James May, motoring journalist, former co-presenter of Top Gear and current presenter at Amazon Prime’s The Grand Tour once opined that, “if classic cars were any good, they’d still be made.” He was of course, being facetious. Obviously modern technologies make contemporary cars faster, more comfortable, cleaner, safer and more economical but like a fine mechanical watch, it is the provenance, heritage and rarified design of a bygone era which gives many classic cars the elegant shapes and flowing lines hardly found on modern automobiles.
6 Classic cars to watch at Singapore Rendezvous 2017 from 5th to 8th October
Thankfully, the upcoming high luxury lifestyle event, Singapore Rendezvous 2017, running from October 5th to the 8th, will satisfy your lust for these retrotastic vintage cars. There will be at least 30 vintage cars on display, here are at least 6 beautiful classic cars to watch at Singapore Rendezvous.
Catch this 1954 Mercedes Adenauer 300b in Singapore on show among the many classic cars at Singapore Rendezvous 2017
1954 Mercedes Adenauer 300b
With 123 bhp, the 300 series Mercedes Adenauer with 2,975 cc straight-six engine with twin Solex carburettors and four-speed manual transmission marked a very important line of vehicles for Mercedes-Benz. They were the first Mercedes-Benzes produced by the company after World War II. The four-door versions of the car adapted the name “Adenauer” because six custom examples of the 300 saw use by the chancellor of Germany at the time, Konrad Adenauer. Often used by politicians, captains of industry, and other wealthy individuals, this classic 1954 Mercedes Adenauer 300b symbolised success and it is recognised in classic car circles as one of the earliest examples of status symbols.
Catch this 1960 Mercedes 190SL cabriolet in Singapore on show among the many classic cars at Singapore Rendezvous 2017
1960 Mercedes-Benz 190SL cabriolet
Introduced at the 1954 New York Motor Show as a more affordable and practical alternative to the famed Mercedes Benz 300SL, the 1960 Mercedes-Benz 190SL cabriolet was an iconic roadster which was produced from 1955 to 1963, reflecting the popularity of that classic car. It might have be positioned as a smaller version of its illustrious big brother but it packed plenty of its technical refinements – earning a reputation amongst classic car enthusiasts as a sporting roadster. Only a fraction of the 26,000 production run are in existence today – this iconic two-seat roadster with signature styling still sets the bar for other Mercedes-Benz convertibles.
Catch this 1963 Mercedes 220 cabriolet in Singapore on show among the many classic cars at Singapore Rendezvous 2017
1963 Mercedes 220SE cabriolet
Originally debuted at the 1959 Frankfurt Motor Show, this 1963 Mercedes 220SE cabriolet was one of four new models which shared the same uni-construction bodyshell and all wheel independent suspension. The classic car is longer than its predecessors, featuring wider radiator shell, wrap-around windscreen, wider rear window and vertically positioned twin headlamps. Capable of hitting a century sprint in 14 seconds, it launched originally in coupe models with cabriolets appearing in 1961, this time, losing the tail fins of the saloon. For the era, the 220SE was considered to be among the more modern looking classic cars and these models were more luxuriously dressed as well – as a standard – it came with a rev-counter, leather upholstery and four-speed automatic transmission. It was the perfect summer car.
Catch this Mercedes-AMG E36 in Singapore on show among the many classic cars at Singapore Rendezvous 2017
1996 Mercedes W124 E36 AMG cabriolet
Just how rare is a 1996 Mercedes W124 E36 AMG cabriolet? Really really rare. Fewer than 200 E36 AMGs were ever made and of those, only 14 were right hand drive soft tops. Equipped with a a 272hp, 284lb ft 3.6-litre straight six engine, this classic W124 E36 AMG completes its century sprint in 7.2 seconds. Springs and dampers were also firmer and AMG opted for the proven 4-speed auto instead of the standard ‘electronically regulated’ 5-speed.
Catch the only Fiat 130 coupe in Singapore on show among the many classic cars at Singapore Rendezvous 2017
The only Fiat 130 Coupe in Singapore
Produced by the Italian car manufacturer from 1969 to 1977, the Fiat 130 coupe is a large six cylinder executive car produced on the same platform of the four door saloon. Designed by Paolo Martin of Pininfarina, this only Fiat 130 Coupe in Singapore features a unique interior (also adopted in the saloon when it was upgraded to the 130B version which also featured the Coupé’s enlarged 3235 cc V6). Interestingly, it also featured a button-operated mechanism allowing the driver to open the passenger-side door.
Catch the Porsche 356 coupe on show among the many classic cars at Singapore Rendezvous 2017
Porsche 356 coupe
The Porsche 356 was Porsche’s first production automobile. Such was the popularity of the nimble, rear-engine, rear-wheel drive, two-door, sports car available in hardtop coupé and open configurations that production of the 356 continued until April 1965, even after its replacement, the Porsche 911 debuted in 1963. Initially, it was little noticed by a small number of auto racing enthusiasts and the first few 356s sold primarily in Austria and Germany. By the early 1950s, the Porsche 356 had gained some renown on both sides of the Atlantic for its aerodynamics, handling, and excellent build quality. Today, only half of the 76,000 classic car model Porsche 356 coupes exist today.
You can see these beautiful classic cars at the upcoming Singapore Rendezvous from October 5th to the 8th. Images of the classic car models featured here are representative and may not reflect actual colours and fittings as the cars are still being shipping to Singapore.
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