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It has always been my understanding that the terms "vintage" and "Classic" had totally different meanings, (the former temporal and the latter qualitative). That is, any item good or bad could one day become "vintage" by just reaching a certain age. "Classic" on the other hand, implies a degree of quality that sets it apart from its contemporaries (as is borne out by two of its four dictionary definitions, "model of excellence, outstanding" and "of lasting significance or worth"). Thus the term need not be age-related, and the (oft-abused) term "a modern classic" is not an oxymoron as some people think.
Bob "born a classic, now just vintage" Hovey Columbus, GA