The term classic car is used to denote those cars which were manufactured before the year 1959. The exact definition is highly subjective as there are different set by different car manufacturers, critics, automobile clubs and associations across the world. Overall most of us consider old cars to be a part of a classic car collection.

The classic car is defined as a distinctive automobiles built during the Pre World War 2 era beginning after the Great Depression of 1929 till the emergence of the modern era of automobiles in the 70s. The classic car era can be divided into two categories, the pre war era and the post war era.

Before WW II, the most popular cars were the one that had inbuilt fenders and bodies were compact. However, during and after the war, sedan type cars with boots in rear gained popularity. As the war end was nearing, a new trend had hit the society. Cars like touring cars, phaetons and runabouts did not last long and were removed from the roads and that saw the end of year of classic car manufacture.

The running boards, wings, and headlights gradually got incorporated in the body of the car. A number of technological developments took place during this time such as the all synchromesh gearbox, V8 flathead engine, front wheel transmission, monocoque body V12 engines and so on. All these contributed to the development of the classic car. Near the end of the pre war era the number of car manufacturer declined due to the constant mergers and acquisitions of the small auto manufacturers by the giants.

Most popular of all classic cars in the before World War II phase were Alvis Speed 20, Rolls Royce, Citroen Traction Avant, Volkswagen, Bugatti Type 57 etc.

The Second World War influenced the then automobile industry. It is said that the second phase of classic cars begun after the end of the war. The end of war also marked the end of the period of the large gas sloshing automotive giants. This led to the beginning of grand tour vehicles, coupes and the sedans.

In this phase, requirement of family cars were felt. As a result, Ford Consul and Rover P4 were very popular cars during this phase. Beetle series by Volkswagen flooded the US and European market and had an immediate impact on common man. The unique shape and compact size helped it gain more popularity. It continued to reign the road till 2003 when finally Volkswagen chose to close down the manufacturing.

The popularity of family cars also led to the introduction of many small manufactures from other countries too like Japan. In the later years, these small companies gained tremendous popularity in the US and European markets too. Spacious Mini Model of the British Motor Corporation gained popular as another small car in Europe. This particular small car model proved to be for the small European streets.

The sports car is another section which saw some changes. A classic car can be a sports car as well. Ferrari 250 series or Porsche’s 356 Roadstar ruled the tracks and road of Europe.

Technical developments of classic car resulted in the form of inclusion of double wishbone suspension, uni-body shape; McPherson Strut suspension; twin V and boxer engines that took place in later years. To improve the performance of engines in terms of power and speed, upgradation and developments were also initiated from time to time.