Question of the Night: What modern car would seem least unusual to someone from 40 years ago?

"boxrocket" (boxrocket) 09/03/2015 at 21:28 • Filed to: qotn, question of the night

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Imagine, if you will, a world where a there was a large group of persons who were licensed drivers in the 1970s, and for whatever reason, were in a coma, time travel, incarceration, whatever, where they essentially had little or no exposure to the rest of the world, didn’t age (or did very little, so they can drive legally upon licensure), and were suddenly thrust into the present. Think Captain America, Marty McFly, Philip J. Fry, Austin Powers, etc. but as a large group, like a warehouse full of cryogenically frozen people unfrozen. Suddenly free out in the world with little guidance, but certified to drive as part of their reintroduction to the world. Perhaps they had a small investment they put away when they were frozen, so they have a modest but not exorbitant budget (hence the ten-year-old allowance).

Which USDM vehicle made within the last 10 years would feel the most approachable, familiar, and semi-immediately functional to these people?

My first thought was the first-gen Scion xB. Boxy, square headlamps and tail lamps, simple controls, not too much power, good visibility, smaller so less intimidating in traffic, and while the gauge cluster placement would take some getting used to, it’s not insurmountable. Older folks seem to love them already.

The biggest hurdles would likely be the same as in the 1970s, that is, “Jap- crap” (which I don’t agree with, but there was that mentality then), though perhaps the non-Asian name could help. It could be perceived as too small, perhaps.

Alternately one of the Panther platform cars, but that seems too obvious.

What about you, fellow Opponauts? What do you think would be the least intimidating, least unusual, least confounding, most easily-learned, most approachable vehicle made for the USDM in the last decade that a large group of people could all find reasonably acceptable?

Supreme Chancellor and Glorious Leader SaveTheIntegras > boxrocket 09/03/2015 at 21:33

0

Edit: actually reread the post...let me think of a new answer

Sn210 > boxrocket 09/03/2015 at 21:42

20

Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap > boxrocket 09/03/2015 at 21:43

95

Ford Econoline

facw > boxrocket 09/03/2015 at 21:43

29

This is what happens when your last redesign was 20 years ago, and the product has had the bare minimum of upgrades in 40.

Rainbow > boxrocket 09/03/2015 at 21:44

14

A utility van. Those are being fitted with a few luxuries lately, but for the most part they’re the most basic driving experience you expect to find from a new vehicle.

Opposite Locksmith > boxrocket 09/03/2015 at 21:48

3

Jeep

(I'm basically just asking for people to say that people from the 70s would lose their shit in a modern jeep)

McMike > boxrocket 09/03/2015 at 21:52

4

Morgan +4

CRider > boxrocket 09/03/2015 at 21:59

41

It’s 2015, I just want to know why the damn thing can’t fly.

boxrocket > Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap 09/03/2015 at 21:59

4

I like where your head is at.

Would that be so very common and fitting to, say, a family of four, or a single individual living on their own? The plumbers, construction workers, etc., that used them ubiquitously then would feel nearly right at home, though, I agree.

boxrocket > facw 09/03/2015 at 22:00

3

Great point, the Express/Savanna twins are archaic.

boxrocket > CRider 09/03/2015 at 22:03

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True, but that could be fairly intimidating. Then again, it does evoke the 1978+ BMW M1 and other 1970's mid-engine exotics.

BigBlock440 > Sn210 09/03/2015 at 22:04

13

That was my first thought.

My second thought was:

facw > Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap 09/03/2015 at 22:06

3

Not made anymore, except for the cutaway version.

Have Jeep, will travel. > boxrocket 09/03/2015 at 22:10

1

A new work truck or Jeep Wrangler. Thats about what has changed the least as far as basic concept

Sir HoonsAlot > boxrocket 09/03/2015 at 22:10

0

I’ll guess the mirage. Basic Japanese economy car

ranwhenparked > boxrocket 09/03/2015 at 22:11

0

Within the last 10 years?

Ford Crown Victoria (or Grand Marquis, or Town Car). Actually, they wouldn’t be too terribly unfamiliar to someone from 50 or even 60 years ago. Except that someone from the ‘50s might find the bland styling and lack of tail fins befuddling.

