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Question: Where does Classic end and pile of s*** begin?
I read with great interest most articles in magazines like: Modifying Retro, Classics, Practical Classics and a plethora of other titles that encompass my own fascination of motor cars of a certain age, but I can’t help being disappointed in Greg Whitaker and Mark Robinson’s choice of “classic” vehicles. Both of the above are on the editorial staff of “Classics” Magazine and both drive cars that would have both these eegits sacked on the grounds of professional credibility if I was in charge of said publication.
How can anyone take anything these two pillocks say seriously when their own choice of vehicles are a 1983 Triumph Acclaim and a 1978 Austin Allegro respectively.
As frequent readers of my drivel will know, I’ve had a long love affair with Saab 99’s and 900’s but understandably because of the superior quality of these particular automobiles. They were designed and produced so well that they surpassed safety legislation that wasn’t even implemented in this country until 1985. They are wonderfully built, have superb on the road dynamics and look totally individual when compared with 90% of other road traffic.
These cars were built, not assembled. They were designed to last the test of time. They are beautifully finished and exhilarating to own and drive. They are modern Classics.
By comparison, both the Triumph Acclaim and the Austin Allegro were PILES OF S**T WHEN THEY LEFT THE FACTORY. They were in their time both woefully behind the competition in absolutely every regard. Both of these cars are an embarrassment to the British Motor industry as a whole.
They encompass the stranglehold that prats like Red Robo had on BRITISH Leyland in the seventies leaving them £3.80 to develop their new models.
I am sick of the debate as to what can be called a classic. I am tired of coming into contact with people who cling to the promise that their Austin Maxi, Princess, Allegro, Ambassador, Morris Marina, Ital, Triumph Acclaim, Toledo and TR7 are on the verge of Classic status irrespective of the rampaging rust eating its way through the dustbin of a body. Classic status should only be granted on the grounds of the manufacturers’ credibility of the car in question.
OK if the said Austin Dustbin has been preserved to Concours standard, then the saddo in question should be given a certificate saying something along the lines of well done, you’ve preserved something not worth preserving, but saying that, said Saddo’s car could be used in a How Not to Guide for the motor industry as a whole.
As for Mr Whittaker and Rolinson, it is a simple choice: either get a life and a decent car or get a new job editing “Rust Bucket Monthly”.
Anyway, rant over. Well, until the next one of course.
Best wishes
Matt
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