29th Aug 2012, 16:53
There is no misinformation; most of this is what type of car somebody prefers, and some of it is opinion based... just like your opinion that late 70's cars are not classics.
Now I've really heard it all.
30th Aug 2012, 10:28
Incorrect again. A classic as far as registration purposes, are vehicles typically 20 plus years of age in most states.
Also, recent classics can even be admitted in car shows, and I have seen 1984 as a cut off date. You can own a distinctive car, have extreme low mileage, very well cared for and feel comfortable using the terminology.
As far as older cars and safety; consider the following. If you have a classic, its actual exposure outside the garage it resides in is typically very limited. Low annual mileage; perhaps to a cruise night or weekend show. And that's it.
The vintage and classic cars are fun. There is a lot of effort keeping them immaculate, and the best rewards are taking them out. My best have been winning trophies with my children present, and they helped me detail and polish them. Getting up at 6 AM at a Fathers Day show and putting my car(s) inside a mall and winning was a great feeling. And there have been many other examples as well.
You can own a newer unibody for example, and it doesn't mean you are ever totally immune to danger. I could buy a new unibody Prius and then drive it out to go rock climbing. I could go offroad, do hill climbing and flip a new truck. I do water ski, jet ski, and even snow ski, and take a new car to get there. My kids can drive and get hurt in sports activities or games. The safest is not to drive at all and stay home. All of these activities were by car, and I am exposing myself to mechanical injuries. There are inherent dangers everywhere. I remember trying to totally childproof my home, and the kids still got in their share of scrapes.
I would rather drive very cautiously, and use sense and enjoy activities. I have owned new motorcycles over many years, and learned to trust no one's intentions until they do it. It certainly kept me accident free on my cars as well. I look at road hazards as well, even the smallest issues, by having a bike.
Lastly, I also wonder how many people shop for a new car and ask if its unibody or full frame at a dealership. I ask about ABS, amenities, and applications, and it has worked fine for me.
Good luck.
30th Aug 2012, 17:31
According to insurance companies, a vehicle must be 25 years old to be insured as a classic, regardless of what make or model.
The vehicle could be a low budget Plymouth Cricket, but guess what, it's still a classic.
29th Aug 2012, 13:14
I have to question why you own a very old car. It seems you find more fault with it than it deserves.
It's from a specific slice of time. To jump years into the future, it may be better to compare a full frame car to modern ones with 5 star crash tests. Cars like Crown Vics or Caprice, which I would prefer to be in vs a small unibody in a crash. Or the newest equivalents. They certainly worked great for me on long business and pleasure trips, and I drive a lot.
There are full frame vehicles with air bags, side protection and ABS etc. Read the crash ratings and let us know the crash rating of it. If it's 5 stars, let us know what new unibody model you own.