Top 3 of the best 30-year-old classics

The number 30 is sacred among retro enthusiasts. They all eagerly await the moment when a new car turns 30, and with that it automatically becomes a classic vehicle. Not only does its status change, but its value can also start to rise again, and connoisseurs now treat it with the respect that any worthy veteran, even if still a young-timer, deserves.

Top 3 of the best 30-year-old classics

In an exemplary ranking of the debut models for 1994, which have recently also joined the elite classic club, of course, a variety of brands and models can be included, selected according to various criteria. Therefore, the selection proposed here has a certain subjective element, which nevertheless adheres to some basic requirements. One of them is that 30 years ago they were also sold in Bulgaria by their official representative, and today they are still common on the roads of our country.

Audi A4 B5 (1994-2001)

With the Audi 80, Ingolstadt made a remarkable breakthrough in a very competitive market segment, which until then had been dominated by the BMW 3 Series and the Mercedes-Benz 190E. The car sold relatively well and successfully demonstrated the advantages of diesel in this sector, but with the advent of the new BMW E36 and Mercedes C-Class to contend with, a dire need for change arose.

Many of the principles of the Audi 80 were adopted by the new A4, which, however, was distinguished by strikingly low levels of equipment, the main goal of which was to achieve the most attractive base price. The design was more evolutionary than revolutionary, but it sharpened the lines of the previous model, reaching its peak in the Avant station wagon version, which stood out with a very distinct design. The A4 marked the beginning of the modern era for Audi, when the brand really began to challenge the then class leaders, and the most powerful 2.7-liter twin-turbo version proved to be an equal rival to the BMW M3.

BMW 7 Series (E38) (1994-2001)

After being in the shadow of the S-Class for a long time, BMW decided to put Stuttgart in its place with the new E38 generation of the 7 Series. The new car made an incredible impression with its spectacular design and impeccable quality. The E38 introduced curtain airbags for the first time in a production car, as well as the first satellite navigation system. In addition, the E38 was also available with an unprecedented 5.4-liter V12 engine with 322 hp, which had incredible dynamics combined with impeccable refinement.

It is no coincidence that the BMW E38 was produced in a record 340,000 copies for this class, and today, since it is now part of the elite retro club, its price is constantly rising.

Jaguar XJ X300 (1994-1997)

Infusing a strong dose of the old retro style is a very good marketing strategy that manages to charge Jaguar with new forces and bring it back into the game. When Ford acquired Jaguar, he knew that the reputation of the previous model XJ40 could not be saved. As a result of the urgent rehabilitation program, all the good components of it were preserved, but the quality of workmanship was significantly improved, and the new body design fills with pride every connoisseur of the old glory. In the end, Ford invested 200 million pounds in the renovation of production facilities paid off to the last penny.

The interior of the X300 is also kept in a retro style, with more rounded seats, a thinner steering wheel and new upholstery. The fantastic combination of comfort and agile handling combined with very high quality brings the brand back to the crest of the wave. The most powerful engine in the range is the 6-liter V12 with a power of 322 hp.

Thanks to its extremely attractive X300 model, Jaguar is back on the right track and, despite its short three-year life, many recognize it as the best XJ ever made.

Car parts AutoPower
Car parts AutoPower

In an exemplary ranking of the debut models for 1994, which have recently also joined the elite classic club, of course, a variety of brands and models can be included, selected according to various criteria

Audi A4 B5 (1994-2001)