Old Souls and Old Cars Never Get Old            

MANILA: We all have that soft spot for all cars that have been sustained through the years and over the years they have started to be considered as symbols of status. It has now become a prestige to own collectibles that have withstood the ravages of time. Infact, these cars with the original paints and parts burn more hole in your pockets rather than their restored counterparts.

Vintage Sports Car Club of England consider an automobile built between 1918 and 1930 as a vintage. But as per a very famous saying, 'A vintage car represents an era, not an age', the Vintage Car Club of the Philippines sees vehicles 30 years old or up as vintage.

These vintage cars are no different from a vintage jewelry or an heirloom which are meant to be passed on the next generation who will cherish them, value them. These collectibles are so close to the heart of their owners that not many vintage-car owners want their precious baby to go under the knife. They have a personal and a very special bond with their well-preserved car which is the only true companion they have got from their old time.

Every Vintage car has a story and here we have surveyed the local arena to find out such iconic vintages which perfectly signifies their era.

1942 Packard 180 Limousine

This vintage limousine was the official car of President Jone P. Laurel.Alec Mendez during the Japanese occupation and one can very well imagine what roads this Limo has driven during World War II. The Packard 180 model was equipped with the most powerful 5.8-litre eight cylinder engine of that time and was also the first car to have power windows.

1936 Austin Lichfield

Austin Ten was the best-selling car in the 1930s and very well fitted between Austin's baby, Austin Seven and Austin Twelve. Later in 1932, the Ten was redesigned and given the name of Lichfield which underwent its first styling changes in 1934.

1947 Buick Roadmaster

This Roadmaster by Buick was manufactured from 1936 to 1958 and was built on the Buick's longest non-limousine wheelbase. Later in 1991 it again went into production until 1996 as the marque's largest vehicle but it was served as Buick's flagship models only between the period of 1946 to 1957.

1956 Volkswagen Beetle Ragtop

This beetle has always been every motor enthusiast's favorite due to the specific shape of the oval back window. It flaunts off a beautiful azure blue body paint which is a period-correct color for any VW Beetle from 1951-56. VW Beetle models have undergone numerous changes during the period of 1950-59 and in 1956, VW came out with the very distinct azure blue VW Beetle ragtop with taller bumper guards and tubular override bars which are still cherished by classic cars enthusiast all over the world.

Mercedes-Benz W108

Styled by legendary automobile designer Paul Bracq and built in Stuttgart from 1965 until 1972, the Mercedes-Benz W108 was produced alongside its sibling W109. Although the production was ended in 1972, some vehicles were still sold as 1973 model year in the market. This iconic legend is the last truly hand-built S-Class car and also the last model along with W109 with the infamous Mercedes look which includes curvy hoodlines, very large front grille and stacked headlamp. The W108 model is still easily recognizable as distinctively Mercedes even by those who are not such vintage enthusiast.

Mercedes 600 Pullman Limousine

Once author Heribert Hofer described the 600 Pullman as a, 'a genuine old-style parade car, a unique automotive treasure'. And indeed true to its styling, Queen Elizabeth Elisabeth II, Pope Paul VI and his successors and all heads of government all around the world chose the 600 Pullman Limousine to greet their onlookers as they paraded through the streets. Manufactured in 1964, this was the production variant of the Pullman with the long wheelbase of the W100.

1972 Ford Taunus

This rare survivor is a true collectible with everything including the upholstery, paint, bolts and even trim pieces original to it. This Ford Taunus is owned by Manny Martinez and Don Lloyd Navarro and is a precious gem in their driveway. This rare Taunus was imported from Germany in 1985 and since then there is nothing like it on the Philippines road.

There are still too many vintage beauties to mention that are still adorning the Philippine roads and their respective owner's driveways. So if happen to spot any vintage car which we have missed, give us a shoutout in the comments below.

Also Read: 5 Most Iconic Japanese Cars of All Time