GentleHatred > boxrocket 09/03/2015 at 22:11

163

Too easy.

Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap > boxrocket 09/03/2015 at 22:12

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They’ve basically made the same car since the 1970s. Everyone has for sure seen one and probably ridden in the ones with windows in the back.

Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap > facw 09/03/2015 at 22:12

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Wasn’t aware.

My British German car wasn't that reliable, is now dead > boxrocket 09/03/2015 at 22:12

1

2005, just squeeks in.

TheStigsGermanCousin > McMike 09/03/2015 at 22:12

0

You nailed it.

Scrape > boxrocket 09/03/2015 at 22:17

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VW Beetle. They had them 40 years ago, and they are just as crappy today as back then. Only now, they are much much more difficult to fix yourself.

The other vehicle, although not brand new anymore, would be the Ford Crown Victoria. Huge hood, huge trunk, smallish interior. Rear wheel drive, V8, bench seat and a fairly spartan interiors were available. It still counts because there are craploads of them on the road. It is like an LTD used to be.

Aliens Ate My Buick > boxrocket 09/03/2015 at 22:17

0

Porsche 911 (until they sat in it).

sadfasdf > boxrocket 09/03/2015 at 22:17

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Assuming they never pop the hood and leave the LCD off: Prius.

Slow, the e-brake is on the floor, and the shifter, while not on the tree, is closer than almost anything else these days. It also feels spacious while being relatively small. Despite being ensconsed in airbags and rollover-proof pillars, it doesn’t really feel like it, apart from the modern-car visibility.

MrPKDolphin > boxrocket 09/03/2015 at 22:17

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Naughty0ne > boxrocket 09/03/2015 at 22:18

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Any Lada

Dy-no-mite Jay > facw 09/03/2015 at 22:19

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They said the vehicles had to be from the last ten years, not current production. The econoline easily makes the cut.

sgtyukon > boxrocket 09/03/2015 at 22:20

9

Morgan

HammerheadFistpunch > GentleHatred 09/03/2015 at 22:20

3

Yup, came to post

Evan F. > boxrocket 09/03/2015 at 22:22

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I’d say a Jeep Wrangler cuz honestly it just looks like a longer, more modern 1970 Jeep Wrangler

Pyrochazm > boxrocket 09/03/2015 at 22:22

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I’m going to go with the jeep wrangler, for a whole host of obvious reasons.

facw > Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap 09/03/2015 at 22:23

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Though apparently it still counts for this, missed the “last 10 years” thing.

slowerlowerdelaware > boxrocket 09/03/2015 at 22:24

4

2015 Ford F250 Super Duty Regular Cab XL 2wd

Column shifter, bench seat, body on frame, regular key, no real LCD screens just some basic text readouts.

I was originally going to say Dodge or Chevy 3/4 ton due to push rod but their interiors are more advanced than this and they won’t be pulling off the valve cover right away.

SirUno > BigBlock440 09/03/2015 at 22:27

1

Gets my vote. Of course, I'm biased...I'm sitting in one right now.

ivan256 > boxrocket 09/03/2015 at 22:27

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Easy.

911.

Seriously though, most hatches these days aren't too far off in looks from 40 years ago.

Lars Vargas was hoping 2020 would be quieter > boxrocket 09/03/2015 at 22:28

41

I know they haven’t been made for 4 years, but the Panther platform. It’s pretty much a 1960’s car with a few updates and newer styling. This is my former 2002 CV LX Sport a few years back...

William Clavey > boxrocket 09/03/2015 at 22:28

0

MrHP > boxrocket 09/03/2015 at 22:29

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Chevrolet Silverado 1500 WT

Regular cab, long box, 2WD, V8, bench seat, column shifter, vinyl floor covering.

Completely familiar to anyone from the rural Midwest.

MUSASHI66 > boxrocket 09/03/2015 at 22:29

55

Singer 911. Next question?

My X-type is too a real Jaguar > boxrocket 09/03/2015 at 22:30

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C6 corvette headlights under glass like an e type not a lot of gizmos manual transmission

SpaceGerbil1 > boxrocket 09/03/2015 at 22:31

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Trick question?

