The term "classic" car, as I understand it, is any vehicle that is at least 15 years old. Where as "antique" cars are at least 20 years old. At the risk of insulting some folks, I do not consider a 1986 Chrysler Voyager a "classic." It is equally difficult for me to accept a 1981 Chevrolet Citation as an "antique."

While I'll admit that I am a product of the '70's, I have certainly not remained frozen in that decade. However, I was baptized into the automotive world with the cars from the 1960's and early '70's. A guy named Edward lived in my neighborhood and drove a '70 Plymouth Superbird. What, are you kidding me? Someone we knew driving a Superbird to the grocery store? My goodness. If we only had a Time Machine... Oh yeah, where was I, we used to watch Edward's Petty Blue 'Bird rumbling by and make a comment like, "What a waste of machinery." Ed wasn't exactly known for his machismo.

Looking back, that Plymouth was practically brand new, so we certainly didn't use the word "classic" to describe it. But, it was an "instant classic." This is why I rebuke the "15 years a classic" and "20 years an antique" standard. I suppose that back in the day, this standard if not accurate, was at least appropriate. Since we have survived the passing of the new millenium, I feel it's time to update this. I know, I know, it's just one of those things. I mean, who really cares about what "they" say? Well, My Daily Driver.com does, that's who. This publication is dedicated to the drivers of classic cars, so we'll use our alleged journalistic license to determine what is "classic."

The actual word "classic" means:
a.) Belonging to the highest rank or class.
b.) Serving as the established model or standard.
c.) Having lasting significance or worth; enduring.

Well, being somewhat anti-class and anti-establishment, I like "c", having lasting significance. You may ask, "Well, Mr. Column Writing Man, what makes a car significant?" I'm glad you asked. We wrestled with the "what makes a car a classic" scenario and after countless days locked in the bunker, we emerged with this revelation. Chrome bumpers. Yep, that's it, chrome bumpers. It is a simple equation to a complex problem. If you drive a 15 year old car that has composite anti-impact devices fused to the rear sub-frame, you do not drive a "classic" car. Conversely, regardless of what you call transportation, if you have a big old chrome bumper hanging off of it, it's a classic. To us, the amount of rust, flaking or yards of duct tape present is non-consequential. It's still a "classic."

"What about the early IROC Z-28's?" or "How 'bout my 1987 Buick Grand National?" Well, these cars are "significant", and as the Websters Dictionary reads, "classic" is significant. So we do take into consideration whether a particular car is significant or not. Actually, I think a better word for significant is "cool." Let's be honest, a 1987 GNX is very cool, an "instant classic." That reminds me of Ed and his '70 'Bird. Last time I was back in the old neighborhood, Ed was climbing into a tired Ford Explorer. I was driving my 1971 Dodge and I didn't have the heart to pull over and chat.