How gorgeous luxury cars change as you age

hard to ignore A new Mercedes-Benz S-Class or Rolls-Royce Ghost floats by in traffic. They’re majestic and unique machines designed to grab attention, and with their base prices of $117,300 and $354,750 respectively, they rightfully so. I used to not give much thought to the novelty of luxury cars, but as I and the cars themselves have aged, my perspective has changed.

“That’s ______!”

Most people who know about car brands and have some interest in cars as a whole will probably recognize a Bentley or BMW in a showroom. Such cars are currently sold by dealers and reviewed in magazines, social media and YouTube. Even people who know nothing about cars, when they see a Maserati Quattroporte or an Audi A8 L, at least realize they’re looking at something more special than a Toyota Camry.

huge divide

As these cars age, they may eventually fall into one of two categories: “just another used car” or “modern classic.” One type of “Just Another Used Car” is purchased later in its life by its third or fourth owner as a status symbol, with its price reduced to an attainable level due to depreciation and the passage of time. What was once a gleaming icon of sophistication is now a $20,000 car with the minimum $100,000 in car maintenance paid. Its previously shiny paint has dulled and is likely sagging on the worn air suspension. It remains visible only because of its flaws.

if you know, you know

A modern classic is more than a car, it’s a decision. Its owner chooses to ignore all the modern gadgets around him/her and looks for a specific vehicle from the past, perhaps a Lexus LS 400 like the one his/her parents had as a child, or a Bentley Turbo R that he grew up with as a teenager I’ve wanted it since I was young. Its shortcomings and problem areas were known at the time of purchase, but things went ahead anyway. He or she is not bothered by the knowledge that obtaining certain replacement parts will be challenging. At the crossroads, I have no qualms about paying thousands of dollars to have a W210 E55 AMG shipped from the other side of the country or driving it home in a few days. This person knows exactly what he/she wants, goes after it, and gets it, difficulties and headaches be damned. Few onlookers look at the car and say what it is. Instead, they ask, “What is that?” Car owners and other enthusiasts know what they have and derive satisfaction from being part of a special club and driving a unique and understated car.

There are no acres of screen real estate, configurable ambient lighting, or eye-popping fancy features in a modern classic. The interior feels more like a museum showing what was possible in bygone eras and how far the automotive industry has come than a modern electronics store.

For those of you who own older luxury cars, how have your views on them changed? Post your answers in the comments section below.