Back in the 1960s, These Were the Cars That Every Driver Wanted
When it comes to classic cars, the 1960s can't be beaten. It was a decade of style, expression, and roaring V8 engines that changed the course of automotive history. Below, you'll find the top 31 classic ‘60s cars that everyone wanted. See how many you recognize.
1961 Ford Thunderbird
Everybody knows the Ford Thunderbird, and back in 1961, everyone wanted one. It was a pure roadster vehicle, with a removable hardtop and unique “bullet bird” styling. It was so iconic that it even featured in JFK's inaugural parade, which took its popularity to new heights.
1961 Cadillac Sedan De Ville
Drivers in the ‘60s were all about self-expression, so of course, they loved the trendy Cadillac Sedan de Ville. It was more refined than the popular pony car, with elegantly tapered tail fins and a sleek, long body, and appealed greatly to luxury car enthusiasts.
1961 Chevrolet Impala
Where ‘50s cars were chrome-heavy and a bit bland, ‘60s classics like the Chevy Impala were fashionable trendsetters. People particularly adored the Impala’s bubble roof and sporty build, which made it a great addition to the emerging performance car market.
1962 Lotus Elan
The Lotus Elan hailed from the other side of the Atlantic, but it became such a success that units were shipped worldwide. It offered something different to the mainstream big ‘60s cars, with a lightweight build, agile handling, and a top-notch sports car engine.
1963 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray
Though the iconic Chevy Corvette first came out in 1955, the ‘63 Stingray was a great variant that embraced the aggressive ‘60s aesthetic that had taken over the industry. It also featured an exciting rear split window that people loved, proving that sports cars weren’t done evolving.
1964 Porsche 911
If you didn’t know already, you might be surprised to learn that the Porsche 911 was actually a ‘60s car. It was a mechanical marvel that inspired incredible design advancements, and people enjoyed having a good-looking car that they could also rely on to get around in.
1964 Aston Martin DB5
The Aston Martin DB5 roared onto roads and our screens (looking at you, James Bond) in 1964, so of course everybody wanted one. It was a thrilling ride that looked just as good off-screen, built on a bespoke coachbuilding platform that screamed “luxury”.
1965 Ford Mustang
In 1965, the automotive world changed forever. The ultimate muscle car was released, and drivers went wild for it. The original Ford Mustang was an affordable, everyday car that seamlessly blended European sophistication with American power, and it remains a classic to this day.
1965 Plymouth Barracuda
Like the Mustang, the Plymouth Barracuda also won hearts for its aggressive design and pony car power in 1965. It had a ‘60s classic V8 engine, which put it in a class above the cars of the 1950s. The Barracuda’s limited production also made its sales more competitive.
1965 Chevrolet Bel Air
It was described as a “mini Cadillac”, and the Chevrolet Bel Air certainly delivered on its promise. But despite its size, it was very powerful, and people were fascinated by the idea of owning such a sleek, stylish car as an everyday vehicle, particularly with its more luxurious aspects.
1965 Lincoln Continental
Any car with “suicide doors” might sound like one to avoid, but ‘60s drivers loved and bought the Lincoln Continental in droves. The design was innovative and fun, which was something consumers needed to stop them from getting bored, and it gave the Continental longevity.
1965 Jeep CJ-5
We sometimes stereotype the 1960s as a time of relaxed city living, but many people were enjoying off-road adventures. They needed a vehicle that could handle rough terrain and long journeys, so the highly durable, utilitarian Jeep CJ-5 was the perfect solution.
1965 Ford Shelby Mustang GT350
Ford didn’t waste any time capitalizing on the Mustang’s popularity, and the Shelby Mustang GT350 came out the same year. It was more of a machine than a car, with a race-inspired engine and rugged build that daredevils could enjoy in its original form.
1966 Buick Wildcat
Buick was a key contender in the 1960s horsepower war, and the ‘66 Wildcat was one of its most popular models. It looked great and had a powerful ‘Nailhead’ engine, but it was also affordable, comfortable, and surprisingly easy to drive, so it suited most people’s lives.
1966 Oldsmobile Toronado
The Oldsmobile Toronado made instant history in the ‘60s when it became the first American car since the 1930s with front-wheel-drive technology. Its star has faded a bit over time, but in its prime, it was a distinctive, trendy vehicle that became a bestseller.
