When it comes to cars, the retro rage is a recent phenomenon. Here are some classic examples of retro-style cars
Volkswagen Beetle: VW calls it the New Beetle and it was launched here in 1998. Besides having softer curves, it is fundamentally different from earlier versions (below), which date back as far as 1938.
It has a liquid-cooled, front-mounted engine driving the front wheels. The old one had an air-cooled, rear-mounted engine driving the rear wheels.
Suzuki LC
Suzuki LC: This concept car has won many hearts. When it was shown here at last year's Singapore Motorshow, it was a favourite with visitors.
The concept is based on a 1955 model - Suzuki's first car. It is powered by a 660cc engine. Alas, Suzuki says it has no plans to produce it.
PT Cruiser
PT Cruiser: Daimler Chrysler says the PT Cruiser is not retro. But our eyes keep telling us it is.
The car reminds us of cars during America's Prohibition and Great Depression years. Funny how such a lousy time evokes romance.
Despite its awkward shape, the PT (for Private Transportation) Cruiser, launched in 2000, has a versatile interior.
Mitsuoka Galue
Mitsuoka Galue: Mitsuoka is a boutique manufacturer that makes old-style cars based on everyday models from Toyota, Nissan and Honda.
The brand made its debut here last November, and it is clear the big Galue represents its best work.
The regal car is based on the Nissan Fuga executive sedan, and is powered by either a 2.5-litre or 3.5-litre engine. The Galue has hints of an old Rolls-Royce.
Nissan Figaro
Nissan Figaro: This is probably one of the best retro cars from Japan. Launched in 1991, only 20,000 units of the 1-litre turbocharged wonder were built - strictly for Japanese consumption. But at least one unit made its way here.
Chrysler 300C
Chrysler 300C: Daimler Chrysler's 3.5-litre American beefcake, launched in 2005, is based on the Mercedes-Benz E-class. And there isn't a car below a Bentley that has so much bling, or as entertaining a ride. It's a gangsta rapper's paradise - especially a 6-litre 425hp version capable of hitting 100kmh in 4.7 seconds.
Mini
MINI: BMW, which owns Mini, tries to distinguish this car from earlier versions, which date back to 1959, by spelling it in all caps, as in MINI.
It is a lot bigger and fancier than the old car, but surprisingly, it drives and handles as well as the original.
By the way, a second-generation MINI has just landed.
There are other examples of retro-styled cars including the Toyota bB, Panther Kallista (by Ssangyong), TD2000 and Bufori (the last two are Malaysian).
And at least one two-wheel marque is wildly successful with its retro strategy:
Piaggio's Vespa, created in 1946 by a helicopter designer, is still going strong with its mod vibe.
