10 Car Models We Wish Would Return
Updated: Aug. 16, 2019
They may be discontinued, but these cool cars continue to impress people around the world.
Austin Healey 3000
Launched in 1959, the Austin Healey 3000 is one of the most iconic, cool old car models to date. This British sports car, which was sold for nearly a decade, was a low slung, stylish ride that garnered quite the cult following during its production. It remains popular with collectors today.
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Ferrari 308 GTS
Recognizable from numerous appearances on TV shows like Magnum PI., the Ferrari 308 GTS served as an iconic flagship of the Ferrari brand from the mid 1970s until the mid 1980s. This cult classic car was a mid-engine, rear-wheel drive sports car with a targa top.
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Fiat 850
More than two million of these cool old Fiats were manufactured between the mid 1960s and mid 1970s. Popular for its compact design and unlike the typical pony cars of its time, the affordable Fiat 850 was offered in various styles, with the convertible becoming a fan favourite. It was referred to as a car “small in size but large on fun.”
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Ford Thunderbird
Following the auto production hiatus during World War II, car manufacturers were eager to produce in the late 1940s. Among the most popular types of vehicle was the sports car, and Ford’s Thunderbird was on top. The last Ford Thunderbird was produced in 2005.
Lamborghini Countach
Produced between 1974 and 1990, Lamborghini Countach is now considered one of the best cool old cars, but way back when, it was touted as the first mainstream production vehicle to boast scissor doors. The doors rotate upward from a fixed hinge.
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Mazda RX-7
Manufactured from 1978 to 2002, the Mazda RX-7 was an instant classic. This car was inspired by the 1967 Lotus Elan, a British two-door coupe. “Even though it was inspired by the British Lotus design of 1967, the first RX-7 carries its own design DNA that would become the model’s trademark silhouette for years to come,” notes Mazda. This cult classic featured a long hood, a curved glass rear hatch and lightness to the proportions that shouted “accessible and fun.”
Porsche 928
Produced by Porsche AG of Germany from 1978 to 1995, this luxury grand tourer remains a swoon-worthy vehicle to this day. Featured in Risky Business, Scarface and Weird Science, the Porsche 928 serves as one of the most beloved old cars to date. “The online community for 928s is vibrant with many options, and the busiest websites will have an answer for just about any question you ask within hours — sometimes minutes,” explains Porsche Club of America.
Nash Airflyte
Nothing short of stylish, the Nash Airflyte, produced from 1949 to 1951, was an extremely aerodynamic vehicle. It was developed with substantial tunnel testing, and featured unique design elements including a one-piece, curved windshield, shrouded front and rear wheels, a trunk lid with a dorsal spine and horizontally mounted tail lamps.
Oldsmobile 442
One of the great American cars of the 1960s, this powerful muscle car was Oldsmobile’s response to Pontiac’s GTO. “Oldsmobile went on to sell nearly 3,000 examples of the 442 in its initial year, the following year would see the 442 truly begin to hit its stride,” notes Street Muscle Magazine. “Although the 442’s legacy didn’t end at the pinnacle of its game, the moniker has remained a household name synonymous with domestic performance, despite the fact that Oldsmobile has ceased to exist as a brand for more than a decade.”
Pierce-Arrow
Popular among movie stars, politicians and the mega rich, the Pierce-Arrow peaked the first few decades of the 20th century. Despite Pierce-Arrow Motor Car Company’s demise in 1938, the Pierce-Arrow itself remains one of the swankiest cool old car models of all time.
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