Obviously the term "classic" is subjective, but it has to take into account things like, popular reception at time release, impact on popular culture, popularity, prescence in the media, how the design ages, what influence it has in popular culture past and present, automotive culture, media, appreciation in value, rareity, exclusivity, relevance today.....
Jimjam has it spot-on. I think too many people are confusing the idea of 'classic' cars with their own favourite automobiles. Whilst I agree that even lowly mass-produced cars can achieve true 'classic' status, such as the Beetle and Mini, most of the cars mentioned in this thread are boring mundane instantly forgettable lumps of junk with as much character as a blank piece of paper. How anyone can mention a Volvo built in the last 20 years is beyond me. I can't think of a single BMW from the same period which is worthy of becoming a classic, either. Boring boring boring.
If you must insist on including boring motors, then may I present the case for the Ford Sierra. Not the souped up XR4i or any sports version, just the plain, bog standard run of the mill one. The car whose shape and design changed the way the industry looked at the aesthetics of cars. After the Sierra came out, nearly every manufacturer resorted to using more curved, rounded shapes. Basically establishing the design vernacular for the next 25 years.
A current fave of mine is theFiat 500, which in my opinion is a very successful re-imagining of another iconic car. Cute, quirky, fun, cheerful. It's got a bit of character, you see. Succeeded where the New Mini failed.
And if it's flashy spensive motors, then yes, the F40 is a classic. Anyone who disagrees is a philistine, and probably likes plastic bikes....
