Changes since 1980s

I notice one omission from the article: since the 1980s car design, at least in Europe, has been driven more by engineering than by marketing / brandng considerations. The first signs of this were the Ford Sierra and Audi 100, both designed to minimise drag. Soon after this computer aided design started enabling designers to apply finite element stress analysis and thus reduce both weight and manufacturing cost without sacrificing strength in critical areas. As a result most cars below the luxury band now look much more similar than they did before the early 1980s. However these changes have also caused some criticisms: susceptibility to cross-winds (mainly overcome); difficulty for drivers in judging the length of their cars becuase of the steeply sloping bonnets and high boot lines.
It would also be worth mentioning changes in the names and numbers of manufacturers: Toyota, Nissan (then Datsun) and Honda became noticeable in the 1970s; Daewoo, Kia and Proton (possibly others) in the 1990s; Skoda became a real presence in Europe after VW took it over; Ford took over Volvo's car operation & Jaguar; etc. -- Philcha (talk) 14:44, 6 October 2008 (UTC)

Van, camper, RV, Minibus etc.

In some countries, the term "van" can refer to a small panel van based on a passenger car design (often the estate model / station wagon); it also refers to light trucks, which themselves are sometimes based on SUVs or MPVs. (But note that those retaining seats and windows, while being larger and more utilitarian than MPVs, may be called "minibuses".) The term is also used in the term "camper van" (or just "camper") — equivalent to a North American recreational vehicle (RV).
In the United States, the term "van" refers to vehicles that, like European minibuses, are even larger than large MPVs and are rarely seen being driven for domestic purposes — except for "conversion vans". These possess extremely large interior space and are often more intended for hauling cargo than people. Most vans use body-on-frame construction and are thus suitable for extensive modification and coachwork, known as conversion. Conversion vans are often quite luxurious, boasting comfortable seats, soft rides, built-in support for electronics such as television sets, and other amenities. The more elaborate conversion vans straddle the line between cars and recreational vehicles.
Examples of North American "vans":
Dodge Ram Van
Ford E-Series
GMC Savana
Examples of European "vans":
Ford Transit
Volkswagen Transporter
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter

Car show class definitions

A different classification system is used for purposes of differentiating vehicles in most car shows. While there is little doubt about the definition of classes that are self-described such as "Mustang" or "Firebird", there is often confusion about the definition of classes that are not as readily understood. The following classes are often used in car shows across America - the definitions are determined either by state regulations, the National Street Rod Association, or have been gathered from other reliable sources:
Street Rod —A motor vehicle, or a reproduction thereof, with a model year of 1948 or older which has been materially altered or modified by the removal, addition or substitution of essential parts and with a gross weight or registered gross weight of not more than 9,000 pounds.
Classic car —A motor vehicle, but not a reproduction thereof, at least 30 years old, not materially altered or modified by the removal, addition or substitution of essential parts except that such parts represent the original
Hot Rod - Any car rebuilt or modified for higher speed, faster acceleration, or a sportier look. Many automobiles may be called hot rods, including some used in drag racing. They may be composed of used or newly fabricated parts. Can be a kit car.
Custom car - a factory-built vehicle that has been modified in either to improve its performance, often by altering or replacing the engine and transmission, or it may be a personal design by the builder, making the car look unique and unlike any car that might have been factory built. Though distinct from hot rods there is debate among customizers and rodders as to where the line should be drawn. A Custom Car cannot be a kit car, as a kit car is not a factory-built vehicle that has been modified from the original configuration.
Antique car — A motor vehicle, but not a reproduction thereof, at least 25 years old, which has been maintained in or restored to a condition which is substantially in conformity with manufacturer specifications and appearance.
Special Interest - a vehicle uniquely distinguishable from the usual, and/or designed for a particular purpose (i.e. fire truck, MASH jeep, tank, surf wagon, bus, race cars etc.) which would peak the interest of the public at large because of its uniqueness or specialty function.
Kit car - any vehicle that is created primarily from kit or prefabricated parts, and is a reproduction or replica. An original factory-built vehicle that utilizes prefabricated fiberglass body units to replace worn/damaged original parts is not a kit car.
Brass Era car - beginning with the first horseless carriages, named for the brass fittings used for such things as lights and radiators. Starting with the first commercial automobiles of the 1890s to about 1918-19. Includes most Edwardian cars
Veteran car - any motor vehicle built prior to 1905
Edwardian car - any vehicle built from 1905 - 1918. Includes all brass era cars
Vintage car - commonly defined as a car built between 1919 and 1930. The Classic Car Club of America prefers 1925 since it is the pre-classic car period.
Pre-war car - beginning with the Great Depression in 1930 and ending after WWII, usually placed at 1948