The '60s were a great decade for automobiles. In the U.S., a booming manufacturing industry was producing some of the world's best classic cars. Meanwhile, European powerhouse manufacturers such as Ferrari and Volkswagen were putting out some of the best machines in their entire catalog.
If you're a fan of high-speed and you love the thrill of the open road, you have the Swinging Sixties to think for much of it. Roughly 60 years after its initial design, creation, and release, these timeless vehicles still make for some of the very best you'll ever have in your garage. Let's check them out!
1969 Chevrolet Camaro
It's 1969, and the U.S. was about to put a man on the Moon for the first time. But back on planet Earth, Chevrolet has some big plans for their classic Chevrolet Camaro line. The 1969 edition of the Camaro will never get you to the moon, but boy, it will make you look stylish!
Boasting a redesigned and now-classic V-shaped front grille, the 1969 Chevrolet Camaro is one of those timeless vehicles that seems to effortlessly combine a head-turning design with a convincing driving experience. It's a small step for man but a great leap forwards in the history of classic American automobiles.
Porsche 914
In the late '60s, two of the world's top auto manufacturers decided to get together to design the ultimate sports car. The result was the Porsche 914, a timeless classic that comes with the combined signature of Porsche and Volkswagen. True to its two parents, the Porsche 911 boasted both Porsche's signature glam and Volkswagen's iconic accessibility.
In 1970, the Motor Trend magazine named it Import Car of the Year, and many decades later, the Porsche 914 remains one of those vehicles every vintage car collector needs to have in his garage. This beauty on wheels featured an iconic design, a flat four-cylinder boxer engine, and a 5-speed manual transmission.
Volkswagen Beetle
The Volkswagen Beetle has been around since 1938, but it's still an iconic '60s vehicle by all standards. In the U.S., it's impossible to think of "the Bug" without thinking of the Swinging Sixties. In the post-war period, the Beetle was one of the best-selling automobiles in America, despite its dark past as an ideological symbol of Nazi Germany.
A vehicle idealized by the minds of Ferdinand Porsche and Adolf Hitler, the Beetle was dubbed "the people's car" from early on, and the nickname never lost its meaning. If you can get past its troubled origins, you'll find that the Beetle is still one of the most trustworthy vehicles on the market.
Datsun 240Z
In 1966, a racecar named Datsun 240Z was making history and winning races in Japan. It was a model of the bygone Prince Motor Company, an automobile manufacturer that was eventually merged into the Nissan Motor Company. That's why, today, the Datsun 240Z is internationally dubbed the Nissan S30.
Created by the inventful engineers of post-war Japan, the Datsun 240Z remains one of the most popular sports cars ever produced, and it's hard to argue with its sheer power and influence. In the late '60s, this beastly three-door coupé featured a groundbreaking L24 2.4-liter engine with a three to a 5-speed manual transmission, depending on the model.
Volkswagen Beetle Transporter
A vehicle that's as iconic as the Volkswagen Beetle deserves to have a big brother. And that's the Volkswagen Type 2, also known as the Transporter. Initially designed in 1949 and still in production today, this all-time classic was made to be the perfect utility automobile, combining accessibility with efficiency and with a lot of spare room to carry your things around.
Ironically, the roomy Transporter is now less known for its practical uses than for its recreational ones. Today, the VW Type 2 is still associated with the counter-culture movement of the '60s, mainly because it was so popular among traveling hippies and Flower Power-inspired youngsters.
Plymouth Barracuda
Produced by the Chrysler Corporation, the Plymouth Barracuda was one of the most popular and ambitious sports vehicles of the '60s. Two generations of Barracudas were manufactured and released in that decade alone, but this beautiful machine has always remained true to its principles.
If you ignore minor alterations between models, the Barracuda is essentially a two-door fastback coupé with a stylish design and a powerful engine that's either a Slant-6 or a V8. The third generation of Plymouth Barracudas was produced in the early '70s, but the model cycle was abandoned in the aftermath of the 1973 oil crisis. Today, the Barracuda remains a popular collector's item.
Datsun 510
Initially released in 1968, the Datsun 510 is a feat of international proportions. The vehicle of choice of many Americans in the '60s, the 510 was assembled in three different continents and five different countries, including Japan, New Zealand, and Mexico.
