Being male, and Clarkson-aged, I remember, and owned, many of the ‘Classic’ cars which have turned up in hit TV series in recent years. For many years now they’ve just been fond memories, periodically stimulated by looking at old photos, but cars like these are becoming more and more common on our roads, according to a spokesman from Brittania Rescue:
“These cars are stylish and they benefit from cheaper road tax so it’s no surprise they are getting a second lease of life.”
The Iconic Audi Quattro - as seen in Life on Mars
And frankly, I’m not surprised. There is something hugely appealing about cars from the 70s and 80s. They are really individual, if not exactly a delight to drive, and so long as you don’t want to thrash them around the place on a daily basis, they are cheap and fulfilling.
The whole thing started in earnest with ‘Life on Mars’ and its Mk III Cortina GXL (although, being an anorak and a former owner, I can tell you they actually used a Cortina 2000E and made it look like a GXL – how sad am I?!), but after the follow-up series. ‘Ashes to Ashes’, there is now a growing demand for the iconic Audi Quattro.
From the Quattro and Cortina, to the Ford Capri (The Professionals) and even the Ford Anglia (Harry Potter), more and more of these cars are being restored to their former glory, and finding a new lease of life.
Do you own a car like this. Or is there a nagging little voice at the back of your head telling you to go out and buy a ‘Classic’ car from your youth?
I want one!!! There’s one at the local garage but I can’t afford it at the moment. :’(