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Old 26th July 2013, 19:11   #1
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The Seven Wonders of the Automobile World

"The idle mind is the devil's workshop"

Hmm... I don't think this verse will ever hold true in my case.

My mind when idling thinks only about automobiles. My genes must have mutated somewhere down the line.. Who knows?

So, I am sitting here in my home, work is slow because of heavy rains, and I was just planning a year end vacation. I haven't traveled outside India since a very long time. I have to scratch the little itch.

France... hmmm, eiffel tower.

Italy...hmmm, leaning tower of pisa.

Nah, these are too 'touristy'. Besides, euro will just burn a big hole in my pocket. I think I want to be adventurous.
Think, Simple_car, think.
What place in this world will I have a remote chance of finding an Indian?

Peru?...Macchu picchu.

What the?
Thats it? Is this all that comes to my mind when I think of these places?

Man, have I been holed up in this country for so long? Need to get out ASAP!

A W124 glides past me, as I am walking back home.

I wonder what car comes to my mind whenever I think of a country?

Voila!


Name:  SevenWondersOfTheWorld.png
Views: 2041
Size:  726.3 KB
Pic source: http://vongola-bit15.blogspot.in/201...-of-world.html

So, we all know that the seven wonders of this world that we learnt as kids, are a testament to the ingenuity, imagination, and sheer hard work that we as humans are capable of.
But, did you know that they are also reminders of human capacity for disagreement, destruction, and maybe even embellishment?

Heck, the first time I saw the pyramid of giza in pics, I was disappointed. I mean, its just some bricks stacked up in the shape of a pyramid. Whats so great about that?
I know, I know, it is indeed very well planned and executed, there's the history behind it, blah blah blah.... But somehow, calling it a wonder of the world? That never did, and still doesn't go down with me.

But, that doesn't stop us from debating does it? So, I thought why not ask the opinions of fellow enthusiasts on what they think are the seven wonders of the 'Automobile world'?

But, wait!
There are far too many cars which have been produced in the history. All of them had their own pro's and con's. Besides, if I like a particular car, doesn't mean that somebody else does.
I love the the Peel P50, but I don't think any sane person will like it.

This just keeps on getting interesting...

So, a panel of experts have been selected to define the parameters for selecting the candidates for this coveted position. The exacting standard set by the jury is as much a reflection of the high expectations bhpians have from the automobiles as it is of the ground many other cars still have to cover
Panel members: Simple_car



So the parameters are as follows:

1. Each car from your list has to be from a different country. No 2 cars from the same country.

2. The car has to have that certain 'artistic and cultural value' that we look out for while judging the actual 7 wonders of the world. A little history although not compulsory, would be appreciated.

3. The car needn't be the car you always wanted to own, but it should be one that should be appreciated by you even if you would never own one if you had the chance.

4. The car should represent the country's belief's and culture. For eg. germans are usually associated with precision, and italians are generally associated with flair and design.

5. The car has to be recognized by the 'average' enthusiast. If you tell me that your vote for the best car from japan is a mitsuoka galue, then you are bound to draw a blank stare from most 'average' enthusiasts. I am an 'average' enthusiast myself. None of those one-off prototypes or cars which were made in very few numbers, which only a handful of people might be aware of. After all, there are many a structure in the world which may be much better than the seven wonders, but we won't ever come to know.

6. Production cars only. No cars from the tuning houses (e.g. RUF, AMG, M division, nismo, TRD etc.) or from hand built car manufacturers (e.g. doonkervert etc.)

7. The cars should have been produced before 1990.

8. Your final list should be consisting of 7 cars only.

9. The car can be from the same company, but must be designed and built in a different country. E.g. Ford escort was designed by the european arm of ford primarily for Europe.


I am aware that there were many great cars produced from 1990 onward as well (Me thinks the japs went bonkers during this decade). But for the time being I am closing the gates at 1990. If the response to this thread is good, then I will create another thread for cars from 1990-2000, 2000-2010 decades as well. The 7 wonders also undergo a revision every now and then

So, to help you out I have created a few steps:

Step 1:
Choose any country and list out all the manufacturers (remember, they should have been present before 1990).
List out all the cars that come to your mind.

E.g.
Country: Japan
1) Toyota: gt 2000, Ae 86 corolla, celica 1600gt, sports 800.
2) Honda: NSX, civic 1500, life step van, s600, s800.
3) Nissan: fairlady z 280, bluebird 1600, skyline 2000 gtr, R34.
4) Mazda: 110S.

Country: France
1) Citroen: 2cv, DS, SM.
2) Renault: 5 turbo, R10.
3) Peugeot: 205.


