what is a classic design  

Ben mansfield Top4
The Lego Brick: for it simplicity, colourfulness and all the joy it brings to those that played with it. Also it could be a creative kick-start for the kids!
The SinterChair: this page explains; http://www.vogtweizenegger.de/sinterchair.html
The Land Rover: because it does everything I want it to do and looks as rugged Shire Horse. Also the more it gets knocked the better it looks!
RolaDex Rotary Card File: Functional, beautiful and timeless, I still want to use it even though I have a digital contact book.
Cant decide on a last one so probably have to be a top4
So mainly I like Simplicity, Functionality, and Uniqueness that make the product stand out!
Cheers Grant enjoyed thinking about that.
Ben.

Modernist is best
Actually I think mainly modernist designs are the best design classics. But you can get a bit boarded if you have too much of it. Varity is still the spice of life!

Warren Platner
said: a classic is something you can think of no way to change(improve).Platners wire group for Knoll are on many classic design lists...

In Art, Classic Must Include:
The Shock of the New

Modern classics, writing division
1. Schaeffer Snorkel fountain pen line (c. 1952)
2. Lamy 2000 (1966)
3. Aurora Hastil fountain pen, stainless steel (c. 1975)
4. Lamy Safari fountain pen, the original design with functional brass screw securing the clip (1970s)
5. Lamy Accent fountain pen (1990s)