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Do you remember? 30 years ago Nelson Mandela became the first black African to be elected President of South Africa. The movie “Forrest Gump” starring Tom Hanks (67) was released in the summer of 1994, young Mariah Carey (54) released her worldwide hit “Without You” and the Italians lost in their first penalty decision at the World Cup. Tempers were frayed and Brazil was lost.
How does time fly in automobile production? It’s hard to believe, but 30 years ago, for example, Alfa Romeo was still really active. Three new Alfa models were launched in 1994: the Spider and GTV from the 916 series, and the Golf’s rival, the 145. But Fiat’s increasing influence was already noticeable in the 145, and the three-door car shared many components with the Fiat Tipo. Speaking of Fiat: The Italian brand, which today ranks second in the Stellantis group, still played an important role in sales statistics 30 years ago. And the stunning Punto Convertible or the Fiat Coupé – both from the pen of the later and not entirely controversial BMW design boss Chris Bangle (67) – look anything but dusty, even 30 years after they first appeared.
Chancellor moves to Audi
German car manufacturers were also operating in 1994. The newly launched 7 Series BMW from the E38 series with six, eight or twelve cylinder petrol engines is arguably one of the most successful models in BMW history. At the same time, Audi wants to finally get rid of its old man image with the new A8. To this end, VW CEO Ferdinand Piëch (1937–2019) relies entirely on aluminum to surpass Mercedes and BMW’s flagships in terms of weight. But success takes time: Four years later, newly elected Chancellor Gerhard Schröder (79) noticed the change of image and replaced the traditional Mercedes S-Class government sedan with the Audi A8.
Audi was in attack mode 30 years ago so they quickly launched the RS2 Avant. The internal P1 designation reveals that Porsche is building the 315 hp (232 kW) power station wagon based on the Audi 80. And this Audi 80 has a successful successor in the form of the A4, which competes with the BMW 3 Series and the new Mercedes C-Class (W202 series), introduced in 1993 but delivered from 1994 onwards. While Mercedes brings the 280 hp (206 kW) C 36 AMG to the race as the top version, BMW is baking more modest bread and attacking the segment from below with the new 3 Series Compact.
Thirty years ago, Opel was becoming increasingly specialized in every field. They are trying to build on the traditional brand history with Omega B in the upper class in Rüsselsheim. At almost five meters long, the latest rear-wheel drive Opel model is a visual statement, but not all engines can live up to that claim – what’s a small four-cylinder engine with just 116 hp (85 kW) supposed to do in a vehicle? luxury sedan? Opel company brings a new breath to the small car segment with the first Tigra; here it meets the Skoda Felicia, the new version of VW’s blockbuster Polo III (Code 6N) and the Czech automaker’s first model since its launch. It was taken over by VW Group three years ago.
The last air-cooled Porsche convertible
When it comes to sports cars, there will be some new, interesting models that will reach classic car status in 2024: First of all, the last air-cooled convertible Porsche 911 (993) and the Ferrari 355, which was first introduced at the Geneva Motor Show in 1994. Introduced as the successor to the moderately successful 348, under the stewardship of then-new Ferrari CEO Luca di Montezemolo (76), the model was the last truly hand-built V8 Ferrari, bringing back the passion that had been somewhat lost before – and New It faces an attractive rival in the introduced Aston Martin DB7. The fourth generation of the Maserati Quattroporte arrives on the market with two more doors, but initially it has to make do with six-cylinder engines and a maximum power of 287 hp (211 kW). Two more British motoring legends are launched in the same year as the fifth version of the noble Jaguar XJ sedan and the second Range Rover generation. In Asia, this is achieved with the first generation of the Toyota RAV4 SUV, the sporty Celica VI coupe and the Kia Sportage, which still looked exotic three decades ago.
The list of new classic cars would, of course, be even longer: the first Renault Laguna in 1994, the second-generation Peugeot 306 and Saab 900 Convertibles, the Lancia Kappa and the extravagant-looking Ford Scorpio II, which was discontinued four years later. It was delivered and introduced for the first time in years. But these neo-vintage cars have one thing in common: Their classic status means more memorabilia value than the big bucks that can be made from them.
Source: Blick
I’m Ella Sammie, author specializing in the Technology sector. I have been writing for 24 Instatnt News since 2020, and am passionate about staying up to date with the latest developments in this ever-changing industry.