Step 2:
Once you are done making the list, just go through the parameters listed above. Eliminate the cars which do not fit in the criteria.

E.g.
In the list I have made above, the R34 would be eliminated since it was produce post 1990.


Step 3:
Have a long hard look at the list you have made. Think of a car which embodies everything that the country (from which it originated) values. Remember, it might not be a car that you would want to own, but yet you would appreciate it. Your final pick should be a car which YOU think represents the entire country's philosophy in general.



If I see a certain trend in this forum, I shall draw a list of cars which are most favored and we will all put it to vote. This is my final aim. Let's see whether it goes through. The list if it becomes a reality, will represent what we average Indian enthusiasts see as the 'Seven wonders of the automobile world'.
I leave it to each member to think of any car in whichever way he deems it to be. Like someone may choose a car from a performance angle, some may choose the car based on design and engineering depth, some may choose according to looks alone BUT the car selected must match the above listed criteria.

Note: I request members to just post their final verdict, and not anything else. Feel free to describe reasons you thought that the particular car is your contender. But do not describe how and what cars you eliminated. Do not write down the steps. They were just meant for an explanation. Just YOUR final verdict.

Last edited by Rehaan : 8th August 2013 at 18:15. Reason: Interesting thread. Will be moved out soon.
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Old 26th July 2013, 22:08   #2
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Re: The Seven Wonders of the Automobile World

Here is my list of nominees:

1. Japan
Datsun 280z fairlady

The Seven Wonders of the Automobile World-fairlady-z.jpg
Pic source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/beckzaidan/5404653746/

Although, the 240z was its original predecessor, I chose the 280z because the 240z was notorious for rust issues. Great design, decent performance, japanese reliability, all for thousands less than the european/american competitors. To me, it embodies all that Japanese value.



2. Italy
Alfa Romeo Montreal

The Seven Wonders of the Automobile World-alfaromeomontrea.jpg
Pic source: http://www.auto-word.com/alfa-romeo-montreal/

I will never be able to explain why I like this car so much. I admit, its the styling which has attracted me more than the mechanicals. The engine was one of the best from the alfa stable. The interiors although a little plain, were very intriguing to me. Very few were sold around the world. I would never want to own one. But, whenever I think of Italy, I think of this car.
P.S.: The guy who designed this car is the same one who designed the much loved miura.



3. Germany
Mercedes Benz 450 SE/SEL

The Seven Wonders of the Automobile World-mercedesbenz450sel69w116197580.jpg
Pic source: http://fwallpapers.com/view/mercedes...975%E2%80%9380

Ladies and gentleman, take a very good look of the car pictured above. This was the W116, father of the S-class. Exquisitely engineered, radical when it was introduced, and timeless. I have seen it only once in my entire life, but whenever someone asks me what car do I think, when I think of germany, it has always been the 450SE.



4. France
Citroen DS 23

The Seven Wonders of the Automobile World-citroen-ds-23-pallas-front.jpg
Pic source: http://www.simoncars.co.uk/citroen/dsid.html

Enough said.



5. United Kingdom
Jaguar E type

The Seven Wonders of the Automobile World-tumblr_m1q4uxr5jq1rshsego1_500.jpg
Pic source: http://www.tumblr.com/tagged/jaguar%20e-type

Only 2 words come to my mind when I think of british cars - 'remote' and 'eccentric'. The jaguar e type embodies all that is british. Exquisite craftmanship, smooth handling, relatively dodgy drivetrain, and an exhaust note that one can listen all day (OK I admit, I have picked up a few words from some sites). Sigh..



6. U.S.A.
Chevelle 454 SS

The Seven Wonders of the Automobile World-1970chevelless454blue.jpg
Pic source: http://marlin-car.com/1970-chevelle-ss-454-blue

Think U.S.A., and the muscle cars are the first to come to my mind. The chevelle ss was the 'true' muscle car (unlike the mustang, which was a 'pony') . 2 doors, large displacement powerful engine, substandard suspension, and horrible build. Oh say! can you see by the dawn's early light...



7. Australia
Ford Coupe Utility

The Seven Wonders of the Automobile World-1933_ford_roadster_ute2.jpg
Pic source:http://carrosantigos.wordpress.com/2...-da-australia/

Australia and america share similarities as far as car culture is concerned. Both nations love muscle cars and pick-ups. This car started the 'ute' culture in australia, and was the basis of the pick-ups sold in america later on. Although it is essentially a 2 door sedan with a tray in the back, it was my nominee because it headstarted the ute culture. Plus, I love the looks of this car a lot.



