1990s modern classics fast disappearing from our roads

[YOG]

1990s modern classics that are fast disappearing from Britain's roads:
https://classics.honestjohn.co.uk/news/general-news/2017-12/the-1990s-modern-classics-that-are-fast-disappearing-from-britains-roads/

Ford - How Many Survived?:
https://classics.honestjohn.co.uk/how-many-survived/ford

Ford Puma - How Many Survived?:
https://classics.honestjohn.co.uk/how-many-survived/ford/puma
In December 2012, there were 37,393 registered
By December 2016, 16,288 of those were left
On average, 5,276 were lost each year, or 19%
At that rate, it will take 3 years, 4 months until half of those left today are lost.

How Many Survived? - SELECT A MANUFACTURER:
https://classics.honestjohn.co.uk/how-many-survived/

 

[MikeT66]

Interesting article - but to be fair there was a lot of dire cars around in 1990s. Of course, the Puma wasn't one of those tepid boring cars, but nevertheless still seems to be waiting in the wings for its 'classic' status - something that has already been handed to other cars of a similar age.

It has certainly been brought up a few times on different threads here - whilst many Fords seem to get to an age whereby they suddenly become 'greats', the Puma is bizarrely left behind. I can't quite fathom it myself. Pick up a copy of Retro Ford or Classic Ford magazine and you'll see some interesting stuff of course - but no Pumas, even though there are other cars featrued of a same age. It's all a bit odd - especially when the Puma is still recognised as one of Ford's greatest handling cars ever and is still revered online and in print for its driving characteristics. :?:

Looks like another 100-150 Thunders lost in 2017 according to Howmanyleft.

 

[gingerdave]

[post]366978[/post] Interesting article - but to be fair there was a lot of dire cars around in 1990s. Of course, the Puma wasn't one of those tepid boring cars, but nevertheless still seems to be waiting in the wings for its 'classic' status - something that has already been handed to other cars of a similar age.

It has certainly been brought up a few times on different threads here - whilst many Fords seem to get to an age whereby they suddenly become 'greats', the Puma is bizarrely left behind. I can't quite fathom it myself. Pick up a copy of Retro Ford or Classic Ford magazine and you'll see some interesting stuff of course - but no Pumas, even though there are other cars featrued of a same age. It's all a bit odd - especially when the Puma is still recognised as one of Ford's greatest handling cars ever and is still revered online and in print for its driving characteristics. :?:

Looks like another 100-150 Thunders lost in 2017 according to Howmanyleft.

But unlike the others which have loads of racing/rallying heritage the Puma has virtually nil.

 

[Frank]

[post]366978[/post] Classic Ford magazine and you'll see some interesting stuff of course - but no Pumas, even though there are other cars featured of a same age.

Judging by the eyesore that they have as their 'Classic Ford of the Year', that might be no bad thing - http://www.classicfordmag.co.uk/news/classic-ford-of-the-year-2017/

I think the benchmarks of what constitutes the make up of a classic car needs to change.

 

[MikeT66]

[post]366994[/post]

[post]366978[/post] Classic Ford magazine and you'll see some interesting stuff of course - but no Pumas, even though there are other cars featured of a same age.

Judging by the eyesore that they have as their 'Classic Ford of the Year', that might be no bad thing - http://www.classicfordmag.co.uk/news/classic-ford-of-the-year-2017/

I think the benchmarks of what constitutes the make up of a classic car needs to change.

Oh. Er... Hmmm. :? Always liked those two-door MkIII Cortinas, but that looks a bit, er, different.

[post]366990[/post]

[post]366978[/post] Interesting article - but to be fair there was a lot of dire cars around in 1990s. Of course, the Puma wasn't one of those tepid boring cars, but nevertheless still seems to be waiting in the wings for its 'classic' status - something that has already been handed to other cars of a similar age.

It has certainly been brought up a few times on different threads here - whilst many Fords seem to get to an age whereby they suddenly become 'greats', the Puma is bizarrely left behind. I can't quite fathom it myself. Pick up a copy of Retro Ford or Classic Ford magazine and you'll see some interesting stuff of course - but no Pumas, even though there are other cars featured of a same age. It's all a bit odd - especially when the Puma is still recognised as one of Ford's greatest handling cars ever and is still revered online and in print for its driving characteristics. :?:

Looks like another 100-150 Thunders lost in 2017 according to Howmanyleft.

But unlike the others which have loads of racing/rallying heritage the Puma has virtually nil.

I'd agree that the 'racing heritage' thing can make a big difference, but there are still plenty of non-RS models that get a bit of the limelight. Maybe part of the 'problem' is that the Puma was designed from the outset to be an accomplished road car, never a race car. I suppose opposite to the current Ford GT, which makes a very compromised road car but a fantastic race car - apparently, as no-one yet has offered me a drive in one. :-(