Everything wasn’t better in the past, though some things lasted longer. For example, car models: It was not uncommon for generations of skilled workers to screw together almost identical sheet metal for decades. Nearly over: Today, manufacturers can no longer simply continue to build a car like the Citroën 2CV (41 years) or the VW Beetle (65 years).
The environment and safety requirements change too quickly, as do customers’ demands. Nevertheless, they still exist: cars that continue to be built somewhere in the world even after decades. And in one case, we didn’t have to travel far for our nostalgia trip around the world: one of the endurance burners comes from Western Europe.
In the last few years, we have lost a few endurance burners. For the first time in 40 years, Mercedes unveiled a new G Class model in 2018, while Suzuki brought a new Jimny after 20 years. And Land Rover is dropping the Defender, and Lada is developing a successor to the Niva/4×4 (since 1976). Others models are still fresh off the production line. In the following, we will take a look at some of the oldest cars which are still being produced somewhere in the world!
VW Polo 5 / Polo Vivo (since 2009)
Volkswagen discontinued the fifth Polo generation in Europe in 2017. But things continue seamlessly for the discontinued small car model: 2018 saw the start of production at Volkswagen in South Africa. There VW needed a successor for the entry-level Polo 4 model known as the Polo Vivo. The second-generation Polo costs around €11,700 in South Africa today and is the most successful car there. Propulsion is provided by a 1.4-liter gasoline engine with a five-speed manual transmission.
Basic equipment includes steel rims, radio, Isofix, power windows and a good alarm system. Such a new, old Polo is in high demand. The top version Polo Vivo GT comes with a modern 1.0 TSI engine (110 hp), 6-speed transmission, cruise control, ESP, air conditioning and Euro 4 emissions standard. Apart from that, Volkswagen only markets models from the current range in South Africa, such as the T-Cross or T-Roc. However, the seventh generation of Golf is no longer available in South Africa.
Chevrolet / Daewoo Matiz (since 1998)
The Daewoo Matiz was launched in Europe and Asia in 1998 and remained on the market until 2005. The technology is primarily taken over from Suzuki Alto. While production ended in China in 2015 as the Baojun Lechi, it is still running in Uzbekistan, where the model is still produced by UzDaewoo at a base price of 314,000 rubles (3,426 euros).
Power is provided by a 1.0-liter three-cylinder gasoline engine with 51 hp; a four-cylinder with 63 hp is also available. The simple subcompact weighs only 770 kilograms. Nevertheless, the air conditioning, radio, power steering and power windows provide some comfort.
Peugeot 206 (since 1998)
A real enduring classic is the Peugeot 206. Even though its successor, Peugeot 207, came onto the market in 2006, Peugeot continued to build the 206 in France until 2013, in Argentina until 2016. It still comes off the production line in Iran today. By tradition, the company maintains close relations with the country and with the manufacturer Iran Khodro. It builds the small car as a hatchback and notchback (Peugeot 206 SD) and sells it in several Arab countries. The car manufacturer specializes in assembling imported CKD (“knock-down kit”) kits.
In order to make the Peugeot 206 “attractive for Iranian families,” the automaker says it has created more space in the rear. Power is provided by a 1.6-liter gasoline engine with 105 hp. Equipment includes ABS, central locking, a radio, parking sensors and 14-inch steel wheels. A multifunction steering wheel and an exterior thermometer are available at extra cost.
Besides the Peugeot 206, Iran Khodro also produces the Peugeot 405 sedan and the Peugeot 207, plus the first Peugeot 2008, which went on sale in Europe a few years ago. Here’s how the manufacturer promotes the latter: “The best Peugeot car built in Iran in recent years.”
Toyota Land Cruiser J70 (since 1984)
Some designs cannot be improved. So, the Toyota Land Cruiser J70, even after 36 years of production, continues to be the vehicle of choice in many parts of the world when all official roads end. “All the power you need,” reads the advertising slogan in Venezuela – which is where the model rolls off the production line for the American markets. It is tough, the large Toyota off-roader. This is its main selling point, even in markets like Nigeria or Cameroon. If it breaks down, even the village blacksmith can often repair it.
For Africa, the production of the J70 with its distinctive, optionally available air intake snorkel on the A-pillar takes place in Portugal. Most markets are powered by a 4.0-liter six-cylinder gasoline engine with 239 hp (depending on configuration). Of course, it doesn’t have a turbo but variable valve timing. For safety, there is ABS, twin airbags and three-point seat belts. By the way: for the 30th model anniversary in 2014, J70 is even experiencing a one-year revival in its home country of Japan as a pickup and van.
Opel Kadett E / Daewoo Nexia (since 1984)
Is it still around? Well, yes. From 1984, the last Opel Kadett bears the letter E, is named Car of the Year in 1985 and is a global success for General Motors. The group sells variants in Africa, Eastern Europe, Germany, Canada and South America. The car bears many names worldwide, including its successor, the Astra, in the United Kingdom and East Africa. Today, an Opel Kadett E GSI from former German Chancellor Helmut Schmidt fleet is a highlight of the Opel factory museum in Rüsselsheim.
Opel discontinued the Kadett in Europe in 1991. Most licensed productions are also ended. However, the Kadett has survived in Uzbekistan to this day as the Daewoo Nexia. Base price: about 5,000 euros. Nexia received its last update in 2008. The choice is between a 1.5-liter gasoline engine with 80 hp or a 1.6-liter engine with 109 hp for the powertrain. A CD-MP3 player is available as an option in the cockpit. Availability of Nexia is not limited to the country of production. UzDaewoo also sells it in Russia.
Mercedes-Benz T1 / Force Traveller / Shaktiman (since 1977)
This predecessor of the Mercedes Sprinter is another enduring favorite. Up until 1995, Mercedes-Benz produced the model called the T1 or Bremer, almost 20 years. It is still part of the street scene in Germany today. It is still available as a new vehicle at the dealership in other countries: Force Motors still builds and sells the model in Pune (India). In 1958, the company was founded as Bajaj Tempo Motors. Until 2001, Daimler-Benz held shares in this company. This is the reason for the deep connection between the carmakers.
Since 1987, the company has been building the Mercedes T1, which has been modified only slightly. Mercedes has helped set up production and continues to supply the 2.6 liter diesel engines to this day. This connection is proudly pointed out by the Indian manufacturer, though the 115 hp engines are “modified for Indian needs”. Force Motors produces the Traveller as a panel van or bus and the Shaktiman as a chassis with various bodies. For Mercedes and BMW, the company also builds engines for current models.
Nissan Junior / Saipa-Zamyad Z24 (since 1970)
In 1970, the Nissan Junior pickup truck went into production, and in 1982 it was discontinued. So far, normal. What is less normal is that Nissan sold the production facilities in Iran to Saipa, which continues to offer the model today through its subsidiary Zamyad. The manufacturer advertises with practical arguments: “No load is too heavy with this little monster.” Apparently, there was no reason to redesign the Z24, which continued to sport the magnificent Seventies chrome grille with round headlights.
From a technical point of view, more has been done: a four-cylinder engine with 95 hp runs on gasoline or natural gas and at least meets the Euro 4 emissions standard. Saipa also offers an equally powerful diesel with the Euro 3 emissions standard.
This means that the vehicle does not move too quickly when the driver pushes the maximum load of 2.3 tons to the limit. The only option available at extra cost is hydraulic power steering. Saipa has a long history of licensed production. The manufacturer produced, for instance, a Citroen Xantia, a Kia Rio or a Nissan Murano for the Iranian and Arabian markets.
