There’s something undeniably enchanting about classic cars: Their chrome-laden exteriors, curvaceous bodies, and the unmistakable scent of old leather seats. But when it comes to tech, most people assume these vintage beauties are as technologically advanced as a rotary phone. However, appearances can be deceiving. Despite their old-school charm, some classic cars were hiding surprisingly high-tech secrets under their hoods and dashboards. Here are 16 such cars.
1967 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray
When you think of the ’67 Corvette Stingray, you probably envision its iconic split rear window or the roaring V8 engine. But what many people overlook is its tech-savvy dashboard. This Corvette was equipped with a full suite of analog gauges that could make any pilot feel at home, complete with an integrated tachometer and an electric clock. The real showstopper? Its fiber-optic light monitoring system was groundbreaking for the era. It ensured drivers knew their lighting systems’ functionality—a precursor to the modern car’s dashboard light indicators.
Citroën DS (1955-1975)
The Citroën DS wasn’t just a car but an alien spaceship masquerading as a sedan. Launched in 1955, the DS featured hydraulic suspension, power steering, and power brakes—practically unheard of. The DS’s suspension system allowed the car to “self-level,” adjusting to road conditions and providing an unbelievably smooth ride. And let’s not forget the directional headlights that swiveled with the steering, which is a feature that still impresses in modern cars. The DS was so advanced that it might as well have come with a manual titled “How to Survive on Earth for Extraterrestrials.”
1963 Chrysler Turbine Car
Imagine telling your friends you drive a car powered by a jet engine—sounds futuristic, right? That’s precisely what Chrysler did with the 1963 Turbine Car. This limited-production marvel ran on a gas turbine engine, which could burn virtually any combustible liquid. While the car never made it to total production, Chrysler even dared to create such a thing, a testament to the era’s boundary-pushing spirit. The Turbine Car’s high-tech dashboard was a nod to aviation, featuring unique gauges and switches that looked borrowed from a fighter jet.
Mercedes-Benz 600 (1963-1981)
The Mercedes-Benz 600 was the car of choice for world leaders, celebrities, and dictators alike—not just because of its luxury but also because of its advanced technology. This “Grosser Mercedes” came equipped with a complex hydraulic system that controlled nearly every aspect of the car, from the windows to the sunroof and even the trunk lid. The suspension was equally advanced, featuring air springs that could adjust the ride height. The car was so over-engineered that owners needed a Ph.D. to change a lightbulb.
Cadillac Eldorado Brougham (1957): The King of Convenience
If there was ever a car that epitomized ’50s excess, it was the 1957 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham. This car wasn’t just about flashy looks; it was also packed with cutting-edge technology. The Eldorado Brougham featured memory seats, a signal-seeking radio, and an automatic starter. But the pièce de résistance was its magnetic ride control, which adjusted the suspension to ensure a smooth ride, no matter what. It also came with a built-in cocktail set and a cigarette dispenser because nothing says “high-tech,” like the ability to mix a martini on the go.
1969 Ford Thunderbird
The 1969 Ford Thunderbird was dubbed a “personal luxury car,” it took this title seriously. The T-Bird came with an optional “Tilt-Away” steering wheel, which automatically swung to the side when you opened the door, making it easier to get in and out—especially after indulging in a few too many martinis from your Cadillac Eldorado Brougham. It also featured sequential turn signals, adding a touch of jet-age flair to this already futuristic cruiser.
Aston Martin Lagonda (1976-1990)
The Aston Martin Lagonda might look like a geometry teacher designed it, but its interior was pure science fiction. This luxury sedan featured a futuristic digital dashboard that looked like it belonged on the set of “Star Wars.” The dashboard included digital readouts and touch-sensitive buttons, which were revolutionary then. It also had a complex trip computer, one of the first of its kind, that could calculate fuel consumption and estimated arrival times. The Lagonda was so ahead of its time that owners often joked they needed a degree in computer science to operate it.
1981 DeLorean DMC-12
Okay, maybe it’s not entirely fair to include the DeLorean DMC-12 without mentioning “Back to the Future,” but this car was more than just a time machine. Underneath its stainless-steel body, the DeLorean was equipped with advanced technology. It featured a cutting-edge electronic fuel injection system and a unique gull-wing door mechanism that was more high-tech than most cars on the road. While it might not have traveled through time, the DMC-12 was undoubtedly ahead of it.
