When they first rolled out of factories, some cars were dismissed as awkward, flawed, or flat out failures. Critics and buyers alike mocked their styling, performance, or engineering. Yet over time, many of those very same cars earned cult followings and became icons. What was once ridiculed is now celebrated, often because the quirks that doomed them in the marketplace made them unforgettable in the long run. These ten classics are perfect examples of cars that were lambasted in their day but turned out to be far better, and far cooler, than most people realized.
DeLorean DMC 12
The DeLorean DMC 12 arrived in the early 1980s with enormous hype, but its reception quickly soured. Critics complained about its underwhelming performance, soft handling, and high price tag. Many felt that the stainless steel body and gullwing doors were little more than gimmicks disguising a mediocre car. Yet time has completely reshaped the DeLorean’s reputation. Its starring role in Back to the Future cemented it as one of the most recognizable cars in pop culture. Today collectors appreciate its bold styling, its rarity, and the sheer audacity of John DeLorean’s vision. What was once dismissed as a slow, odd looking coupe has become a beloved cult classic worth far more than when it was new.
Porsche 914
When Porsche launched the 914 in partnership with Volkswagen, purists were quick to scoff. The car’s modest power output and boxy, unconventional styling drew harsh criticism, and it was dismissed as a budget Porsche for those who could not afford a 911. For years it carried the stigma of being the “cheap” Porsche, overshadowed by its iconic siblings. Over time, however, enthusiasts began to appreciate what the 914 truly offered. Its mid engine layout gave it superb balance, its light weight made it nimble and engaging, and its affordability made it accessible to drivers who wanted Porsche handling without the sky high price tag. Today, restored examples are celebrated for their honesty and fun, proving that the critics were too quick to judge.
AMC Gremlin
The AMC Gremlin was one of the easiest targets for ridicule in the 1970s. With its chopped hatchback shape and reputation as a budget runabout, the Gremlin was mocked as one of the ugliest cars ever built. Yet it sold surprisingly well and has since gained cult status among enthusiasts who love its quirky personality. The Gremlin was actually practical for its size, reasonably reliable, and offered with a variety of engines, including a V8 that made it a true sleeper. Today the very design that made it a punchline is what makes it stand out at car shows. Instead of being remembered as a failure, it is now cherished as one of the more unique and daring cars of its era.
Ferrari Mondial 8
The Ferrari Mondial 8 was savaged when it debuted in the early 1980s. Critics slammed it for being slow compared to other Ferraris, too heavy, and lacking the exotic styling expected from the brand. It was even labeled by some as the worst Ferrari ever made. But perspective has softened those criticisms. The Mondial was the only Ferrari of its era to offer four seats, making it a practical exotic for families who wanted to share the experience. It still had a glorious Ferrari V8 soundtrack, classic Italian design cues, and the exclusivity of a hand built car. Today, collectors are warming to the Mondial, drawn to its practicality, affordability compared to other Ferraris, and its role as an approachable entry point into Ferrari ownership.
BMW M1
The BMW M1 was intended to be BMW’s racing supercar, but regulatory changes derailed its motorsport ambitions, leaving critics unimpressed. Its high price and wedge shaped Italian styling confused traditional BMW buyers, and it struggled to find a clear market. At the time, it was seen as a misstep. Decades later, however, the M1 is recognized as one of BMW’s most important cars. It was the brand’s first true supercar, blending Italian design by Giugiaro with German engineering, and it laid the foundation for the entire M division. Its rarity, its stunning looks, and its motorsport DNA have made it one of the most desirable classic BMWs on the market today.
Jaguar XJS
Replacing the Jaguar E Type was never going to be easy, and the Jaguar XJS bore the brunt of that impossible task. Enthusiasts ridiculed it for being heavier, less sporty, and more focused on luxury than its predecessor. It lacked the raw sex appeal of the E Type and was quickly branded a disappointment. Yet the XJS went on to have an exceptionally long production run, during which buyers came to appreciate its smooth V12 power, graceful design, and long distance comfort. What once looked like a letdown is now celebrated as a refined grand tourer, a car that was never meant to be a sports car replacement but instead a stylish cruiser in its own right.
Chevrolet Corvair
The Chevrolet Corvair’s reputation was crushed in the 1960s when Ralph Nader’s book Unsafe at Any Speed accused it of being dangerously unstable. Public opinion turned quickly, and sales plummeted. For decades it was considered a black mark on Chevrolet’s history. Yet later safety studies showed that the Corvair was no more dangerous than other cars of its time, and enthusiasts began to re evaluate it. With its rear engine layout, innovative engineering, and surprisingly nimble handling, the Corvair was actually ahead of its time. Today it is recognized as one of the most interesting American cars ever built, offering a unique driving experience that separates it from the muscle car pack.
Lamborghini Jarama
Overshadowed by the Miura before it and the Countach after it, the Lamborghini Jarama was dismissed in the 1970s as heavy, awkwardly styled, and uninspiring. It never gained the glamorous reputation of its stablemates and was often forgotten in conversations about Lamborghini’s heritage. But in hindsight, the Jarama offers something rare: a front engine V12 Lamborghini grand tourer with understated styling and serious performance. Collectors now prize its rarity, its comfort compared to the more flamboyant Lamborghinis, and its undeniable presence. The Jarama has grown into a respected classic that proves not every Lamborghini needed to be radical to be desirable.
Pontiac Fiero
The Pontiac Fiero was one of the most mocked cars of the 1980s. Early models suffered from reliability problems and lacked the performance people expected from a mid engine sports car. It was seen as all style and no substance, and the reputation stuck. Yet Pontiac steadily improved the Fiero throughout its production, adding a V6 engine, refining the suspension, and addressing its flaws. By the time it reached its final years, the Fiero was a genuinely fun, innovative sports car. Today it is celebrated by enthusiasts as a unique American mid engine machine with huge potential for modifications. What was once a punchline is now admired for being ahead of its time.
Alfa Romeo Alfetta GT
When it debuted in the 1970s, the Alfa Romeo Alfetta GT was often criticized for its modest power and reputation for spotty reliability. It was overshadowed by more powerful and glamorous rivals, and many overlooked it entirely. Yet the Alfetta GT carried the brilliant transaxle layout that gave it superb balance, and its Giorgetto Giugiaro design was as sharp as anything on the road. Over time, drivers came to appreciate its handling, its rev happy engines, and the sheer charisma it delivered behind the wheel. What seemed like a flawed coupe at launch is now viewed as one of Alfa’s most engaging classics.
25 Facts About Car Loans That Most Drivers Don’t Realize
Car loans are one of the most common ways people fund car purchases. Like any other kind of loan, car loans can have certain features that can be regarded as an advantage or a disadvantage to the borrower. Understanding all essential facts about car loans and how they work to ensure that you get the best deal for your financial situation is essential. Here are 25 shocking facts about car loans that most drivers don’t realize:
25 Facts About Car Loans That Most Drivers Don’t Realize
