Believe it or not, the first-generationMazda MX-5 (née Miata) has reached the 30-year plateau. It has become the best-selling two-seat convertible in history, and no wonder, mixing old-school roadster charm with modern Japanese reliability. Also from Japan is the first-genAcura NSX , the legendary sports car with a mid-mounted V6.
Lamborghini ’s Diablo makes the cut, as does the originalRenault Clio, theLotus Carlton, theAston Martin Virage Volante,BMW E36,Ford Fiesta RS Turbo,Land Rover Discovery five-door and theMaserati Shamal. The Suzuki VX800, Harley-Davidson Fat Boy and the Norton F1 motorcycles can also be considered.
Another car to make the list is the 1990 Trabant 1.1, the last version of this Cold War-era legend. While referring to this Cold War-era relic as a 'classic' might not register with some, this version is the most rare and has a four-stroke engine instead of the earlier generation’s smokey two strokes.
Of course, just reaching the 30-year milestone doesn’t guarantee every example of these cars will be considered classic; on top of age, FIVA’s other requirements are that the car is preserved and maintained in a historically correct condition, it’s not used as a means of daily transport and it is a part of our technical and cultural heritage.
*Images courtesy of FIVA