A two/four-door sedan, the Datsun 510 featured an efficient 1.3L Nissan L-series I4 engine and served multiple purposes. In the streets, it was a car you could trust to take you anywhere. On the track, it was a racing champion that landed two Australian Rally Championship first places in the early '80s. Commercially produced up until 1973, the Datsun 510 paved the way for other Nissan top-selling vehicles.
Ford Mustang
Out of Ford's impeccable collection of automobiles, the Ford Mustang is perhaps the most popular. After all, it is the longest-produced Ford nameplate, and it's still being reinvented today. But it all started many years ago, in 1965, back when the original Mustang was conceived. The model was lightly inspired by the sporty 1962 Ford Mustang I and mainly based on the platform of the 2nd-generation Ford Falcon.
An ever-impressive automobile, the Ford Mustang has evolved greatly through the ages. Nowadays, there's a circuit-racing version of the Mustang (mainly used in NASCAR) and a 2019-released electrical SUV crossover known as the Ford Mustang Mach-E.
Ford Thunderbird
While Ford's biggest contribution to the U.S. was its ability to produce sturdy, affordable vehicles, the iconic American brand never stopped focusing on glam and luxury. That's probably why they decided to produce the Ford Thunderbird, a vehicle that was branded as a personal luxury car.
Ford promised luxury, and the Thunderbird delivered. After initially "giving" an automobile to every American, Ford was now set on putting every American behind the wheel of a not-for-all-wallets type of product. More than just a '60s classic, the Thunderbird was produced all the way between 1955 and 2005, with only a minor interruption in manufacturing between 1997 and 2002.
Dodge Charger
It doesn't matter how many times you think the Dodge Charger is about to die because it keeps making a comeback. Manufacturing of these American classics was interrupted four times already, but seven decades after its initial presentation, it's still being repurposed and re-released.
We guess that's what happens when you have a vehicle as close to perfect as the Charger. Designed as a concept car, this extraordinary automobile has been a reference in luxury, style, and sheer power. Initially a two-door fastback, the Charger is now available as a four-door sedan that will stretch your wallet without emptying it: you can get your hands on a 2020 Charger for around $30K.
Toyota 2000GT
If you happen to have anything between $1.5 to $2 million lying around and you love vintage cars, don't miss the chance to get yourself a mint-condition Toyota 2000GT. Unlike some of the other vehicles we've presented to you today, the 2000GT wasn't designed for everyone. In fact, it was made for just 351 lucky people!
Between 1967 and 1970, only 351 2000GT's were made, which may help to explain just how luxurious this two-door fastback classic is. The sort of toy movie stars end up fighting for, the exclusive 2000GT was made to increase Toyota's reputation outside of Japan.
Mercedes-Benz 300 SL
Sports vehicles speak to the heart. They're not around because drivers are practical and rational, but rather because they're passionate and emotional. But if high-performance automobiles are a little bit like love, then the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL is the kind of lover you would want to walk down the aisle.
When you're tired of flirting with that curvy Ferrari or steamy Lamborghini, you may want to get back to your senses and marry the 300 SL because this beauty will probably last you a lifetime! An extremely reliable, finely-tuned, and fast car, the 300 SL was voted "sports car of the century" in 1999.
Porsche 911
There's no need to call 911: you'll be safe inside of the gorgeous Porsche 911. Undoubtedly one of the world's most beloved models, the 911 has been produced without interruption since 1963. There are so many of these machines around that Volkswagen decided to keep the millionth 911 produced in one of their Berlin locations.
The two-door classic can be either a coupé, a convertible, a speedster, or a Targa top. The original 1963 Porsche 911 came with a flat-6 boxer engine, a 4/5-speed "Type 901" transmission, and the sort of timeless style you can't buy anywhere else. Sadly, the latest 911 model comes with a sizeable $97K starting price.
Lamborghini Miura
The name 'Lamborghini' alone is enough to make the brain of every automobile fan tingle with joy. It's only natural: the Italian luxury brand is synonymous with class, speed, and high-performance. But out of Lamborghini's exquisite catalog of supercars, the 1966 Miura is still a definite stand-out.
