As fashion, design trends and technology change with the times, so do our cars. The vehicles we now think of as ‘retro’ or ‘classic’ were once the latest and greatest, with cutting-edge features that everyone wanted. Here’s a look back at some of our favourite models from the past and where they are today.
1970s – Ford Mustang
The first-generation Ford Mustang was so unique, it started a whole new genre of ‘pony’ cars. Its long hood, short rear deck, sculpted flanks and affordable price tag were immediately loved by drivers. With its roaring 4.7L motor and a youthful look, sales exceeded all expectations, heralding a new era in sports car design.
While a radio was an optional extra on the first generation of Mustang, by the late 70s the Ford Mustang had some of the latest features in the automotive market, including the option of a 3-speed manual or ‘Cruise-O-Matic’ automatic transmission, air conditioning, power steering and powered front disc brakes.
Today, the standard features of the 2022 Ford Mustang include controlling certain features remotely via a smartphone app, voice-operated controls and automated driver assist features including lane-keeping assist, autonomous emergency braking and adaptive cruise control.
The Ford Mustang of today still holds true to the original design cues with its long hood and short rear, convertible option and beastly 5.0L V8 engine option. The Ford Mustang is still a vehicle designed for galloping the freeway.
1980s – Volkswagen Golf
With more than 35 million of the iconic hatch made globally so far, the Volkswagen Golf is a household name, renowned for its versatility, functionality, reliability, and quality.
From the very beginning, the Golf was a worldwide bestseller and is still a class leader today. The main design elements of the original model – including its upright, solid shape and slim grille – are still part of every Golf since.
In 1983, the Golf was improved with technical innovations including anti-lock brakes, power steering and ‘Syncro’ all-wheel drive capability. The early adoption of front airbags and advancements in body impact design helped build Volkswagen’s enduring reputation for safety.
Fast forward to 2022 and the 8th generation Golf is still leading the market. It was awarded Drive Car of the Year – Best Small Car category in both 2021 and 2022. And it’s still a leader in safety too. While passenger airbags may have seemed revolutionary in the 80s, the Golf of today has an impressive array of semi-autonomous safety features that detect and intervene for you to help avoid potential collisions.
1990s – Nissan Patrol
The longest-running vehicle in this line-up, the Nissan Patrol was born in 1951 and is still on sale today, representing over 70 years of iconic motoring designed for off-road enthusiasts.
The 90s saw some major developments in the model, with advanced tech and aesthetic styling upgrades for better comfort and performance. It was the first in the class to be equipped with revolutionary coil spring suspension, and the luxury of power steering. The base model Patrol came with manual windows and optional air conditioning; the ST included central locking, power windows and mirrors, and air conditioning; and the top-spec Ti offered ‘luxuries’ like carpet, rear air conditioning and velour trim.
In 1997 the outgoing Patrol Y60 was replaced with the completely redesigned Y61 model that would form the platform of the model for years to come. Everything was better – greater refinement improved NVH, aerodynamics and comfort. For the first time, satellite navigation and a reversing camera were also offered.
Fast forward to 2022 and the current Patrol Y62 takes you further with a beastly 5.6L V8 petrol engine and some of the most luxurious interior features you’ll find anywhere – including second-row entertainment screens, tri-zone climate control and Hydraulic Body Motion Control suspension for a smoother ride. The Nissan Patrol can still take you across the outback – just a lot more comfortably.
2000s – Toyota Prius
First launched in 1997 as the world’s first hybrid vehicle for the masses, the Prius flaunted a 3.57L/100km fuel efficiency. Smart innovations like regenerative braking meant the Prius was twice as fuel efficient with half the emissions and won several awards globally.
The second-generation Prius of 2003 gained extra fuel efficiency and more world-first technologies including Intelligent Parking Assist semi-automatic parking – a feature still considered premium today.
While the Prius is no longer sold in Australia, drivers are now spoilt for choice from a wide range of both hybrid and all-electric vehicles in the market.
2010s – Tesla Model 3
Broadly considered the class leader today, the Tesla brand offers all-electric driving with both a great range and a myriad of technological features, with all models capable of being adapted for self-driving in the future.
Where to from here?
As the world goes digital, so too does vehicle technology. Gone are cassette players and CDs – drivers today expect seamless connectivity with our smartphones.
As biometric data like fingerprint scanning and facial recognition become more secure ways to keep our data safe, we may end up with fingerprint scanning to replace push button start and traditional keys. Hyundai is rumoured to have been developing this tech for the Santa Fe.
Data projection onto the windscreen is already becoming commonplace, meaning you never have to take your eyes off the road, and remote-control features such as the Kia Sportage’s clever Remote Smart Parking and Tesla’s ‘summon’ feature are becoming as desirable as central locking once was.
If automotive history has taught us anything, it is that what seems revolutionary today will feel commonplace tomorrow. So, buckle up and enjoy the ride!
