Anniversaries galore at the New York auto show

Car companies are always looking for a reason to throw a party. And what's a bigger justification than patting themselves on their collective backs for a job well done… even if it was 50 or so years ago.

There seems to be an outbreak of nostalgia at this year's New York auto show, with a handful of companies spending lots of time, talent, and emotions looking back.

Want to feel old? The Mazda Miata turned 25. This was the sports car that saved the world of sports cars. The iconic sports car marks my own debut in automotive journalism; I was hired at Automobile magazine in late 1989. The publication had just secured a long-term test Miata (red, of course), and it quickly became a darling among the staff. I've driven every generation Miata since and even proposed to my wife in one. It is a car that pulls at the heartstrings for driving enthusiasts of all stripes.

Mazda put on an amazing display at this year's New York auto show, commemorating the little runner's birthday. On hand were stellar examples of the impressive roadster's linage, including racing-spec models, a rare Mazdaspeed version, and the limited-edition 25^th Anniversary model. The company even disclosed that the next one, coming soon, will be an amazing 200 pounds lighter than the current model. I can't wait.

Dodge dug into its archive to mark its 100^th anniversary with refreshed versions of its Challenger and Charger muscle machines, as well as a treasure trove of trinkets in glass display cases with bits and pieces of the brand's past. In classic PR-speak, the company is rolling out examples of its "technological advancements of the '30s and '40s, design evolution of the '50s, the racing heritage of the '60s, the horsepower of the '70s, the efficiency of the '80s, and unbelievable styling of the '90s as it paves the road to its future." Well…we'll just gloss over a few bumps in the road (cough, Dodge Aspen; Caliber; Nitro; Avenger; Journey…). The future's bright, especially with "Header Orange" paint offered on some models.

Although there was no official splash in New York, news was travelling fast about the 30^th anniversary of the BMW M5. "Fast" certainly fits. Thirty years of big horsepower, sharp handling, and four-door-sized accommodations have earned the famed German company a legion of fans. Indicatinos are that an anniversary model will be revealed soon.  

Maserati is celebrating its 100^th birthday this year. (See a pattern yet?) The company, best known for sports cars and many racing victories—including two checkered flags at  the Indianapolis 500, 9 wins in Formula One and the 1957 F1 World Championship—is but a bit player here in the U.S., but its sexy shapes and seductive exhaust notes leave indelible marks. What does the future hold? CR is currently testing a Ghibli, so we'll let you know.

Even Infiniti got in the game, highlighting its 25^th anniversary as it unveiled the long-wheelbase Q70 and plush QX80.

Of course, Ford dominated the anniversary game this week, commemorating the 50^th anniversary of the Mustang with a very special-edition car limited to just 1,964 units.

All this looking back got me wondering about car companies that don't necessarily want to brag about their past, with many having no choice but to look forward. Hyundai, for example, isn't likely going to throw a bash extolling the crazy "awesomeness" of its first generation Excel. Cadillac isn't likely to get teary-eyed over the Cimarron. Fiat resurrecting the models it sold in the U.S. in the 1970s? Don't hold your breath.

Now is the time to celebrate the best cars ever made. And there's a ton of them at the New York auto show. Check out our show coverage, and if you're in the area, stop by the event and visit our booth.

—Mike Quincy