Modern cars are far too "tech" obsessed. What we need is cheap, basic, affordable transport, not computers on wheels for the "arrested development" brigade. Bring back the sensible family transport and ditch the pointless rubbish that passes for a car these days.
Exactly! It would make driving feel more engaging and at the same time also more affordable, I don’t need all that technology, for example already a simple 2011 Kia Sportage w/165HP (from my grandad) feels more fun and sporty to drive than a 2018 Range Rover from my parents
Agree with most of your list, especially the Peugeot 504, and the fiat abarth. My list would be 1. Citroen DS Pallas 2. Fist 131 abarth 3. Lancing Monte Carlo 4. Triumph Stag 5 Rover SD1 6. Fiat X19 7. Triumph TR6 8. Fiat 130 coupe 9. Range Rover 3 dr. 10 Alfa Romeo spyder
I'd add the Honda S2000 to that list. Slightly different era maybe, but iconic. 237bhp from a naturally-aspirated 2.0L, stratospheric 9000rpm red line.
I owned a 1973 Capri with the 2.6L V6 and a 4sp manual. I lowered it with shorter springs and installed wide fender flares. I also installed a Shelby/SpearCo turbocharger kit. Loved that car.
The German 2,3 and 2,6 are really good engines. I have also tried the British 3,0, and it is my opinion that the German is better. Much better torque on medium revs.@@brothermoto1964
Noooo, the most pleasing Jag ever is the E Type in its original shape, not the americanized MkII and later. Such a well balanced shape and that hood in front of you, epic!
As an American I'd love to see a modern take on the Opel GT as well as the Second generation Toyota MR2 . Manual transmission 5 speeds , of course , no automatic tranny . My brother owned the Opel and it was a lovely car . Needed a bit more pep and sorted out handling .
Agree with totally but please without all the DISTRACTIONS of modern Screens bring back SWITCHES where you keep your vision on the road not trying to change some FUNCTION
Daimler where absorbed into Jaguar leaving the Dart as an in-house rival to the E-Type. The Granada morphed into the Scorpio. The Cortina being replaced by the Sierra, which in turn gave way to the Mondeo.. Other engine options for the Cortina Mk II saw off the Corsair.
Surely there should be a space on the list for the Citroen DS Pallas? With it's hydraulic suspension and classic "Dan Date Spaceship" looks that will never date it is a must for people who would need a large, comfortable touring saloon!
Thank you for showing me some of the designs that you liked. I noted that you liked the squared off coupe look that used simple design cues to achieve their elegance. I'll bet you must have liked the old MGB's and the old Jaguar XKE's as well. The trouble is that these cars would be hard pressed to meet a lot of regulations that exist today. Impact bumpers, etc.
I would add to that list the Morris Minor and the Citroen DS19, the single head light version. I would even be happy if they never changed the way these old cars looked except for the addition of modern tech to them.
I would see some driving around, but not a lot. Smaller cars were not as popular as big American cars. Our neighbor had one, and I enjoyed riding in it. @@gerhardstrydom4169
I currently work in a massive second-hand car dealership. I move cars all over the place. The new stuff irritates the living crap out of me with gongs, sirens, bells, pings & whistles for everything. Plus a touch-screen that takes one’s eyes off the road
All modern cars look the way they do because of crash testing! However, one glaring omission from your list is the Rover SD1. It's probably the only "old" car that could translate into a modern design and still look like the original and pass all the euro ncap testing.
Agreed I had two 3500 V8s, and a straight 6 2600 (no!!!!!). The V8 automatics could outsprint virtually anything on the road, accelerated like stuff off a shovel. Just wonderful. Build quality let it down.
Loved the Granada mk1 that could be fantastic, then there is two from Citroen the DS and CX all with modern running gear and that great suspension system, thats just 3 good looking cars, the problem is the safety standards that have to be built in to a new vehicle so it gets a MOT, in Germany it's called TUV.
The Mk III Capri is timeless. I can understand your frustration with the fetish for SUVs and crossovers. I feel the same. Yhe Metro was fine as an old lady's city car for going shopping.
