Left-field classic or lacklustre lemon?
Could this 1996 Hyundai Lantra be the classic car for you?
Ah 1996. 'Don't Look Back in Anger' was No.1 in the charts, pagers were still a thing and Damon Hill became F1 champion. Meanwhile in Korea, Hyundai was producing the Lantra. One of the only cars that I personally think, looks more like a jelly mould than the Ford Sierra! Especially in this fetching shade of red.
The Lantra is one of those cars that won't set your heart alight. It's not painfully fast, the cloth seats are more akin to bus seats than something out of a car and the chrome trim looks decidedly dated now. Somehow though, this Lantra holds a special place in my heart. Currently this car belongs to one of my closest friends and I drove it for him in a local classic car rally. I absolutely loved it.
This Lantra has quite a touching story behind it. The story goes that the original owner bought it, used it for a few years and then put it in a garage. Then the car was forgotten about (hence the low mileage of 35000 miles) until the owner sadly passed away. Whilst looking through the owners documents, the family discovered that the owner was renting a lock-up but didn't know why. Upon inspection of the unit, they discovered to their surprise that there was a car being stored there. After this, the Lantra was used by several members of the family before it was then sold on once and then to its current owner! Quite a life story for the little motor.
The engine does pull well at 114bhp and although the car is long and narrow, it can feel like a bigger vehicle altogether, which does give the illusion of presence on the road. You also have the reliability of a Hyundai, because let's face it, they're pretty bomb proof. Yes, the dashboard is a bit mundane and the indicator stalk, is on the wrong side of the steering wheel, which drove me insane at first, but once you get around those little characterful features, its a perfectly lovable car.
There is one thing though, that makes this car stand out from all other classics in its price range, is it's rarity. Hyundai didn't sell Ford Escort numbers of these back in the 90's, and with a lot of the Escorts gone thanks to the scrappage scheme, so are a lot of these. Honestly, if I wasn't so involved with MG's, I would have this car as my daily driver! Gladly for you though, this car is for sale! With less than 40000 on the clock at over 23 years old and all the original documents, dealer stickers, plates, and original mats still with the car. This red Hyundai can seem quite tempting as a first classic car.
For those who are interested, here is the link to the eBay listing for more pictures and info: www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1996-Hyundai-Lantra-Only-35000-Miles-Classic-Retro-Daily/254521113440?hash=item3b42a3fb60:g:SAsAAOSwcaZeUrj5
I'll be really sad to see this car leave my friends fleet. Mainly because he's replacing it with a 2003 Fiat Seicento but also because it holds memories for the both of us. For me, it will always be the first Hyundai I actually liked. So if you fancy something different, something that will get noticed. Whether its for the odd drive into the country or a retro daily driver, why not give a Lantra a try?
What are your thoughts on the Hyundai Lantra? Would you have one in your fleet?
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Comments (23)
As a Korean, it feels quite awkward to see that with British plates, but this car definitely brings me feelings of nostalgia. I used to see a lot of those back when I was young, but I think not a lot of them remain, even in South Korea. It's not the most exciting car, and I wouldn't really want to buy one, but it seems I somehow have a sweet spot for it XD
That's the thing. I love this little gem. Mainly for the reason of there isn't any left here. It's just different.
I mean personally I wouldn't buy it for two reasons. An old girlfriends Dad had a brand new 96 Hyundai Accent and I remember it being the most woeful car I've ever had the misfortune of sitting in. Also in 1997 my Dad traded in his 4 year old Ford Granada for a brand new Kia Sportage which blew it's entire electrical system within a month of him having it. That said, stories like yours are what being a car enthusiast is all about. Every car enthusiast has a working class hero. Be it your first car, your parents car, grandparents, or like in your case one that has a story to tell of its own. Honestly I'd rather read more articles like this than the ones about supercars/hypercars
I'm pretty much with you. I like these stories of pretty bland cars becoming someones sweetest petrol memory.
As for the (E)lantra, not big fan, but I totally understand the appeal of basic motor being a memories hero.
I always say there's no brand alike. Everyone has experiences. I like for but someone else might hate it. Doesn't mean they're good or bad. Like you said though this is what it's all about 😃
Super clean and looked after cars like these, 90’s, early 2000’s sorts of cars, amaze me. It’s like they’re new even though they’ve been around for 20 years. I wanna own that Hyundai.
It is for sale!😉😉
Those cars weren't bad, they had Mitsubishi engines so they are bombproof if treated well. Gear shifts can be a bit notchy and you will be reaching for the AC button going up hills in the 1.6 variant. Good honest does what it says on the tin motoring
Well said!
It's so not busy today at work that I'm responding to a Hyundai Accent topic.
One way to fill your time 😉