20 Classic Cars That Should Make a Comeback
Some classic cars had so much style, power, and personality that they deserve a second chance on the road.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 7 min read
Classic cars weren’t just vehicles; they were rolling works of art with attitude. Some had jaw-dropping designs, others packed serious horsepower, and a few were just pure fun to drive. These 20 legendary cars should make a comeback, not just for nostalgia but because modern roads need a little more excitement.
1. 1969 Dodge Charger
Ermell on Wikimedia Commons
This muscle car was all about raw power, aggressive looks, and the kind of engine that made the pavement tremble. It became a pop culture icon thanks to its starring roles in movies and TV. With today’s technology, a modern Charger with vintage styling and an electric boost could be a dream machine. Dodge, bring this beast back before the roads get too quiet!
2. Toyota 2000GT
Gnsin on Wikimedia Commons
Japan’s answer to the Jaguar E-Type was a sleek, rare beauty that proved Toyota could do more than just make practical cars. Its silky-smooth inline-six engine and curves could make anyone stare. A modern version with hybrid tech and the same stunning design would give sports cars a serious run for their money. Plus, we deserve a Toyota that’s as fun as it is reliable.
3. Chevrolet El Camino
Ermell on Wikimedia Commons
Is it a car? Is it a truck? Who cares? It’s cool. The El Camino blended muscle car performance with truck-like utility, making it the perfect ride for someone who wants speed and practicality. Imagine a 2025 version with a turbocharged V8, modern tech, and enough space in the back for your weekend projects.
4. Lancia Stratos
Alexander Migl on Wikimedia Commons
This little Italian rocket looked like something straight out of a sci-fi movie and dominated the rally scene. Its short wheelbase, mid-engine layout, and featherweight body made it a joy to throw into corners. A modern Stratos with hybrid power and cutting-edge aerodynamics would shake up the sports car world. It’s time Lancia stopped teasing us and built it again.
5. Mazda RX-7 (FD)
Mr.choppers on Wikimedia Commons
The rotary-powered RX-7 was lightweight, perfectly balanced, and had curves that still turn heads today. It was a driver’s dream, with razor-sharp handling and an engine that loved to rev. Mazda has teased a rotary comeback for years, but a proper RX-7 rebirth would send fans into a frenzy. Just give it a turbocharged rotary and let it scream.
6. Plymouth Barracuda
Matti Blume on Wikimedia Commons
The ‘Cuda was a muscle car legend, packing insane HEMI power and an unmistakable stance. It was built for straight-line speed but had enough attitude to make other cars jealous. With Dodge keeping the muscle car flame alive, reviving the Barracuda would be a no-brainer. Just imagine a Hellcat-powered ‘Cuda tearing up the streets!
7. DeLorean DMC-12
Alexander Migl on Wikimedia Commons
Time travel jokes aside, the DeLorean’s futuristic design still looks fresh today. Its gullwing doors and stainless steel body made it stand out, even if the original engine was underwhelming. A comeback with a high-performance electric drivetrain would finally give it the speed it deserved. Plus, imagine how cool it would look with a modern interior and touchscreen tech.
8. Ford Capri
Alexander-93 on Wikimedia Commons
Europe’s answer to the Mustang was a stylish coupe with a mix of power and affordability. It had that perfect blend of sportiness and everyday usability, making it a hit with gearheads and commuters. A modern Capri, with turbocharged EcoBoost power and classic fastback styling, would be an instant favorite. Ford already brought back the Bronco—why not this?
9. Buick Grand National GNX
Captainpisslord on Wikimedia Commons
This all-black menace was one of the baddest cars of the ‘80s, with a turbocharged V6 that embarrassed V8s. It had a sinister, no-nonsense look and acceleration that felt illegal. A modern GNX with twin turbos and AWD would be a nightmare for sports cars. Buick, stop making crossovers and give us something exciting again.
