Disturbing news

[jagnut66]

Hi,
I've just read an article in the 'letters' section of Practical Classics' that left me a bit concerned.
Titled 'war is over (if you want it)' on page 34 (top left corner) of the latest issue, it goes on to describe an encounter between 'members of the MMOC' and the Impreza Owners Club at a steam rally in Sussex, in which it decribes some 'nasty name calling', which could of course be the polite magazine wording of an unpleasant clash.
Now I know there are factions of 'Purists' and 'Modders' in this club that sometime don't think too highly of each other (and have been known to clash on these pages) but I did think on the whole we were 'live and let live', so I hope this is not the sign of things to come.
I know I don't know the exact circumstances of this confrontation but I don't think it will do our image of a warm and friendly club any good if this sort of thing starts to make the press on even a semi regular basis.
Mildly concerned.
Mike.

[TFM150K]

Could I suggest that you flag this up to the powers that be at Derby?

[bmcecosse]

Take a picture of the letter and let us all see it ?? Or were you just reading it in Menzies......

[jagnut66]

I subscribe to Practical Classics, so not a figment of my imagination I'm afraid BMC......
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[bmcecosse]

Storm in a teacup I think.... So my TR7 is not a Classic ?

[panky]

How to define a classic? My definition is anything of interest or significance to motoring history. It doesn't have to be 'old' to be a classic, some cars are just born to it.
A lot of shows have a cut-off date, some events are advertised as classic and sports or performance car shows so a brand new Porsche,Jag or Subaru would be rubbing shoulders with Minors and Pops, I suggest those who have a beef with the definition of classic only go to the former.
In a couple of weeks we will be attending the 'Power and Passion' show at Tatton Park, there's a huge marquee full of exotica - Ferraris, Lambos, Rolls Royce of all ages. The rest of the park is dominated with RS's, GTi's, Lotus, replicas - acres of performance metal and yet there's us with a bunch of Commer vans having a big party - and everyone loves it. We have had nothing but thumbs up and big grins from the rest of the field and got second best stand last year between the Jensons and Rolls Royce clubs, so it makes me wonder just which side the classic snobbery is coming from.

[Sparticus]

OOFT the deck chair brigade vs the Mid life crisis crew....

It all seems terribly petty nevertheless, IMO, I think there is a 'classic' car and a classic car. Your series MM is a classic. Your Scooby wrx/sti original with the original liveries would be a 'classic' (wow what a classic from the old days of the modding scene).

[jagnut66]

So my TR7 is not a Classic

All Triumphs are classics --- I grew up with a Wedgewood Blue Triumph Herald 12/50, so many happy memories of 99 EMO.
I keep looking for one in that colour but they're usually in such good nick that they're out of reach these days but then Triumphs always sell well.
(Probably why BMW keep the rights to the name locked away and refuse to set it free again ---- B*****ds )

[les]

Wish I'd been there, could have had a good laugh!

[TFM150K]

I think that my Vauxhall Combo 1.7deisel van with the rusty roof panel and the flaking varnish is a classic. So there. And see if I care if you disagree.
Merry Christmas.
Santa.

[Sparticus]

I think that my Vauxhall Combo 1.7deisel van with the rusty roof panel and the flaking varnish is a classic. So there. And see if I care if you disagree.
Merry Christmas.
Santa.

If you can't take a joke, don't drive one

[sid]

So my TR7 is not a Classic

All Triumphs are classics --- I grew up with a Wedgewood Blue Triumph Herald 12/50, so many happy memories of 99 EMO.
I keep looking for one in that colour but they're usually in such good nick that they're out of reach these days but then Triumphs always sell well.
(Probably why BMW keep the rights to the name locked away and refuse to set it free again ---- B*****ds )

my 1200 Herald convertible is in Wedgwood Blue..the best colour IMO

[jagnut66]

my 1200 Herald convertible is in Wedgwood Blue..the best colour IMO

Post up a pic then.

[Mark Wilson]

The people who need to be considered in this debate are the paying customers, not the exhibitors. If you take your grandchildren to a classic show to impose a bit of your nostalgia on them you are likely to be disappointed by a field full of big wheels and spoilers. If you want to entertain car crazy teenagers the reverse is true. It's just a case of clear labeling, not snobbery. So there needs to be an age definition for classic - why not use the DVLA one?

Mark

[jagnut66]

I suspect this 'what is / is not' debate will go on for ever unless some sort of official line is drawn under it.
Naturally that line will not please everyone but then does a car need to be a classic to have a group of fans / enthusiasts create a club based round it? The Subaru Impreza being a case in point.
So I tend to agree that a true classic is a car over a certain age, beyond that you head into veteran and vintage.
I think anything made before 1980 would qualify.
Thirtyfive years and older seems fair to me...............
Naturally this is a rolling definition.......

Unfortunately until a fixed definition is agreed then this argument will go on....................and on....................

[les]

Surely some vintage or veteran cars can be classed as a classic.

[SteveClem]

Just back from holiday and found this discussion. After driving many motorway miles in an efficient but boring newish VW I would suggest that anything that looks a bit retro and interesting should be regarded as a 'classic '. I spotted a pretty Figarro and a '90's Astromax van in about 120 miles. Both looked more interesting than the endless succession of Kias and Hyundais etc. Not sure why folks get so wound up over this...

[MrIan]

Oh there are so many variables in the classic car tag yes/no debate.
A car with a programable engine management ECU / air bags SRS system / traction control / has to be plugged into a PC to set up/tuned ? can it be classed as a classic with all these modern systems yes / no?
Modern jags and mercs to me - no (yet I see a lot shown at classic car shows !!)
I think the majority feel that classics are the E types & early jags / minis / mogs / capris / imps / triumphs etc etc earlier styles go into the vintage territory.
All in all a very confusing description 'Classic Car'

[Matt]

There are "defined" ages for veteran (pre 1904) and vintage (pre 1930).

I think anything over 25 years old could be considered as a classic.

However there are plenty of interesting vehicles under that age which are interesting/unique and maybe another defination needs to be created? Lets call it cars with merit? (I'm sure someone here can come up with a much better 1 worder). I don't know about you lot but if a McLaren F1 turned up to a classic car show I would let in in along with anything else unusual (i.e. you would be suprised to see one on the road...)

[les]

What about the Magnum Classic, they're delicious.