What's the oldest light vehicle (car, suv, pickup, van) that could pass as 'regular traffic', and not turn heads as an antique?

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RemoteVersion838@reddit

anything with sealed beam headlights is a giveaway I think. When you see the round or square glass headlights, you know its old. Not saying some newish vehicles don't use them as well, but its a sign.

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Puzzleheaded-Ad-4883@reddit

In the UK, Landrover Defender. A 1990 model looks the same as a 2016 to anyone but an enthusiast. The earlier series Landrovers also don't raise any attention, with most people not seeing the difference between it and the Defender. Even a 1960s one would pass by as unremarkable, particularly in the country pulling a trailer with sheep in.

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Rude-Cloud-3174@reddit

Further to this. Series 2 a lot of people would confuse with a defender

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QuieroTamales@reddit

1994 Chevy S-10... as long as it's not painted with that Raspberry color.

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Binford6100User@reddit

Ford Econoline van with ladders on top. White paint on the side with some random service company logo. Same body style from 1992 to 2008, even then only a small update until 2014.

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Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit

That's a good answer, can't think of anything better.

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Binford6100User@reddit

I'm honestly surprised the "van life" movement hasn't capitalized on the Econolines popularity more.

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mzanon100@reddit

I feel like Matt Foley might have driven an Econoline.

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That70sShop@reddit

Even a work van from 1974 woukd sttract little attention.

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dirtyforker@reddit

The Chevrolet version had a long run also

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awesomeperson882@reddit

Yea but they got a more significant visual update around 2002-2003 (I think). The first gen Express/Savana Vans had a steeper and flatter angle down on the hood and a much more boxy late 80’s/ early 90’s front fascia than the current 2003-2026 model.

The Econoline changed less for longer, pretty much just an interior update, an slight changes from sealed beam lights to glass lens’ reflector headlight, so older models appear to be more common than they are. If I can catch a look at the interior, The giveaway I look for with the E-series is the steering wheel and/or the dash. The older 1992-1997 has 90’s ford Parts bin 4 spoke design, or the (92 only I believe?) had that 2-spoke with the spokes meeting the rim at 5 an 7 o-clock. 97-2014 you got the bubble like 9-3 2 spoke wheel

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Dinglebutterball@reddit

I see the 80’s economies fairly regularly in traffic…

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obxhead@reddit

Yep.

Drivetrain is fairly cheep to replace as well.

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causeImAScoundrel@reddit

Nissan Xterra body styles have only changed slightly over the years. I drive a 2001 Xterra and it doesn't look like a 25 year old vehicle.

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mrhoofy@reddit

Army Humvee. 1984 models wouldn't attract attention for being antiques. They would attract attention for being humvees.

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reidft@reddit

In North America, something from the 90s can still skirt by. Even 10 years ago I was getting comments about my cars from the 80s, much more now. I'd put my bet on a 90s caravan, corolla, or Camry. Extremely common back in the day and there's still a bunch kicking around to blend in.

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Lobster70@reddit

I have a 1991 Toyota Pickup Deluxe 4WD (5-speed manual!) that I use occasionally for dump runs, getting landscaping materials...typical truck stuff. It doesn't feel that old to me. But I'm starting to think it looks kinda old to other people!

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GrinderMonkey@reddit

I have a 99 suburban that I dearly love, and I still see a lot of them on the road. Previous gen is still fairly represented, as well, but the old real square bodies are starting to finally turn heads.

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Ch4rlie_G@reddit

You must not be in the rust belt!

I had a white 02 suburban and if you’re in the Midwest they are all Swiss cheese bodies by now.

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GrinderMonkey@reddit

Nope, PNW.. not enough snow for salt. Everytime I watch a video on how to fix something I panic, like is my shit going to be fucked like that, but then it's not, I love that.

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reidft@reddit

I had (shouldnt have gotten rid of) an 05 Lincoln Aviator. Despite that generation Explorers still being everywhere, one of my coworkers had the gall to call it a classic. Like, SIR. It was only 20 at the time. Do NOT.