It's undeniable that this two-door coupé classic looks great, but the real highlight of the Miura is its sheer power. When it was released, it was the fastest commercial vehicle available globally, boasting a 3929 cc V12 engine. In 1973, after only 764 were built, the Miura was replaced by the more extreme and arguably less popular Lamborghini Countach.
Buick Riviera
It's no surprise that General Motors decided to name their 1963 personal luxury car 'Riviera.' While the Buick Riviera is an American-made vehicle, it does display the sort of elegant traits and high-performance features that we normally associate with high-class French and Italian products.
The very first Buick Rivieras came with a beautiful hardtop and a clear marketing goal: to beat the competition of the popular Ford Thunderbird. Over one million Rivieras were produced between 1963 and 1999, and the stylish vehicle remains one of Buick's proudest commercial achievements. Today, you can buy a used 1965 Buick Riviera for around $30K.
Pontiac Bonneville
Pontiac manufactured ten different generations of the Bonneville—one of their most recognizable models. Over the years, the vehicle's design and features changed greatly, but every new version was credited as an American classic. The second generation, produced between 1959 and 1960, remains one of the most popular.
With a 3-speed manual transmission powered by a 389CID Tempest 420 300 hp V8 engine, the 2nd-generation Bonneville boasted a perfect combination of beauty and performance. A big car, the Bonneville was praised for its cornering and was made memorable due to its trademark split grille design.
Pontiac Star Chief
Before the Pontiac Bonneville was cruising the American streets, the Star Chief was the Pontiac family's charmer. A classic vehicle produced between 1954 and 1966, the Star Chief was an A-body, two/four-door beauty with a straight-8 engine to match.
Because Pontiac cars tend to draw inspiration from one another, the Star Chief was also largely based on a previous model: the Pontiac Chieftain. In the '60s, the 5th-generation Star Chief sedan made some impact with its renewed B-body platform and characteristic rear fender chrome stars. But at the time, the Star Chief was no longer Pontiac's precious baby, especially considering the popular Catalina was already around.
Chevrolet Impala
The Chevrolet Impala remains one of the highest-selling vehicles in the history of American car manufacturing. It's no small feat, particularly if you consider the American automobile industry's rich and diverse history. Produced all the way between 1957 and 2020, the Impala is such a classic it's already considered American folklore! But what is it that makes it so special?
The early models of the Impala boasted a distinguishable triple taillight, and I6/V8 engine, an automatic/manual 2/3-speed transmission, and a two-door convertible/hardtop body. As you can see, there was no shortage of options when it came to buying an Impala, a vehicle that's as elegant and reliable as it's versatile.
Chevrolet Corvette
Affectionately known as the 'Vette, the Chevrolet Corvette is arguably one of the world's most beloved sports cars. In the '60s, the Corvette was made popular after appearing in the TV series Route 66. From then on, riding a Corvette was a little bit like living the American Dream: the automobile was synonymous with adventure, high-performance, and the thrills of the open road.
Produced between 1953 and 2020, there are eight generations of the 'Vette for all of us to enjoy. A two-door classic, the Corvette resisted for over 60 years without ever being left behind by its competition. It's an ever-evolving engineering feat, and America just loves it!
Dodge Coronet
In the late '40s, the first model of the Dodge Coronet was introduced. It was the aftermath of World War II, and the Coronet boasted the typical postwar body style design that was so popular around the U.S. But in the '60s, the Coronet was revitalized and turned into a B-body type of car that resembled the Dodge Polara.
When the 5th-generation Dodge Coronet made its debut in 1965, it became Dodge's best-selling vehicle of the year, with over 209K units sold. A racing version of this particular Coronet model was heavily used in competitive organized drag racing at the time.
Oldsmobile Cutlass
The Oldsmobile Cutlass made such an impact in the '60s that it didn't take long before General Motors decided to turn the name 'Cutlass' into a sub-marque designation. The 1st-generation Cutlass was produced between 1961 and 1963 and featured a powerful engine that was either a Rockette V8 or a Turbo-Rocket turbocharged V8.
Also known as the F-85, the earliest model of the Cutlass was praised for its 0–60 mph time of 14.5 seconds and criticized for its slow steering and soft suspension. But even though the Oldsmobile Cutlass was not perfect, it did make a huge impact in the U.S. and was produced up until 1999.
