Modern Classics turning 30 in 2023

Looking at the selection of cars below, some will find it hard to believe these fresh-faced modern classics were brought to the market as far back as 30 years ago. In fact, drive most of them in modern traffic in 2023, and they won’t look far out of place.  

Even before the nineties began, automotive designers were distancing themselves from the straight-lined styling and technology cues of the eighties, which was already appearing dated. Instead, curves and aerodynamics were the order of the day. Footman James has picked five of the standout wind tunnel-friendly modern classics from what was a bumper year for new cars in 1993.  

Toyota Supra (A80)  

Credit: RM Sothebys 

The fourth-generation Toyota Supra was a much more serious machine when released, evolving from sports car into supercar. It quickly became a legend for high-performance car enthusiasts, featuring space age styling, superb engineering, extraordinary power and endless customisation possibilities. UK cars sold steadily until 1996, featuring a high-specification, the 326bhp twin-turbo 3.0-litre engine (which reached 60mph in 5.8 seconds), a huge rear wing and a large bonnet air intake. Grey imports from Japan and the ‘Fast & Furious’ film franchise more than did their bit to give the Supra Mk4 a second coming into the 2000s. 

Porsche 911 (993)  

Credit: Classic Car Auctions  

The 911 (993) was the last air-cooled Porsche, featuring slippery smooth styling by British designer, Tony Hatter. Its 3.6-litre ‘boxer’ six-cylinder engine delivered 270bhp and engineers had mostly fixed the handling irregularities of previous generations. Despite this, the 993-series divided opinion, with some seeing it as the last ‘pure’ 911, and others viewing it as a stopgap model before the first water-cooled 996-series arrived in 1998. Thankfully though, the 993 helped Porsche through a period of financial instability and remains highly coveted today.  

Peugeot 306 

Credit: Peugeot Motor Company PLC  

The Pininfarina-styled 306 wasn’t just a good-looking car, it was from Peugeot’s golden period of cars advertised as ‘the drive of your life.’ Until the Ford Focus arrived in 1998, the motoring press often crowned it the best in its class. The 306 offered the perfect blend of ride, handling and comfort. Whether you went for the sportier GTI-6, Rallye, D Turbo, or the hatchback, saloon, estate or cabriolet models – each delivered the ‘smiles per mile’ that enthusiasts dream of. 

Fiat Coupé 

Credit: Fiat Automobiles S.p.A. 

The Coupé was a revelation for Fiat and Italian enthusiasts. It featured concept car styling from Chris Bangle and an interior penned by Pininfarina. Although front wheel-drive and Fiat Tipo based, it had a great driving experience with sharp steering and handling. Two engines and four outputs were available; a 2.0-litre four-cylinder, 16-valve twin-cam unit, in either naturally aspirated, 138bhp, or turbocharged, 190bhp form. As well as; the 2.0-litre five-cylinder 20V engine, in naturally aspirated, 146bhp, or turbocharged, 220bhp variants. 

MG RV8 

Credit: Murray Scott-Nelson 

The MG brand had been radically overhauled, following the closure of the historic Abingdon plant in 1980, and the eighties gave way to the Octagon-badged MG Metro, Maestro and Montego models. But then owner, Rover Group, understood that sportscars were also a large part of the brand’s heritage, so the MG RV8 facilitated that demand from 1993 until the MGF arrived. Using MGB heritage bodyshells, the famous Buick-derived Rover V8 engine, and some smoother nineties styling – the RV8 is a great looking, powerful sports car with excellent parts availability. 

Do you agree with our picks from 1993, or have you purchased your own modern classic recently? Let us know in the comments!