The world of cars is forever changing, with certain models being discontinued and new ones taking their place. Other vehicles have survived for years, and that could be down to their design or popularity. Cars like the Morgan 4/4 have been in production for roughly eight decades and it’s not the only one to survive. Here are five of the oldest vehicles that are still in production.
1967 Volkswagen Type 2
The VW Type 2 Camper Van earned its place in popular culture during the 1960s ‘Hippie’ movement. In Brazil, the T2 is still sold and the original design has been kept. The reason why the Type 2 has been around for so long is probably because of its lasting appeal. Its iconic status has ensured many variants have been made.
In 2015, the latest version was brought out called the T6. An electric version has also been announced for 2022, highlighting the VW Type 2’s longevity.
1951 Mercedes-Benz Unimog
The Unimog is one of the most unusual vehicles in history. It started life as a Daimler truck that turned into a multi-purpose vehicle used in the military, travel and tourism industry. It can be described as a tractor-truck hybrid with four wheels of equal size.
Be sure to check out our blog on the Unimog for a full history.
1936 Morgan 4/4
Originally created in 1936, the Morgan 4/4 has gone through several changes. The modern version is descended from the 1955 Series II. The 2009 version made use of a 1595 cc Ford Sigma engine and Mazda-made five speed manual gearbox. In 2016, Morgan celebrated the 80th anniversary of the 4/4 by bringing out a brand new roadster.
1979 Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen
The Shah of Iran made the suggestion of a military vehicle to Mercedes-Benz and the company created the G-Wagen. In 1979, the G-Wagen became available to the public and it featured a boxy design. Over the years, the car went through a variety of changes. The latest version is the 2017 Mercedes-Maybach, featuring a folding fabric roof and V12 biturbo engine.
1977 Lada Niva
The Lada Niva was the predecessor of the better known Riva, but only one is still produced today. The Niva was described by designers as a “Renault 5 put on a Land Rover chassis.” The Niva’s longevity is likely because of its simple, low maintenance design. Today, the Niva is referred to as the 4×4 and retains much of its original look.
Do you know any other long-lived classic vehicles?