Plymouth Valiant
Created in 1960 in the midst of an economic crisis at the heart of the Chrysler Corporation, the Valiant was the superhero compact automobile meant to keep the company afloat. Arguably the best-named car of the Swinging Sixties, the Valiant is exemplary in its durability and reliability.
It was also a great American export, making way to markets such as the Finnish, the Brazilian, and the South-African market. Despite its focus on practicality, the Valiant was still a beautiful car filled with delightful little details, such as its brand-styled trunk ornaments and innovative back-up tail lamps.
1968 Shelby GT500
A product of the combined efforts of the high-performance manufacturing divisions of Ford and Shelby, the Shelby GT500 is a beautiful sports car that still looks like one of the best things you could wish to have in your garage today. The 1968 model is particularly iconic, whether we're talking about the GT500KR convertible or the front-striped Cobra GT500.
This beautiful vehicle was inspired by the Ford Mustang and was built to fit the most demanding and passionate American drivers' needs. A speedster in both looks and design, the 1968 GT500 boasted a 428 7L V8 engine and several fiberglass body components.
1969 Mercury Cougar Eliminator
Produced by the now-defunct Mercury division at Ford, the Mercury Cougar is generally known as a stylish two-door coupé, even though many four-door Cougar versions were marketed between 1967 and 2002. But why have just a Mercury Cougar when you can get your hands on the one-and-only 1969 Mercury Cougar Eliminator?
A futuristic-looking car, the Cougar Eliminator preconized the then-upcoming decade of the '70s with a performance-focused optimism and an arrogance typical of the best sports vehicles. It featured a feline design, a performance-tuned suspension, a rear spoiler, and a front air dam. It's immediately distinguishable from the other Mercury Cougars due to its trademark body stripes and racing-inspired side mirrors.
1969 Pontiac Firebird
The capitalist economy is based on competition, and we can't really say that's a bad thing when we consider a high-class product like the Pontiac Firebird. This beautiful automobile was made so that General Motors could enter the pony car market with a bang and give a hard time to its competitors: the Ford Mustang and the Mercury Cougar.
Spanning four generations, the vehicle was produced between 1967 and 2002. The Firebird started as a laidback two-door coupé/convertible and became more and more extreme as the years flew by. In 1970, the Firebird looked like an American-made Ferrari; in 1977, the Firebird Trans Am's hood boasted an extravagant image of an eagle.
Plymouth GTX
Based on the Plymouth Belvedere, the GTX was a beautiful muscle car whose production lasted between 1966 and 1971. In total, 44,178 units of the GTX were produced in the U.S., with the vehicle being assembled in St. Louis, Missouri. A two-door design wonder with a black grille and fiberglass simulated hood scoops, the GTX was a definite looker!
Under the hood, this exquisite automobile was just as impressive. Boasting a 7L Hemi V8 or 7.2L RB V8 engine, the GTX counted with a remarkable 0–60 mph time of just 4.8 seconds, which was huge at the time!
Alfa Romeo 1750 GT Veloce
A distinctive member of the Alfa Romeo 105/115 Series Coupés family, the 1750 GT Veloce was a two-door coupé with a 1.8 L Twin Cam I4 engine that was first publically presented in January 1968. Production of the model started roughly one year before and lasted all the way until 1972.
If you're looking for an all-encompassing car, the 1750 GT Veloce is probably it: this exquisite vehicle combined high-performance, classy looks, and fine durability in one single package. Today, you can still grab one in the used market for about $60K.
1970 Plymouth Hemi 'Cuda
It's funny that a revisited and upgraded version of the timeless Plymouth Barracuda should be given a shorter name. Affectionately known as the Hemi 'Cuda, this 1970 machine was a beast of a speedster, reaching a top speed of 155 mph. Its 0–60 mph acceleration time was of just 5.8 seconds, much due to its powerful Hemi V8 engine.
A bonafide collector's item, this exquisite vintage car missed the Swinging Sixties by just a couple of months (it was released in 1970). Still, it was really the culmination of the evolution of the 1964 Plymouth Barracuda. Today, a 1971 Hemi 'Cuda in mint condition can cost as much as $1.9 million!
