That’s a lot of candles
There are many important birthdays being celebrated in 2022, with classic cars of all ages and types reaching significant anniversaries.
Some of these will be better known and will enjoy bigger parties than others, but here’s our pick of the landmark motoring milestones of the year.
1. Amilcar C4 (1922)
We start with a centenary.
Amilcar entered the busy cyclecar market with its early range of cars, including the C4 based on the CC. With a chassis lengthened by 4.5in (14cm) for the C4, it could seat up to four people depending on the bodywork fitted.
A saloon was an option, but most chose open bodywork, and there was even a commercial variant with van bodywork.
The C4 proved popular thanks to its peppy 1003cc engine and 22hp. It was also cheap to buy and run, which helped this model enjoy an eight-year production run.
2. Ford Y (1932)
The Y-type is 90 years old in 2022 and was the first truly European Ford, designed and built at the newly constructed Dagenham plant.
It replaced the Model A and was also known as the Ford 8 because of its horsepower rating for tax purposes.
Robust and easy to drive, the Ford was the inspiration for its rival, the Morris 8. A 933cc four-cylinder engine gave the Y decent performance and it could reach almost 60mph.
Two-door models were the most common, while a version was offered with rear doors called the Fordor for a play on its name.
3. MG J-type (1932)
One of MG’s most successful pre-war lines was the J-type in its various forms. It arrived in 1932 as the J1 and J2 Midget.
They used various parts from the C- and D-type models, including an 847cc four-cylinder engine coupled to a new lightweight four-speed manual gearbox.
The J1 was a four-seat model, while the J2 was the sportier two-seater that set the template for the T-series cars. There were also J3 and J4 versions, but these were exotic low-volume race machines with a 746cc engine.
4. Austin A30 (1952)
Austin shed the frumpy looks of its other models 70 years ago with the A30, which was much more pert, even if it did retain a flying ‘A’ badge and torpedo sidelights on top of the wings.
It was Austin’s first unitary-construction car and took the fight to the Morris Minor, complete with the new A-series engine.
Four-door models were launched first, with two-door and Countryman estate versions following in 1953 and 1955, respectively. Around 225,000 A30s were made before it was replaced by the A35 in 1957.
5. Bentley Continental R (1952)
With a shape inspired by the pre-war Embiricos one-off, the Bentley Continental R was every inch the supercar of its day. The 4556cc engine, later enlarged to 4887cc, gave sensational performance and effortless high-speed cruising.
The sleek body by HJ Mulliner allowed for fast driving with minimal wind noise and the later 4.9-litre models were capable of almost 120mph. A manual gearbox was the sporting choice, though Bentley also offered an automatic with column-mounted shifter.
Happy 70th birthday.
6. Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn (1952)
Rolls-Royce launched the Silver Dawn and its Bentley R-type sibling alongside each other, so both are 70 in 2022.
The differences were limited to the front grille and badges, yet the Bentley proved to be the bigger seller by quite some margin.
Using the same chassis as the earlier Dawn/MkVI, this 1952 model also retained the 4556cc straight-six and most came with a four-speed automatic rather than the manual gearbox. Rolls sold the Dawn with a Standard Steel body, but it would also still supply chassis for bespoke bodywork as a nod to pre-war practice.
7. AC Cobra (1962)
Carroll Shelby approached AC with the idea of fitting a V8 to its Ace in 1961. Originally, Shelby planned to use a Chevrolet Corvette motor, but the company refused to supply engines to a potential rival, so a Ford 3.6-litre (220cu in) V8 was used in the very first Cobra built in January 1962, 60 years ago.
Very early production Cobras came with a 4.3-litre (260cu in) V8 before moving to the better-known 4.7-litre (289cu in) engine. Performance was startling and a legend was born on the road and race track.
8. Alfa Romeo Giulia (1962)
Alfa Romeo’s sharp-suited small saloon for the 1960s arrived in ’62 with the Giulia that went on to sell more than 800,000 cars during its 10-year life.
It’s easy to see why when the smart looks were allied to twin-cam engines with anything from 92 to 102bhp, as well as a slick five-speed manual gearbox.
Known as the 105-series, the Giulia’s chassis was more than a match for the mechanicals, giving this small, boxy four-door nimble handling that belied its role as family transport.