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no_alternative_facts@reddit

1995 Camry, a great 12 year old car ….. wait…..
Haha

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reidft@reddit

pain

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jckipps@reddit (OP)

I agree with the full-size work vans being the perfect example of this. Ford particularly, but GM Express vans weren't far behind either. Dodge vans are few enough now that my head spins when I see one (I do drive one myself, which biases me somewhat).

I'd also suggest that the various Volvo wagons from the 1990s and even earlier meet this condition. Quite a few of those have managed to look 'less-dated' than their contemporaries, and blend in to modern traffic better.

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clintj1975@reddit

....and even earlier

They started production of the 240 in 1974, and it really feels like they just kept turning out the same square car for over two decades.

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rdadeo@reddit

Ugh. Ya made me remember... I had a rebuilt Volvo 145 years ago. Loved that damn car.

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AppropriateDeal1034@reddit

This is because up until recently, Volvo just made Volvo's instead of tying to keep up with whatever the latest trend is. All these people trying to look "modern" end up with weird styling choices that look dated before the end of the year.

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mcchicken_deathgrip@reddit

My daily is a 96 Volvo wagon, agreed looks more modern than most other 90s vehicles. In a good way tho lol.

Would argue my former daily, a 96 ranger, blended in as well. Any year past 93 when they stopped being square would apply.

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foolproofphilosophy@reddit

Agreed on Volvo. The model name change from 850 to V is the biggest indicator. I was going to nominate the Lexus RX series.

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metrawhat@reddit

First gen Ford Taurus. Car people would notice it's 40 years old, but I think it would be mostly anonymous to the average person.

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Carguycr@reddit

Yes definitely!

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Carguycr@reddit

Probably 1986 Ford Taurus it was very ahead of its time.

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nortonj3@reddit

dodge Neon SXT

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CommissarCiaphisCain@reddit

Mercury Marquis. The very definition of ubiquitous

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nortonj3@reddit

for something spicy, I'd try to find a Mercury Maurauder.

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spider-nine@reddit

And pretty much unchanged from 1998 to 2011

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N546RV@reddit

I assume you mean the Grand Marquis, because the regular old Marquis (a rebadge of the Ford LTD) is pretty unknown, and went away in the mid-80s.

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DubiousSpaniel@reddit

Old Mercedes sedan W126, so that could be 1979 - 1991. I’ve been driving 300SDs for decades and for the most part feel invisible on the road

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NoEmu5969@reddit

My son is in a 96 w202 which looks like a cardboard cutout of a generic car from a PBS Kids show. it will be a long time before it turns heads with its looks.

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Due_Attention_4886@reddit

I got a 99 w202 about a month ago and I love it. Got a bunch of cassettes on eBay to blast on the Bose system, and a CaseLogic case to store them.

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NoEmu5969@reddit

How’s your headliner?

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Due_Attention_4886@reddit

Almost perfect, except for the part that covers the sunroof, which is separating. So far I've kept that slid back. That should be an easy fix when I get to it.

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NoEmu5969@reddit

Lucky. Mine is droopy but I stuck some thumbtacks in it to hold it up.

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DubiousSpaniel@reddit

Haha! Great description!

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Mike312@reddit

Yeah, I was thinking 80s era Mercedes. I saw a w201, but a w124 would pass, too. W126 though feels on the edge to me - these days its got that old money look, if mostly because you'd need a lot of money to keep one running for 35+ years.

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DubiousSpaniel@reddit

Yeah, I agree. The w124s fits the bill so much better than the w126 in terms of blending in. The silhouette is more modern and the w126 has a small amount of chrome that dates it whereas the on the w124 it is rarer to see much chrome at all (other than the grille).

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newtonreddits@reddit

Those are the best Mercedes but I don't think anyone would see one and think it's a modern car.

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DubiousSpaniel@reddit

Yeah, I totally agree. I wasn’t sure if the OP was looking for “fades into the background of traffic” or “could be mistaken for a late model car”. The W126 may fade into the background (cops seem not to notice you and they won’t turn most heads), but definitely would not be confused for a newish car!

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dalthyn@reddit

A 1968 Chevy Step Van King wouldn't turn any heads.

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captrb@reddit

When I choose getaway cars for all my back heists and other capers, it’s a 90s or 00s Camry. They are ubiquitous to the point of being automotive camouflage.

