on opinion or company success. No, it is how long the model or series has lasted with much the same styling that has proved to be versatile for every era. Take the Jaguar XJ series, which celebrated its 40th anniversary last year, for example. This car was introduced in 1968 with many styling cues that are still seen on the cars today. Except for a short time in the eighties (once again, my least favorite decade for cars), the Jag had similar headlights and taillights, not to mention profile that has just been slightly toned down through the decades to be more modern and streamlined. This also goes for such classics such as the MGB, the Datsun 240z-300zx, and Lotus Seven. All of these cars are legendary, and they survived because the original designer (or team) penned a shape that people liked and fit into every era. Also the Mustang (except for the eighties, again) has kept many styling cues such as the side scallops and the hood hanging over the lights. The body shape has grown, been reduced, and grown again, but almost every generation has had some or many ties to the original body styling. This photo, from coopersports.co.uk, is of a 2000 Mini Cooper Final Edition, the last generation to keep the original body. Today's Minis still honor this style, and will continue to in the years to come.