Show Me: Cars Whose Design Will Age Well

"Klaus Schmoll" (klausschmoll) 01/19/2014 at 18:04 • Filed to: None

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For years, I've been wondering which cars' design will age well, and which will not. Some cars tend to indulge in all that is new and trendy, while others are styled more conservatively. So what does it take to make a car look good now, but also look good 10 or 20 years from now?

The switch from the E39 to the E60 brought some hate among Bimmer forums, for example. There are a lot of articles out there, defending Chris Bangle, saying that he had to do something drastic to keep BMW from becoming stuck in their old ways and becoming obsolete over time. Design-wise, he turned the company around. We have to give him that. But was it necessary?

Audi, the upstart who turned to be BMW's fiercest competitor, went the other way. Their styling hasn't really changed for almost two decades. Every new car looks almost like the old one, plus a few more LEDs. And their cars get praised for being among the most beautiful out there!

While Audi's design department is almost as lazy as that from Porsche, my guess is that their cars' designs might age better than those from BMW's Bangle era.

Another car that I think will age well is the new-ish Skoda Octavia. It's kind of bland at first look. Not much going on there, but when you look at it closer, you'll see a few details here and there.

It almost reminds me of the Volvo bricks. Form follows function.

On the other side we have the new Lexii (I've heard that this is the correct plural of Lexus.). They are desperate to make their cars stand out of the crowd, no matter what.

Too much going on! It's a best of all worlds special. A bit of Audi, a bit of everybody else, and then trying to sprinkle some uniqueness onto it. For a current car, it will look "sooo 2010" in a few years.

Or take the Acura beak, almost bearable now, but will future generations like it? I don't think so.

Cars can be like fine wine, and age well over time, or they can turn sour quite fast. So what is what? Feel free to include other cars that you think won't age well!

Tyler's SVT Focus Hates Him > Klaus Schmoll 01/19/2014 at 18:10

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I may be a bit biased, but I think the first-gen Focus still looks damn good even 15 years later. Sure, it's not exactly 'pretty, but at the time it was released it was an extremely radical, funky design, and it's held up well IMO.

Z_Stig > Klaus Schmoll 01/19/2014 at 18:11

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370Z. It actually has a pretty nice shape, but I think more conventional headlights and taillights would stand the test of time better.

W124E500 > Klaus Schmoll 01/19/2014 at 18:11

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Luke's Dad Sold His 2000TL To Get a Sienna > Klaus Schmoll 01/19/2014 at 18:17

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I may also be biased, but I have the regular 3.2TL and because it's not the Type S like the one above, a little bit of me will always be dead inside.

I like to suggest the Acura TLs, they have aged well in my opinion and they still look great to me at least (every pre-Beak although I like the post-Beak cars too, just they'll age a lot quicker.) Like as boring as they are now, most old Acuras like the Legend and Vigor still make me get a second look when I drive or walk past one.

dogisbadob > Tyler's SVT Focus Hates Him 01/19/2014 at 18:20

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Hell yeah! The Mk1 Focus is a great answer! Ford really had some good designs during that era. All of its body styles look fantastic and fresh even now.

You should do the European taillight conversion if you haven't done so already.

Klaus Schmoll > Tyler's SVT Focus Hates Him 01/19/2014 at 18:20

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This is what a Focus should look like! I like it better than it's sucessors. Be it the pig with lipstip that they forced onto Americam customers, or the actual gen 2 that Europe got, or even the new one that we both get.

It was radical, and it worked. They had to step up their game from the boring Escorts, and they did. It was a car that really changed my way of thinking about Fords.

Brian Silvestro > Klaus Schmoll 01/19/2014 at 18:23

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TheBloody, Oppositelock lives on in our shitposts. > Klaus Schmoll 01/19/2014 at 18:25

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I think Land Rover ages very well:

JasonStern911 > Klaus Schmoll 01/19/2014 at 18:25

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Obligatory easy answer:

dogisbadob > Klaus Schmoll 01/19/2014 at 18:27

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The Cutlass Ciera is a timeless design.

Aero > Klaus Schmoll 01/19/2014 at 18:28

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'00-'01 Saab 9-5 Aero

The early 9-5 was one of the best looking sedans ever made. Adding the Aero trim made it even more lovely.

Tyler's SVT Focus Hates Him > dogisbadob 01/19/2014 at 18:29

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I've thought about the Euro taillight conversion, but ultimately decided to save my money for the inevitable problems my car will have in the future haha. I did buy a Euro grille, and plan on putting it on sometime in the spring, but no taillights for now.

SaabLife, because Gripen > Klaus Schmoll 01/19/2014 at 18:29

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I'd say the 9-3 (2008 and up), but I'm also pretty biased. Whenever I see the wagon, sedan, or the convertible it just seems "timeless" to me.

PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power > Klaus Schmoll 01/19/2014 at 18:30

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The MKVI GTi Wolfsberg/Driver's editions, especially in Black or white.

It's classy, with the nice 18 inch wheels, and the distinctive 4door shape. It looks more grown up than the usual "Boy racer" GTi. Plus it offers usable, reliable performance. Couple that to the handsome rear diffuser, and clean tailgate design, you get a classy little pocket rocket

Klaus Schmoll > Luke's Dad Sold His 2000TL To Get a Sienna 01/19/2014 at 18:32

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The TL is a nice copy of the Euro Accord. Clean lines, not too much going on, but far from boring.

Are you aware that I currently drive the previous gen of that?

That thing handles quite well. It even has factory mounted strut-tower braces!

Aero > Tyler's SVT Focus Hates Him 01/19/2014 at 18:36

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I love my '03 SVT, it's still my favorite hatchback design. After getting the Euro grille and ST170 headlights there's nothing else I'd change. Well maybe a Euro rear bumper.

Tyler's SVT Focus Hates Him > Klaus Schmoll 01/19/2014 at 18:37

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That's why I like the Focus so much, it's an example of a big, rather conservative automaker actually trying to make something new and interesting when they really didn't need to. Escort sales were slipping in the 90's, but realistically all Ford had to do was add a bit of refinement and a modern-ish design and they would've sold hundreds of thousands. Instead, they went all-out, making a good-looking, interesting car that drives extremely well, and as such is regarded (by Europeans, at least), as one of the greatest cars of the 2000's.
I am with you on the Euro MKII Focii, I love those little things and it galls me we were never offered them here in the States. Seriously, look at how awesome this thing is!

John Bulzacchelli > Klaus Schmoll 01/19/2014 at 18:39

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In the year 2200 this might look good

Sinanigans > Klaus Schmoll 01/19/2014 at 18:40

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This car will never look old

Tyler's SVT Focus Hates Him > Aero 01/19/2014 at 18:42

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With you on the rear bumper, the U.S. one just looks like it's trying too hard. It's the one part of the car I'd change, maybe even the headlights too, since I have the kinda ricey-looking factory HID's with the chrome housings. Where did you buy the Euro lights at, somewhere domestic? I had to search for about a year for a Euro grille, and ended up going through a whole ordeal on eBay UK to get it shipped here. Seems like you can only get European parts from, predictably, a European outlet.

lucky's pepper > Klaus Schmoll 01/19/2014 at 18:44

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This is easy. Was timeless in '68, it will still be timeless in '48.

Aero > Tyler's SVT Focus Hates Him 01/19/2014 at 18:46

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I got the ST170 headlights from european-parts.net for about $400. After selling my HIDs on eBay I broke even. Overall a pretty sweet deal to me.

desertdog5051 > Klaus Schmoll 01/19/2014 at 18:46

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Can't really say today. Classic beauty is elusive and not often achieved. Timeless is a term that does not come into play immediately. Here is my interpretation of what it takes.

Auburn Speedster.

lucky's pepper > Klaus Schmoll 01/19/2014 at 18:54

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Another Mustang. Timeless in '69, timeless in '12 and will still be timeless '54 (hope the math was right).

Tyler's SVT Focus Hates Him > Aero 01/19/2014 at 18:58

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Have that site bookmarked now, haha. Seems like the HID's are hot items on the forums, maybe that's something I could do over the summer. Then again, I'm sure something will break before then, but it's still something to consider, thanks for the heads-up.

John Bulzacchelli > Luke's Dad Sold His 2000TL To Get a Sienna 01/19/2014 at 19:12

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My dad had an Acura Legend when I was a kid. I loved that car - it is underrated. The Type II models were impressively fast for their era!

I really wish Acura would bring that name back too...

Aloha Milkyway > Klaus Schmoll 01/19/2014 at 19:12

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I may get flamed for this but hear me out for a second here. The E60 was flamed by almost everyone when it first came out in '03. Nowadays, people can't believe it's been over 10 years since it first came out. Show the average joe a humdrum E60 and he might think it came out in 2010 or 2011. The design is still relevant to this day and perhaps in another 10 years time.

There was another car bashed for being daring. It was the Ford Sierra. It eventually became the mold of every midsized european sedan made even up to the late 90's and that came out in '82. Daring doesn't always have to mean it will age badly.

Klaus Schmoll > Tyler's SVT Focus Hates Him 01/19/2014 at 19:15

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I'm not so sure about the MK 2 Focus. The handling was better, but the styling was kind of "we did something big once, let's play it safe!".

lucky's pepper > Klaus Schmoll 01/19/2014 at 19:18

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Not the SRTs with their silly stripes, stupid rear wings and ugly wheels. But the regular Charger RTs. This car will still look great decades from now. Note to Chrysler: offer the black steel wheels from the police package on the civilian version.

