Antique*

Mentally synonymous images elicited by the term "antique" may include Sotheby's, Grandma's nick-knacks, Great-Grandma's nick-knacks and pre-automotive transportation. Yet, antique is far more than a dusty classification. Indeed, it can indicate a comparatively VIP-category. Take specifically, that of the P-51, a WW2 fighter aircraft. The Vintage Aircraft Association via Experimental Aircraft Association, Inc. (commonly referred to as EAA, because, after all, who commonly wants to hear experimental and aircraft in the same sentence), thusly decrees: "an antique aircraft is defined as constructed by the original manufacturer (or licensee) on or prior to August 31, 1945."

[Clearing of the throat as well as the skies...] I introduce you to the likes of "Strega:"

Strega ("Witch") falls into the category of an antique. However, the only dust on her is that of which she's kicking up in her midst. Most recently, Strega's blur could be seen melting the clouds in Reno, Nevada, at the annual air race, where she reached top speed in excess of 490 mph (in case you don't realize that's fast even for fast, the white stream off her tail is coming from the spray-bar, which is working hard to keep her engine from exploding due to excessive (i.e., massive) heat), thusly earning the win among the gold finishers of the Unlimited class (making it her 10th Unlimited win).

So, while beauty may be in the eye of the beholder (and what's not to behold of Strega), and age may be a matter of perspective (a woman always lies), this "antique" is quite unto her own, now and likely always.

Life sometimes can be antique.

  Antique: --adj.

aircraft constructed by the original manufacturer (or licensee) on or prior to August 31, 1945 

*per www.vintageaircraft.org