Naughty0ne > boxrocket 09/03/2015 at 22:31

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2005 Jeep Wrangler

1975 Jeep CJ5

I rest my case

Stapleface-Now Hyphenated! > boxrocket 09/03/2015 at 22:32

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Since the Wrangler and full size vans are already taken, I’ll go with this:

bipbap > boxrocket 09/03/2015 at 22:33

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RatMR2 > McMike 09/03/2015 at 22:33

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Well played...

Manwich - now Keto-Friendly > GentleHatred 09/03/2015 at 22:33

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Ya beat me to it.

irisfailsafe5000 > boxrocket 09/03/2015 at 22:34

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A Toyota Prius is the opposite so the most regular is... A Challenger because it looks like the same car they had back then..

Lars Vargas was hoping 2020 would be quieter > Lars Vargas was hoping 2020 would be quieter 09/03/2015 at 22:36

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.... aaaaannnnd for some reason the last paragraph of the post didn’t register with my brain. So just ignore my post.

Alan > boxrocket 09/03/2015 at 22:36

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Sterling (or any tractor trailer company really) Trucks:

C62030 > boxrocket 09/03/2015 at 22:37

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This wouldn’t be too out of place in the 70s.

Manwich - now Keto-Friendly > boxrocket 09/03/2015 at 22:38

7

While not a car, I think someone from 40 years ago would feel right at home seeing a 2015 Ural:

Charles Spratlin > boxrocket 09/03/2015 at 22:39

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Jeep Wrangler or a Crown Victoria.

Mr. Malaise > Lars Vargas was hoping 2020 would be quieter 09/03/2015 at 22:39

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On the plus side, that was a lovely LX Sport. I prefer the column mounted gear selector from the LX and P71s myself, along with the split bench where optioned, but the LX Sports were great for what they were.

jonnybimmer > boxrocket 09/03/2015 at 22:40

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60+ years and still going...

Wobbles the Mind > boxrocket 09/03/2015 at 22:40

5

Alan > boxrocket 09/03/2015 at 22:41

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Not a car, but a vehicle that hasnt really changed one bit since the 70’s:

reverberocket is nipping the apex..and gently blowing in it's ear. > boxrocket 09/03/2015 at 22:42

3

Toyota Land Cruiser Truck
EDIT: Ah, poo. I didn’t register the USDM stipulation...obviously.

Vic788 > Rainbow 09/03/2015 at 22:42

6

Admiral-cb > Sir HoonsAlot 09/03/2015 at 22:42

1

This was mine as well... about the same level of options as some cars from the 70’s.

ThePro > boxrocket 09/03/2015 at 22:43

1

Base Versa: Crank windows, no power locking, no weird electronic stuff and I believe it even has a 4 speed auto (higher trims get the CVT). It doesn’t have much power nor a good transmission to take advantage, so it won’t feel crazy fast to someone used to underpowed v6s with 3 speed transmissions

AudiB5Hawaii > boxrocket 09/03/2015 at 22:43

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“The biggest hurdles would likely be the same as in the 1970s, that is, “Jap- crap” (which I don’t agree with, but there was that mentality then), though perhaps the non-Asian name could help. It could be perceived as too small, perhaps.”

Not sure if “Jap-crap” is racist or just a good way to describe the racist view of the cars at the time..?

Obfuscatio: philosopher at large > boxrocket 09/03/2015 at 22:47

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40 years. 50. 60. Whatever.

jmedarts > boxrocket 09/03/2015 at 22:48

2

Charles Spratlin > Scrape 09/03/2015 at 22:48

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its actually basically the same frame as the LTD, which itself dates back in form to a 66 galaxy

MrPKDolphin > boxrocket 09/03/2015 at 22:49

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How about the Aveo? It would make them feel right at home with it being Merica and its like a modern day crap can Chevette

Alan > boxrocket 09/03/2015 at 22:50

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Rolls Royce Phantom while pretty forward in design, would likely be immediately recognizable and coddle a time traveller in period style comfort:

soundman98 > facw 09/03/2015 at 22:50

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and yet, even though i was born in the late 80’s, i still am perfectly happy with it. my savana work van does everything i need it to with no fancy electronics, and i love it for exactly that.

