The models from around the world that have endured

Some cars burst onto the world stage with much fanfare, only to flop on the showroom floor and be consigned to the automotive history books as a single-generation curio. Others, enjoy an average lifespan, morphing through several generations before fading away quietly.

And then, there are these models, those that have evolved and endured over decades of production, moving from generation to generation to become automotive icons.

Here then, are the five longest-continuously running nameplates still in production.

As a car owner, it is natural to become concerned when you see rust developing on your vehicle. Not only is rust unsightly, but it also decreases the car’s value and the life of the car. To make matters worse, if the rust is not stopped in time it will continue to spread. The good news, is that there are rust prevention techniques to stop it from spreading and to keep your car in excellent shape.

Some cars are born great, while others are made legendary with a healthy dose of under-the-skin fettling. And there are some that become great by accident. The now-legendary BMW 2002ti is firmly in the last category, an accidental car that wasn’t on anyone’s radar at BMW’s Bavarian headquarters.

You might know Daewoo’s intimate relationship with General Motors Holden by such shining stars of the automotive world, the short-lived Holden Epica and the fifth generation (TK) Holden Barina.

The W116 line also introduced a raft of safety features, including, from 1978, anti-lock brakes, the first production car in the world to feature the now mandatory system.

A diesel variant entered the range too, the 300 SD, powered by a 3.0-litre inline-five turbo-diesel, the first series production car to feature such motivation.

In all, Mercedes-Benz shifted nearly half-a-million W116-generation S-Classes, the bulk of sales made up of 280 SE (150,593) and 280 S (122,848).

There are more expensive, more luxurious, sumptuous even, large saloon cars on the road and in garages around the world.

But nothing has succeeded and makes a statement as big and bold as Mercedes-Benz’s flagship model, the S-Class. How successful has the S-Class been since the first of the breed appeared in 1951? Try four million sales globally, making it easily the biggest selling, large luxury saloon in history.

When Gordon Murray Automotive unveiled its gobsmacking GMA T.50 overnight, featuring an innovative aero device, also known as a fan, sticking out the back of the otherwise reasonably conventional looking supercar, it wasn’t the first car to come from the pen of the legendary Gordon Murray to feature the innovation. It wasn’t even the first car to feature an aero fan.

A deeper look at some of the technology under the skin of Maserati’s new Ferrari rival.

Some cars, at first glance, take your breath away. Subjective, of course, but that was what I felt when I first saw the 2021 Maserati MC20 in the metal at the local reveal. It is, from every angle, a stunning-looking car, worthy of sitting alongside its compatriots from Maranello and Bologna.

The MC20 also represents a seismic shift in philosophy for Maserati, signalling, if you will, its divorce from Ferrari. Gone is any semblance of a Ferrari heartbeat, the twin-turbo V6 crammed amidships in the MC20 pure Maserati. It’s first engine developed in-house by the Modenese company in over 20 years. And there’s a lot riding on its high-revving back.

The Nissan Sunny, when launched in late 2011, checked all the boxes of a mid-size sedan buyer: a spacious rear bench with a rear air vent, a bucketload of features many of which were first-in-class, frugal engine options and most of all, a competitive pricetag. However, sales of the sedan have never reached expected levels, and in fact took a hit last year with total annual sales accounting for only 11,415 units.

A mid-life makeover aims to put the Sunny back on the ring, and hopefully bring it back into the minds of the customer.

6) You’ll be Less of a Menace on the Road:

Maybe it’s a little harsh to call drivers of large cars a menace. Some of them are perfectly good drivers. But, let’s face it, many people get angry when they’re being held up by a massive car that is trying and failing to navigate a tight street. You won’t ever have to worry about that again if you choose to drive a small car. You won’t hold people up. And you won’t annoy other road users if you are driving a car that is small, sensible and suitable to the road you’re driving on. It’ll be one less thing for you to worry about as a driver and road user.