Decade-Spanning Family Cars: A Blast from the Past – Values of Iconic Vehicles from the 70s to the 90s Today
Reminiscing Dad's Rides from the 70s, 80s, and 90s
Feeling nostalgic about those classic family vehicles? You're not alone! As we celebrate Father's Day, let's take a trip down memory lane and revisit the automobiles that ruled the roads during the 70s, 80s, and 90s. Whether you were dipping into the backseat or sightseeing from the passenger seat, these iconic "dad cars" left an indelible impact on our childhoods.
Hop aboard as we take a spin through some of the most popular family vehicles of the not-so-distant past, thanks to our friends at Hagerty, the classic car insurer. Sit back, relax, and let the memories flow!
The Austin Allegro (1973-1982)
Ah, the Austin Allegro! Remember that funny-looking family wagon with its infamous Hydragas suspension? With awkward styling on the outside and a charming blend of seventies shades on the inside (think Russet Brown and Applejack Green), this quirky charmer was a staple of the 70s. Despite its less-than-stellar reputation during its heyday, it's now eyed by nostalgic types looking to keep its name alive in the world of classic cars. Values today run from a modest £1,200 for an Allegro 1.0 saloon to a more considerable £7,600 for a spick-and-span Allegro Equipe in concours condition.
The Ford Escort Mk2 - Mk4 (1974 - 1990)
Affectionately known as the "default British family car," the Escort proved to be a true powerhouse, spanning generations and appealing to families across three decades. With a wide range of models available - from the sporty RS2000 to the practical Mk3 edition - there was something for every dad back in the day. The values today range from £600 for a Mk 4 Escort L to a jaw-dropping £93,600 for a well-preserved Escort Mk 2 RS1800 in concours condition.
The Reliant Scimitar (1975 - 1986)
For fathers looking for a little something out of the ordinary but still practical, the Reliant Scimitar shooting brake was the perfect solution. With its unique blend of sportiness and functionality, it offered the best of both worlds. Imagine cruising around in a car that could double as both a performance motor and a four-seater family vehicle, all the while keeping the wife happy with its stylish good looks. Not a bad gig for dad, was it? Current values range from £3,300 for a well-maintained Scimitar to an impressive £9,000 for a top-tier GTE SE5a.
The Austin Montego (1984 - 1995)
Who could forget the Austin Montego - the epitome of "blah" motoring during the 80s? Don't get us wrong; the Montego was a reliable and popular choice among families, but it wasn't exactly the most thrilling ride in town. values today range from £800 for a basic Montego 1.3 saloon to a respectable £11,000 for a well-cared-for MG Montego Turbo in concours condition.
The Citroen BX (1982 - 1994)
Plenty of 80s and 90s kids can attest to riding in the back of a Citroen BX, subjecting themselves to the funky-yet-divisive hydropneumatic ride. Known for its geometric styling and diesel engine lineup, the BX found its way into many a family garage. Today, values remain somewhat stable for BX models, with an average price range of £900 for a well-preserved S1 1.4 hatchback to £10,100 for a pristine BX Sport in concours condition.
The Renault Espace Mk1 (1984 - 1991)
For dads who juggled family and practicality with their need for style, the Renault Espace Mk1 was the perfect solution. With its large MPV design and groundbreaking style, it was a popular choice among dads in the 90s. As a result, it's become somewhat of a cult classic today, and it continues to be a design icon thanks to its bold box-shaped styling. Values range from £1,100 for a base Turbo D model to £12,400 for a rare and coveted Turbo D model.
The Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk2 (1983 - 1992)
The arrival of the VW Golf GTI Mk2 was like manna from heaven for those petrolhead dads who wanted the best of both worlds: practicality and performance. With its enhanced comfort, better fuel economy, and increased space compared to the original, it was the ideal family hot hatch. Prices for the Mk2 GTI range from £900 for a driver model to a whopping £23,800 for a high-performance GTI 16v in concours condition.
The Ford Mondeo Mk1 (1993 - 2000)
Remember Mondeo Man? He was the embodiment of those dads who wanted a family car that could keep up with both the children's antics and the expectations of their partner. Ford's first-generation Mondeo offered the perfect combination of reliability, comfort, and performance, making it a hit for families in the 90s. Values today range from £800 for a basic 1.6 model to £8,500 for a powerful ST220 edition.
The Rover 75 (1999 - 2005)
For dads who wanted a taste of the old-school British charm without sacrificing modern comfort, the Rover 75 was the perfect choice. With retro design elements inside and out, the Rover 75 focused on class and comfort rather than a flashy image or sporty suspension. Values for the Rover 75 range from £900 for a diesel CDTi model to £16,100 for a rare and prized MG ZT in concours condition.
The Vauxhall Zafira A (1999 - 2005)
Finally, let's take a moment to appreciate the Vauxhall Zafira A. While it might not have offered the most exciting driving experience, its practicality in a compact package made it a favorite among families. And let's not forget the "Little Dads" ad campaign, which has helped maintain values even today. Prices for a well-maintained Zafira A range from £550 for a base 1.6 model to £7,000 for an upscale 1.8 Elegance in concours condition.
There you have it - ten iconic "dad cars" that ruled the roads during the 70s, 80s, and 90s. So, chat up your old man and reminisce about those classic family rides that are an irreplaceable part of our collective memories! Happy Father's Day!
After appreciating those timeless family automobiles, let's broaden our scope and explore other aspects of life from the 70s, 80s, and 90s.
If you were a fashion enthusiast, remember the stylish outfits that graced those "dad cars"? From bell-bottom jeans to shoulder pads and parachute pants, the fashion-and-beauty scene was a spectacle to behold.
For a more refined palate, food-and-drink choices evolved too! From the humble McDonald's Big Mac to Taco Bell's Crunchwrap Supreme and Pizza Hut's Pan Pizzas, fast food staples left their mark on our taste buds.
As for home-and-garden layouts, remember the avocado and Harvest Gold appliances and the ubiquitous shag carpeting? Those trends painted vivid pictures of the lifestyle back then.
Let's not forget the status our relationships held during those decades. From the rise of sitcoms like "Family Ties" and "The Cosby Show" to the widespread popularity of Reebok Pumps and Walkmans, it seemed everything revolved around relationships.
And let's not forget our beloved pets! Goldfish in bowls, Siamese cats with their striking coats, and Labradors accelerating through the park were constant companions.
Lastly, traveling to exciting destinations like the Twin Towers in New York or the Eiffel Tower in Paris was a dream for many parents, as the travel industry experienced a boom during the time.
Whether commuting in a "dad car," rocking out to the latest hits, eating eye-opening entrees, or embarking on unforgettable trips, life in retrospect was indeed a memorable experience. Happy Father's Day!