9. BMW 1500 (1962)
If the 700 model pulled BMW back from the brink of bankruptcy, it was the 1500 that, 60 years ago, set the template for its mainstream saloon models all the way to the present day.
All the elements are there, from the distinctive kidney grille and the Hoffmeister kink in the rear-window shape, to a sporting edge to how it drives.
The 1500 with its 1499cc engine was joined by a 1.8-litre unit and the 2000 saloon improved performance further. Little wonder BMW called this car the Neue Klasse.
10. Ferrari 250GTO (1962)
Arguably the most famous, most coveted car in the world, the Ferrari 250GTO marks its 60th anniversary in 2022 – and it’s easy to see why it will be more celebrated than most, thanks to its dashing looks, high performance and race-winning history.
It’s also worth remembering the GTO was the ultimate expression of the 250 model line of coupés. The GTO’s shape was partly developed in a wind tunnel, while the engine was a 300bhp unit derived from the Testa Rossa, so it was always going to be special.
Only 39 were built, guaranteeing rarity and desirability.
11. Lotus Elan (1962)
One of the seminal sports cars of the 20th century, the Lotus Elan is still referred to by engineers, vehicle designers and road testers as a benchmark for modern machinery, 60 years on.
Such reverence was earned by the Elan thanks to it marrying Chapman’s desire for minimal weight to a perfectly proportioned body shape.
Even when Lotus added the fixed-head coupé model in 1965, it kept its style. Last-of-the-line Sprints are the quickest, but the early cars continue to impress with their superb handling and balance.
12. MGB Roadster (1962)
For years, the MGB was the world’s best-selling sports car until the Mazda MX-5 took over that title.
No wonder the MG took some beating. The Roadster that arrived 60 years ago in 1962 was just the right mix of modern and traditional. The style was clearly related to the MGA it replaced, yet the B was bigger, more comfortable, and quicker thanks to its 1798cc B-series motor with 95bhp.
The MGB was only offered as a Roadster at its launch and it took three years before the closed GT coupé arrived in 1965. An enduring appeal and ability to evolve with the times saw the MGB last in production until 1980.
13. Triumph Spitfire (1962)
From the outside, the Triumph Spitfire was a bold, new, small sports car to take on the MG Midget that had arrived the year before.
The Spitfire’s neat cabin was a bit more spacious than its main rival’s, plus the 1147cc engine taken from the Herald delivered more power than the Midget’s.
Underneath, the Triumph was a little more basic, because it used a separate chassis, also derived from the Herald. This meant a superb turning circle and decent handling, but with rear wheels that could display alarming camber angles.
None of that held back the Spitfire from selling well all the way up to 1980.
14. BMW 5 Series (1972)
The BMW 5 Series is now a fixture of the executive class, but 50 years ago back in 1972 it was a bold new saloon model for the German firm to take over from the ageing Neue Klasse.
At launch, only four-cylinder models were available with a choice of carburettors or fuel injection. Even with these humble motors, the 5 Series quickly proved to be a favourite with middle-class buyers.
Six-cylinder engines arrived in 1973, but it wasn’t until 1979 that we saw the rare and fast M535i model with 218bhp from its 3.5-litre straight-six. Only 1410 M535is were made, yet it did a huge amount to raise the profile and popularity of the 5 Series range.
15. Fiat X1/9 (1972)
While Britain was busy turning out the MG Midget and Triumph Spitfire, Fiat came up with the X1/9 50 years ago in 1972.
The mid-engined sports car was thoroughly modern in its design and looks, complete with pop-up headlights and a lift-out targa roof panel.
The design by Bertone and light weight of 912kg meant the X1/9 made the most of its original 75bhp 1290cc four-cylinder engine. More importantly still, it handled superbly. The only downside was it took until 1977 before right-hand-drive versions were available.
16. Jaguar XJ12 (1972)
The Jaguar XJ had been in production for four years by the time it received the flagship 5.3-litre V12 engine always intended for this luxury saloon.
When it did join the range, it immediately drew praise for its effortless refinement and performance, helped by the inherent smoothness of the configuration and 253bhp.