BMW 7 Series E23 (1977-1986)
The first-generation BMW 7 Series set the standard for tech-laden luxury sedans. Introduced in 1977, the E23 came equipped with a suite of electronics that would make any gadget geek drool. This included an onboard computer providing fuel efficiency data, a service interval indicator, and an optional anti-lock braking system (ABS). The E23 was a rolling showcase of German engineering, proving that luxury and technology could coexist harmoniously.
1970 Citroën SM
Another entry from the house of Citroën, the SM combined French style with Italian power, thanks to its Maserati V6 engine. But the real magic was in its hydraulics. The SM featured self-leveling suspension, power-assisted brakes, and variable-assist power steering. The headlights were also ahead of time, automatically adjusting based on the car’s speed and direction. Driving the Citroën SM was like piloting a luxury spaceship—smooth, responsive, and with just a hint of “what planet is this from?”
1984 Corvette C4
The 1984 Corvette C4 radically departed from its predecessors, embracing a sleek, aerodynamic design and a fully digital dashboard. The C4’s cockpit resembled a fighter jet, with an array of digital gauges and a multi-function display that showed everything from fuel levels to G-forces. It was a car that looked to the future, even if some of its tech proved too ambitious for its time. Still, for ’80s car enthusiasts, the C4 epitomizes high-tech cool.
1985 Saab 9000
Saab has always been known for its quirky, aircraft-inspired designs; the 9000 was no exception. This Swedish sedan featured a turbocharged engine, an advanced climate control system, and one of the first trip computers that offered real-time data on fuel consumption and average speed. It even had an optional anti-lock braking system, which was cutting-edge then. The Saab 9000 was like a Volvo with a Ph.D.—practical, safe, and surprisingly tech-savvy.
1966 Oldsmobile Toronado
The 1966 Oldsmobile Toronado was a pioneer in more ways than one. It was the first American car to feature front-wheel drive since the 1930s, which was a big deal then. But that’s not all—this sleek muscle car also came with various high-tech features, including a torsion bar suspension and a unique, flat floor design that provided more interior space. The Toronado’s tech didn’t stop at the mechanical level; it also featured a vacuum-operated hidden headlight system that added a touch of James Bond flair.
Porsche 959 (1986-1988)
The Porsche 959 was a supercar that could have easily been mistaken for a space station. Launched in 1986, this technological marvel featured an all-wheel-drive system years ahead and a twin-turbocharged engine that could propel the car to 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds. The 959 also had an electronically adjustable suspension, which allowed drivers to choose between different ride heights and levels of stiffness. This car didn’t just push the envelope; it shredded it.
1989 Lexus LS 400
The 1989 Lexus LS 400 was Japan’s answer to the luxury sedans of Europe, and it came packed with technology to back up its ambitions. The LS 400 featured a buttery-smooth V8 engine, a state-of-the-art sound system, and a sophisticated climate control system. But the real kicker was its active noise control system, which used microphones and speakers to cancel out unwanted sounds, making the cabin as quiet as a library. It was so advanced that many people couldn’t believe it was a Toyota product.
1963 Studebaker Avanti
The Studebaker Avanti was a car that looked like it was from another planet, and its technology was equally out of this world. This fiberglass-bodied coupe featured front disc brakes—practically unheard of in American cars at the time. It also had a supercharged engine that could produce up to 290 horsepower, making it one of the fastest cars of its day. The Avanti’s tech didn’t stop there; it also featured a roll bar, padded dash, and optional air conditioning—making it one of the most forward-thinking cars of the early ‘60s.
14 Supercars Under $100K That Deliver Breathtaking Speed and Style
When you think of supercars, names like Ferrari, Lamborghini, and McLaren often come to mind, along with their staggering price tags. However, high-performance vehicles aren’t exclusively reserved for the super-rich. There exists a sweet spot where speed, style, and (relatively) sensible pricing converge, offering thrilling rides without completely obliterating your bank account. Hop in as we explore 14 underrated supercars under $100K.
14 Supercars Under $100K That Deliver Breathtaking Speed and Style
