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All That You Need to Know About History of Classic Cars

History of Classic Cars

Before we start to find out everything that one needs to know about Classic cars, it is important to understand that what is exactly called as classic car. In general a classic car is an old car. In common terms one can define that any car older than 20 years and within 40 years is a classic car. On the other hand, cars that are older than 45 years are termed as Antique Cars.

In order to understand classic cars, it is important to understand the history of classic cars.

The evolution in cars started post World War 2. Post the famous war the V8 evolution happened. The modern overhead V8 was discovered. People in the automobile industry were busy to incorporate changes in their models in terms of increasing the cars horsepower, improve the fuel efficiency of the car and to ensure that the high compressed engines ensure soundless and comfortable journeys. People started enjoying their tryst with cars and owning a car became a status symbol.

Here are a few cars that have carved out a place for them in the History of Classic Cars.

Muscle Car:

Photo by Wikimedia Commons

The first one to launch a 8 cylinder cat called Rocket V8 was GM. It was a 303-cid V8 enabled car that flaunted steel crank, pistons made with aluminum and boasted of 135 horsepower engine. Thanks to its powerful engine and sturdy interiors this car is labeled as the first muscle car in the History of Classic Cars.

1970 Corvette:

Photo by The Brain Toad

Then came an offering from Chevrolet, the most coveted car with a powerful engine that made its space in the history of motor racing . Introduced in 1955 Chevrolet came out with a small car V8. Boasting 265 cubic inch and horsepower of 1955 it was a powerful engine in a small package. Later it was remodeled as 1970 Corvette and the engine was enhanced with a 370 horsepower machines.

Thunderbird:

Photo by Mr. T in DC

Ford could not stand to the blow from Chevrolet. In reply they came out with a sleek sports car that every adult desired. This urban cool car came hoodless and personified luxury. This 2-seater car made its way to the streets in 1955. Initially Ford was geared up to sell 10000 Thunderbirds. However, they were surprised to see that the demand was so high that they ended up selling as many as 16000 cars in the first year itself.

1955 Chrysler:

Photo by Jack_Snell

Then came America’s most powerful car, the 1955 Chrysler 300. This car came with 300 horsepower engine and 331 cid motor. It also had a fitted powerful suspension. However, people were not too happy with the performance of the car. Hence, it was mainly used in races.

Avanti:

Photo by Katie and Joe

The reply to competition by the century old Studebaker Company was Avanti. A fiberglass bodied sleek car for the urban crowd. The car came in an aerodynamic shape that was the first of its kind. The designer Raymond Leowy understood that the only way to ensure that the car sells is to couple looks with performance. This super beauty came with 289 Cid , V8 and flaunted a flying records of 168.15 mph.

Barracuda:

Photo by jerbec

Plymouth, another automobile manufacturer came up with Barracuda. This was a compact car for the next generation. This valiant model car was launched in 1964 but was not too well received by the auto mobile enthusiasts.

Mustang:

Photo by Dave Hamster

Then Ford came up with a compact car called Mustang. The best part about this car was that it was stylish as well as affordable. The car was mainly targeting the youth segment and it made huge sales. This original pony car as so famous for its 271 horsepower K code engine, rear springs and front disc break that it sold 1 million pieces in its first year.

Pontiac:

Photo by bsabarnowl

There were many mid-sized cars that were equipped with powerful engines. However, when in 1964 a US car manufactures came out with a Tempest version of GTO it became a craze. The car had all the requirements and was yet affordable and gave superb mileage.

Chevrolet Camaro:

Photo by jerbec

Post the muscle car and performance driven era in the History of Classic Cars came Chevrolets latest offering in the form of Camaro. This was their reply to Fords famous Mustang and was famous in the sixties. The car came with rear-wheel drive and was air conditioned to ensure that the car owners have a great experience. The Camaro soon became a rage and was easily spotted in the racing circuits in the year 1968 and 1969.

There are many cars that have made their names etched in the History of Classic Cars either for their powerful performance, style, cost or number of sales made during the first year of production.

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I am a Systems Engineer by profession and I have also been in this Content Writing, Blogging and Journalism segment for the past 6 years.

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