1966 Alfa Romeo Spider
We know Alfa Romeo for its gorgeous Italian craftsmanship nowadays, but it was just as iconic 60 years ago. The ‘66 Spider was a revelation for lots of people because it was a lightweight, sporty option with capabilities far beyond the average city car.
1966 Pontiac GTO
After the Mustang’s overwhelming success, it’s no wonder that drivers went wild for the Pontiac GTO. It was another founding father of muscle cars, with a classic V8 engine and an entire performance package. Everyone wanted one, and Pontiac’s sales were through the roof.
1967 Mercury Cougar
We're not sure if Mercury knew they were onto a winner with the ‘67 Cougar, but it was a massive hit straightaway. It was the perfect middleman car for those who didn't want something too high-powered or luxurious, but still reliable and sophisticated.
1967 Chevrolet Camaro
What can't we say about the Chevrolet Camaro? It's still a legend today, but most people underestimate how influential it was in the 1960s. It was Chevrolet's answer to the Ford Mustang, and its good looks, durability, and low price made it insanely popular.
1967 Pontiac Firebird
Speaking of Mustang competitors, Pontiac released their own that same year: the Firebird. It established the beginning of a very successful legacy, and its initial low production only made buyers want it more, especially when it held its own against the Mustang.
1968 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme
It might look old now, but the Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme was a stylish icon in its heyday. It had the premium feel of a luxury vehicle, which made people want it even more, and it's even more valuable now that Oldsmobile is defunct.
1968 Ford Torino
Compared to the Mustang, the Torino is a highly underappreciated Ford classic, and we think it deserves more love. People from the ‘60s would doubtless agree because the Torino was a top seller, especially after its success on the NASCAR track.
1968 Volkswagen Type 2
The Volkswagen 2 is the undisputed king of minibuses. Not only was it practical and great for family vacations, but it also boasted a unique, retro design that has stood the test of time. It was the ideal vehicle for the free-spirited 1960s.
1968 Jaguar E-Type
If there's one thing we know about Jaguar, it's that luxury comes first. The 1968 Jaguar E-Type was groundbreaking, and people were clamoring to buy one so they could experience its speed and raw power themselves. In its prime, it was unmatched.
1968 Chevrolet Chevelle SS
Like the Camaro, the Chevelle SS was another iconic Chevy that cemented its legacy in the 1960s. It had enough muscle to appeal to the mainstream market at the time, as well as a powerful engine and an accessible price point that welcomed young drivers to the pony car club.
1968 Buick Riviera
The Buick Riviera was another classic car that hit the market in 1968, and it instantly received rave reviews from automotive journalists. It was a luxury coupe with bold muscle-car elements, which gave it universal appeal and a sense of timeless elegance.
1968 Volkswagen Beetle
While the Volkswagen Beetle was first released in 1938, the shine certainly hadn’t worn off in the ‘60s. It was still a widely-popular car, especially in North America, and ‘60s drivers embraced the Beetle as a hippie icon because it was so retro, self-sufficient, and, compared to its peers, environmentally-friendly.
1969 Dodge Charger
Dodge certainly didn’t mess around in the ‘60s! The 1969 Dodge Charger was a little late to the muscle car party, but it became a key player for decades to come, making its competitors work even harder. Its raw power alone was enough to command global attention.
1969 Plymouth Road Runner
Though ‘60s cars are known for being beautiful, many drivers cared more about performance. That’s probably why they raved about the Plymouth Road Runner, which was stripped-back, rugged, and purely focused on providing horsepower. It was particularly popular with young muscle car fanatics.
1969 Dodge Dart Swinger
Even at the very end of the 1960s, muscle cars still ruled the market, and the Dodge Dart Swinger, which was designed with freedom in mind, was one of the best-received. It had power, speed, and aggressive bodywork that turned plenty of heads on the road.
1970 Dodge Challenger
The 1970 Dodge Challenger bridged the gap between the muscle car era and the push for greater efficiency in the ‘70s. It maintained that iconic aggressive bodywork and became a cultural zeitgeist for a while, with a design that remains a favorite to this day.