USA: I loved my V6 Mercury Capri and a Datsun 810 4 door with 240 Z engine and independent suspension, which I sold when my eyes saw my first Saab, an EMS was an amazing hatchback. Since then I am now on my 5th Saab, a 9-5 Linear turbo wagon: amazingly practical handles great and plenty quick
Having been an employee of the Rootes group pre the Chrysler take over. The cars I would like to see recreated are the IMP, the Avenger, the Sunbeam Alpine & Tiger, & the last Sunbeam Rapier (fastback). Then going back to pre-war the Humber light 16! From other manufacturers, the MINI 1275 GT, Triumph 2000 mk2, Triumph Stag, Rover p6B, Ford 100E Esquire estate. Lancia Delta, Saab 900 turbo. All done with safety cages built into the structure and clothed in fiberglass/carbon fiber! to keep the weight as close to the original as possible, or even lighter!
To John Moncrieff. You would like them to bring back the TRIUMPH 2000? My thoughts exactly! I dreamed there was a garage that sold these, in Good condition - and wanted to bring them out again
All Daimler Darts were convertibles with a soft top. The hard top version of the Daimler Dart that you showed is really the rare optional hard top though the standard soft top was still included.
I would love to see the USA-style 1961 to 1963 US Ford Falcon updated. Originally it had a simple 140 cubic inch inline six cylinder (no pollution reduction back then). Decent styling, good fuel economy. The acceleration and performance were not great, but you do not expect high performance from an "entry level" car. I also would love to see an updated 1975-1979 US-style Chevrolet Monza / Pontiac Sunbird, since they had so many quality problems with the original.
Totally agree Mark! You’re absolutely correct in saying not exact cars or bikes, just modern classics which is the flavour of the last five years & the next. I’d say for a clear example is the Yamaha XSR900GP.
I had a Capri I don’t remember I think it was 73 or 74 all I remember is it had a V6 German engine and that thing went like a bat out of hell it was fast for the day and it was very fun to drive
It’s not that it was to fast for the day. it didn’t have the handling and the braking or the handling of modern cars so today it would be a much better driving car. But I know what you mean 👌👌
I would add to the list the triumph spitfire as a sports car, with thodays tech it could be really good seller as it had a class all of its own, along with that the Vtriumph vitess, a car that handled well even in its day, had a really nice sound to it too!!!
I quite agree about the Ford Capri it was a really nice car and wigh modern technology could be an eye catcher. I also thonk that an older car could still cut the mustard and thats the M.G. WITH THE STRAP ON TANK AT THE REAR with modern tech it would be a car that shows itself off.
The Mk 2 Facel is my fav, in looks . what I would do is take it off its frame ,strenthen the frame , discard the drive train , add New Corvette 6ltr engine & trans axel ind /.brakes etc etc 500hp / leave the body as is / add a small steering wheel 28mpg not 7 mpg from Chrysler
PS: They didn't put a diesel in the 504 coupé, just the 4 cyl and V6 petrol engines. Th diesel went in the saloon and estate (and pick-ups). Great list BTW
Interesting list, personally I'm not sure about the Daimler or the Alfa in you list. The Dolly Sprint though is a fantastic suggestion. Could I suggest the Opel Manta (MK1) and the smaller Opel GT along with a particularly left field choice of a Skoda 110 R?
Fabulous cars, the Facel-Vega, the Alfa, the Peugeot, the Daimler... How about the Convertible Peugeot 504? And the Critroen DS 21?probably the most advanced and inspiring car evrr made.
A mid 1960's Jaguar XK-E reboot would be my first wish only if the designers stayed very close to the original which had the most beautiful lines. Second wish would be a Toyota Celica GT early 70's before the rear lights were changed to the Mustang style, which I think were introduced on the 1976 models. Third place would be an upgrade of a car I once owned, a 1968 MGB-GT.
