The dual action polisher TEK-DA15 by Swistekh, with a 15 mm orbit, features a modern design and is extremely ergonomic, as the top and bottom parts of the machine are made of practical rubber in order to ensure excellent comfort and a non-slip grip during use. Wanna know a secret? A “classic” car is anything 25 years or older—which means all those under-loved rides of the ’70s and ’80s are officially up for consideration. And if you liked gawking at them as a kid, imagine how much more you’d enjoy driving one right now. Herewith, our nominees for a New Generation of Classics, and how to go about scoring one of your own. Most of the people want a streak free windows of their car and they are trying to find out the best window cleaner.
What makes these five cars—starting with that convertible Benz back there—worthy of “new classic” status, anyway? Sex appeal, for sure. Nostalgia, too. Mostly, though, it’s in their perfect combo of reckless impracticality and just-modern-enough amenities. These cars want to hit the road, and they’ll make up for a lack of Bluetooth (and in some cases, power windows) by never, ever being boring.
The Won’t-Stop Droptop
Mercedes-Benz SL
Years: 1972 – 89
Price: $17,000 – $76,000
• The ideal vintage car. It feels special, floods you with a sense of freedom, and—if you’re lucky—fires up every time you turn the key. Because let’s be real: A broken-down toy is no toy at all. Keeping that in mind, you can’t do much better than the unbeatable—almost literally—third-generation SL convertible. “They called it the panzer,” says Mike Kunz, manager of the Mercedes-Benz Classic Center in Irvine, California, which restores and resells throwback Benzes, including that signal red 380SL. “The car was made extremely strong. You can drive it like an everyday car.” But, you know, an everyday car with a droptop and the now refreshing Teutonic squareness that once signified class and a connoisseur’s taste in Colombian nose powder. All the SL wants in return is someone pretty in the passenger seat and a coastal highway to cruise along endlessly.—Jon Wilde
The First-Timer’s Guide to Buying Vintage
Be Practical About Your Impractical Car
You’re not using a classic for Ikea runs, so why not just buy whatever makes you happy? Because that sexy little Fiat Spider convertible you’re eyeing isn’t the most dependable car, and that Land Rover Defender you love can’t reach highway speeds. Ensure that whatever you get, you can actually make use of it.
Research, Then Research Some More
As in war and office politics, the victor is the man with the most intel. Once you’ve settled on a few vintage rides that you might like to own, dig around online—there’s a forum for almost every vehicle ever made, stocked with owners who can explain in detail the pros, cons, and hidden rust spots of their babies.
Slow Your Roll
Don’t expect to find the vintage car of your dreams immediately. It could take weeks, months, maybe years, before you turn up the exact model you want in the perfect color for the right price.
Hire a Mechanic—Like, Now
Yes, before you buy. You’ll want a specialist near where you live—not 200 miles away—who can help when your beautiful vintage Bimmer starts smoking like it’s choosing the next Pope.
Demand Proof of Coddling
Before you fork over money for any vintage car, ask to see its service records—the more receipts, the better. Even if the buyer can account for every oil change, try to get a mechanic—maybe that new one you just found, if you’re buying near your home—to inspect the car for trouble spots. Because there’s no ten-year/100,000-mile warranty in vintage, and the seller’s promise that “it’s always run like a charm for me” doesn’t count.—Doug DeMuro. Go here to make your classic car new again.
