23 Classic Cars That Absolutely Deserve A Comeback
There's something incredibly nostalgic about the vehicles we grew up with. Whether it was long road trips with family or the feel of the wind in your hair while driving down the interstate, the vehicles of our past can really stick in our memories. While many vehicles are discontinued, never to return, some actually make a comeback with modern designs that thrill auto buyers. Here are the vehicles from the past we wish would make a swift and triumphant comeback, and a few are preparing to re-launch. Keep reading to learn more!
The Dodge Magnum Was Revived For A Short Time
It seems like only yesterday that the Dodge Magnum appeared in showrooms. The Magnum name was revived in 2004 as a station wagon on the Chrysler LX platform. It was equipped with a full-size, V-8-powered engine, and a rear-drive station wagon that took car lovers by storm.
It even had a high-performance SRT version but it didn't live long enough to receive a Hellcat variant. The Dodge Magnum was replaced by the Dodge Journey.
The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Lasted For 10 Generations
The Mitsubishi Evolution was based on the Lancer. Through 10 generations, the Evo challenged all comers on the road, leading to an epic rivalry with Subaru and its Impreza-based WRX.
But, the auto company decided to move towards eco-friendly products, leading to the model being discontinued. Of course, car fanatics would be thrilled if the team at Mitsubishi decided it was time to re-introduce the Evo. It was the STI's biggest competition with its big wing and a rally-minded design concept.
The Mazda RX-7 Had A Long Run In The Car Industry
The Mazda RX-7 had a run of over 20 years from 1978 to 2002. Its low curb weight was just under 2,500 with the engine placed just behind the front axle.
Furthermore, the weight distribution was amazing and added great stability, with a 1.1 to 1.3-liter Wankel rotary engine under the hood. After years of begging for the return of this class automobile, Mazda confirmed that the rotary engine is back. Now, we just have to wait for the car company to announce the vehicle's glorious return. A concept car was unveiled at the Japan Mobility Show in 2023.
The Chevrolet El Camino Went Through Five Generations
A car that looks like a truck but drives like a car? The El Camino was an odd design choice but one that caught on with certain demographics of automobile enthusiasts. The SS model has long been a fan favorite thanks to its 454 V8 under the hood. The El Camino has gone through five generations starting in 1959 with a production end run in 1987.
After the 1984 model year, production was moved to Mexico, and in 1987, the El Camino discontinued thanks to outstanding sales of the Chevrolet S-10 pickup. Chevrolet debuted an El Camino concept in 1995 based on the full-size Caprice station wagon, but production was canceled due to the rise of the SUV.
The Mitsubishi Eclipse Was A Sports Compact Car
The Mitsubishi Eclipse was a sport compact car developed and sold between 1989 to 2011. The first two generations share the automobile platform and parts with the rebadged Eagle Talon. This two-door, four-seat coupe was exciting to drive, and in its highest performance form, it was an all-wheel drive, turbocharged, manual coupe.
However, in 2006, the auto company redesigned the model, which was supposed to be a return to the Eclipses of the past. Sales were abysmal and the vehicle was discontinued, possibly forever.
The Mazdaspeed 3 Stopped Being Made In 2013
Another modern model that we aren't ready to part with is the Mazdaspeed 3. This 5-door performance version of the Mazda3 was in production from 2007 until 2013. Built in Japan, the 6-speed Mazdaspeed 3 featured a 2.3L turbo-charged engine and was the first speedy hatchback Mazda produced since the BG Familia GT-X.
The Mazdaspeed 3 was designed for two generations before calling it quits in 2013. However, this car deserves to be back on the road. It received several awards and stellar reviews. It was even on Automobile Magazine's 2007 All Star list.
Production Stopped In 2017: Volkswagen Scirocco
The Volkswagen designed three generations of the Scirocco model, a two-door hatchback, before calling it quits. It's similar to VW's Golf but sportier and sleeker. 1977's model featured a 1.5L engine and fuel injection technology from Bosch.
The front wheel drive sports coupé was designed in two generations from 1974 through 1992. The third and final generation of the Scirocco was from 2008 until 2017. That's when production ended with no plans to regenerate the sporty hatchback.
There Are Fewer Than 1,200 Lotus Elan's Left & Only In The U.K.
The Lotus Elan is a rare breed that you'd be lucky to pass by on the road. John Bolster, author of The Lotus Elan and Europa: A Collector's Guide, estimates that only 3,300 Elan models were produced, and fewer than 1,200 are operating today.
This sporty two-seater was produced from 1962 until 1975. The second range of the Elan hit the market from 1989 until 1995. However, these cars never made it to the U.S., and were only sold in the U.K. It was the first Lotus road car to be designed with a steel backbone chassis and a fiberglass body. Needless to say, owners of this car loved it and it received shining reviews. Lotus: bring it back!
