Classic Vs. Modern Cars?

When we look towards the British roadway thirty, forty years ago, we see it in a glaze of nostalgia- the dual carriageways sprinkled in traffic, mostly compiled by 70/80s influenced automobile design; all of which unique and exciting in comparison to the infestation of the Corsa and 500 on the roads of 2019.

Instead, what we lack is the ability to remember that the Capris and Austins that flitted across the stony roads of Britain were, in fact, the norm. Ideas that cars should one day have the ability to gauge lane control, may be started with the absence of a traditional key, and have music played through a device that has no visible connection to the computer-laden panel, were images of a future laying as a mere speck in the distance.

But this is our every-day. It’s always nice to look back at the past with fondness. After all, we always think of the car that shaped our childhood, the one your dad drove to the coast for camping holidays, or long-winded trips to Calais to fulfil the necessary booze and fag run distance trips to visit family in Scotland. So yes, the past is paved by blocks of reminiscence. As such, comparing classic and present vehicles without a hint of emotion is problematic.

The Crank has Turned

That said, it isn’t difficult to see that there is a bulging gap between the days where Michael Jackson blared out the cassette player, to the modern dread of typing into the car’s GPS, well, any location at 4.30pm on a Friday. Therefore, changes have happened, and for the most part, these are geared towards human safety and a greener (or should it be ‘damage-limitation’) approach to global warming in the automobile world.

Though fuel efficiency hasn’t exactly surpassed much over half a century, the source of fuel is a whole different discussion. Drivers of the 80s probably never saw a future where you plug your car into the house’s power supply by means of juicing it. It was probably ludicrous, prior to the law being passed in 1983, that it was an unlawful action to not wear a seatbelt, let alone have every in-car orifice stuffed with an airbag.

Zooming Ahead

With turbo being the latest must-have, one could have only dreamt about a vehicle that has the ability to swap between petrol/diesel fuel and electrical charge. Yet here we are! And in a motoring society that rejects ashtrays and hub caps, but lies in favour of cars with such haphazard aesthetics as the BMW i3.

Though, yes, of course, it’s great the i3 can reach 80 miles on a single charge, it isn’t exactly the picture of excitement. You can keep the multi-functioning steering wheel and space-age styling. We want the down-and-dirty experience of being behind the wheel of a fuel-injected XR3i Escort, please. At least the obsession with alloys and dual exhausts has persisted, though, in an ever-so-much more refined context (most options installed prior to leaving the manufacturer’s factory).

As a side note, at this moment we’d be irresponsible as a brand obsessed with wheels if we didn’t remind you of the vast range of superior products that Stuttgart offers

Sounds of the Past

In either sense, we must thank those in motoring history who were brave enough to face trial and error when it came to cars. They are the ones who have pioneered the future of cars as we know them today. Dr. Peter Goldmark’s 1956 invention of the phonograph as the functioning in-car entertainment, while innovative, posed obvious problems; we respect his enthusiasm. It did, however, prove the sheer opportunity for modern tech in vehicles.

On the brighter side is Ralph Teetor’s creation of cruise control in 1948; fuelled by his frustration due to his lawyer’s driving (who would fluctuate between speeds as he spoke), has evolved into the complex safety system that it is today.

The Final Stretch

Ultimately, as they say, beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder. So whether you’re a fiend for classics or fully endorsing of modern motors, every car has its unique charm. Where classic cars prevail- in their rarity and symbolism of a moment in time gone by, modern cars have plunged towards a different direction, driven by a societal shift whereby health and safety is inescapable. Yet the backbone remains the same, every driver customises their car in some way or another so as to shape an element of their personality into their every-day pride and joy.

Stuttgart, with a passion in the business, fully comprehends this desire. If you’re looking to go the extra mile in your car customisation, take a peek at the luxury wheels that adorn our site. For any queries, don’t hesitate to contact us using this form.    

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