By Classic Yorkshire contributor Tony Lofthouse
When it comes to today’s car interiors I must admit I’m not a big fan of the touchscreens, touch buttons and the minimalist dash!
For me a straightforward, yet stylish interior speaks volumes for the beauty of the car itself.
This week, I’m delving into the past to pick my top six classic dashboard/interiors and not surprisingly French, Italian and British design is represented.
Jaguar XJ (X300)
Nineties Jags always seemed to display classy cabins, from sweeping wood trim with bevelled edges to top quality leather hide. It’s fair to say the XJ’s driving experience started inside.
Rover 75
Sticking with classy British design, the interior of the Connoisseur model oozes style and confidence. 75 owners will vouch for the sumptuous cabin surrounds from deco walnut dash to cream (or black) leather seat from one of the most underrated executive models of the nineties and noughties.
Citroen SM
I could have picked any number of stylish Citroen dashboards but the dramatic lines of the Maserati-powered SM are matched ‘in spades’ inside. Sinking into leather seats that resemble lounge chairs the driver faces a single-spoked steering wheel and a sci-fi feel control panel featuring oval-shaped dials, sweeping hood panel and chrome surrounds. Quite wonderful!
Carice TC2
For sheer ‘bling’ appeal, check out the Dutch-made Carice TC2 roadster. Its retro interior is a fitting match to a beautifully crafted mid-century inspired body. The turned aluminium dashboard, wood-rimmed steering wheel, toggle switches and leather surrounds evoke the golden age of sports cars. Hard to believe this made-to-order EV-powered convertible is barely a year old!
Ferrari 250GT Lusso
Built when Ferrari was in its prime, the luxurious GT Lusso sported wonderful cross-stitched leather upholstery. In a striking design feature, the speedometer and rev counter were centrally positioned whilst five more circular control gauges sat behind a three-spoked steering wheel finished in wood and aluminium.
Audi TT
I do also admire the functional interior of the Audi TT. Credited to Audi designer Romulus Rost, the car is full of little design delights such as the brushed aluminium radio cover, knobbly air vent surrounds and ‘circle’ buttons sitting flush to the dash.
As drivers we spend so much of our time sat in front of the steering wheel and dash controls and it’s down to carmakers to make this cabin space as inspiring as the drive itself.
We’d love you to share your favourite interiors and also some of the weirdest ones. You can do this using the ‘Comment’ box below.