Jaguar stood by the XJ12 throughout the model’s development all the way to the S3, which was built alongside the XJ40. By the end of its life, the XJ12 boasted 300bhp and 42,461 had found homes around the world.
17. Porsche 911 Carrera 2.7 RS (1972)
It’s hard to believe that one of the very best versions of the Porsche 911 is now 50 years old, yet the Carrera 2.7 RS remains one of the freshest and most vibrant to drive.
It helps this homologation special kept weight to the bare necessities, with an all-up mass of 975kg. Powered by a 210bhp engine, that’s a recipe for perfection for many drivers.
Like many of the best homologation cars, the RS was a thinly disguised race car for the road, which included slimmer body panels and no rear seats. The result was 0-60mph in 6.1 secs and 149mph flat out, which was very fast for the period.
18. Renault 5 (1972)
Not even Renault could have hoped for such a huge success from its small car when it launched the 5, 50 years ago.
Between 1972 and 1984, more than five million were built and it was one of the cars that defined the supermini class. That’s clear from the 5’s front-wheel-drive set-up and wheel-at-each-corner stance.
Softly sprung suspension was typically French and gave the 5 a smooth ride, while the option of three or five doors also helped this small car to stand out from rivals.
19. Ford Sierra (1982)
Ford could have been forgiven for wondering if it had made a massive mistake when it launched the Sierra in 1982, 40 years ago.
Sales were nothing like as good as the now-defunct Cortina’s as buyers took time to adjust to the new hatchback model’s ‘jelly-mould’ styling by Patrick Le Quément. Thankfully for Ford, the Sierra went on to be a best-seller in its class.
The Sierra’s slippery shape was the result of much wind-tunnel testing and it also used a Granada-derived independent rear suspension. However, under the bonnet, the car used the same Pinto engines as the old Cortina.
20. Mercedes-Benz 190 (1982)
Everything about the W201 190 was the same as all other Mercedes, just made a little smaller to create a brilliant rival to the BMW 3 Series.
From build quality to looks, the 190 spoke quietly of classy competence and buyers duly took to it in their droves, resulting in 1.9 million finding willing homes over a 10-year period.
The ‘E’ model denoted cars with fuel injection, which added some much needed pep to the baby Merc’s driving experience that was a little flat with the base 90bhp four-pot motor.
Topping the main line-up was a 2.6-litre six-cylinder engine, or the keen driver could opt for the 16v with its Cosworth-developed unit delivering up to 197bhp.
21. MG Metro (1982)
The MG name rose again 40 years ago in 1982, with the launch of the MG Metro.
It was a slightly muted effort as the 1275cc A-series engine gained only 10bhp over the standard Metro’s unit, but it was enough to nudge the MG to 100mph. Still, 0-60mph in 12.2 secs was not exactly the stuff of hot-hatch dreams.
The following year, MG turned that around with the Metro Turbo, which bristled with the essential ’80s go-faster gadget to free up 93bhp from the venerable A-series motor.
Power was capped at this level to preserve the longevity of the four-speed gearbox and engine mounts, which both still broke all too easily with an enthusiastic driver at the wheel.
22. Porsche 944 (1982)
The 944 built on the earlier 924’s sales success to offer a car more appealing to the Porsche faithful.
Its wider wheelarches and all-Porsche 2.5-litre engine, based on half of the 928’s V8, offered a more compelling buying experience. Performance was brisk enough with 0-60mph in 7.1 secs, while the deft handling meant any driver could get the best from the front-engined 944.
Porsche gently evolved this hatchback model with more powerful engines and a turbocharged model arrived in 1985 with 220bhp.
A Cabriolet joined the range in 1989, maintaining the 944’s appeal all the way to its replacement by the 968, which was more of an updated version of the 944 than an outright successor.
23. Rover SD1 Vitesse (1982)
Four decades ago, the Rover SD1 Vitesse could have been all show and no go, but Rover backed up the big spoilers with a 190bhp version of its 3.5-litre V8.
That was enough to see the executive hatch accelerate from 0-60mph in 7.1 secs and hit 135mph. The later twin-plenum model for homologation produced 210bhp, though it remained officially rated at 190bhp.
