These modern cars share common threads with old classics
It all started with an innocent analogy. Hagerty Price Guide editor Greg Ingold was extolling to editor Kyle Smith the virtues of the limited run of LT4-powered Camaros that Street Legal Performance helped build for Chevy in 1997. Knowing that Smith has knowledge of 1960s GM performance, Ingold loosely equated SLP’s effort to the Yenko Camaros from back in the day. The conversation snowballed from there.
The two took to Slack, our internal messaging system, and asked fellow editors what cars we felt were modern equivalents of old classics. This banter-driven search to find common threads between older and newer vehicles yielded some answers you might expect, as well as a few that stretch logic, and the definition of “classic,” just a little. This list is the result of our fun and non-exhaustive quest to find modern equivalents to old classics. Let us know your pairings in the comments.
First-generation Yenko Camaro and 1997 Camaro SS LT4
Believe it or not, these cars are far more similar than meets the eye. Yenko came to fame by doing what GM wouldn’t, installing the powerful L72 code 427 into the first-generation Camaro (1969 would use the COPO program to have the swaps done at GM). So what does this iconic early Camaro have to do with a fourth gen?
Like Yenko in the 1960s, Street Legal Performance (SLP) was closely affiliated with GM, but independently upgrading F-bodies for sale through GM dealer networks. The similarites don’t stop there, though. SLP happened to take delivery of a number of leftover LT4 engines from the Corvette program. What do you do with a bunch of potent small-blocks? Naturally, you’d swap them into something, and that’s just what SLP did. So, 29 Firebirds and 106 30th Anniversary Edition Camaros got the transplant. This would be the most powerful fourth-generation Camaro you could order from your dealer, and that’s before you consider the LT4’s standard 330 horsepower is rumored to be conservative after SLP allegedly fiddled with them. — Greg Ingold, Hagerty Price Guide Editor
Chevelle SS 396 and Honda Civic Type R
Hear me out: Door count aside, they’re both hot-rodded versions of their company’s mid-size platforms. It doesn’t end there, though. The once-ubiquitous Chevelle and still-everywhere Civic can carry four comfortably, they sport clean, handsome designs (I’m considering the current-gen Civic), and the performance versions are incredibly capable relative to their competition. If you look at each in their moment rather than as an American classic vs. a Japanese hot hatch, they’re going after similar targets. There’s no comparison as to which sounds better, though. — Eddy Eckart, Senior Editor
Ford Mustang II and Ford Mustang Mach-E
Many Mustang fans saw the Mustang II’s move to Pinto architecture as a step backward. It turned out it was the right car for the time, selling in huge numbers just when consumers wanted an efficient model with some Mustang style. Likewise, the move to broaden the Mustang brand into an EV crossover was controversial and still has Mustang die-hards in a tizzy. However, the buying public doesn’t seem to mind, as they’re snapping up the sporty four-door and enjoying EV power and efficiency. — Brandan Gillogly, Senior Editor (It remains to be seen whether Ford will make a Mach-E King Cobra—Ed.)
Volkswagen Rabbit Pickup and Ford Maverick
The Ford Maverick is a new take on the pickup form factor that shrinks the footprint, offers an incredibly efficient front-wheel-drive layout, and is built from a platform better known for the cars it supports. Sound familiar? Volkswagen did the same thing with the Rabbit for the U.S. back in the late ’70s. It was charming, if a little chintzy at times—a few descriptors that may or may not be appropriate for the Maverick as well! — Nathan Petroelje, Editor
Volvo 122 and Hyundai Elantra
We’re all going out on limbs with these comparisons, but I’ll test the breaking point of the outer reaches by saying the Hyundai Elantra is the new Volvo 122. Ignoring the 122’s coupe and wagon variants for a moment, both machines are humble sedans with fantastic design. And if you compare each to models that preceded them (for the Volvo, that’d be the PV444/544; for the Elantra, that’d be any other Elantra) the styling departure is downright revolutionary. — Stefan Lombard, Senior Editor
Duesenberg Model SJ and Koenigsegg CC850
Born from engineers who felt they could do it better than anyone else, Duesenberg and Koenisegg own the cutting edge of their respective eras. Their exclusivity and use of advanced technology means these cars were and likely will forever be out of the reach of the common enthusiast, but their successful niche implementation of tech innovations helps advance the entire industry. Four-wheel hydraulic brakes were at the forefront in 1929 when Fred and Augie Duesenberg put them into production, and a Koenigsegg-style single speed transmission that works for every speed from 1 mph to 250 mph might just be something that becomes standard on passenger cars one day. — Kyle Smith, Editor
Yenko Stinger and Porsche Cayman GT4
The conversation started with a Yenko reference, and because Kyle is a noted Corvair aficionado, it couldn’t help but take a turn to the Yenko Stinger—Ed.
