5 Car Models That Are Over 50 Years Old
Throughout the ages, vehicle manufacturers invented, then abandoned, certain vehicle models. However, certain particular models succeeded in crossing the generations, and thus have been part of the daily life of the drivers for several decades.
Let’s explore together the story of five of these models!
Chevrolet Corvette (1953)
First presented as a dream car at a convention in 1953, the Corvette was produced in 300 units. The first few years were difficult, with the Corvette not being popular due to its unsporting drive. A new engine in 1955 took the model off the ground before it was put into storage.
Source: Barrett-Jackson
The Corvette especially marked our imaginations when it was completely redesigned in 1963, then based on Bill Mitchell’s Sting Ray racing car, where the coupe model made its debut.
The new generation Corvette still promises a lot of performance, and claims the best acceleration ever seen on a Corvette, from 0 to 100 km/h in less than three seconds.
Source: Chevrolet
Ford Mustang (1964)
The Ford Mustang, introduced in 1964, is one of the brand’s longest-running models, and still in circulation. From its introduction, it was used on race tracks, and remains very popular for Drag Races.
Although Ford had predicted to sell around 100,000 copies of this model in its first year on the market, the Mustang surpassed expectations, selling more than 400,000 copies in one year. In its second year, Ford surpassed one million Mustangs sold.
Source: Wikipedia
In 1974, a more compact model of the Ford Mustang was introduced, a few months before the oil crisis, allowing the model to compete with other smaller imported sports cars.
Source: YouTube
In the 2000s, the Ford Mustang attempted to break into the Australian market. However, the car had to be redesigned for driving on the other side of the road, which cost Ford $ 4,000,000. Its introduction on this market was unsuccessful.
Source: Unique Cars
Ford has announced the launch of a 2019 Ford Mustang Mach-E, an electric version that looks more like a small SUV.
Source: MotorTrend
Toyota Corolla (1966)
The Toyota Corolla was introduced in 1966, and has remained just as popular over time. By 1974, the Corolla was the best-selling car in the world.
Source: Global.Toyota
In 1995, Toyota decided to create several different models of Corolla for each region of the world, believing that sales would be better as a result. In North America, for example, the front and rear of the vehicle were unique, and therefore differed from other models wordwide.
In 1997, the Corolla model surpassed the Volkswagen Beetle becoming the best-selling model in the world since its introduction.
Source: Consumer Guide Auto
In 2016, more than 44 million Corollas had been sold since its introduction.
Source: MotorTrend
Honda Civic (1972)
Who has never sat in the seat of a Honda Civic? First introduced to the market in 1972, it was then possible to obtain it as a two- or four-door sedan, a hatchback or even a small station wagon.
Source: Wikipedia
The Honda Civic was intended to be a more sporty and affordable car, and was used for racing from its introduction. We can often see modified versions of the Honda Civic on our roads, showcased by a loyal community. The 5th generation of the model, introduced in 1991, still remains popular among this community.
Source: Hemmings Motor News
A first hybrid version of the model was introduced in 2000.
Source: Wikipedia
In Japan, home of Honda, the car was less popular than internationally, and was withdrawn from the local market in 2010, only to return with a redesigned model in 2017.
Source: Guide Auto
Volkswagen Golf (1974)
The Volkswagen Golf, introduced in 1974, has evolved in appearance and even in name. Some may remember the Rabbit, for example, which was the name of Golf in North America for some time.
Source: Volkswagen Newsroom
Some of these models were converted to electric cars quite early by the make, and in a very limited way, only in Europe. The first time was actually with the first model in the 1970s. Some second-generation electric models are still in circulation.
Source: Wikipedia
The Volkswagen Golf is the brand’s best-selling model, and is one of the best-selling models in the world, with more than 30 million Golfs sold in 2013. The Golf has received several awards, including the car of the year in 2009 and 2013, the European Car of the Year in 1992 and 2013, and several others.
Source: Car and Driver