Classic Car Specialists |
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At Sussex Classics we specialise in selling classic cars and motor vehicles of all makes and models from what is known as the ‘classic era’. The ‘classic era’ is one of several eras in automotive history that span the following periods: |
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Steam Era: Up to 1900Veteran Era: 1888 – 1904Antique or Brass Era: 1905 – 1914Vintage Era: 1919 - 1930Classic Era: 1930 – present day |
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We find the ‘classic era’ of automotive history the most interesting and over the years have acquired substantial experience working with classic cars and motor vehicles from this period. We use the resulting expertise to find and sell good examples of the best of these classic cars and motor vehicles to fellow enthusiasts. The list below gives some examples of the classic vehicles we deal in. Below the list is a brief summary of what we see as the highlights of this fascinating era of automotive history: |
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Examples of classic cars for sale from Sussex Classics: |
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Highlights of the 'Classic Era' of Automotive History: |
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Pre-War Classic cars: 1930 – 1944Headlights, wings and running boards became integrated with the body of the car. Boots/trunks became incorporated at the rear for storage in fully-enclosed body styles. Open top touring cars and runabouts were phased out. The number of manufacturers declined significantly as the automotive industry matured and consolidated. Post-War Classic cars: 1949 – 1980’sHigh compression ‘V-configuration’ engines were introduced and more creative, integrated ‘ monocoque/unibody’ car designs evolved. In the 1950s innovative vehicles such as Issigonis’ Mini, Fiat’s 500 and Germany’s VW Beetle shook up the European and American small car markets. The 1960s were characterised by the adoption of increasingly sophisticated technology by European manufacturers and emergence of a new breed of compact more efficient cars. Japanese car makers played an increasing important role as Japan emerged as a serious global car producer. Muscle Cars appeared as the American car manufacturers tried to counter the growth in imports to the U.S. and respond to the post-war consumerism demanding bigger and faster as always better. The expansion of national highway networks and petrol becoming plentiful further fuelled the demand for more power and speed. However, the muscle car era was brought to an end by the Clean Air Act of 1970, the oil embargo of 1973 and the Corporate Average Fuel Economy rule in 1978 in the U.S. Throughout the 1970s sales of innovative, smaller and more efficient Japanese and European cars grew at the expense of gas-guzzling rivals. Small performance cars from Toyota, Nissan and BMW replaced big-engined cars from Italy and America. The most significant technological developments of the post-war classic car era era were more widespread use of independent suspension, fuel injection, turbo chargers and a growing focus in the design of vehicles on safety. Modern Classic cars: Last 25 yearsThe modern classic car era has been characterised by increasing use of computer-aided design, platform sharing and standardization. Most cars are of a ‘ monocoque/unibody’ design with transversely-mounted, fuel-injected engines and front wheel drive. Three new body styles have emerged globally; hatchback, people-carrier, and sports utility vehicle. In America a fourth is the pickup truck. The technological emphasis has been on improving fuel efficiency, emission control, engine output and safety. The most significant improvements being delivered by computerised engine management systems. |
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