The 1960s witnessed many novel inventions and legendary vehicles. These timeless automotive industry classics remain iconic figures featured in pop culture and other industries. This era saw the rise of muscle cars and other grand tourers accompanied by fancy and luxurious designs. During these times, manufacturers strived to create powerful engines and variants to climb up the ladder, consolidating their position in the industry. Here are 15 classic ’60s cars that still turn heads today:
Ford Mustang
The Ford Mustang has been in production since 1964 and stands as a hallmark of consistency, excellence, and commitment by the Ford engineers. Ford’s first and foremost goal was to deliver a sustainable vehicle that would be widely popular among the masses. No one knew that the Ford Mustang would go down in automotive history as the first generation of exquisite ‘pony’ cars. The stylish design consisting of a long hood and short deck appealed to the masses, who enjoyed the powerful V8 engine.
Chevrolet Camaro
One the most popular pony cars in the 1960s, the Chevrolet Camaro came with a novel rear wheel drive. This convertible shared its F body platform with the Pontiac Firebird, and attempts were continually made to upgrade the turbo engine. Its base engine was an inline six with V8 also offered as an option delivering intense speed, reaching 60 mph in 8 seconds. Even though it was criticized in Ralph Nader’s book, ‘Unsafe At Any Speed,’ it did not hinder the vehicle’s popularity, which has thrived with its fifth generation.
Dodge Charger
The Dodge Charger, manufactured in 1966, has over eight generations, which makes it one of the leading vehicles in the automotive industry. It has been featured in the movie series Fast and Furious, making it a memorable icon. Marketed as a luxurious sports car, it sold over 96,100 units by 1970. The vehicle, which was based on the Chrysler B platform, had an aerodynamic shape, winning most of the NASCAR races in the late 1960s. The popularity of this car has not yet diminished, which is reflected in the high prices at auctions.
Shelby Cobra
The Shelby Cobra was first manufactured in 1962 and has become a collector’s item today. It was produced by a collaboration between British manufacturer AC Cars and American automotive designer Shelby Caroll. Compared to other cars of its time, the Shelby had a lightweight design and aesthetic appeal. In terms of its performance, the V8 engine, equipped with both the 289 and 427 models, with a broader body, became very famous.
Ferrari 250 GTO
The Ferrari 250 GTO, produced for only two years, from 1962 to 1964, left an indelible mark in the automotive industry. In terms of collection, it is very rare, as there are only 34 units available in the world. The robust V12 engine and the design by Giotto Bizzarrini made this luxurious vehicle stand out on racetracks. In present times, this vehicle never fails to turn heads and will always be adored for its racing capabilities.
Lamborghini Miura
The Lamborghini Miura, which was launched in 1966, is often considered the world’s first supercar. Marcello Gandini of Bertone innovated the mid-engine layout that broke off tradition and a body with an eye-catching design. The Miura attained an incredible speed due to a powerful V-12 3.9-liter engine. Its smooth aerodynamic shape captivated the imagination of people immediately after it was unveiled to them. However, only 764 were made, which has led to its rarity and being sought by many.
Porsche 911
Exceptional inventions are fostered by innovation, but some criticism also accompanies them. Porsche 911, also known as the Porsche classic, was launched in 1964 with a rear engine layout that would be unique in its time. It differed from the front-engine configuration, turning this ‘wrong’ engine placement into a legendary race car. However, there were so many doubts and skepticism attached to it. The Porsche 911, which initially had stability issues, finally perfected itself and had around 375 horsepower.
Chevrolet Corvette C1
When competition increased from the European markets in terms of sports cars, the Chevrolet Corvette C1 was a solid response. No one would predict its success due to the backlash it had faced initially, primarily due to its fiberglass body and weak performance. This was fixed after its engine was revamped in 1955, which led to its appearance on many television shows. Its association with racing has gained enough traction to become the only two-seat sports car produced by a United States auto manufacturer, making it ‘America’s Sports Car’.
Pontiac GTO
Credited to be the first muscle car in America, the Pontiac GTO popularised this category in the market. The outstanding V8 engine generated more horsepower compared to other vehicles of its age. In the 1960s, the Pontiac LeMans had also emerged, another variation of it that turned numerous heads and left a rich legacy. The bold style of this vehicle urged other manufacturers to follow in the same footsteps and create more robust and faster muscle vehicles. It grabbed the attention of the youth, who were very impressed at the 335 horsepower it generated and its acceleration speed.
Aston Martin DB5
This model of the Aston Martin has a separate ‘James Bond’ page dedicated to it on Wikipedia after it was driven in Goldfinger by Sean Connery. The DB5 Vantage was released in 1964 and soon became an extravagant icon because it was featured in movies and pop culture. This model had revised camshaft profiles and was equipped with three Weber carburetors. The version remade for the James Bond movie sought help from ZF Friedrichshafen for the engine and Connolly Leather for the luxurious interior. The aluminum engine generated 325 bhp with a top speed of approximately 233kmph.
Volkswagen Beetle
This list would be incomplete without the mention of the Volkswagen Beetle, launched in the early 1938s but gained significant popularity in the 1960s. It was the first company to sell over 20 million units, and to this day, anyone would recognize the Beetle instantly, be it on the road or via media. The unique shape of the vehicle, marked by rounded contours, has always been debated for its quirky structure. The veteran car offers a moderate speed and a pleasant experience on the road.
Jaguar E-Type
The Jaguar E type, launched in 1961, impressed everyone with its novel design by Malcolm Slayer, as it did not have a ladder frame chassis. This design had the front subframe supporting all the main parts of a car, such as the engine, front suspension, and front bodywork, attached to the body tub directly. In addition, the vehicle has a robust 3.8-liter inline-six engine, which soon became a favorite for all sports car enthusiasts. It was famously called “the most beautiful car ever made” by Enzo Ferrari.
Toyota 2000GT
The Japanese automotive industry has a rich automotive history, and the Toyota 2000GT, in collaboration with Yamaha, is often considered its first supercar. Launched in 1967, only 351 units were manufactured, making it a scarce and valuable car. The engineering excellence is marked by its compact design, disc brakes, and limited-slip differential. Moreover, the vehicle featured in the James Bond film “You Only Live Twice” increased its appeal as a memorable icon.
Nissan Fairlady Z
The Nissan Fairlady Z, also known as the Datsun 240Z, had everything one required—dynamic handling, exhilarating performance, and a stylish design. When it arrived in 1969, it took the market by storm and offered a 2.4-litre inline-six engine delivering impressive speed. This vehicle goes down in history as the flag bearer to popularise Nissan as a serious competitor in sports cars.
Ford GT40
The Ford GT40 was popular throughout the 1960s for its phenomenal performance at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, securing first place for four straight years from 1966 to 1969. Built to rival the Ferrari, the GT40 showcased exceptional performance with 300 horsepower and a 174 mph top speed. The strong V8 engine, coupled with the vehicle’s sleek and aerodynamic design, makes it a formidable icon in the automotive industry to this day.
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