Modern car meets usually have the latest supercars, sleek hybrids, and enough horsepower to pull a freight train. Yet, despite all this, there’s a special place in every car enthusiast’s heart (and Instagram feed) for vintage beauties that make us all feel nostalgic and a tad envious. These classics are more than just relics of a bygone era; they’re rolling pieces of art, reminders of when cars had personalities, quirks, and stories to tell. Here are 12 vintage cars that steal the show at modern car meets.
Alfa Romeo GTV6 (1980-1986)
The Alfa Romeo GTV6 is the kind of car that makes you wish you could teleport back to the 1980s if only to see one of these cruising down the street in its prime. Sleek, with that classic wedge shape that screams “I’m faster than you think,” the GTV6 packs a 2.5-liter V6 engine that gives it a surprising amount of punch. This beauty isn’t all about looks, though—its rear-mounted transaxle gives it near-perfect weight distribution, making it a dream on winding roads. At modern car meets such as the Radwood events in Los Angeles and the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance, the GTV6 is often surrounded by people scratching their heads, wondering why they don’t see more of these on the road.
Volvo P1800 (1961-1973)
James Bond may have had his Aston Martin, but Simon Templar of The Saint had the Volvo P1800, and let’s say this Swedish beauty didn’t play second fiddle. The P1800 is a perfect blend of Scandinavian minimalism and Italian flair (thanks to its design being partially outsourced to Italy). Under the hood, it’s not a speed demon, but who cares when you look this good standing still? With its curvy body and distinct grille, the P1800 is the kind of car that turns heads and then keeps them turned. The car’s standout moment came when it won the Classic Car of the Year Award at the 2022 Retro Classics Show in Stuttgart, Germany. It’s often the understated star at car meets, where its long production run and over 47-year-old longevity records leave people wondering just what kind of engine oil they were using back in the ‘60s.
Citroën DS (1955-1975)
The Citroën DS looks like it was designed by someone who got tired of all the straight lines in other vehicles and decided to add some curves and bubbles for good measure. When this French goddess (the initials DS in French sounds like “Déesse,” which means goddess) debuted, it was like nothing the world had ever seen. Hydropneumatic suspension, futuristic styling, and headlamps that turned with the steering—this car was from the future. It’s from the past today, but it still looks like it belongs in a sci-fi movie. At car meets, like the Retromobile in Paris (2023) and the Goodwood Festival of Speed in the UK (2022), the DS is the car that gets people talking about how things were better in the old days, especially regarding design.
Datsun 510 (1968-1973)
The Datsun 510 is the classic example of a car that was once a humble grocery-getter but is now a legend on the track and at car meets. Often dubbed the “poor man’s BMW,” this little boxy beauty packs a lot of punch for its size, especially if you’ve got the 1.6-liter inline-four engine under the hood. The 510 is a popular choice for tuners so that you might see one at a car meet that’s been modified within an inch of its life, but even in its original form, the 510 has a charm that’s hard to resist. Notable car appearances include the 2019 Japanese Classic Car Show in Long Beach, California, and the 2022 Radwood event in Austin, Texas, where the 510 drew significant attention for its retro charm and racing potential. These events highlight a growing trend of appreciating vintage Japanese cars, with the Datsun 510 often stealing the spotlight due to its versatility and role in the rise of imported car culture.
Lancia Fulvia (1963-1976)
The Lancia Fulvia (1963-1976), particularly the Coupé variant, has recently been stealing the spotlight at modern car meets across Europe and the US. This classic Italian beauty is renowned for its advanced engineering and rallying pedigree. It has been turning heads at events like the Goodwood Revival (UK) in 2023 and the Concours d’Elegance at Pebble Beach (California) in 2022. Its lightweight design, front-wheel-drive layout, and narrow-angle V4 engine have made it a favorite among collectors and enthusiasts. At the 2023 Goodwood Revival, a beautifully restored 1969 Fulvia HF stole the show, reflecting its resurgence in popularity. Its elegant lines and motorsport heritage have led to a renewed appreciation, often outshining more modern exotics. The Fulvia’s charm lies in its vintage style and rally prowess blend, making it a star in the classic car scene.
