What started the retro fad?

scardeal wrote: From a major manufacturer, I'd probably say the SN95 Mustang.

How? It looks like a natural progression of existing Mustangs. I still remember the three design studies - the Schwarzenegger, the Stallone, and the Jenner. The SN95 was the Stallone, the "New Edge" was the Schwarzenegger...

Adrian_Thompson wrote: In short I don't think the Retro thing ever started, I think it's always been there.

So... don't call it a comeback, it's been here for years?

Knurled wrote:

Adrian_Thompson wrote: In short I don't think the Retro thing ever started, I think it's always been there.

So... don't call it a comeback, it's been here for years?

Centuries.

Knurled wrote:

scardeal wrote: From a major manufacturer, I'd probably say the SN95 Mustang.

How? It looks like a natural progression of existing Mustangs.

The foxbody was an evolution of the Mustang II and the Mustang II was an evolution from the original gen. The SN95 was a massive departure from the foxbody and looked, to me, like a 90s re-interpretation of the first Mustangs. So, I'd say it definitely fits the retro theme.

I dont know if i would call the new beetle retro. The reason i say that is the beetle has its own styling, and a beetle has always looked like a beetle. They didnt change into something else for 40 years, then come back with old styling. If the beetle does count as retro, then the jeep wrangler is the king of retro. A jeep has always looked like a jeep, ever since the 40s.

Don't forget the Viper.

But I think it was indeed the SN95 Mustang that kicked off the retro movement. It may not look like much today, but back in '94 it was a huge deal. Cars then were anything but retro- they competed to be more futuristic looking and as different from predecessors as possible. The Mustang's tail lights and vents are mild by today's standards, but in 1994 it was a huge statement. Look at the Camaro of the time by contrast. Yet despite being a better car, the Mustang killed it in sales.

alfadriver wrote:

Knurled wrote:

Adrian_Thompson wrote: In short I don't think the Retro thing ever started, I think it's always been there.

So... don't call it a comeback, it's been here for years?

Centuries.

Longer than LL Cool J has been around?

I submit that it was the 1980 MGB. If you look closely, you can clearly see styling cues from the 1962 original...

In reply to Tom_Spangler:

I think there are actually four kinds of retro that we are talking about. Retro cues, which have been around forever, but not a direct copy or update- Prowler, PT Cruiser, HHR, SSR, etc.

And retro where an automaker goes back and makes an updated copy of an older version, after producing differently styled cars. The S197 Mustang and late model Challenger.

Reintroduced cars that capitalize on retro, but never really "changed." New Beetle, Mini, Fiat 500.

Finally, retro looking designs that have stayed true to their roots and just evolved. They got it right the first time- 911, Jeep.

I would say the sn95 and Miata have nothing retro about them at all.

Miata is not retro? Son, you need to have a look at a Lotus Elan

Tom Matano said

"Based on the original rough 1979 sketch by Hall, Matano, by then vice-president, Design, Mazda North America, was tasked with designing a shape that would be unmistakable, yet retain the care-free spirit of the roadsters of the 1960s."

That's sounding retro to me.

Not seeing it. When it was introduced it was a modern two seat sports car. It's still a modern two seat sports car. It doesn't harken back to anything. It's just a modern two seat sports car.

In reply to Nick (Bo) Comstock:

I'm not disagreeing with you. I just thought it was interesting retro-wise that the original sketch was from '79.

I'm just waiting for true tail fins on Cadillacs and a return to full chrome bumpers on something other than trucks.

I blame these guys: