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Dreaming Of Spiritual Successors To The Great Ones - READ ONLY

18 messages,  Last post on Aug 05, 2012 at 6:43 PM

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#1 of 18 Dreaming Of Spiritual Successors To The Great Ones by hpmctorque

May 24, 2011 (12:21 pm)

There have been many great new cars over the past century. Just to get the ball rolling on this topic, I consider the '55 Chevy to be one of these, since it revolutionized what was then known as the "low priced field." There was a world of difference between the '54 and '55 Chevys. The same could be said of the '55 Plymouth, since it too was all new, and offered a modern V8 for the first time. However, the Chevy was far more popular than the Plymouth. Also, many enthusiasts recall the '55-'57 Chevys, whereas only Mopar fans remember the '55-'56 Plymouths (the '57 was all new again).
 
In my view, Chevy hasn't produced a spiritual successor to the '55-'57 models. The current Malibu is arguably as close as it's gotten, but it falls short because, while good, it doesn't stand out from the competition. As for the Volt, it's a laudable effort, and it stands out, but doesn't come close to generating the excitement of the '55 Chevy.
 
Two other models that were standouts in their day were the '62 Corvette, and the '65 Mustang. Spiritual successors to these models would do wonders for their respective companies. The current Mustang is good, but it's more evolutionary than I would hope for. For my taste, it's also too large and heavy, with less back seat leg room and more difficult access to the back seat than the smaller '65. I'm hoping that the next generation Mustang will hit the bullseye.
 
What are some of your favorite trend-setting cars, and what should their dream successors be like?

#2 of 18 Re: Dreaming Of Spiritual Successors To The Great Ones [hpmctorque] by andys120

May 25, 2011 (5:29 am)

Replying to: hpmctorque (May 24, 2011 12:21 pm)
Two other models that were standouts in their day were the '62 Corvette, and the '65 Mustang.
 
IMO it was the '63 Corvette (C2 AKA Stingray) that was the standout because it was the first with IRS and Disc brakes thus the first 'Vette that was technically competitive with the fast Euro sports cars. The '62 OTOH was competitive only because of the brute force of the Fuelie 327 (also used in the '63.
 
A modern-day equivalent would be a mid-engined C7 (probably won't happen til the C8 debuts).

#3 of 18 Re: Dreaming Of Spiritual Successors To The Great Ones [andys120] by hpmctorque

May 25, 2011 (1:53 pm)

Replying to: andys120 (May 25, 2011 5:29 am)
I stand corrected. You're right. I meant the '63 Stingray, and, yeah, I'd consider the C8, as you described it, as the modern day equivalent. My guess is that the C7 will be a little smaller and lighter than the current C6, but will continue with the same configuration, as you indicated.

#4 of 18 Some classics by anythngbutgm

May 26, 2011 (5:58 am)

I was not around during Detroits' "heyday" so some notable classics to this "youngin" would be these:
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

#5 of 18 Re: Some classics [anythngbutgm] by steve_ HOST

May 26, 2011 (6:23 am)

Replying to: anythngbutgm (May 26, 2011 5:58 am)
The list of great new cars over the past century has to include this:
 

 
"As revolutionary as the Mustang", to quote Lee Iacocca.
 
The dream successor would be something like the VW Microbus concept that came out a few years back.
 

#6 of 18 Re: Some classics [steve_] by fezo

May 26, 2011 (6:58 am)

Replying to: steve_ (May 26, 2011 6:23 am)
I like that microbus from that angle. looks like an overgrown Lionel diesel locomotive. It should say Santa Fe on the side.

#7 of 18 Another by anythngbutgm

May 26, 2011 (7:45 am)

#8 of 18 Re: Another [anythngbutgm] by fintail

May 26, 2011 (7:46 am)

Replying to: anythngbutgm (May 26, 2011 7:45 am)
You mean that football shaped sled driven by the botox crowd wasn't a worthy successor?

#9 of 18 Re: Another [fintail] by anythngbutgm

May 26, 2011 (8:04 am)

Replying to: fintail (May 26, 2011 7:46 am)
Nope. But, I like the SC430, reminds me of those classic wood boats form the 40's?
 

 
Maybe not the best example, but I don't know much about vintage boats...
 
The SC430 is a boulevard cruiser, not meant for enthusiasts, just like the CLK-Class Benzes

#10 of 18 Re: Another [anythngbutgm] by fezo

May 26, 2011 (8:07 am)

Replying to: anythngbutgm (May 26, 2011 8:04 am)
Man! Would I love to have one of THOSE!

Messages Page 1 of 2

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