The new vintage: Car models becoming classics in 2019

By GEORGE WONG | 14 February 2019


BERLIN: While 30th birthdays for most of us can be just another date in the calendar, for cars, it is a much more notable occasion.

It marks the point when they can officially be registered as "vintage" which, beyond the status boost being the driver of a vintage car might bring, it can also mean lower car tax — depending on local legislation.

Here are a selection of some models making the leap from being old, to vintage in 2019.

BMW 850i : When the long two-door coupe came on the market in 1989, its futuristic design took the market by storm. The five-litre, 12-cylinder engine under its distinctive long hood generated 300 hp and could accelerating from 0-100kph in 6.0 seconds with a top speed of 250kph. Today's market price: US$39,000.

Citroen XM : In 1989 the French brand also introduced a new luxury model. The five-door sedan scored points technically with its special spring technology — called Hydractiv — which reduced unwanted roll and tilt movements while driving. Price today: US$37,000 for a two-litre model producing 89kW/121kW.

Opel Lotus Omega: Thanks to a cooperation with Lotus, a 377hp version of the Omega is available, producing acceleration of 0-100kph in 5.4 seconds and a top speed of 283kph. Price today: US$48,500.

VW Passat G60 Synchro : Mixing the all-wheel drive of the G60 with the verve of the Corrado Sports coupe made this the most elaborate Passat of its time. In its prime, it produced 160hp and a top speed of 210kph (0 to 100kph in 9.8 seconds). Price today: US$8,000.

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Mazda MX-5 : Not only a classic today, but also the pioneer of a new wave of roadsters when it was released, the MX-5 brought two-seater convertibles back into fashion. Featuring rear-wheel drive and a front mid-engine as well as pop up headlights, it was an affordable but classy option for many. Price today: US$7,900 for a model with 115hp.

Mercedes 300 SL-24 : The luxury roadster was launched with V6 and V8 models and twelve-cylinder engines with up to 525hp. Also notable was the roll bar for added safety in collisions or accidents. Price today with 231hp: US$20,700.

Lexus LS 400: Leather seats, electronically controlled automatic gears, power steering and plenty of ride comfort, the LS 400 was a luxurious four-seat sedan. With 250kph top speed coming from its 245hp V8 engine, it certainly packed a punch too. Price today: US$9,000 euros.

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Audi 200 Quattro 20V : With a 2.2-litre five-cylinder turbo and 220hp, the Quattro was — like the Lotus Omega — one of the fastest sedans of the era. Price today: US$32,000.

Porsche 911 Carrera 2: Technically a derivative of the Carrera 4, with rear-wheel drive, this 911, and its 3.6-litre boxer engine, came with a top speed of 260kph (250 hp and acceleration of 5.7 seconds). The model was available as both a convertible and a coupe. Today's price: US$66,200.

Ferrari 348 TB: The wedge-shaped 348 was one of the first new developments after the death of company founder Enzo Ferrari the previous year. The Italian sports car manufacturer offered the car at first with a 3.4-litre V8, which produced 311hp and a top speed of 275kph (5.6 seconds acceleration). Price today: US$64,000.