

Sign up to receive the weekly newsletter featuring the very latest from Petrolicious. Don’t be left out—join the ranks of those who Drive Tastefully.
Already a member? Log in
We're glad you're back.
Not a member yet? Sign up
We'll get you back on track.
Photography by Turbometal blog
This is the introduction to a series that will highlight classic cars that exemplify the perseverance and innovative spirit in the face of hardship that defines our community of enthusiasts.
If you’re anything like me, you probably admire enthusiasm and perseverance in the face of automotive hardship in all its forms. Whether this passion and grit manifests itself in the completion of a restoration project in time for an upcoming show, in the patience and diligence of spending months or even years tracking down the classic car of your dreams, or in using your ingenuity, skill, and, on occasion, ability to flag down fellow enthusiasts and make new friends to help get you and your treasured classic back home, safe and sound, after a bit of bad luck on the road.
Whenever these daunting and, occasionally, unexpected challenges arise, classic car enthusiasts never lose sight of the silver lining that, while just beyond that moment’s reach, is undoubtedly on the horizon. We know, in our two-or-four-stroke hearts, that these trials and tribulations will make us, our love for our classic, and our bond with the classic car community just that much stronger, while making the next cruise down our favorite road just that much sweeter.
Similarly, many of the most beloved and revered vintage cars were, themselves, the result of a special kind of perseverance, passion, and grit despite seemingly overwhelming obstacles. Cars that originated in this manner were often born in the minds of automotive pioneers and engineered by gifted innovators within an environment of seemingly insurmountable odds. These are the cars that have risen from a war’s ashes, survived in spite of a suffocating oil crisis, or simply thrived in the face of seemingly oppressive government regulation.
Perhaps, part of our fascination with these cars can be explained through a subtle recognition or subconscious identification of this kindred spirit existing deep within the soul and DNA of these cars. And while most attempt to encapsulate this ‘can-do’ attitude within the enthusiast community and exemplified in these marvelous automotive creations by saying we’re making lemonade when we’ve only been given lemons, I think I can speak for all who drive tastefully, in saying that our community simply appreciates when an automotive soul “steers into the skid.”
But before I give some of my personal favorites, I’d like to hear what you think. Is your classic car the result of ingenuity in the face of automotive adversity? If not, what do you think is the classic car that best exemplifies the perseverance that I think we all so admire within the enthusiast community?
Image Sources: motortrend.com, flickr.com
Morgan. Over 100 years old. Same family ownership all that time. Started making three wheeled cars in 1909. Reintroduced them. Still make 4 wheeled cars the same way they made them in the late 30s. All this in the face of increased government regulation. Who else has stayed so true to their original selves over such an extended period of time?
Jeep. Borne of necessity and proved itself more capable than ever intended. It is the epitome of simplicity and durability, and in that it is beautiful. There are a lot of cars that could enter this discussion, but you simply have to respect the Jeep; without it, there is a very good chance the world we live in would be a very, very different place today.
My personal favorite for sure is Saab. They did so many things differently. Some on which worked out great, others not so great. But I love them to bits. Saab was never a rational purchase. Back in the day I imagine you had to risk a bit for being different and buy a car from a small company. But for sure it paid off. When you drive it, you get the “I know something you don’t…” smile. And the classic 900’s were very reliable. And yes, this is what I own too. In fact a 1993 900 Aero is my first car that I still have.
Saabs were special. Special maybe in several meanings, but I’ve always supported the underdogs that do things differently.
Today, when my car is 21 years old (model itself 35) I can’t stand the modern carmakers for the “Gray, metallic, diesel” attitude.
What is the equivalent car today for a Saab in the 80s?
I guess any car company that tried to put a better product in the market and had to fight against the big ones, and didn´t end up selling to them deserves the honors… Tucker, Duesenberg, TVR, Koenisegg, Tesla… Those guys had innovation in mind and went for it! Some succeeded, some not, but hey, they gave it their all! Even brands that went bankrupt, closed for good, and then their rights were bought by big corporations: Bugatti, Maybach, Lotus… and remember there are very few brands that started on a high! Most of them were built from the ground up by people with limited resources: if not think Ferrari…