Good luck in jail.

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goldfish4free@reddit

Jeep CJ7. People might think it's older, but not realize it's 50 years old.

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Walternotwalter@reddit

This is the answer.

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JollyGreenGigantor@reddit

I was going to say 80s XJ or YJ just because they kept making them for so long. Hard to tell if that XJ you passed is 25 or 45 years old.

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Hellament@reddit

Any GM/chevy truck 73-87. 15 years, they looked almost identical except for a slight front end change (transition from round to square headlights). So many made for so long, a fair number still exist as beaters or fixed up trucks here in the Midwest. Only car guys notice them at all.

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Unlucky-Wedding@reddit

Prolly an old jeep like a 78ish cj5

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Hokieman78@reddit

My 1986 Pontiac Fiero.

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reddits_in_hidden@reddit

Mid to late 90s Volvos, had the same body till like 2010 lol

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Lee_Galizit@reddit

jeep cherokee XJ

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WalterWriter@reddit

It depends on where you live, by which I mean "do things rust out."

There are still a lot of 80s-90s Ford and Chevy full-size trucks and 90s Tacomas on the road here in Montana.

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JustGiveMeAnameDude9@reddit

1988 Chevy C/K series truck. Same body style 88-98. But, an 87 will turn heads

1987 Ford F-150. Same body style from 87-96 ( front end did change in 92). But a 1986 will turn heads.

Probably depends on where tou live to. I live in the south east. 20-30 year old trucks are not unusual. However, in the north east, im sure rust would have killed everyone of them by now.

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Embarrassed-Bench392@reddit

My daily driver is an aero nose F-150. I'm starting to see more of them with antique plates on them. They are primarily show trucks as opposed to work trucks. Here in NH, all of the work trucks of that vintage have long ago rusted out.

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jckipps@reddit (OP)

The Fords were arguably the same body style from 1981-1996. But I agree, that the Aero and Bricknose don't catch the eye quite like the old Bullnose trucks did.

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hourGUESS@reddit

Dodge Stealth RT. It doesn't look as old as it is. It also performs relatively well considering it's age.

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sixstringsikness@reddit

I still see 80s and 90s Rangers all the time.

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pandoraham@reddit

I think many Volvos or Saabs.

Especially the older ones, they blend in very well. Saabs aren’t around anymore but you really have to look to spot them if they do appear.

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BigEd369@reddit

Modern Jeep Wranglers basically look the same as those from the 80, they’re just bigger. If you had an antique Wrangler with new paint, you could probably pass most of the time.,

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ObviousAlias7@reddit

'99 F150 Lightning might be a grey area. While folks certainly know what it is, i could see it passing for regular traffic by the non-car enthusiast driving public.

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QuietTwist3089@reddit

For Volkswagen, the B5 era. MK4 Jetta, B5 Passat, Audi A4.... all of them look like understated but modern vehicles.

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Any-Investment5692@reddit

Any 80s or 90s car. They are still common enough. Even in the rust belt they still show up.. Only cars from the 60s and back make people look. 70s cars have mixed reactions to gawking to ignoring them.

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porcelainvacation@reddit

I saw a Nissan Stanza wagon on the road today, it was jarring. I haven’t seen one in about 20 years and I live somewhere where cars from the 50’s and 60’s are frequently driven.

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clintj1975@reddit

I got passed by a Toyota Corona a couple of years ago on the interstate at over 80 mph. Speed limit is 80, so not like I was doing anything crazy. First thought was "Was that a Corona?" followed very shortly by "How the hell is it going that fast?"

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porcelainvacation@reddit

Having driven a few of those, 80 is a terrifying speed in one.

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clintj1975@reddit

I just remembered a Stanza story from my youth. My cousin had picked up a used Stanza years ago when she came down for an internship at my dad's work and that thing was special. I don't know what was up with it, but at 55 it felt like it had just drank a double espresso. Twitched, bobbed, and weaved down the highway. At 70, the exact opposite. Absolutely rock steady and planted. Weird little thing.

