Hankering after the good old days? You might have second thoughts seeing how this generation’s most iconic cars have evolved over the decades
Rolls-Royce Phantom: 1925 vs. 2022
Once upon a time, it was used to ferry the royalty in 1925. Now, it ferries the royally wealthy. This year, the Rolls-Royce Phantom’s reputation as a rolling throne is one that turns a century old. Celebrating its centennial this year, the latest Phantom Series II swaps stiff collars for soft-close doors, a V12 engine that whispers, and offers enough bespoke options to make a tailor blush. Opulence, redefined–but still unmistakably Rolls.
Aston Martin Vantage: 1972 vs. 2018
Back in 1972, the Vantage would be Britain’s answer to America’s muscle cars–if muscle cars wore tailored suits. Today’s Vantage, though, trades disco-era swagger for 503 hp Bond-worthy finesse: still a bad boy, but now it knows how to hold a glass of champagne properly.
Mercedes-Benz G-Class: 1979 vs. 2025
“Why call it the G-Wagon… when it doesn’t look like–and obviously isn’t–a wagon?” To sum it all up for the uninitiated–the colloquial ‘G-Wagon’ name is an adaptation of ‘G-Wagen’, which is abbreviation of “Geländewagen”–in German, this translates loosely to ‘all-terrain vehicle’ or ‘cross-country vehicle’. So, nothing to do with wagons of any sort.
The same way its name has evolved over time, so has its purpose and symbolisation. In a matter of just over four decades, it has gone from bare-bones functionality in the form of a 1979 rugged military vehicle, to one of the most iconic “Pope Mobiles” in 1980, to the symbol of luxury it is today. The G-Wagon has undeniably metamorphosed, but not much in terms of its outlook. Today, it is still characterised by its boxy styling silhouette, speaking to the timelessness of its appeal. The very first model of the vehicle, which was only available in the Italian market, produced 90 bhp and 167 Nm of torque, taking a 18 seconds to crush the century sprint (or jog, maybe?). In comparison, the range-topping G63 AMG in 2018 produced a formidable 577 hp and 850 Nm, going from zero to 100 km/h about four times faster at 4.5 seconds. Today, it’s no longer just a utility vehicle conquering sand dunes and traversing mountain trails; it’s an icon that commands attention, no matter the terrains.
Porsche 911: 1964 vs. 2025
Sleek and naturally aspirated, the Porsche 911 was a street rebel when it was first introduced in 1964. Sixty years later, it’s still breaking hearts and speed limits. The recently relaunched Carrera S, touted to be the most dynamic ever, is now available as a coupe (starting) at S$682,988 or a cabriolet starting at S$768,988. The 2025 Carrera S is a 3.0-litre turbocharged packing 353 kW, a wide range of options to improve driving dynamics and comfort, and just enough nostalgia to keep the purists grinning.
This story first appeared in the January 2025 issue. Purchase it as a print or digital copy, or consider subscribing to us here