The Daimler is a beautifully styled car? Square, round, angled, and bent all on the same body? You're having me on! What you "missed" is an ever-so-slightly resigned Škoda 110r and a Citroën DS four-door (not the factory-produced two-door) converted to a shortened two-door version. I've done drawings of both the Škoda and the DS. Superbe! ❤❤
Here in South Africa we had the mk2 Granada in 2l and with the 3l Essex. My dad used to say it was better than the Benzes of the time. Our Grannies had 100 liter fuel tanks!. The 3liters were a GLE with a 4 speed manual and 3 speed outo, a Ghia only with the 3 speed auto, and a GLS with a 5 speed. The ulitimate long distance cruiser. I owned a Sierra 3.0 GLX with a 4 speed auto box. Should never have sold that car. Ford SA used the 3.0 Essex for a long time after it was discontinued in Europe, simply because it was locally made and cost less.
The first car my wife and I had together, the Ford Escort Mk.ll.... Terrible decision! One that we bought out of the showroom without a test-drive first! Sold it to my father-in-law to potter about around town, which is what he only ever did. For us, often using the car for longer distances, once we reached over about 50mph, the wind noise levels were so high, loud, that we shouted to understand each other, or when travelling alone, i'd turn up the radio (that always had bad reception). Good idea for interesting content Mr. M f t M, but I found it a pity you could not find 10 out of the very many British cars that we once had on our roads.
When my wife and I got married, she had a 1986 Escort hatchback. It was a North America version, with the 1.9 Liter engine and a 5 speed transaxle. I thought that it was a pretty good car, at least until the engine blew one day. No warning of any kind, it just stopped running. We called it "The Little Escort That Could." It was great in the snow, probably due to the front wheel drive, and it could climb mountains fairly well. Not that it was a speed demon, but with 5 gears to choose from, it was easy to find the right gear ratio for the conditions. We lived at about 5,900 feet, and we would drive over the mountains to see my in-laws. The road climbed quickly to 10,000 feet with a lot of twists and turns. You could almost hear the car saying, "I think I can. I think I can." It is a shame that your Escort was such a disappointment. I've had a few of those too.
I agree that there are a whole range of 40 to 70 year old cars that would sell well if they returned. The primary reason they would not be done is the current safety regulations. It is these regs that has put the weight of all cars up by 150% of what your choice originally weighed! Thicker chassis legs, crumple zones and a rigid cabin structure are all mandatory for modern vehicles. The only way to produce what you fancy would be to have a space frame safety cage as part of the structure then make the rest of the body panels in fiberglass (solving the rust problem the originals had once and for all!)
Excellent presentation and delivery, I enjoyed your program and I totally agree with you. Now I am a USA senior citizen who misses every car that I have owned. Currently own a 1999 Lexus LS400 with 85,000 original miles.
I have had 80% of these cars. Yes i'm that old I'm a late 50s child. I absolutely love these cars. If they brought any of these cars back. I would buy one without missing a heartbeat. I have looked at second hand one's But they are stupid money and need to much work. I also loved the Morris ital. Hillman imp. And the Volvo 144. Morris 1100. Austin princess. Austin Maxi. And so on. But then driving was a pleasure.
I really like this idea and you’re spot on about motor companies being guilty of producing bland SUVs. You’ve chosen some good cars there but….where was the 1960 Saab 93 or Citroen DS19 ?
I agree with most of your selections apart from the Granada. Has to be the Mk1 Granada, had a little curvature in the right places. Owned one as a 22 year old and loved it. I had the 2.0 would have loved the 3.0 V6.
One car that stood out to me because of its stunning looks and timeless design was the Jensen interceptor. Stick modern technology into it and I would love to own one.
The Ford Grenada in that was redesigned to be manufactured in Australia as Ford Falcon was a 4 door sedan that had 250 cu in inline six, 302 cu in V8, 351 cu in V8.
Forgo to mention, my cousin, a car nut had a siezed Mk2 Capri 1600.long story short it ended up with a 3.5 Rover engine, before that he had a Mk1 Escort, (tuned) then an RS 2ltr. Since retiring he has finished building a 1963 Ford Anglia 2 door with a DOHC engine turned longways with ford geabox and uprated rear axle, discs all round and new suspension! Inside he has fitted a roll cage plus other bits and bobs! Since completing that he has started an original Mini Pick up! Dear knows what he will fit to that?? V6 in the load bed maybe?? Lol
Agree with your small Fords. The Mk1 & 2 Escorts & early RWD Capris were bottled lightning, & Ford in Europe has not been able to repeat the raw appeal of these cars with anything they’ve made since then. With the notable exception of the the Cosworth Sierras & Escort, there hasn’t been anything that was such a complete package. Most RS products since then drive well, but totally lack the raw appeal these original cars had.