472CID > boxrocket 09/03/2015 at 22:51

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T off the New > boxrocket 09/03/2015 at 22:52

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jeff4066 > boxrocket 09/03/2015 at 22:52

0

I would think something like the HHR or even the PT Cruiser would work. Slightly exotic but older style. Closer to the retro age it was going for.

Can’t attach a pic. Stupid Kinja.

reverberocket is nipping the apex..and gently blowing in it's ear. > reverberocket is nipping the apex..and gently blowing in it's ear. 09/03/2015 at 22:52

10

So. I’ll go G-Wagon instead.

Patrick Frawley > boxrocket 09/03/2015 at 22:53

3

If our audience is reasonably well-informed, a Lotus Elise.

“Oh, right, a tiny little Lotus - nice styling! No carpeting, okay, and there’s actually a stereo in this one. Hmm. Four-valve engine from...Toyota? Really? Okay, I guess. DAMN, this thing moves. A bit heavier than my cousin’s Europa, but this is pretty cool.”

Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap > facw 09/03/2015 at 22:54

0

I didn't read that either.

Patrick Frawley > Patrick Frawley 09/03/2015 at 22:55

9

On that note, a Caterham would probably work too.

Sir HoonsAlot > Admiral-cb 09/03/2015 at 22:57

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lol it is a car all by itself in terms of advancemants(or lack there of). I still like them for some reason, though.

boxrocket > facw 09/03/2015 at 22:58

1

True, but I worded the initial question to include cars since 2005, not just new ones.

Mr. Van > boxrocket 09/03/2015 at 22:59

0

Maybe a 2009 Jag XJ?

1969 Jag XJ.

Drakkon- Most Glorious and Upright Person of Genius > boxrocket 09/03/2015 at 23:00

0

DMCVegas > boxrocket 09/03/2015 at 23:00

1

GMC Stepside Van with mobile kitchen equipment package. Aka: The Food Truck

Totally timeless design that is otherwise completely perfected. Utility trucks come and go as we’ve seen with the death of the Econoline. But the taco truck I’d wager will remain unchanged, and more importantly, in use forever. They'll ALWAYS be a common sight.

boxrocket > Lars Vargas was hoping 2020 would be quieter 09/03/2015 at 23:00

1

No worries. I made the post with the xB in mind, and as I was writing it I remembered the Panthers were well within my last-decade limitation, but cars like the '90s Roadmaster/Caprice/Impala weren't. I neglected to remember body-on-frame vans, though, haha.

Lars Vargas was hoping 2020 would be quieter > Mr. Malaise 09/03/2015 at 23:01

0

The center console and console shifter were two of my favorite interior features on that car. I know a bench would have been more retro, but it just made it a lot more usable to me. I’ve never been a fan of column shifters. In fact, I made sure to look for a replacement that also had a center console and console shifter. My Flex has ‘em both. :)

Drzhivago138 > jmedarts 09/03/2015 at 23:02

0

Nyehhh, not quite. In 1975, the Suburban, while having gained some genteel touches with the ‘73 redesign, was still very much a trucky wagon and (except in more rural areas) considered too unrefined to serve as a family luxobarge like the new ones are. Remember, if you wanted to haul passengers and tow a camper, station wagons like the Kingswood were still very much up to the task.

EDIT: Okay, after rereading the criteria, it does meet the “least unusual” part in that it’s 100% recognizable as a Suburban across every new generation. But to see them everywhere being used as (sub)urban family haulers every day would be an unusual sight to our hypothetical temporal transplant.

Also_Ran > Wobbles the Mind 09/03/2015 at 23:02

2

Forty years, not eighty.

Edit: I just re-checked the dates. I had no idea they were selling three-wheelers a hundred years ago!

boxrocket > GentleHatred 09/03/2015 at 23:03

5

Indeed! It would probably impress someone from 40 years ago if you took a Rubicon and showed just what it could do nowadays compared to vehicles from then, especially considering the advancements in modern tires and traction systems. And not having to get out to physically disconnect or engage the 4WD components.

DMCVegas > T off the New 09/03/2015 at 23:06

0

Came here to say this one too.

In 2081 when the cars hit their century anniversary, they’ll still look even more futuristic than anything else on the road.