AMC AMX (1968-1970)
When you think of American muscle cars, AMC might not be the first brand that comes to mind, but the AMX is here to change that. This two-seater powerhouse was a bit of a rebel in its day, with a 390-cubic inch V8 engine that could go from 0 to 60 mph in under seven seconds—a big deal back in the late ‘60s. At recent events like the 2023 Woodward Dream Cruise in Detroit and the Goodguys PPG Nationals in Ohio, the AMX has garnered significant attention. Its rarity (with only around 19,000 units produced over three years) and distinctive styling, including the signature “Big Bad” color options, make it a standout among more common muscle cars. If you’re lucky enough to see one, take a moment to appreciate it because the AMX is a rare sight these days.
Fiat 124 Spider (1966-1985)
The Fiat 124 Spider is like that charming foreign exchange student who comes to your school and instantly becomes the most popular kid. With its Pininfarina-designed body and rev-happy twin-cam engine, the 124 Spider has that Italian flair that’s hard to resist. It’s small and not the fastest car on the block, but that’s not the point. This little roadster is all about enjoying the ride, the wind in your hair, and a smile on your face. At events like the Goodwood Revival in the UK (2023) and the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance (2022) in California, the 124 Spider is often the one that people flock to for selfies.
Mazda Cosmo (1967-1972)
If you’re into cars with a bit of an eccentric flair, the Mazda Cosmo is your kind of ride. This was Mazda’s first rotary-engine car, and it shows—they threw everything into making the Cosmo something genuinely unique. At Recent car shows, like the 2023 Tokyo Auto Salon, the Cosmo is the car that got people talking about technology, engineering, and just how cool rotary engines are. With its sleek, spaceship-like design and crazy rotary engine purring under the hood, the Cosmo feels like it’s from another planet. It’s not common, making it all the more remarkable when you see one. Plus, it has that retro-futuristic vibe that makes you feel like you should wear a space suit when you drive it.
Peugeot 205 GTI (1984-1994)
The Peugeot 205 GTI, produced from 1984 to 1994, has become a standout star at modern car meets, cherished for its nimble handling and iconic 1980s design. Known for its 1.6L or 1.9L inline-four engines and lightweight build, the 205 GTI remains a favorite among car enthusiasts. At events like the Goodwood Festival of Speed in the UK and the Le Mans Classic in France, this classic hot hatch turns heads with its retro charm and driving purity blend. In recent years, it has also been a highlight at the Peugeot 205 GTI National Day in France, celebrating its enduring appeal. Participation in these gatherings underscores its status as a timeless symbol of driving pleasure and automotive history.
Triumph Stag (1970-1977)
The Triumph Stag is a car that, if it were a person, would be the life of the party—the one who shows up late and makes everyone else wonder why they even bothered. With its V8 engine and sleek yet muscular design, the Stag was meant to be the ultimate grand tourer. Unfortunately, it had a rough start with reliability issues, but those stuck with it were rewarded with a car that had aged like fine wine. Recent car appearances include the 2023 Goodwood Revival in West Sussex and the 2024 Retro Classics Show in Stuttgart. These meets showcase the Stag’s enduring appeal, with many owners restoring them to pristine condition.
BMW 2002 (1968-1976)
The BMW 2002 is the car that put BMW on the map as the maker of “the ultimate driving machine.” This iconic model, part of BMW’s “02 Series,” was initially celebrated for its sporty handling and classic design, earning it a cult following. In recent years, 2002 has become a highlight at events like the annual BimmerFest in California and the BMW Car Club of America (BMW CCA) Oktoberfest, held across various locations in the US Its appeal is bolstered by its racing heritage, including success in Group 2 racing. Classic car shows, such as the Goodwood Revival in the UK, also feature these models, showcasing their enduring popularity. The 2002’s resurgence is a testament to its timeless design and enthusiastic fanbase.
Alfa Romeo Spider (1966-1994)
No list of vintage cars would be complete without the Alfa Romeo Spider. This car is the very definition of a classic roadster, with its timeless design and free-spirited driving experience. Made famous by The Graduate, the Spider has an elegant and sporty look, with curves in all the right places. The Spider frequently shines at events like the Alfa Romeo National Convention and the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. In recent years, it has also made an impact at the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance, where its Italian flair and sleek lines draw admiration. The Spider’s appeal lies in its elegant Pininfarina design, advanced engineering for its time, and the joy of driving a quintessentially Italian roadster. Its participation at events across the US, including the Vintage Car Rally in Monterey and various local Alfa Romeo club meets, also underscores its enduring popularity and the ongoing appreciation for classic cars with a storied history.
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