True mate I’ve had a mk 1 twin cam that was Uprated to around 130 bhp. It was a blast around Country lanes but not for motorways really bit noisy and under geared it needed a five speed box to keep the revs down but picked quickly also had quite a few fords. My favourite was probably my mk two cortina 1600 E. it was converted to a 3litre by a company called crayford from new basically the same as the savage. Crayford only made 4 3litre cortina’s so it’s much rarer then a savage. Beautiful car I loved driving it because it was very fast without revving it hard. Picked up much faster then my 3 litre capris.
…I might be one of the few non car guy who knows Facel Vega. I’m in the SF Bay Area, in the town of Atherton where I have my late Father’s beloved 1958 FV4 Typhoon. It has a sleek sophistication in its clean lines yet a total brut of an animal when it runs and still gets a lot of attention when driven around.
Unfortunately it cant be done, the only way to do it is the expensive retro mods cars , like the Jenson and David Brown Mini`s. there has to be a certain space between engine and bonnet, all the crumple zones, air bags, windscreen rake, A pillar thickness, the list goes on and on, Ian Callum was talking the Jeremy Clarckson that even the Aston Martin DB7 couldn't be made now as it infringed on all the new safety rules and that was years ago , it`s only got worse since .They would end up fat blotted giant versions , just look at the MINI , its as big as a Classic Range Rover now lol
I think my comments may have been a bit long, and got cut off! You did an impersonation of Lady Penelope and Parker. So I asked if you'd heard the JOKE about them. She said "Parker, I want you to take off my HAT." He answers, of course, "Yes, Milady" "And now, I want you to take off my SCARF". "Yes, Milady." "Now, Parker, I want you to take off my COAT" "YES, MILADY!" And now, I want you to take off my DRESS!" "Yes, Milady!" "And Parker, never let me catch you wearing my clothes again!" "No, Milady!"
Mk1 & 2 Ford Granada Mk3 & mk4 Ford Cortina Rover SD1 Vauxhall Mk1 Senator Vauxhall Monza GSE Mercedes 450SEL I remember me & my mate looking at Turbo Technics Capri in Quicks for Ford in the early 80's it was stunning!
Great list there. Was surprised i didn't see a Cortina. Do you have an honourable mentions list? A few more that didn't quite make the cut? Cheers 😊👍 and merry Christmas 🎅
Recently found out the Aussies dropped a 5 ltr Cleveland V8 into the Capri. Now that I could go for. Sadly Ford is now a budget brand struggling to compete with Kia and Hyundai in that small car sector. It’s hard to imagine the Granada coming back to compete with the 5 series or the E class with a lot of brand rehabilitation.
My list ( I'm Canadian , so slanted to American cause don't have much experience with European cars , pickups cause I'm a farm boy) 1 60s - early 70s ford f- 100 , fe engine , manual transmission 2 60s chev Impala, 396 3 62 Ford Galaxy 4 34 Ford coupe 5 tr 6 6 jag e type 7 46-47 Hudson big boy pickup 8 240z 9 69 chev El Camino 10 early dodge power wagon ( because they were impossible to kill ) Willie's jeep would have made the list , but Mahindra is making a modern copy , and doing it very well from what I've heard
Studebaker Avanti. Timeless design was modified slightly when Studebaker discontinued production and one of the original designers (Tom Kellogg) designed a coupe built in very limited numbers in the late 1990s using a Firebirf platform. Studebaker Starlight/Starliner/Hawk Packard Darrin convertible Victoria. I have seen a Facel Vega II tooling around the north end of Atlanta s couple of times in the past year. Handsome beast with that Chrysler V8 rumble. Even saw a Citroen DS tooling down Lenox Road this afternoon, and somebody around here has a Citroen Mehari. As an aside, Albert Camus was killed in a spectacular wreck while riding in his publisher's Facel Vega. Back on topic, the '51-'53 Kaiser sedans were spectacular. Likewise the Kaiser Darrin.