1969 Dodge Charger Daytona
The Dodge Charger Daytona was named after Daytona Beach in Florida, where the Daytona 500 NASCAR event still occurs. And as you've probably realized by now, this was a vehicle made for the race track. The 1969 Dodge Charger Daytona looked like a futuristic two-door coupé, even by today's terms.
But more than its unusual looks, this exquisite vehicle was impressive because of its specs. Powered by a 7.2L Magnum V8 engine, it was a 3/4-speed manual transmission track beast that made a habit of winning high-profile races in the late '60s, such as the inaugural 1969 Talladega 500 edition.
1968 Mercury Cougar
The late '60s automobile industry in the U.S. was huge, and top brands such as Mercury went out of their way to produce the most original, appealing, and sensational ad campaigns. One of the very best was the marketing strategy used to promote the 1968 Mercury Cougar, a top vehicle that was mostly marketed with the help of big cats!
The original Mercury Cougar ads even featured real live cougars, and the expression "to the sign of the cat" became a Mercury brand staple. As for the car per se, it was designed to be an aggressive but stylish automobile and to appeal to the most sophisticated American drivers.
Pontiac GTO
The Motor Trend Car of The Year in 1968, the Pontiac GTO is a proud engineering feat, and one of the best-known muscle/compact vehicles in the U.S. Production of the GTO spanned many decades, lasting between 1963 and 2006 (even though it was interrupted between 1974 and 2003).
Related to other top automobiles such as the Pontiac LeMans and the Chevrolet Chevelle, the original GTO was introduced in 1964. It boasted a 6.4/6.6L Pontiac V8 engine, as well as a perfectly styled A-body format. Hardtop and convertible versions of the GTO were also made available at the time of its release.
Dodge Super Bee
In 1968, Dodge decided to release a low-priced muscle car by the name of Super Bee. Even though the Dodge Super Bee was designed to fit every American budget, it's without a doubt a vehicle that will get you your money's worth! A B-body beauty featuring a head-turning design and usually painted with bright colors, the Super Bee featured a maximum of 425 horsepower and minimum torque of 425.
There were three different engines available in the 1st-generation Super Bee, all V8. By all means, a stylish collector's automobile, the Dodge Super Bee, can be bought for approximately $56K in today's market.
Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray
The Chevrolet Corvette wasn't far from perfect, but the 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray was still an improvement on the classic all-American vehicle. Speed was no issue when it came to the Sting Ray, but its stunning design is even more seductive than its powerful 2-speed Powerglide automatic transmission.
A sports coupé with a fastback design that's just lovely to look at, the Sting Ray boasted the perfect mix of luxury design, comfort, and European-styled elegance. It wowed drivers without overdoing it, and it still makes for one of the prettiest cars in the world.
Chevrolet Corvair Monza
An early '60s classic, the Chevrolet Corvair Monza was named after the beautiful Italian city of Monza, in the Lombardy region. And while this two-door coupé does look like something you'd take on a road trip around the Mediterranean, it is also an American classic with a Z-body platform and a Flat-6 engine.
Inspired by classic models of manufacturers such as Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, and Volkswagen, the Corvair Monza featured a 'quadri-flex' design with rear-incorporated independent suspension arms and four-wheel coil springs. Production of the 1st-generation Chevrolet Corvair Monza lasted between 1959 and 1964.
1960 Cadillac Eldorado
A twelve-generation classic, the Cadillac Eldorado is one of the finest personal luxury cars of America. If not for its pristine reputation, at least for its praise-worthy longevity: this charmer of a vehicle was produced for precisely 50 years, between 1952 and 2002.
The 1960 Eldorado was created by the legendary American automotive designer Chuck Jordan and featured a C-body platform, a 390 cu in (6.4 L) OHV V8 engine, and a 4-speed Hydra-Matic transmission. Assembled in Detroit, Michigan, the 4th-generation Cadillac Eldorado introduced many changes to its 1957 counterpart, including a full-width grille, lower tailfins, and optional cloth and leather combinations.
