15 Vintage Cars From the 60s That Still Command Attention
To some, cars over three decades old are tagged outdated or ugly due to their shapes and design. But compared to recent vehicles that look like they’re from the same design template, vintage cars have more appeal with sky-high bids at auctions. Here are 15 cars from the ’60s that still look awesome and stand out on the road.
Jaguar E-Type (1961)
When the Jaguar E-Type debuted in Geneva, its appearance drew gasps and “wows” from the audience. It had sleek, aerodynamic curves and smooth lines, with an unusually long and low bonnet. Even Enzo Ferrari called it “the most beautiful car ever made.” With such looks, it wasn’t surprising to Steve McQueen and George Harrison behind the wheel.
Mini Cooper (1961)
The Mini Cooper became famous for changing America’s perspective on compact cars. Besides looks, it was surprisingly quick for its size. It stunned the world by winning the Monte Carlo Rally in 1964, ’65, and ’67. Its unique design and racing history made it the perfect cast in the 1969 version of the film, “The Italian Job.”
Ferrari 250 GTO (1962)
Ferrari built the stunning GTO for racing in 1962. To complement its looks, the engineers installed a 300-HP V12 engine that could reach 174 mph. The GTO dominated motorsport, winning the FIA World GT Championship from 1962 to 1964. However, Ferrari built only 36 units to meet FIA regulations. Notably, Ralph Lauren and David MacNeil are proud owners.
Shelby Cobra (1962)
In 1962, legendary racer Carroll Shelby merged American power with the aggressive styling of British sports cars to create the Shelby Cobra. The lightweight aluminum-bodied vehicle had a Ford V8 built for racing. It’s not surprising that a 1965 Shelby Cobra 427 was America’s fastest car for years. Today, Shelby Cobras are rare beauties and highly sought-after collectibles.
Chevrolet Corvette Stingray (1963)
Chevrolet’s 1963 Corvette Stingray is one of America’s most recognizable sports cars because it has a sleek design inspired by the mako shark. This vehicle stood out because it looked different—its rear window was split in two. The Stingray wasn’t just a show-off; it had powerful 250-, 300-, 340-, and 360-HP V8s that complemented its look.
Aston Martin DB5 (1963)
007 loved Aston Martins because they were sophisticated. Besides its class and elegance, this sleek DB5 was also fast, it had a 282-HP engine and a top speed of about 145 mph. Its most famous role was as James Bond’s car in “Goldfinger” and “Thunderball” and has become one of the most sought-after Aston Martins worldwide.
Ford Mustang (1964)
Ford named the Mustang after the WWII P-51 Mustang fighter plane, and its release made America fall in love with performance cars. The carmaker sold over one million units in 18 months after successfully launching at the New York World’s Fair. With a sporty design and V8 engines, it appealed to a wide audience.
Porsche 911 (1964)
In 1966, one of the first 911s in the US made history by winning its class at the 24 Hours of Daytona. This unexpected victory by Jack Ryan, Lin Coleman, and Bill Bencker established the 911’s racing pedigree, making it more popular. As expected, a car with the sleek Touring Superleggera coachwork would have a vintage appeal.
Ford GT40 (1964)
At some point in the ’60s, Ferrari’s Le Mans dominance drove Ford to build their endurance racer. The GT40 was the perfect competitor! This aerodynamic beast won the Le Mans four straight times from 1966 to 1969 after a historic victory at the Daytona 2000 km Continental. Decades after its release, this legendary car still has its appeal.
Dodge Charger (1966)
America could finally have a top-of-the-range muscle when Dodge released the Charger in 1966. It had a powerful Hemi engine and distinct fastback styling with hidden headlights. It has remained popular thanks to silver screen appearances, such as a chase scene with Steve McQueen in “Bullitt” and as General Lee in “The Dukes of Hazzard.”
Lamborghini Miura (1966)
Rod Stewart’s eventual car was a bold move by the company’s engineers against Ferruccio Lamborghini’s wishes. After launching in 1966, the Lamborghini Miura became the world’s first supercar. This exotic vehicle set the standard for high-performance sports cars with its mid-engine layout. For those curious, the Miura wasn’t destroyed on the set of “The Italian Job.”
Alfa Romeo Spider (1966)
Many remember this car as Dustin Hoffman’s vehicle in “The Graduate.” But the Alfa Romeo Spider is still stuck in our memory because the legendary Pininfarina designed its “cuttlefish bone” shape. Decades after its debut at the Geneva Motor Show, the Spider is one of the coolest ’60s sports cars with its Italian elegance and charm.
Toyota 2000GT (1967)
Japan’s first supercar was the Toyota 2000GT, which appeared in James Bond’s “You Only Live Twice.” The 2000GT wowed audiences with its sleek curves, pop-up headlights, and a 2.0-liter straight-six engine. It also had advanced features like four-wheel independent suspension and magnesium alloy wheels. There are less than 350 units of this rare classic worldwide.
Chevrolet Camaro (1967)
Chevrolet launched this Camaro to compete against the Ford Mustang, which was getting much attention. The carmaker put much effort into its design to get an aggressive and stylish look. To attract more people, it had the RS and SS trims with engine options like a 140-HP inline-six and V8s producing up to 375 HP.
BMW 2002 (1968)
When BMW wanted to redefine the brand’s identity as a maker of stylish sporty cars, it launched the BMW 2002 in 1968. This vehicle had a compact design and a 2.0-liter M10 engine producing 100 HP. It has a two-door configuration, which is reflected in its name (“2002” stands for a two-liter engine and two-door body).