@@bevancook1523 Sadly, Tom Kellogg is no longer with us, John Ebstein died with complications of dementia a couple of years ago, Bob Andrews is gone and Raymond Loewy is gone, as is Sherwood Egbert.A true dream team.
It was not the Grenada that presided the Sierra but the Cortina, the Grenada preceded the Scorpio. I would love to see the Jenson Interceptor FF remade.
I owned a 73 Capri as my first American everyday driver. It was a choice between that and a used Jaguar XKE. As an everyday driver I made an excellent choice. Very reliable car, beautiful styling, comfortable nice interior, good gas mileage. If you put wide track tires with custom rims and it looked as good as a Mustang. Never regretted turning down the Jag.
I live in the US, and I liked your list. You chose some great cars. I understand about the proliferation of SUV's in the US. At one time, every family here had a station wagon (estate) to haul kids, dogs, and groceries. When pollution and gas mileage standards were made stricter, the auto makers dropped the wagons and made SUV's. These were considered trucks, and trucks were not as strictly regulated as cars, and that is the reason you see so many SUV's here. Considering modern cars that look like older ones being popular, consider the 2002-2005 Ford Thunderbird. It was made to be reminiscent of the 1955 to 1957 Thunderbird, but the reissue did not sell very well. Perhaps people did not want a 2 passenger car, or they did not like the nostalgia look. So I thought about cars I remember in the US. I hope that you may look up these cars and see what you think: 1) 1957 Ford Thunderbird. This was the last year of the first generation of Thunderbird. However, I would love any of generations 1 through 4 (1955 through 1966) 2) 1962-1964 Studebaker Hawk. Fantastic car. I had one for several years, including when I was in college. It was a 300 mile trip from college to home each way, and I enjoyed the trip because of the car. They could reproduce the '63 to '64 Studebaker Avanti, and I would be ecstatic, but I have a soft spot for the Hawk. 3) First or second generation Pontiac GTO. The best car that John DeLorean had anything to do with. 4) 1957 Chevrolet Nomad. A sport station wagon. A great looking upscale car that you don't mind driving, even if it is to the grocery store with 3 kids, and a Golden Retriever. 5) 1927-1931 Ford Model A Roadster and Coupe with a rumble seat. A 1932 Ford body, but with a rumble seat, would be a wonderful design also. The '32 did not have a rumble seat. 6) 1969 Dodge Charger. "Dukes of Hazzard" car. Great design! 7) 1964 Chevrolet El Camino. In Australia, it would be called a Ute. This is a pick-up truck that is based on the 1964 Chevrolet Chevelle station wagon, which is a very clean design. 8) 1957 Ford Fairlane. One of the best looking cars Ford ever built. I have a '59 Fairlane 500 that I enjoy, but I feel that the '57 has a style that is just a bit better. 9) 1969-1970 Cadillac Sedan Deville and Coupe Deville. After the garish designs of the 1950's and '60's, Cadillac toned-down their style with more of a luxurious understatement. These cars were so comfortable, they could be driven all day without a problem. 10) I've never seen one in the US, but I would love to see the Peugeot 504 Coupe reintroduced. That is a fabulous looking car. I had a 1973 504 sedan (saloon), and it was very comfortable to drive, especially with the extremely long suspension travel it had.
I had something strange happen to me when I took my '96 Chevy Suburban to get tags for it ! It's listed as a station wagon ! I seen and said it's a 4x4 truck not a car ! The answer was Chevy made station wagon and GMC made trucks ! I live in Kansas !
Im afraid youre wrong about the granada making way for the Sierra, i believe it was the cortina, anyway have a good Christmas, and im surprised i didn't see the Ford Probe on your list lol 😆
Only 2 minutes in and I want to comment already. I agree with exactly what you’re saying. Not an old body with a new chassis either. A completely new, looks like the original, car.