I keep eyeing early 90s Nissan trucks on FB Marketplace. I had one back then and it'd be a perfect mountain bike carrier. No way in hell I'd drive it back on the interstate, though. Fastest I ever had mine was 70, and that was sketchy feeling. The engine drone was ferocious at that speed, too.

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Tundra_Dragon@reddit

The answer has to be a 1986 Ford Taurus. It was the first 80s car to shrug off being made of cubes, and instead takes aerodynamics into account. They look a lot like a panther platform crown vic, but theyre 40 years old.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Taurus_%28first_generation%29

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Ok-Satisfaction945@reddit

A bettle

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badcrass@reddit

A vw belittle

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That70sShop@reddit

Don't belittle the venerable bug!

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ScaryfatkidGT@reddit

A 97 definitely

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Pinkys_Revenge@reddit

This is definitely it. You could be driving one from the 30’s and no one would bat an eye.

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Due_Attention_4886@reddit

Late ‘90s corollas and camrys. There are still a lot of them around, so they don’t turn heads.

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wecantdancelikethis@reddit

“turning car guys heads” will be different than “turning normal people’s heads”.

Good condition mid-90s Camrys & Accords can pass as being similar enough to cars from fifteen years ago.

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Blu_yello_husky@reddit

It greatly depends on the economy of the area youre in. In small town rural america, you still regularly see cars from the 70s and 80s often enough that its not out of place. It would have to be from the 50s or 60s to be a head turner, and even then, it would have to be in good condition, because plenty of old duffers around here still drive beat up old 60s cadilllacs and lincolns.

I was just pointing out to my bf on Saturday that people on reddit who say nobody drives 80s cars anymore are all full of shit, because within 10 minutes of driving down main street of the town I live near, we saw 4 80s trucks and 1 80s car, with the vast majority of other cars being from the 90s and early 00s. Seeing a 2020s car here is either a passer-by or a wealthy person. Everyone else drives old rusty stuff from 30+ years ago.

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ZaphodG@reddit

A 1986 to 1992 V20 Camry is anonymous.

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spider-nine@reddit

Wouldn’t the stretched hood stand out? A Viper with a v10 or Rolls Royce with a v12 has a noticeably long hood. The hood needed to fit a v20 would definitely look out of place on a Camry body.

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Daqgibby@reddit

Lexus LS in grandpa gold

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freelance-lumberjack@reddit

Food truck van. 50 years they still look the same.

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Far-Telephone-7432@reddit

Any white van from the last 20 years.

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NewsShoddy3834@reddit

Pontiac Ventura

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No-Reason-2822@reddit

GMT400 pickups & SUVs - some are turning 40 in 2028! Lots of them still on the road in daily service, especially in the less rusty states.

‘88-98 for 1/2T
‘92?-‘99 for SUVs
‘88-‘00 for the HD pickups.

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jules083@reddit

I'm still driving mine. See them all over the place. Thinking about picking up another one, I'm about due for a new daily driver.

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banananas_are_sick24@reddit

88 Chevy S10

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Gubbtratt1@reddit

Opel Kadett E, 1984-1995.

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Lemurstew@reddit

Depends on where we are talking, many parts of the world old vehicles are quite common. Even within the United States there are many more older daily drivers on the west coast vs east coast - it’s not uncommon to see 60/70s cars daily driven here in Oregon - no one even noticed 80s/90s cars

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Dr_StrangeloveGA@reddit

Fox body mustang is not an OMG! kind of car. Not unusual around here and started in '79.

I'm guessing it's going to depend on age of the person and how much of a car person they are.

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Ineedathiccie@reddit

An early FoxBody with a nose swap wouldn't make most people bat an eye, even though the newest Fox is now 35. Not sure this totally fits OP's question since it would be modified at that point, but still using parts from the same platform

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Comfortable-Study-69@reddit

1975 3rd gen Ford E-Series. The design lasted practically unchanged into the early 90s and they had every dollar squeezed out of them by contractors and stayed on roads way longer than most cars, plus they were popular for motorhome bases.

