Whilst many petrolheads consider the dawning of a new year as a time to look forward to a whole host of new models, lovers of classics are looking forward to the chance of celebrating the anniversaries of iconic cars.
In 2025, a massive variety of unique classic cars will be celebrating significant milestones at events throughout the year, including the original Citroen DS.
Whilst the DS name is currently used as one of Stellantis’ premium brands, the first time those two letters were seen on a car was in October 1955 on Citroen’s flagship model.
One of the most significant cars of the 1950s, the Citroen DS offered particularly sleek styling, including a fibreglass roof that kept the weight low, and unique features for the time, including power-assisted steering, a semi-automatic transmission, and hydropneumatic air suspension.
In addition to celebrating its 70th birthday, DS lovers will also be able to celebrate 50 years since production ended, with the model replaced with the equally revolutionary Citroen CX.
One of the more glamorous classics which is celebrating its 60th birthday in 2025 is the Bentley T-series and Rolls Royce Silver Shadow range of luxury saloons.
Priced at an eye-watering £6,557 (£173,519 in today’s money), the Rolls or Bentley cost about ten times the expense of a basic Mini but featured luxuries, including independent rear suspension for better comfort and a 6.2-litre V8 engine.
The new model was smaller than previous Rolls Royce and Bentleys, which helped boost sales in mainland Europe and America.
Whilst many things in the world of motoring have changed over the past few decades, one model celebrating a big birthday in 2025 is a particularly controversial Jaguar.
As many Brits anticipate what the first model in Jaguar’s new all-electric lineup will look like, the Jaguar XJ-S, which replaced the E-Type, will turn 50 years old. Compared to the outgoing model, the XJ-S featured bold lines and a thick, sweeping C-pillar.
However, while the model initially had its critics, a facelift in 1981 and a cabriolet version in 1983 saw popularity quickly rise, with production only ending in 1996.
Finally, despite not being the most exciting model in the world, a small yet particularly loyal group of retro car lovers will be celebrating the 40th birthday of the Proton car brand.
The first totally Malaysian car company, Proton was established in 1985 with the introduction of the Saga, which finally arrived to the UK in 1989 and became the fastest-selling model on the market thanks to its low price.
Whilst the original Saga had a particularly long run, only being discontinued in 2008, the Proton brand could soon re-enter the UK market with a range of Chinese-designed yet Malaysian-built electric cars.
