{"id":34851,"date":"2025-08-14T15:03:04","date_gmt":"2025-08-14T19:03:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/?p=34851"},"modified":"2025-08-14T15:03:04","modified_gmt":"2025-08-14T19:03:04","slug":"the-new-cruise-classics-class-of-1999","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/2025\/08\/the-new-cruise-classics-class-of-1999","title":{"rendered":"The new Cruise classics: Class of 1999"},"content":{"rendered":"

All hail the great Class of 1999.<\/p>\n

New auto models from 1999 will celebrate their 26th<\/sup>\u00a0year at the Woodward Dream Cruise\u2019s giant auto reunion this weekend \u2014 and their official coronation as antique cars under Michigan law. The Secretary of State bucks convention by declaring cars antiques after 26 years \u2014 not a quarter century \u2014 which makes them eligible for historic plates at a flat fee of $30 for 10 years and (likely) reduced insurance costs.<\/p>\n

In \u201899 the Tigers played their last season at Michigan and Trumbull, the archrival Colorado Avalanche denied the Red Wings a shot at their third straight Stanley Cup, the post-Barry Sanders Lions made the playoffs, and the Pistons endured a season-shorting NBA lockout. The Dow crested 10,000 for the first time, the first Matrix movie thrilled, Legoland opened in California, Y2K doomsayers predicted Armageddon, and future NBA star Luka Doncic was born.<\/p>\n

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Thousands of classic cars roll down Woodward Avenue in Royal Oak during the Woodward Dream Cruise on Saturday, Aug. 17, 2024. Katy Kildee, The Detroit News<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Automakers birthed their own future classics from mega-utes to sedans (remember them?) to wee sports cars. Here\u2019s a look at the new antiques …<\/p>\n

Mazda MX-5 Miata<\/h2>\n

They don\u2019t get any more wee than Miata.<\/p>\n

Mazda introduced the MX-5 in 1992 as a 2,200-pound, stick-shift throwback to 1960s European sportscars like the Lotus Elan and Fiat 124 Spider. MX-5 was an instant hit and became an enduring halo for Mazda\u2019s performance brand. After skipping the \u201898 model year, 1999 brought Miata\u2019s much-anticipated second-gen. Would it suffer a sophomore slump? Nope.<\/p>\n

The new Mazda got a 24-horsepower bump over the original to 140 from its four-cylinder engine (while only gaining 100 pounds). Designers added more curves while removing the pop-up headlights. The rarest of the \u201899s are 10th<\/sup>\u00a0Anniversary Edition models, which came equipped with unique wheels, a two-tone blue and black interior and Sapphire Blue Mica paint.<\/p>\n

Ford SVT F-150 Lightning<\/h2>\n

Before there was an electron-guzzling F-150 Lightning pickup, there was a gas-guzzling SVT F-150 Lightning V-8.<\/p>\n

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For 1999, Ford introduced the fire-breathing SVT F-150 Lightning, powered by a supercharged V-8 that pumped out 360 horsepower. Ford Motor Company, Ford Motor Company<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

It was a beast with 348 cubes, 360 supercharged ponies and 139 mph top speed. And when it wasn\u2019t towing 5,000 pounds, it could launch from 0-60 mph in 5.8 sec\u00adonds. It stood out from its sibling F-150s with dual exhaust tailpipes and SVT-badged seats.<\/p>\n

Along with late 20th<\/sup>-century pickups like the Dodge Lil’ Red Truck, Chevrolet 454 SS and GMC Syclone, SVT Lightning helped establish a niche of muscle-bound trucks that continues to this day.<\/p>\n

Jeep Grand Cherokee<\/h2>\n

The OG SUV received major upgrades for its second-generation, including a 4.7-liter V-8 engine to complement the standard 4.0-liter V-6. Owners had fussed about the spare tire\u2019s location in the cargo wall, so engineers hid it underneath.<\/p>\n

\"The<\/figure>\n
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The second-gen Jeep Grand Cherokee that bowed for 1999 offered a V-8 engine option. Stellantis, Stellantis<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Unchanged was the Jeep\u2019s signature off-road capability with standard all-wheel drive (Quadra-Drive full-time AWD optional) and Wrangler-like solid axles front and rear. The classic seven-slot grille and boxy shape signal Jeep from a mile away on Woodward.<\/p>\n

BMW 3-Series (E46)<\/h2>\n

The fourth-gen Bimmer 3-series still ranks as a purist favorite for its sleek styling, high-revving M performance model (more on that come 2027 when it turns 26 years young), unflappable road manners and a multitude of body styles, including convertible and wagon.<\/p>\n

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1999 BMW 3-series Hardy Mutschler, BMW<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

The so-called E46 generation also debuted electronic bits foreshadowing innovations that have transformed today\u2019s vehicles: satellite navigation, electronic brake-force display, rain-sensing wipers and LED taillights.<\/p>\n

At its heart beat a signature 2.5-liter, inline six-cylinder engine that, while smooth, lacked the ponies of the Infiniti G35\u2019s 260-horsepower 3.5 liter V-6 \u2014 and therefore finished second in a Car and Driver comparison test. The G35? Gone from the market, as are other competitors from 1999, including the Acura TL, Saab 9-3 and Jaguar X-Type 3.0.<\/p>\n