You might have observed, that I am more of a 'coupe'/'sedan' type of guy. It's true. That's why, my nominees are sedans/coupes. I like tarmac machines more than off-roaders. But feel free to include 4x4's, hatches, pick-ups etc. Also, there are some countries I have not considered for my list of nominees (e.g. sweden, russia, spain etc.), and maybe even some companies (e.g. lancia). If you think that the cars from those countries/companies deserve a mention do go ahead, just so long as they meet the criteria set by me.

Thanks,
Simple_car

Last edited by Simple_car : 7th August 2013 at 02:49.
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Old 8th August 2013, 19:15   #3
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Re: The Seven Wonders of the Automobile World

Thread moved out from the Assembly Line. Thanks for sharing!
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Old 8th August 2013, 20:02   #4
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What a brilliant thread!

I've never seen the Montreal and the Ford before. Totally stunned by the beauty of the Alfa, and that coming from someone who is not quite fond of the signature Alfa grill!

I'll come up with my list, but after giving it some proper time and thought.
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Old 8th August 2013, 20:28   #5
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Re: The Seven Wonders of the Automobile World

Brilliant thread simple_car!!

The problem here for me is that I have a much smaller knowledge of pre-1990s cars, compared to the newer cars. I was born in 1996 you see. . So, I'll try my best.

Here's some of mine:

1. Germany

The Seven Wonders of the Automobile World-1920x12751995e28020063801www.w124.co.uk.jpg

W124. In estate form. Need I say more?

2. Italy


The Seven Wonders of the Automobile World-1973_lamborghini_miurapic4504.jpeg

Miura. The original supercar.

3. USA

The Seven Wonders of the Automobile World-fordmustang1968.jpg

Mustang, the most famous muscle car, even today.

4. Japan

The Seven Wonders of the Automobile World-honda_nsx_reg_1991_2977_cc.jpg

Honda NSX, supercar attributes, with Japanese reliability. Just gets in.
Production started in 1990.

5. France

The Seven Wonders of the Automobile World-peugeot_205gti1984_r14.jpg

Peugeot 205 GTi, called the best hot hatch ever by many.

6. UK

The Seven Wonders of the Automobile World-1024px1st_range_rover.jpg

1st gen Range Rover. The original luxury off-roader.

7. India

The Seven Wonders of the Automobile World-ambassador2.jpg

A car that all of us know very well. Though not technically Indian, it is the one I associate with India all the time.
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Old 16th August 2013, 13:56   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by nipcarlover View Post
Brilliant thread simple_car!!

The problem here for me is that I have a much smaller knowledge of pre-1990s cars, compared to the newer cars. I was born in 1996 you see. . So, I'll try my best.

Here's some of mine:

1. Germany

W124. In estate form. Need I say more?

2. Italy

Miura. The original supercar.

3. USA

Mustang, the most famous muscle car, even today.

4. Japan

Honda NSX, supercar attributes, with Japanese reliability. Just gets in.
Production started in 1990.

5. France

Peugeot 205 GTi, called the best hot hatch ever by many.

6. UK

1st gen Range Rover. The original luxury off-roader.

7. India

A car that all of us know very well. Though not technically Indian, it is the one I associate with India all the time.
Thanks a lot nipcarlover,

Excellent choices nonetheless. I would just like to add a few comments if you don't mind:

1) W124 is considered by many people as an exquisitely engineered car. Definitely deserved as well. Somehow, to me the 600 grocer was the best from the merc stable (strictly a personal choice)

2) Fun fact about the miura. The alfa romeo Montreal and miura both shared the same designer. You'll see some of the ques of miura in the montreal as well.

3) The mustang is widely associated with USA due to its depiction in movies and other media. However, among the more serious enthusiasts, its called a 'pony' car.

4) The NSX is an excellent choice for a car no doubt. But have a look into the other simply mind blowing cars which the japs made during the pre-90's period. The bluebird, skyline, gt2000, life step van, ae86 corolla, civic etc. In fact, I had the toughest time deciding a car from japan.

5) The 205 did make it to the list of final 2 contenders from france. Excellent choice. The french are widely associated with the hatchbacks.

6) Excellent choice.

7) I never did consider India when deciding the final list. Somehow, the ambassador never struck me. A serious lapse from my side:(

Thanks,
Simple_car
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Old 1st September 2013, 20:01   #7
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Re: The Seven Wonders of the Automobile World

Came across a very interesting article:

Cars and National Identity : Jalopnik

Thanks,
Simple_car

Last edited by Rehaan : 3rd September 2013 at 12:00. Reason: Adding title :)
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