10. Alfa Romeo GTV6
Huhu Uet on Wikimedia Commons
This Italian coupe had one of the best-sounding V6 engines ever made and handling that made every drive an event. It was a bit quirky, but that was part of its charm. Alfa’s recent sports cars have been great, but a new GTV6 with modern reliability and classic styling would be next-level. It’s time for another gorgeous Alfa that sings.
11. Honda S2000
Rich Niewiroski Jr. on Wikimedia Commons
The high-revving, razor-sharp roadster that made every drive feel like a race should have never left us. With a 9,000 RPM redline and perfect weight distribution, it was one of the best driver’s cars ever. A comeback with a lightweight chassis and a naturally aspirated engine would be pure magic. Honda, we need more than just Civics and SUVs!
12. Jaguar XJ220
DeFacto on Wikimedia Commons
Once the fastest car in the world, the XJ220 had a sleek, spaceship-like design that still looks stunning today. It didn’t quite live up to its original V12 promise, but its twin-turbo V6 still delivered breathtaking speed. A modern take with an electric-hybrid powertrain could bring it back to supercar glory. Jaguar needs to remind the world that it can build more than luxury sedans.
13. Pontiac Firebird Trans Am
Calreyn88 on Wikimedia Commons
The muscle car with a screaming chicken on the hood was the definition of cool in the ‘70s and ‘80s. It had a V8 grunt, T-tops, and a rebellious attitude that made it unforgettable. A modern Firebird could rival the Mustang and Camaro, bringing some Pontiac spirit back from the dead. Plus, who wouldn’t want a high-tech KITT reboot?
14. Lotus Esprit
Alexander Migl on Wikimedia Commons
The Esprit was a British wedge of perfection, with sharp handling and exotic styling. James Bond drove one, and that alone should be reason enough to bring it back. A lightweight, electrified Esprit would fit perfectly into Lotus’ modern lineup. It’s time for another Lotus supercar that isn’t just an EV SUV.
15. Datsun 240Z
Calreyn88 on Wikimedia Commons
The car that made Japanese sports cars cool was light, affordable, and fun as hell to drive. Nissan tried to capture the magic with the new Z, but a true 240Z revival with an ultra-light chassis would be amazing. Give it a manual transmission, a screaming inline-six, and no unnecessary tech bloat. Sometimes, simple is better.
16. Chrysler Turbine Car
Prova MO on Wikimedia Commons
A car with a jet engine? Chrysler actually made it happen in the ‘60s, and it was wild. While the original was too ahead of its time, today’s hybrid tech could make a turbine-powered car a reality. Who wouldn’t want a car that sounds like a fighter jet?
17. Volkswagen Karmann Ghia
Lothar Spurzem on Wikimedia Commons
A mix of German engineering and Italian design, the Karmann Ghia was effortlessly stylish. It wasn’t fast but had more charm than most sports cars. A modern electric version could bring back its retro-cool vibes with zero emissions. VW, give us something that isn’t just another SUV!
18. AMC Javelin
Missvain on Wikimedia Commons
This underdog muscle car had bold styling and serious performance to back it up. Mustangs and Camaros overshadowed it, but a modern version could finally give it the respect it deserves. Picture a retro-styled Javelin with a hybrid V8 and aggressive lines. The muscle car world could use another player.
19. Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing
FotoSleuth on Wikimedia Commons
It is one of the most beautiful cars ever made, with its iconic doors and race-bred performance. A modern 300SL with electric power and lightweight materials would be a showstopper. Mercedes should build it not just as a car but as a statement. Some designs never go out of style.
20. Cadillac Coupe DeVille
Calreyn88 on Wikimedia Commons
The land yacht that defined luxury cruising, with absurdly long lines and the smoothest ride ever. A modern take could bring back big, bold American luxury without feeling outdated. Imagine a self-driving, electric Coupe DeVille that glides like a cloud. Cadillac, bring back the swagger!