Aero > Tyler's SVT Focus Hates Him 01/19/2014 at 19:18

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It's really easy to spend your savings importing stuff from Germany!

I've owned my SVT for about 30k miles and the worst thing it has needed is cam timing reset. Overall it has been one of the most reliable cars I've owned, and I've had about 30 cars over the years.

anonsagainstanonymous > Klaus Schmoll 01/19/2014 at 19:20

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Every single car Aston Martin has made since ca. 2000

Jayhawk Jake > Klaus Schmoll 01/19/2014 at 19:20

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ITT: Every Audi ever.

Aloha Milkyway > Sinanigans 01/19/2014 at 19:23

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I was supposed to pick the E39 but didn't because I own one and I would sound biased. Instead, I defended its successor, the E60. Nonetheless, thank you for giving this answer. As a reward, he's me hooning my Meh Powered 523i

Klaus Schmoll > Aloha Milkyway 01/19/2014 at 19:24

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The Scorpio would be another example.

Radically different than the Granada that it replaced, but more timeless.

Dsscats > Klaus Schmoll 01/19/2014 at 19:25

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The 8 series. Gorgeous 20 years ago and gorgeous today

Klaus Schmoll > Dsscats 01/19/2014 at 19:27

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Good pick!

Tyler's SVT Focus Hates Him > Aero 01/19/2014 at 19:34

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Glad to hear you haven't had many problems with yours. What's the mileage on it? Believe it or not you're the first person I've met with an SVT Focus to use the word 'reliable' when describing it! Seems like most of owners I've talked to need to join a support group for people whose wallets were abused by their SVT's, me somewhat included. Disregarding a complete clutch assembly rebuild, I've put about $1200 into my car after 10,000 miles and two years, but that's mostly just maintenance stuff that the guy I bought it from didn't do, so it hasn't been too bad. I've heard horror stories from the forum guys about their experiences, though, it's good to hear of an SVT Focus owner who hasn't had a ton of problems. Gives us hope :)

Tyler's SVT Focus Hates Him > Klaus Schmoll 01/19/2014 at 19:36

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I'm with you there, compared to the MK. I Focus the MK.II's were definitely conservative, but still were very nice-looking cars regardless, just not as radical as their predecessor. It was like a grown-ups Focus, whereas the MK1 was for a younger demographic. Given the option I'll take my MK1 over the Euro MK.II, but would take the Euro MK.II over its American cousin.

Aloha Milkyway > Klaus Schmoll 01/19/2014 at 19:36

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On the opposite emd of the spectrum, you have this, the third generation Ford Taurus. This is daring gone horribly wrong. Boxes are out and circles are in! Ford ended up putting way to many circles in it. Out went the rather clean melted soap bar look of the second gen Taurus and so did its sales leader title and its reputation. As much as we love the 90's, this is something we choose to forget from that decade

offroadkarter > Klaus Schmoll 01/19/2014 at 19:37

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No matter how new looking cars get, this will always look like one mean son of a bitch rolling down the road

Giles007 > Klaus Schmoll 01/19/2014 at 19:44

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I always admire how gracefully Mazdas age over time. I'm not sure the last two generations will be so lucky though.

BadMotorScooter > Klaus Schmoll 01/19/2014 at 20:01

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Jedidiah > Z_Stig 01/19/2014 at 20:04

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I like these cars, but the door handles look out of place and the front bumper looks like a koi fish's mouth—not attractive. They could use some refine; IMO the 350z was better looking.

Mr. Edward Mann-Polandballer > Klaus Schmoll 01/19/2014 at 20:06

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NSU Ro80.

Remember, this design was unveiled to the public in 1969.

Enjoy...

anonsagainstanonymous > John Bulzacchelli 01/19/2014 at 20:22

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Or at least it will never be considered worse looking than it is today.

bobkustofawitshz > Klaus Schmoll 01/19/2014 at 20:24

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One of the best looking BMWs ever made

And the other one

IMHO the W210 E-class has aged quite well also

Xentron Holy Reaper of Worlds > Klaus Schmoll 01/19/2014 at 21:22

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This one. There isn't much design to age for what it's worth.

Asfi2000 > JasonStern911 01/19/2014 at 22:03

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Still love (and want) the original 911.

Burrito de EJ25 > PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power 01/19/2014 at 22:11

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You see classy, I see outright dull. I also don't buy "reliability" as a draw.

Burrito de EJ25 > lucky's pepper 01/19/2014 at 22:13

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I don't know about this car and any other of the retro inspired designs of the 2000s. It's like a cover band being "classic".

Burrito de EJ25 > Klaus Schmoll 01/19/2014 at 22:15

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I disagree. I think that Lexus looks great, and it's only going to get better with age. Same with the Acura beak.

PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power > Burrito de EJ25 01/19/2014 at 22:15

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I agree, it is a bit dull. But that's the point. it doesn't have anything that makes it "so 2010" That's why I think it'll age well

Burrito de EJ25 > PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power 01/19/2014 at 22:18

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In that case the Toyota Corolla, Camry, and Avalon are future classics too.

PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power > Burrito de EJ25 01/19/2014 at 22:23

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Well, not really. The WOB/Driver's GTi's are a one year only car, so there won't be too many of them. This reserves it's spot as a rarer vehicle. Also, the driving characteristics are some of the best I have ever experienced.

This might be sacrilege here on oppo, but I prefer it to an MR2. Why? Because it was predictable, but also because of how much low end boost it has. The low end kick the GTi provides is not what you'd expect from a slightly bland hatchback.
Note: I know this is style based, but I had to include that. I just like the restrained styling of the GTi

FelixScout > TheBloody, Oppositelock lives on in our shitposts. 01/19/2014 at 22:38

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Yes except for the last one which looks very 00's.

lucky's pepper > Burrito de EJ25 01/19/2014 at 22:38

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How is this different from a 911? No other car cited here can make the claim of being so true to it's predecessor, a design that itself was not just perfect in it's day, but is perfect today. It is the essence of timelessness. If I could put a bet in Vegas on this car being extremely desirable 50 yrs. from now I would.

Burrito de EJ25 > lucky's pepper 01/19/2014 at 22:53

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Because the 911 design has never deviated from its source. It's been evolving from day one.

This retro inspired design is just that. It was the trend of the late 90s and 2000s. And it's a trend that's quickly losing its appeal.

lucky's pepper > Burrito de EJ25 01/19/2014 at 23:07

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If you don't look at this and see perfect styling I don't know what to say. Insert the name of a car that cost twice as much new, and the Mustang will be worth 10 times that in 20 yrs.

Burrito de EJ25 > lucky's pepper 01/19/2014 at 23:08

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It's a future PT Cruiser.

lucky's pepper > Burrito de EJ25 01/19/2014 at 23:26

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Wow, that's a stupid statement. And I don't mean that in an "I'm so much smarter than you" way. Have you looked at the prices of these? People love these for a reason. This is Americana at it's best. It's the same reason a '56 210 still looks right today.

By the way, this is not like a cover band being "classic". This is like Journey getting back with Steve Perry and recording new songs that were just as good as their 80's stuff.

Burrito de EJ25 > lucky's pepper 01/19/2014 at 23:37

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No.

TheSergeMeister > Klaus Schmoll 01/20/2014 at 01:10

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I really like these MLs and i think it will age really really well, also i think the newest model will age quite well too.

TheSergeMeister > Sinanigans 01/20/2014 at 01:11

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honestly i think that looks pretty dated, also the halos look weird

JasonStern911 > Asfi2000 01/20/2014 at 01:50

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I find myself really attracted to the early narrow body 901/911s. unfortunately, they are well out of my price range. 912Es still remain reasonably attainable, though, if I only had the garage space and a spare kidney to sell...

TheBloody, Oppositelock lives on in our shitposts. > FelixScout 01/20/2014 at 05:15

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It's a '13...

Mike > Klaus Schmoll 01/20/2014 at 05:24

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The McLaren F1 is just brilliant, even 22 years after it debuted. This is a car that was designed during the era of pop-up headlights and plastic everything, and it looks like it could've been designed yesterday. It's easy to craft a beautiful period piece ; it's much harder to create something actually timeless.

Asfi2000 > JasonStern911 01/20/2014 at 11:00

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Woooord.

davedave1111 > Aloha Milkyway 01/20/2014 at 12:19

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Bangle must look at current Mercedes and laugh his head off to think that his designs were criticised when they came out.

FelixScout > TheBloody, Oppositelock lives on in our shitposts. 01/20/2014 at 18:29

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Fair but it still looks like it belongs in the first couple decades of the 2000's

Aloha Milkyway > bobkustofawitshz 01/20/2014 at 20:52

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I HATED the W210 when it first came out. I thought the headlights were a bit too goofy at the time. It wasn't helped by the fact the third gen Ford Taurus came out around that time too. I eventually warmed up to it then the AMG arrived. Also, for me at least, the Claus Luthe era BMW's were the cleanest designs (E30, E34, E36, E39, etc). Still, I tried defending the E60 haha

Aloha Milkyway > davedave1111 01/20/2014 at 20:56

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Have you heard Bangle is now in Samsung? Imagine the next Galaxy tabs will have Bangle butts!

Kookanoodles > Klaus Schmoll 01/28/2014 at 17:40

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That little triangular surface is absolutely delightful. It's simple, but it makes the whole design clearer.

TheStraightSixKid > Klaus Schmoll 01/28/2014 at 22:48

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Ferrari 458/spider