If you’re into the numbers game, anniversaries would strike a chord with you. 2024 might not be your once-in-a-lifetime millennium celebration, but it’s a big year (and reminder) for some.

Facebook celebrates 20 years of existence, the OG Terminator blockbuster is 40 years old (feeling old yet?) and, not that you asked for it, the state of Hawaii turns 65 - which makes us wonder how an equally young red dot on the other side of the globe will celebrate its magical 60th next year.

The longevity of car models might be tested by upcoming tech-laden EV manufacturers, but one can’t deny the appeal of heritage - stories to be told create a sense of nostalgia not many can rival. We sieve through generations of those celebrating anniversaries in 2024, and justify why these are the pick of the bunch.

Jaguar XJ - 30 years

Although the XJ’s lineage dated way back to 1968, the X300 series produced from 1994 marked another significant milestone - it was the first XJ sold by Jaguar under Ford’s ownership. We have here a V8-powered, long wheelbase XJ8 (X308) on Carousell’s used car classifieds. Some might argue that an early 2000s XJ (X350) represents peak Jag, but this 3.2-litre steel bodied early example wears the iron fist in a velvet glove persona well, too.

Mazda MX-5 - 35 years

A car that weighs less than 1,000kg is unimaginable nowadays. Such is the challenge faced by EV manufacturers these days to shave weight, only for their work to be cut out to accommodate a 600kg battery pack. The MX-5 had none of these worries. It barely gained weight throughout 4 generations and 35 years. Seeing one now makes us feel like it’s still in the first flushes of youth. We’ve opted to showcase the OG, NA Miata - the accessible sports car made for the masses to enjoy back in 1989.

Volkswagen Golf - 50 years

Half a century of Volkswagen Golf is a massive achievement, even more so when even electrification couldn’t undermine its success - the all-electric Mk9 Golf could arrive not before long, alongside the growing family of ID-branded VW EVs. This comes as no surprise - the Golf nameplate is as significant as VW’s logo itself. We could have gone for a Golf GTI to represent the most iconic Golfs ever produced, but a simple Mk6 Golf reminds us of its roots. It’s a compact little hatch that ferried millions of families effortlessly over five decades. No wonder it’s VW’s best seller.

Ford Mustang - 60 years

Ford bettered the Golf’s longevity by another decade - 60 years is enough for it to be the brand’s longest produced Ford nameplate. Although recent decisions were controversial (the Mustang Mach-E electric crossover polarised opinions), there’s still time to bask in the Mustang’s best years by driving one propelled by a V8 no less. This 5.0-litre Mustang GT is unapologetically flamboyant, which can’t be said for most modern cars nowadays. It’s not the sharpest tool in the shed, but with that V8 engine beneath the hood, it reminds us why American muscle had its fair share of suitors.

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