Mambo-Dave > boxrocket 09/03/2015 at 23:06

0

Why are the plastic Jeep owners always defending them? They’re a great SUV or mini-van, for sure. They also lost what it was to be a open all-the-time general purpose vehicle, and are just air-conditioned boxes like everything else now. Love them for mini-van use, but put me in a real Jeep.

boxrocket > MUSASHI66 09/03/2015 at 23:06

4

There aren’t enough of those to go around with the numbers I had in mind, but the hypothetical individual might feel right at home! Ditto an Icon Bronco or FJ, Grand Wagoneer, Superformance Cobra, a classic Mustang made from the BIW kit Ford makes now, etc.

Sorely Vexed > boxrocket 09/03/2015 at 23:07

0

Bristol Blenheim.

Doctor-G-and-the-wagen > boxrocket 09/03/2015 at 23:08

0

I feel like everyone here suggesting something retro/restomod is taking the easy way out. So here’s my suggestion:

The SmartFortwo. It’s a similar premise to the original beetle, in a smaller form. Tiny cars were still around back then in the form of the Honda Z, Suzuki Cervo/Whizzkid, the aforementioned beetle, and others. This WAS the malaise era, and amid the fuel crisis this sort of car wouldn’t be too outlandish, and rear engine layouts would possibly be more fresh in the memories of people then.

Admiral Asskicker > boxrocket 09/03/2015 at 23:09

0

Admiral-cb > Sir HoonsAlot 09/03/2015 at 23:11

1

I’m shocked that it has all power accessories inside, I thought for sure that you would be rolling up your own windows.

The 74 HP and 74 torques aren't too impressive though.

rcasi > boxrocket 09/03/2015 at 23:13

0

I fell asleep just posting this.

Vie Ventar > boxrocket 09/03/2015 at 23:17

47

The fastest and most powerful production car in the world... ..is a n, built in France.

This is also made by Volkswagen.

And so is this.

FIAT makes this, and it’s siblings are being built on FIAT platforms.

This car was made by BMW.

As was this one.

And so is this... ..a three cylinder sports car that’ll hit 140mph+ and can get 134mpg - thanks to also having electric motors and batteries.

Speaking of electric cars; this is a Cadillac. It failed to sell since Cadillac just doesn’t appeal to people rich enough to afford an Electric car.

People buy more luxury Toyotas, even when they look like this, than Cadillacs.

Button controlled computers are being replaced with touch-screen computers. As are mechanical dials being replaced by computer generated images on screens. Also, a lot of cars have - somewhat flaky - voice command systems. They also often come with remote satelite tracking, that both gives you navigational instructions and lets the emergency services know roughly where you are after an accident.

This thing is Japanese, and the company that makes it its part owned by Renault.

Yup, they did finally make an F-Type. After an Indian bloke bought them off Ford... ..don’t ask.

This thing is Korean.

We are Chinese owned now.

We are all Dead.

Look! Triumph brought it’s own wreath!

And to round us off. This didn’t go out of production till 2013. It outlived all of the above companies - some by a wide margin.

(Do you think their minds are sufficiently blown yet? Or should we tell them which are the largest companies in the Automotive industry these days?)

Ad_absurdum_per_aspera > boxrocket 09/03/2015 at 23:18

0

Most any pickup. They’re far nicer to ride in than they used to be, and (market segment for market segment) more capable, but you’ve still basically got an engine box, a people box, and a cargo box sitting on a ladder frame. Form follows function pretty rigorously in those things.

iceman > boxrocket 09/03/2015 at 23:18

0

Challenger isn’t too far fetched. Big. Comfortable. Loud. Boat. Etc

boxrocket > T off the New 09/03/2015 at 23:19

1

I love the DeLorean DMC-12’s style and history, but despite new-DMC (Texas) making new cars (or trying to?), they’re reproductions of sorts, and aren’t made in high enough quantities for what I had in mind.

Tom Hegedosh > boxrocket 09/03/2015 at 23:20

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tesla model D and the Prius

boxrocket > Vie Ventar 09/03/2015 at 23:21

10

Great post, but the opposite of what I was looking for. Maybe I'll make that tomorrow's Question of the Night.

Vie Ventar > boxrocket 09/03/2015 at 23:22

1

Yeh I know, I blame it being 4am.

Ike B > boxrocket 09/03/2015 at 23:23

0

Does Harley make a car?