| If you are interested in classic or vintage | | | | James, a Naval mechanical engineer. You can still |
| transport there are a variety of ways in which to | | | | buy one today as it was 67 years ago or there |
| indulge your curiosity or passion. Classic car shows | | | | are now modern versions made out of coloured |
| give us the chance to appreciate all manor of | | | | plastic. The design however, hasn't changed in the |
| makes and models of vehicles ranging from cars | | | | slightest. How could it? It's design is fundamental |
| to motorcycles and sometimes even the less | | | | to how it behaves. So does that preclude it from |
| obvious modes of transport such as fire engines | | | | being a retro object in todays modern setting? It |
| and buses. What about the wonderful VW | | | | isn't imitating the original, it is still available exactly |
| campervan. The pre-1967 model with split screen | | | | as it was 67 years ago. The updated version, that |
| is the enthusiasts choice and even has its own | | | | made of plastic, is not necessarily an |
| Members Club, The Split Screen Van Club, | | | | improvement in this case but it does render the |
| founded in 1983 and committed to preserving the | | | | original a retro object and the original reminds us |
| split screen van. The Brighton Breeze held annually | | | | of periods in history, the social history in fact of |
| on Madeira Drive in October celebrates the VW | | | | Britain. In this respect it can be regarded as |
| campervan in all its glory. For a truly retro day | | | | having retro associations also. |
| out why not try a days biking around the New | | | | The social history of Britain is complex and the |
| Forest? Bugad Classic Bike Hire have a variety of | | | | 50's, 60's, 70's and 80's offer us a fascinating |
| motorbikes available for hire, such as a 1941 | | | | glimpse into how retro objects such as the early |
| 750cc Harley Davidson WL45. | | | | television sets changed peoples lifestyles forever. |
| Owning a modern retro or classic car is a whole | | | | In less than twenty years almost 95% of the |
| different experience. Owning the former is great | | | | population had at least one television. Technological |
| if you want the style but not the potential pitfalls | | | | advances in communication took a huge leap with |
| of having to maintain the real thing. The Mini and | | | | the invention of the telephone. Bakelite telephones |
| VW Beetle are two good examples, | | | | are truly retro and highly desirable objects in retro |
| technologically up to date but with the classic style | | | | interior design. There are many everyday objects |
| and modelling of bygone eras. My favourite of the | | | | which we often take for granted which have |
| bunch though has to be the classic, MGB. It was | | | | retro roots. |
| manufactured for 18 years undergoing several | | | | So we see that retro is an imitation of the classic, |
| makeovers though remaining essentially the same | | | | a visual representation of the past or a |
| car until 1980 when production ceased. | | | | resurgence of an idea, lifestyle or style which has |
| Consider an item such as the slinky toy which | | | | since been updated. |
| was discovered accidentally in 1943 by Richard | | | | |