classics
classics

10 classics I’m dying to drive — COVID permitting

At the end of each year, I set myself a short wish list of three or four cars I hope that I’d like to drive, or at least reacquaint myself with up close in the next 12 months. 

COVID put that aspiration in neutral in 2020 and 2021. 

Here’s hoping the next 12 months will be better. 

This is my top 10 catch-up list for 2022.

HD Holden

1) HD Holden

Its curved body and windows were a breakthrough which deliver true six-seater comfort. 

I’d like sit in one again to re-discover that extra space.

AP6 V8 Valiant wagon

2) AP6 V8 Valiant wagon

It was the first locally built V8 family wagon. 

What a revelation.

What does a 273 cubic inch 180 bhp engine feel like in 2022?

AMC Gremlin

3) AMC Gremlin

This cut-down AMC Hornet was America’s first sub-compact. 

The styling still grabs my eye.

1967 Sunbeam Rapier Fastback

4) 1967 Sunbeam Rapier

I reckon it is one if not the UK’s best-looking cars of the 1960s. 

An all-time favourite.

1965 Pontiac Parisienne

5) 1965 Pontiac Parisienne four door pillarless hardtop

It is one of the best-looking cars to ever come from the USA. 

“Fast and vast” Wheels magazine described it.

Just roll down all of the windows and allow the fresh air to wash over you.

Let the 327 cubic inch V8, powerglide transmission and power steering take care of driving effort.

Luxuriate in the soft bench seats and, along with the strong perimeter frame chassis and all coil suspension, enjoy that insulated, soft big car ride.

They’ll never make ‘em like this again.

1962 Ford Taunus

6) 1962 Ford Taunus

Here is Ford’s first mass-produced front wheel drive. 

BMC gets all the credit for FWD, but Ford in Germany deserves plaudits too. 

It had the new V4 and was to be the car that sat under the Falcon until Lee Iacocca shoved it out of way to make way for the Mustang.

Austin Kimberley

7) Austin Kimberley/Tasman

BMC’s wide-bodied, front wheel drive six was 10 years ahead of the Mitsubishi Magna.

They should have stuck with it rather than try to emulate GM, Ford and Chrysler with the P76.

Ford Thunderbird

8) 1967-71 Ford Thunderbird four door

Mercedes tries to claim they invented the four-door coupe (CLS), but the T-Bird and others, were decades ahead. 

My favourites are the years with the “Bunkie” Knudsen pointed front end.

1969 VF Valiant hardtop

9) 1969 VF Valiant hardtop

I should have bought one of these Elwood Engel shaped cars years ago, when a good one went for under $3000. 

The styling is great.

1977 Chevrolet Impala coupe

10) 1977 Chevrolet Impala coupe

Here is one of GM legendary design boss, Bill Mitchell’s, last great gifts. 

Its sheer, crisp lines and exceptionally elegant rear window makes it one a most under rated classics.

What’s your list for 2022?

David Burrell is the editor of Retroautos.com.au

 

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