1968 Chevrolet El Camino
While pickup trucks do have their fans, they don't normally make for the prettiest cars on the market. Unless, of course, we're talking about the original Chevrolet El Camino, which was a glowing beauty of a pickup. But the most popular El Camino in the '60s was perhaps the 3rd-generation 1968 El Camino, which can be described as a four-door coupé/station wagon.
Made on top of an A-body pickup platform, the El Camino was popularized as an ideal vehicle for traveling. It was one of those rare '60s products that offered style and practicality in equal amounts.
1969 BMW 2002
German automakers are among the world's finest, especially if we're talking about BMW. The iconic company is responsible for producing some of the world's most remarkable vehicles, and that unshakable reputation is more than a recent fad.
Back in 1966, the guys at BMW were already producing excellence, with the 1969 BMW 2002 being a great example. Described as a compact executive, the BMW 2002 was given 11 different sub-names between 1966 and 1977. It generally featured an M10 I4 engine and an FR layout. It was followed-up by the equally fine cars of the BMW 3 Series.
1969 Chevrolet Camaro Super Sports Coupé
Also known as the 'Chevy Camaro '69 or the Chevy Camaro SS, the Chevrolet Camaro Super Sports Coupé was given a sportier look due to the inclusion of sheet metal materials and a redesigned grille. All things considered, it made for a more beautiful and powerful upgrade to the 1968 Camaro RS 327.
An exclusive 206 special unit of the 'Chevy Camaro '69 included four-wheel disc brakes with four-piston calipers and made for a fine racing vehicle. Even though the 'Chevy Camaro was produced in 1969, production delays forced Chevrolet to sell many Camaro '69s as 1970 models.
1967 Mercedes-Benz 280 SL
A product of the 2nd-generation Mercedes-Benz SL-Class, the Mercedes-Benz 280 SL was manufactured between 1968 and 1971. It was the successor of the equally beautiful but not as powerful 230 SL and 250 SL. Three designers were involved in creating the model: the automobile designers Paul Bracq and Friedrich Geiger and the Austro-Hungarian inventor/engineer Béla Barényi.
Built on top of the Mercedes-Benz W113 platform, the 280 SL boasted a 2.8 L M130 I6 engine and a 5-speed manual transmission. The 280 SL was followed by the 350 SL, the first SL-Class vehicle to feature a V8 engine.
1965 Pontiac GTO
The 1965 Pontiac GTO was 100 pounds heavier than its predecessor, the 1st-generation GTO, but the extra weight made a big difference. The two-door hardtop came with characteristic stacked quad headlights, heavy-duty shocks, and a completely redesigned dashboard.
A beauty to look at, the Pontiac GTO was also a high-performance speedster and a 1965 favorite. It featured an impressive 0–60 mph acceleration time of just 5.8 seconds and an observed top speed of 114 mph. This exquisite model is said to have been imitated countless times, both by General Motors and its competitors.
Ferrari 250 GT Lusso
There's no doubt the 250 GT Lusso is one of the greatest sports cars in Ferrari's catalog. Considered to be one of the most elegant Ferrari's ever made, the 250 GT Lusso is both understated and luxurious.
Between 1962 and 1964, an exclusive 351 GT Lusso's were assembled in a Modena facility. This amazing speedster came with an incredible Colombo V12 engine that was just too much for the competition to bear. That's probably why it became so valuable: in today's market, you'll need to invest at least $1.2 million to get your hands on this beauty.
Shelby Cobra 427
A bonafide racing car, the Shelby Cobra 427 looks like a one-of-a-kind vehicle. Classic Cobra 427 models often boast a beautiful blue paint job with some stylish white stripes over the hood. But more than a charmer, the Cobra 427 was a remarkable engineering feat.
Inspired by the AC Cars' AC Cobra, the Cobra 427 was designed in Detroit, in collaboration with Ford. The competition Cobra 427 makes for one of the most presentable cars on our list: its elegant round-shaped design was enough to turn it into an instant Shelby classic.
1961 Jaguar E-Type
A classic automobile with a 150 mph top speed and a 0–60 mph acceleration time of fewer than seven seconds. Remarkably, Jaguar was able to produce a car this fast in 1961. But if there's anyone who knows speed, that's Jaguar. The E-Type was produced for roughly 15 years, up until 1975, and was based on the Jaguar D-Type.