Totally agree with you on the Capri and the Fiat 131. I had a Mark II in Britain and a 131 estate in Australia and I wish I never got rid of both of them. Loved them both. But back in the 80's I was young and stupid. Never had a Dolomite but loved the shape. My old man had an Escort panel van in pristine condition. You're spot on about the rubbish they're churning out now. I hate SUVs.
Bringing some older classics back, I had this idea myself. Modernizing them to some degree in terms of style, comfort and technology, yes. The MB 280SE 1970 model and the two door version are very high on my list. The Escort, yes. What about a Mini. (Big in the UK, not some much in the US). Volvo P1800, definitely. Volvo 122 gorgeous, too. DeLorean? RR Silver Shadow 1976 blue-and light-blue-two-tone.
Great list of amazing cars. But there is plenty of other wonderful cars such the gorgeous CITROEN S M with the Maserati v 6 engine . I am a very happy owner of a 1972 with only 34,000 miles that I had the engine slightly modified . Thanks for the good work and hope the cars manufacturers listhen….
Great list. Almost creamed in my pants at some of those. Didn’t think the Peugeot concept was all that great but a step in the right direction. For sure could be bettered IMO. Currently deliberating on restoring a few Alfas and whether to go restomod type thing or fairly original but with more power
A sport model that would be fantastic with a redesign is the Fiat X1/9 I owned one and with their design and taga top it was like a small Ferrari it cornered on rails and it turned heads, obviously it needed a turbo on its engine a servo on the brakes AND metal that did not rust before your eyes. With a restyling and engineering it would be hard to keep up with while the driver has a smile tattooed on their face, my wife loved driving ours but a lot of the boy racers were jealous and would try to cut her off the road.
Times have changed, they don't make such cars anymore. I had a Ford Taunus 1977 , end 80 ties and drove with it all over Europe ... Tell you what : I bought it for 500 euro , never , ever had 1 penny of costs except for a clutch. Rear traction, no airco, no electr windows, but very simple and spacious to work on, you could remove the gear box ( for clutch) while drinking a cup of tea etc A massive strong bodywork etc Finally sold it for 750 e, after some little refreshments ... Never had such a solid car in my whole life , okay only 4 speed and top of about 110-120 km / h , but who cares ? I put in some electr device so it became 1/2 automatic ignition ( they were points) and started with 1/4 turn of the key !
Unfortunately, it's highly unlikely there's any manufacturing (body, frame) jigs stored anywhere for any of those cars, due to the expense? Other than after market body (poor fitting) and junkyard parts (poor condition), years ago I believe the manufacturing (body, frame) jigs for the MGB was recovered and are being used (I hope)? The new "Mustang" is ridiculous, I'd take a 70s Mustang II over it, any day. ;-)
True mate. The early mustangs were different class. Beautiful cars. The later ones I would never look at twice. I don’t even like the Mach 1. A early one in diamond white with sky blue interior. And dark blue roof.
What I want to know is why Ford needs so many SUVs in the first place. They already have 7 different SUV models in the US, what exactly makes this "Capri" different to the others?
Thank you for such a fantastic video. I could not agree with you more. At 80 years old I hate modern cars, all designed using the same computer design programme to be more fuel efficient and all looking identical. If I was Dictator of the world I would make all vehicle manufacturers produce all vehicles with a standard body fixing system ( maybe several such systems ) and body manufacturers using a restricted number of approved historic car bodies so that the owner chooses what body they require..I have a number of 60's Motor Show mags produced at the time by Newspapers which show all manufacturers making cars with different shaped bodies. Those were the days!
Thank you for making this little programme. I really enjoyed it. The funny thing things were, firstly, the number of FORD cars and, secondly, I agree, basically, with your choices. As you said, a couple of the cars were foreign and I had not heard of them. I did not like them, but again that is my own opinion. When I found this site on the 12/01/2024, I noticed that there had only been 880 `likes` which is a shame that more people have not watched it. You should send a copy to FORD. I`m sure they would be interested, even if they do nothing but watch it. I had a FORD ESCORT, a 1300 SPORT, which I sold to raise money to buy a house.
The only car on your list I agree with is the Ford Capri. You should have included the Citroen DS 19/20/Pallas; the Opel Mantra and NSU RO 80. Even the VW Beetle !!!