There are of course the obvious similarities: the flat-six mounted behind the seats, purposely stripped interiors, the focus on outright speed and an engaging driving experience. The two also stand in the shadows of their more famous siblings. Yenko might be best known for Camaros and Novas, but he started with SCCA D-Production competition with the second-generation Corvair as the base car. Similarly, ask someone about Porsche, and they’re more likely to mention the 911 than the Cayman, even though there’s an argument to be made for the smaller Porsche. Both of these track rats will abuse you with stiff suspension, quick steering, and road noise. You’ll love every minute if driving experience is what you are after, though. — Kyle Smith
Volkswagen Beetle and Toyota Prius
The Beetle was known for its counterculture appeal, which was grounded in the ideal of efficiency. It also looked different, had a different drivetrain, and seemed ubiquitous in the mid 20th century. The Prius captured all of those things for a new era. — John Wiley, Manager of Valuation Analytics
1970 Dodge Challenger R/T Hemi and 2023 Ram 1500 TRX; 1970 Ford Mustang Boss 429 and 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor R
While on the surface these two pairings may seem a bit odd, these four vehicles all share a no-limits attitude and capture a high point in a changing industry. I also expect most of those trucks will get driven just like those apex muscle cars of 1970, which means a lower survival rate. — John Wiley
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Modern cars, A rip. Needing a new clutch master cylinder for my 2010 Ford, $185 From the dealer. Get home, the push rod is missing. Back to dealer, oh! they don’t come with the pushrod, that is extra. O.K. Gimme it, that’s $75. What? it comes with the clutch switch. I don’t need the switch. Tough. Were into this cheap plastic clutch master cylinder now $260 and a real pain in the arse to change out. The modern cars are more likely to visit the car crusher when all the plastic and rubber hoses start rotting off and the electronics die.
That’s sorta what I am wondering about as well- when the plastic and rubber rots and electronics (and software- oh yes!) die??
Some one wrote that modern vehicles aren’t as good as the older ones. I love old cars and trucks,but I also enjoy getting 17/18 mpg with my pick-up. And I really like that back-up camra,when used properly it’s a hole lot safer. As for the comparisons it’s not fair to compare any old vehicle to a new one. Times change,so does technology.
True but some of the Engineering is Ludicrous. I have to turn my steering wheel all the way to the right. Then go through the wheel well, turn the access cover off and reach in to change the headlight. On my wife’s car I have to remove the entire grill to change the Battery.
Yes! Or in my Northstar Buick, you had to pull the inner fender and lift the engine to change the alternator, a $500+ part, 10 years ago…
I disagree with all of the comparisons. I think you were really stretching to find a topic to write about. But the comparisons are about the same as saying my sister’s horse, used for occasional riding, has comparisons to this year’s Kentucky Derby winner. Yeah, they both have four legs. That’s about it.
Right. Hagerty on occasion runs insightful pieces, including those by Larry Webster and Aaron Robinson. But Hagerty unfortunately also feels a need for quantity over quality, hence the daily stream of listicles, stretches, and press releases masquerading as articles.
Because some of us are autoholics, we’ll quickly peruse it all, but notice many of the fans of this Googled slapdash accustomed to little else.
Obviously, marijuana is legal in your locale.
Patrick’s comments well summed this latest listicle. Your snide response says more about your “laid back” acceptance of whatever dribble Hagerty proffers.
Hmmm. As long as we are reaching to the moon on these comparisons, let’s go with the 1969 Lunar Rover and the 2010 Toyota FJ Cruiser. Why? I have no idea.
I think the only true comparisons is that all have four wheels. A lot of these are a stretch. Some of these may become classics. Almost everything is a classic in the eye of the owner (4 door, land barge, wagon, econobox import). The key is to drive what you love no matter what any valuation company says. What I like at age 16 has matured to be almost anything (without a touch screen or CVT).
Unreasonable article
Can NOT compare apples to oranges
Plain ridiculous
Huge disappointment
I like articles like this, while I don’t necessarily fully agree, it’s an interesting perspective and it does make you think.
I’m no fool but I don’t get this
My 2017 Taco TRD is like my C20, 1986 Chevy pickup. Only difference one had 8 cylinders, other one a V6, one had std, other has an automatic, both have 16” wheels, one could lug 4000 lbs or more, the other…..800 lbs and the nose is airborne. Both have back windows that slide open. One had a cassette player, the other satellite radio. Otherwise just about the same
What about the Volvo 1800 of the early 1960’s? 3 Milion plus miles on the odometer! That falls under the Well Built and maintained and still running.
Volvo’s got to love it. “I roll” is a good motto….
I feel the bug and the Prius is a tad bit a stretch if the imagination.
Ridiculous comparisons in most cases. The elephant that should have been in this room is the only pair that exactly conforms to the premise of the article: The 1955-57 Ford Thunderbird and the 2002-2005 Ford Thunderbird, aka “Retrobird.” This car was to commemorate the 50 year anniversary of the first T-bird. Ford designed it to mimic what the first one was all about. After over a dozen T-birds, mostly boring, they went back to a small, low, sport cruiser. Two seats only, a small V8, convertible with removable hard top with a porthole window, round tail lights, Thunderbird Blue option on the 2002 and on the badges of all four years. And a retro look, although rounded in the front more like a 1953 Corvette. In fact matching the Retrobird with the 1953-55 Corvette would have been almost as good a comparison. They even had the same sized engines – 3.9L!
My comment was based on a 2003-2005 model being considered “modern” compared to the first T-bird. If the author’s requirement is to choose from new cars, disregard my post.
FYI: The “Mustang” Mach E is not selling very well. Although to it’s credit the Mach E does hemorrhage profits for Ford and does provide the aforementioned with another virtue signal. That is JOB ONE at Ford but most certainly not their quality control.
Sorry Eddy, Your comparisons are interesting but WAY off the mark.
Consider taking up sewing?