A three-time champion of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the D-Type was a hard car to follow. But the E-Type made for more than a decent successor. When it was first presented in 1961, Enzo Ferrari called it "the most beautiful car ever made."
Ferrari 250 GTO
A luxury brand, Ferrari is known for producing exclusive and ultra-expensive automobiles. But the Ferrari 250 GTO is on a whole other level. After all, only 36 of these beauties are said to have been produced between 1962 and 1964. And that makes it a $48.4 million car in today's market!
But there's more than just rareness to this fantastic Ferrari. It also features an extensively complex V12 powerhouse of an engine, a 5-speed manual transmission, and a 7,500 rpm power output. Motor Trend Classic magazine named it the greatest Ferrari of all-time.
1964 Ferrari 250 GTO
There are so few Ferrari 250 GTOs in the world that it's hard to believe the model was given an updated design in 1964. But this renewed version of the 250 GTO came with a brand-new 5575GT chassis and several variances in vent configuration. The changes to the vehicle's bodywork had one simple goal: to increase aerodynamic efficiency.
The engineers Mauro Forghieri and Mike Parkes were tasked with the tough job of turning the original Ferrari 250 GTO into an even better car, and guess what? They pulled it off! In 1964, this high-performance speedster landed an overall Daytona win with drivers Phil Hill and Pedro Rodriguez on the wheel.
1962 Alfa Romeo Giulia Spider
Italians don't just get to spend the whole day on the race track. Like everybody else, they also need to drive their kids to school and get some groceries. So, let's take a break from all the expensive Ferrari's and crazy-fast sports cars to focus on the Alfa Romeo Giulia Spider, a 1962 beauty marketed as a family vehicle.
A large car with enough room for the kids, the Giulia Spider was produced between 1962 and 1978 and became a European classic. With a four-door notchback saloon/estate body style, the Giulia Spider was still a more-than-decent performer, boasting 110 hp and a 5-speed manual transmission.
1963 Mini
Automobile fans love cars for their special extras, flashy designs, and bold features. But if you're looking for something that's just practical and affordable, the Mini is probably the perfect pick. In 1963, the Mini was a no-nonsense kind of vehicle that made for an extremely reliable product.
Yet, the 1963 Mini did hit the race track on more than one occasion. It was hardly the fastest model globally, with a 13 second 0–60 mph acceleration time. But its sharp steering and handling were so good that it was impossible not to enjoy the ride.
1966 Datsun 1600
The Datsun 1600 was first introduced in the 1964 Tokyo Motor Show. It was a beautiful roadster that made for a perfect upgrade of its predecessor, the Datsun 1500. At first glance, the Datsun 1600 makes for a beautiful two-door convertible that just inspires us to drop everything and go for a road trip to the beach.
But more than a perfect companion for the sunny days, this Japanese classic was a high-performer. It was powered by a 1.6 L R16 I4 engine and a 4-speed synchromesh manual transmission. The Datsun 1600 is said to have inspired the Nissan Silvia CSP311 line of sports coupés.
1969 Oldsmobile 442
The Oldsmobile 442 is a fine car with a wide and characteristically styled hood that makes for one of the prettiest Oldsmobiles around. The 1969 Oldsmobile 442 was very similar to its 1968 predecessor, except it featured a division tooth between the grilles and wing windows and tail lights' trunk lid inlets.
A 3/4-speed manual transmission-controlled machine, the 442 boasted a 7.5L/6.6L V8 engine. The Oldsmobile 442 was produced between 1968 and 1972, which marks the timeline of the 442 2nd-generation models. It featured both convertible and hardtop editions.
1969 AMC AMX
When the AMC AMX was introduced to the world in 1968, AMC highlighted its one-of-a-kind short wheelbase. Built on the AMC's "junior cars" platform and designed as a beautiful two-door coupé, the AMX included an FR layout and was manufactured up until 1970.
Thanks to its AMC V8 engine, a modified version of the original AMX was able to set new world speed and endurance records at a Goodyer's Texas track. The occasion featured the legendary American race driver Craig Breedlove and made for the perfect promotional event. Today, you can get a classic 1969 AMC AMX for roughly $35K, depending on its condition.