I am posting this in the convertible section since I want it to apply to future classics, and this criteria involves convertibles. (plus I don't need to hear from the naysayers who hate 'verts to start with). This is not for them.
This grading list is from the Classic Car Club of America and printed in Hemmings Classic Cars magazine (May '11). I have left everything 'as is', despite some of the questions, except for updating the model years (this was designed for much older cars but I want to see how it applies to ours). A perfect score is 100 points. A true classic is 85 points or more. A semi-classic is 65-84 points. Lower than that is a car of interest. The points behind each question are the max number allowed. You may use any number up to the max. What do you think??

1) Is the car truly distinctive? 20 points

2) Was it built between 1990-2010? 10

3) Is it a convertible? 10

4) Is it outstanding in appearance? 10

5) Does it perform well? 10

6) Is it extremely dependable? 5

7) Is it utilitarian? (more than just transportation) 5

8) Do others consider it a modern classic? 5

9) Were quality materials used? 5

10) Is workmanship superior? 5

11) Was it originally expensive? 4

12) Is it a luxury car? 3

13) Is it practical? 3

14) Was it built in limited numbers? 3

15) Is the car powerful? 3

16) Is it a sport, custom, or antique? 3


My score was 83 but some of these questions are really subjective and tough to score, like "was it expensive?" Yes to me, but how about to a person that buys $70,000 cars? Also, Camaro production numbers differ from T/A numbers as do the looks of the car. It is just fun to see what you think using a scale designed for much older cars. I believe we do have a modern classic or at least a semi-classic. Just have fun with it. Something different to look at in the 'convertible' section.

 

Are these all yes or no questions? If not, here's how I might grade my 2000 'vert TA.

1) Is the car truly distinctive? 20 points
Somewhat - 10 pts (very subjective)

2) Was it built between 1990-2010? 10
Yes - 10 pts

3) Is it a convertible? 10
Yes - 10 pts

4) Is it outstanding in appearance? 10
Above Average - 6 pts

5) Does it perform well? 10
Yes, for it's time period. - 8 pts

6) Is it extremely dependable? 5
Yes. 5 pts

7) Is it utilitarian? (more than just transportation) 5
No. 1 pt (it still gets 1 point because it can be a daily driver)

8) Do others consider it a modern classic? 5
Some do, but most don't yet. 2 pts

9) Were quality materials used? 5
Some. Crappy interior materials, though. 3 pts

10) Is workmanship superior? 5
Average. 3 pts

11) Was it originally expensive? 4
Yes, for it's market. 3 pts (but not supercar or exotic expensive)

12) Is it a luxury car? 3
No, but it does have luxury options. 1 pt

13) Is it practical? 3
Practical for what? As a daily driver, that gets over 25 mpg hiway, I'd say yes. 2 pts.

14) Was it built in limited numbers? 3
Somewhat, but not extremely limited. 2 pts.

15) Is the car powerful? 3
Yes, for it's time. 3 pts.

16) Is it a sport, custom, or antique? 3
It's a TA, but not a WS6. 2 pts.

Total: 71 points.
I think that's being honest with the car, and if you go with only yes/no answers, the score would have been higher. Improving the condition and holding it longer will only improve the score. I can easily see it as a future true classic.

 

They are not 'yes or no' answers, just points are to be given. You did it right. I like your reasons for each as well even though I gave more points in the 'distinctive' category. Thanks for posting. I was wondering if I made it too complicated.

 

I split the difference for "distinctive" since that's so subjective, and given the 4th gen had been around for 10 years. I could see it going higher, though.

 

Any other convertible owners want to score it?

 

I got 88 , simply because I live in Cyprus and I drive the only 4th Gen in the island , its distinctive , looks hot as hell , and most people dont even know what the hell it is .
so it is outstanding in appearance , and we dont have many V8 cars in cyprus either , no LS1's can you believe it ? so it does perform well compared to the japanese shitboxes they drive here..

Other than that , its not a luxury car , isnt the most practical (rear seats ? only for children lol) and the interior quality isnt the best.

a future classic ? HELL YES !

 

Cool, my score would be similar to the OP's...wish some of the car show organizers would use this thinking before putting the the "25 year rule" where no car under 25 years of age can enter...not that our cars are that great but I mean if you were at a show and an 87 chevy wagon was in the show and a 99 trans am wasn't, wth? Not to sidetrack...

 

Just look around for shows. More and more of the events have a 'modern' category and some just allow 'all' cars. I have won a few trophies as the 10 year mark has hit our models and people appreciate the few Trans Am 'verts out there.

 

I'm going to take the official quiz another day, however history has proven that a high performance convertible will be a classic. Especially one with the hot looks of a 98-02 TA.

 

Anyone else before the thread fades into the sunset?