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[EMD]

How long before our omegas become classic cars ? I think they are standing the test of time so far , solidly built and only minimal rust that can be treated . Im sure the cars will become collectible and sought after if not already 
Seems as soon as a nice one comes up for sale they get snapped up , hopefully prices will increase 

[deviator]

In the eyes of the insurance world...
15years+ is semi-classic.
20years+ if classic.

Be careful of classic policies though. As you don't build a NCB and there are other limitations. My MX5 is on a classic.

[Entwood]

IMHO they are never likely to reach true "classic" status, not because they don't deserve to, or because no-one wants one, but simply due to lack of spares. Once the supply of "proper" electronic parts dries up we will be stuffed... take something as simple as a crank sensor, we know from experience that only genuine work.... all the rest are rubbish ... so once GM run out .. where do we get them from ?? To that list start to add things like MAF sensors, coil packs, etc etc and you get the idea I hope.

True "classic" cars are fixable almost by a blacksmith making a new part from scratch, with the electronics we have that will just not happen, unfortunately

[Varche]

On the same lines, how long will parts be available?

I am thinking on the lines of V6 oil coolers, genuine cam cover gaskets, exhausts for example

edit beaten to it!

[Diamond Black Geezer]

edit: a few points already raised above, but as this took so long to type I'm not re-editing itall, haha 

Sorry to say my belief is the 'curse of the classic Vauxhall' is sure to play a part. Just look at the price of a Mk 1 Escort vs a Viva, or a Rover SD1 vs a Cresta/Victor 3300, or a Granada vs a Royale/Senator. For some reason, the populous as a whole don't seem to care much about old Vauxhalls.

It it Pop Culture, is it badge snobbery? I know one thing, it's certainly not the cars, the design, the quality of the product. I'm a patriotic Vauxhall man, and am content that the products from Luton have been consistently an equal or Better of Daghenam's since year dot. But some clever product placement by Ford, BL in the 70s has meant that a generation will forever associate Granadas, Capris, Escorts, Cortinas with moustached, womanising, hard-drinking, tough, uncompromising Coppers, Special Branch. Same way that all bad guys in a Bond film drive black German cars [notices own OOF profile, ermmm.... ] it's in the public conscience.

Things like TV series Ashes to Ashes has a direct result on the value of Audi Quattros. Aston DB5s in Silver Birch are worth more than in any other colour. Same can be said for Gran Torinos in red with a white stripe down the side.

Reasons to Love an Omega
The Omega, as the last rear-drive mass-produced saloon car by a volume car manufacturer, owned by the Royal Family, MPs, used by drug dealers, CID and the Police alike, replacing the legendary Senny. When the NCAP-led safety buzz kicked off in the late 90s, the Omega was one of the very very few cars to get 3 stars, and MANY manufacturers were left with egg on their face as their products were shown to fold in crashes. Omega didn't. 3 star is poor by today's standards, but one of the safest cars in the world in 1998. It outlasted all its other rivals, Citroen, Renault, Ford, Rover all making large executive saloons in 1994, by 2003... none.


I reckon that earns the Omega a place in Automotive History, and should help used/classic values. But even the Royale Saloon/Coupe, the rarest of the rare -beautiful to look at, strong, bulletproof engines, luxurious, smooth as silk ride, no bleeder cares about them/wants one. They're worth next to nowt, tragically. there's less than 60.

They'll always become 'Classic' Cars, as does any vehicle over the age of what, 30, 35 the recognised age? But many argue that is simply an old car, and that a true 'classic' must have achieved something in people's hearts and minds. I've vote 'yes' for the Omega. Or at least it deserves it, whether it will get it is another matter, which only Time can tell

[Migv6 le Frog Fan]

Vauxhalls very rarely achieve classic status in the car world. The LC is one of the few that spring to mind which have.
Even most of the VX,s from decades ago aren't particularily thought of as classics by most people. The reason why is a mystery to me, but it is generally an unloved marque, compared to Ford and other mass produced marques.
Its also strange to me that to my knowledge, Wheeler dealers have never had a Vauxhall episode in all the years they have been  "restoring" cars on TV.
Omegas will imo, never achieve any kind of classic status outside the ever declining band of people on this site.


edit. DBG was evidently typing much the same sentiments as me (albeit much more eloquently) , at the same time. 

[Steve B]

IMHO they are never likely to reach true "classic" status, not because they don't deserve to, or because no-one wants one, but simply due to lack of spares. Once the supply of "proper" electronic parts dries up we will be stuffed... take something as simple as a crank sensor, we know from experience that only genuine work.... all the rest are rubbish ... so once GM run out .. where do we get them from ?? To that list start to add things like MAF sensors, coil packs, etc etc and you get the idea I hope.

True "classic" cars are fixable almost by a blacksmith making a new part from scratch, with the electronics we have that will just not happen, unfortunately

And how We gonna get around that one then  We are Not.... Entwood is correct... They are all going to die 

[Kevin Wood]

It's a funny thing, which cars get labelled classics and which don't.

I was watching top gear last night and they were talking about the MG B being the classic "classic". They cut and shut a Morris Oxford into a 2 door and put a Sherpa van engine in it, creating a "sports car" in name only and it's an undoubted classic, yet other much more competent cars get forgotten.

In terms of cars lasting into the future to become classics, the ECUs all now rely on flash memory, which doesn't last forever. A crank sensor you can make yourself if you're determined enough. Oil coolers can be removed and replaced with a conventional air cooled cooler. Once the electronics has packed up, it's more of a headache to keep it on the road. OK, we're talking maybe another 30 or 40 years before they are all dead, but plenty of classics of today have lived longer than that.

Talking about Vauxhalls, I think the Monza/Royale, Senator and Omega line of cars are the only Vauxhalls I've ever given a second look. Everything else they have produced has been white goods on wheels in my eyes. Maybe it's not just me?

[tunnie]

In the eyes of the insurance world...
15years+ is semi-classic.
20years+ if classic.

That means my 2.2 is now deemed as semi classic?

[Field Marshal Dr. Opti]

The Signum is sure to become a sought after classic.

[EMD]

But an engine swap ie V8 is possible if you want to keep it going . I think the spares will be available for a long time to come yet  Dont see any in the breakers around here so there must be a vast amount still on the roads . Could even downsize to a 4 pot replacement as there are more available transplants over different vauxhall models 
Time to build up the parts again just in case though .

[4x4]

My frontera must be nearly a classic aswell lol

[The Sheriff]

My frontera must be nearly a classic aswell lol

you poor, deluded fool.

[Kevin Wood]

My frontera must be nearly a classic aswell lol

you poor, deluded fool.

Yeah, I think Clarkson may have devalued it a bit last night.

Then again, the "single axle" mod for better off-road performance might catch on.

[Vamps]

I think the writing is on the wall for all cars with complicated electronics, old skool mechanics driven cars will continue to live on, have you seen the prices of old Fords and even Land Rovers, they are through the roof; and you cant find a decent Mini for less than £5k............