Retro Mania: Old Vehicles Rock!
Americas thirst for automobiles of significance continues unabated. Extended tired of copycat, cookie cutter, uninspiring models, consumers are demanding and receiving vehicles that are, very frankly, retro. Yes, Americas automakers are reaching back in time to create a bunch of models based on well-known models from yesteryear. Lets take a look at the Large 3 automakers and their present crop of retro vehicles as well as future models soon to be released.
Defined, retro cars honda prelude performance parts are autos that take their styling cues from vehicles built a generation or two ago. No, these automobiles arent strut bar carbon copies of earlier models, rather each and every retro automobile borrows considerably of their look from earlier models.
Even though American automakers dominate the retro market place, the Volkswagen New Beetle was 1 of the first cars to reach back as it went forward. Based on the VW Golf platform, the circular shaped New Beetle hearkens back to the flower youngster era with its current rendition of the peoples vehicle. Fortunately, VW had the presence of mind to include its famed flower holder in with the dash, to evoke memory of the earlier model.
Ford pushed the retro market place forward with its introduction of the Thunderbird in 2002. Borrowing heavily from early sixties era TBirds, the auto has had mixed success as Ford sold a really limited quantity of the model for a few years and then discontinued it right after the 2005 model year, citing poor sales. In 2004, Ford introduced a retro version of the Mustang, based on the 67 Mustang fastback. As opposed to the TBird, the Mustang has been a large success and Ford can barely keep up with production. No word if a retro Pinto is being planned by FoMoCo.
Chrysler got in the retro craze with its introduction of the 2000 PT Cruiser. Based on 1950s era panel vans, the PT Cruiser sits on the now defunct Neon platform, but sales have been powerful for Chrysler. The Dodge Challenger, another Chrysler product, is the vehicle several are waiting coilover to see if and when it debuts as an 09 model. Borrowing cues from the 71 model is element of the fun of this auto: a hemi engine coupled with a amazing interior will certainly assist move sales. For the record, the present Dodge Charger isnt retro it has 4 doors but I am mentioning it because it is one cool automobile!
Chevrolet went retro with the SSR, a truck based on 1950s era choose ups. Word has it that the slow selling SSR hey, $42K for THAT point is on its last legs. Thankfully, the HHR [Heritage High Roof] will preserve Chevy in the retro organization as this new for 2006 model takes its styling cues from the 49 Suburban. Some would say the PT Cruiser!
Are we likely to see far more retro automobiles in the future? Maybe, but probably not a Caddy replete with fins or a Chevy Vega. Americas really like with old models is strong, but selective, and the automakers need to be specific that shoppers genuinely want a distinct retro auto prior to putting it into production. Oh, by the way, the 09 Chevy Camaro notion is one hot searching automobile!