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ScaryfatkidGT@reddit

Chevy started in 71, headlights, grill what wheels look dated but that’s it

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ScaryfatkidGT@reddit

1971 Chevy Van… just update the wheels

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Professional_Lab_346@reddit

I have two old light vehicles that I drive regularly that no one ever batts an eye at or asks about. A 1948 CJ2A and a 1981 Chevy LUV. Both are unrestored and have old faded paint. I don't know if they blend in enough that they don't stand out or if people don't want to talk to me bc I'm driving old garbage. If I drive my OBS Ford in similar condition I get asked about it probably every third month or so.

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porcelainvacation@reddit

I drive a weathered old 1950 Chevy pickup and I can’t go anywhere in it without people wanting to talk about it. They are more common to see than a Willy Jeep or a LUV.

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viccityguy2k@reddit

Any Volvo

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porcelainvacation@reddit

I’m going to gawk at an 1800S or an Amazon though

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Joe_B_Likes_Tacos@reddit

This answer is very different depending on where you are. In places with slated roads, anything over 20 years old and still in good condition looks exotic. In Southern California, 30 year old cars are not that rare.

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reidft@reddit

My car insurance back home won't even insure cars over 20. Painful since half my cars are older than that.

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toybuilder@reddit

1991 Chevy Caprice. You won't turn heads as an antique. However, you will turn heads as a potential police car.

1992 Crown Victoria too.

1992 Volvo 740 wagon might squeak by.

My former 1999 Mercedes E320 station wagon would probably not attract attention as an antique, either.

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oldfartjr@reddit

Depends where you’re located and how interested you are in cars.

If you’re in the rust belt, anything over 20 years old is noticeable.

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theFooMart@reddit

Where I live it's pickup trucks, and vans from the 80s on.

All the farmers and ranchers have at least one old truck. And most of the old construction companies have an old truck or two that just won't die. They get given to the new guy or the guy who's crashed the company truck a few times or just used as spares.

Work vans are the same, and then you have shaggin wagons/camper vans because they're cheap.

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Overall-Tailor8949@reddit

Probably any of the mid-full size sedans from the early 1970's on would blend in fairly well. Except people would wonder how in the hell you can afford to FEED the thing. The same would go for pick-ups and vans (except the Dodge short nose). Note, this is assuming they aren't in show car condition, those WOULD turn heads.

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itsjakerobb@reddit

C4 Corvettes (1983-1992) don’t really turn heads around here.

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Formal-Tradition6792@reddit

1991 or 92 Chevy S-10.

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Formal-Tradition6792@reddit

What year did s-10 come out

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Old_Cars@reddit

A 90s Chevy Astro van likely wouldn’t turn heads despite the fact I’ve not noticed one in years

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Rich4477@reddit

I have a Facebook group that pops up on my feed all about astro vans. Some are still in great condition. My neighbor just got rid of his too. I low-key love those vans.

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Rich4477@reddit

Early supercars like 1966 Ford GT40, or a 70's Porsche 911.

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gotcha640@reddit

Half of the driving public doesn’t know what decade their own car is from. 95%+ don’t know what’s around them (as in, blue sedan behind and a red SUV on the right).

I have a bright red 69 beetle with no doors or engine cover, a bright yellow roll cage, and banners flying from all four corners. I might get one honk and wave in a month of driving around.

Non car people just don’t care.

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Call_Me_Papa_Bill@reddit

Early Saturn SUVs (Vue and seems like there was one other model). When you see them on the road today they blend right in with modern vehicles. Helps that they don’t rust, but the styling was ahead of its time.

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YouWillHaveThat@reddit

I still see g-bodys driven as dailys.

But I am hood-adjacent.

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Most-Description4665@reddit

Something from the mid 70s onward. Lots of the malaise era crap all looks the same. Something like a 78 caprice. Could it be a classic? Yes absolutely. But you know the car... picture it. Its dark blue with faded paint and peeling clear coat. 1 missing hubcap. Crack in the windshield. It burns oil and has exhaust leaks all oved the place. It stinks, so does its owner, and it's gross. But for some reason the gods at GM engineered a small block and turbo 350 that just can not be killed. Neglected to hell. The trans fluid is black. When he changed it, it started slipping so he dumped the old shit back in. The vinyl bench seats are torn and there's rodent shit in the exposed foam. Yea that is the car.. everyone knows that car.

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