The Vitesse’s front air dam and rear spoiler were not for show. Together, they lowered the car’s drag coefficient from 0.40Cd to 0.36Cd, and they generated 40kg of downforce at 100mph.
24. Dodge Viper (1992)
Subtle was not a word used in the design brief for the Dodge Viper. This was a no-holds barred all-American sports car, yet there was no V8 under the bonnet.
Instead, Chrysler adapted its V10 truck engine design, swapping iron construction for aluminium, to create a 400bhp 8.0-litre that gave 0-60mph in 4.6 secs and a 165mph top speed.
The Viper may have been a blunt instrument, but it proved an enduring one as the model lasted until 2017 across five distinct development phases. It also donated its engine to the Bristol Fighter in 8.4-litre form with 525bhp.
25. Ferrari 456 (1992)
Fast-forwarding to 1992, 30 years ago, and the 456 was the long-awaited replacement Ferrari GT for the 412i and a return to the front-engined V12 formula.
While some complained about the restrained looks, the 456 proved to be perfect for Ferrari buyers who wanted something more subtle and capable of everyday use.
What a car to use every day. With a 5.5-litre V12 up front developing 442bhp, the 456 could power from rest to 60mph in 5.1 secs and on to 193mph. That made it the fastest front-engined car in the world by some margin at its launch.
26. Ford Escort RS Cosworth (1992)
Those three magical words ‘Ford’, ‘Escort’ and ‘RS’ were joined by ‘Cosworth’ in 1992 to offer the ultimate hot hatch.
A true rally-bred machine to take the Blue Oval into the World Rally Championship, the RS was really an Escort body fitted over the shortened platform of a Sierra RS Cosworth 4x4. Whatever the parentage, the result was fabulous.
Early Escort Cosworths came with 227bhp from the turbocharged 2.0-litre engine, while later ones used a smaller turbo and gave 217bhp. The small drop in power was more than compensated for with a much improved drive thanks to less lag and better throttle response.
27. Jaguar XJ220 (1992)
Regardless of the difficult path from concept to eventual production model the Jaguar XJ220 endured, the end product was nothing short of epic.
The twin-turbo V6 made 542bhp, giving 0-60mph in 3.6 secs and a 213mph top speed, making it the fastest production car in the world at the time.
The production number was somewhat lower than Jaguar had hoped, with 274 XJ220s built and eventually sold. Despite its troubled start in life, this car stands as one of the highlights in Jaguar’s sports car history.
28. Subaru Impreza Turbo (1992)
The importance of the World Rally Championship in selling cars in the showroom was clear with Subaru’s Impreza Turbo.
Success on the stages meant one in three Imprezas sold in the UK in the mid-1990s were Turbo models, with help from Colin McRae’s world title win in 1995. Underpinning this was the brilliance of the Turbo, which came with 218bhp from its 2.0-litre flat-four motor.
All-wheel drive was standard for the Turbo and it allowed all of its power to be used confidently. Faster versions arrived in the shape of the WRX and STi versions, but all had the same usable nature that endeared them to a generation.
29. Ford Focus RS (2002)
Some cars are defined by their looks, top speed, or engine. The Ford Focus RS was defined by its limited-slip differential.
That may sound odd, but the way this traction-seeking device worked determined whether you’d love this car or not, as it pulled at the steering wheel and demanded ever-more commitment from the person in control.
That same differential also made the RS devastatingly quick across country as it eked out grip where others would falter. Backed up by a punchy 212bhp turbocharged 2.0-litre engine and five-speed manual gearbox, it was a raw, brilliant addition to Ford’s RS line-up 20 years ago.
30. Range Rover L322 (2002)
Think of a classic SUV and most will settle on the original Range Rover. However, the third-generation L322 deserves its spot in the limelight as the car that took Land Rover into the modern age – and it was launched 20 years ago.
It helped there was a lot of development put in by BMW and then Ford’s financial clout to see it through. The result was a 4x4 that could go anywhere a Defender could, yet it also delivered refinement and comfort on a par with a Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
The L322 is also notable as the first Range Rover with unitary-body construction. This made for much improved handling on the road, while a range of petrol and diesel engines gave solid performance. Inside, the L322 also set a new benchmark for cabin style and comfort in the SUV sector that still stands up today.