Every generation there is at least one car that stands out. Each car manufacturer aims to create that car, but it’s a fine art to balance. They need a mixture of the needs of the generation, aesthetics, theology, and affordability.
Needs Of The Generation
You will see later on how this applies in action, but first, we should explain what these “needs” are.
Each generation your cars and other tools need to fill a need unique to that time. Was this a time when family-time was considered most precious? Then a large car with comfortable seating and legroom would have become an instant favorite,
If this was the time, when traveling through the wilderness was considered the best type of weekend? Then 4×4 trucks would have dominated.
It’s hard to see what a generation would need while we are living in that time, but looking back the answers are obvious.
Aesthetics
There are two ways a car company will go, as they try to predict the fashion aesthetics of an era. They will either jump headfirst into a concept and it will either flop or be loved, or secondly, they will copy something they have always done – afraid to break out of their mold.
Both concepts have their merits and drawbacks. For example, the DeLorean is a unique car that opens its door like a spaceship. It was an instant classic. While the Nissan cube looks like a child designed it.
One made millions, and the other was laughed at.
Theology
This is a new concept, but nowadays we care about what our car’s impact on the world is.
Electric cars are in a boom, as they become more affordable to buy and cheaper to fuel.
Helping the environment has become a key part of many people’s buying decisions.
Affordability
Lastly, it doesn’t matter what your car does, how it looks, or how ethical it is if no one but the elite can afford it.
For a car to become a generationally loved model, it needs to be accessible to the masses.
The Data
To figure out what the most iconic cars of our past generations are, we spoke to Alfio Capicollo, author at YourSydneyMate.
Capicollo and his team have been collecting data to help us in this discovery. He tells us “We’ve analyzed historical sales data, consumer preferences, and the cultural impact of iconic vehicles from each decade.
From that data, we compiled a list of the top 3 most memorable cars that shaped automotive history.
Our exclusive data-driven findings reveal fascinating insights into the timeless appeal of these classic cars, and how they continue to captivate the hearts of car lovers across generations.”
The 1960s Generation Defining Car
Through YourSydneyMate.com’s data, we found that the Ford Mustang was a clear winner. It was produced in 1964 and currently holds the record for the longest Ford-produced nameplate.
Some people used to call this car a “pony car” because it was affordable, compact, and very stylish in its era.
This brings us back to the 4 main generational selling points. This generation wanted a compact car to show off their wealth while actually being affordable. The convertible style created a carefree aesthetic.
The 1970s Generation Defining Car
The Volkswagen Beetle is still loved today. It was such an iconic car that movies were made out of it – Herbie being the most iconic.
Volkswagen created a whole new shape with this car, adding curves where before everything was aiming to be as flat as possible.
Also known as the ladybug, this car was designed to move away from sporty feelings and lean more into the road trip friendship vibes of the era.
The 1980s Generation Defining Car
And how can we mention the 80s without also picking up on the DeLorean? This cult classic wasn’t loved by all during its time, but that quickly changed when the movie Back to The Future came out.
This famous car’s full name is the DeLorean DMC-12, as it came from the DeLorean brand. The idea was to make a sports car that was better for the environment than those of the generation at the time.
Final Thoughts
These iconic cars strived to do more in their time. Whether that meant giving the people what they want, refusing to conform to styles of the era, or trying to do better by the environment.
We expect these cars to continue to keep their legacies as time goes on.
