Completely agree with you @frostymulder on the fact that not all old cars are built like tanks. I guess I meant it more in the sense that the mechanics of older cars are generally simpler than todays cars given that older cars didn't depend on as many electronic components. Also in the earlier decades companies tried to put their best cars forward as competition was fierce, those that weren't simply when out of business. Older cars that we see today are typically from companies that delivered quality cars i.e. your old vw beetle, hence the reason they're still running around.