Ford Took Away The F-150 SVT Lightning
Ford's F-Series has been named America's best-selling vehicle for over 45 consecutive years. Let that sink in. So why would the automaker let go of one of their customers' favorite versions of the F-150-- the SVT Lightning? Ford said that as the F-150's body increased over the years, it was too beastly to have a sporty, Lightning version, but we disagree.
Production of the pickup ended in 2004. It offered a 5.4 L Triton SOHC V8 engine with a an Eaton M112 supercharger. If you see a used F-150 SVT Lightning for sale, snatch it up.
The Dodge Viper Was Named One Of "The Most American Cars"
Production of the Dodge Viper ended in 2017, and we're not happy about it. We first saw this gorgeous sports car hit the market in 1992. Fans watching the Indianapolis 500 drooled over the Viper as two pre-production models made their debut as the pace car in 1991.
Chrysler took a hiatus from making the Viper and considered discontinuing it during the automotive industry crisis that began in 2008. The Viper was named one of the "Most American Cars" in 2014, due to more than 75% of its parts being manufactured in the U.S. We're sad to see this one go.
The Ford Thunderbird Was Iconic
It's heartbreaking to see these legendary models make the list of discontinued cars. The Ford Thunderbird is an American classic. First introduced as a two-seater convertible, the Thunderbird encored through 12 generations, from 1954 until it's last curtain call in 2005.
Consumers were quick to voice their concerns over changes through the years, like the controversial addition of a backseat in 1958. And although Ford incorporated some more 'luxury' and 'practical' features over the years, they stayed true to the high-speed performance model.
A True American Muscle Car: AMC Javelin
Manufactured by American Motors Corporation, the Javelin last for two generations, from 1967 until 1974. This American car was true to its time, with rear-wheel-drive and a big, powerful engine. This baby hauled. So much in fact, that it was the first standard vehicle that police officers adopted as their highway car in the U.S.
The Javelin was more affordable than other models like it, ranging from a pony to a muscle car and a baseline starting at $2,743 in 1967. Police also favored this car because it was designed with advanced safety features for its time. Snap a photo if you come across an AMC Javelin.
A New VW Bus Is On Its Way
One of Volkswagen's most iconic cars is making a comeback. The Bus defined an era of Americana soaked in sunny beaches and smiling faces. When it was discontinued, it was seen as a sign of the changing times.
Volkswagon has heard the cries of the people in 2019 and has decided to bring it back. This time, it will be an electric vehicle with a few other new tricks up its sleeve. Look out for the updated bus in dealerships in 2024.
The BMW Z8 Is A Roadster Worth Revisiting
Life hasn't been easy for roadster lovers recently. The tiny cars meant for two people to take to the freeways in style fell out of fashion in recent years, but if we had our way, the BMW Z8 would still be around.
The Z8 was small for sure, but it packed a lot of power under the hood. It was one of the best performing roadsters when it was released and looked to redefine the speedster genre. Unfortunately it came out a few years too late.
The Chevy Nova Was Put To Pasture Too Early
The Chevy Nova was originally made between 1968 and 1979. Despite discontinuing it, demand was so high that Chevy brought it back in 1983. By 1985, however, the legendary pony was put out to pasture again.
Today, the car is a hot item ticket for collectors. Especially the first run models. With demand for power on the rise again, perhaps Chevy should take note and bring back a classic. It worked with the Impala!
The Datsun 510 Is A Modern Classic
Before Nissan was known as Nissan in the United States, they sold cars under the name Datsun. One of the most iconic Datsun's ever produced was the 510, a small sedan with lots of power.
The simple-looking car is one of the most popular collector vehicles today. After all, not all cars are made equal, and even though the 510 wasn't a luxury car, it's become quite the luxury item for gearheads.
The Dodge Dart Will Come Back Eventually
Throughout its history, Dodge has used the title Dart on several cars. The most recent Dart was sleek and popular with commuters looking for a car with more power. Sadly, it was discontinued.
The first Dart was sold in the '60s as Dodge's lowest-end and affordable consumer option. It was compact and, like the Datsun 510, had simple lines.
The Cadillac Coupe DeVille Would Be Popular Today
The Cadillac Coupe DeVille was a big car when it came it out. It was also incredibly popular and lasted for half a century before Cadillac discontinued it. Distinguished by its "yacht" look, we think Cadillac should bring it back.
The bottom line is that big cars are back in fashion, and few were as big back in the day as the Coupe DeVille. Cadillac could have a huge hit on their hands with clever marketing.
The Chrysler Town And Country Made Us Feel Safe
The Chrysler Town and Country was a great car, and so is the van that replaced it. Still, there's something about the Pacifica that makes us wish it was a Town and Country; the company signature family van in the '90s and early aughts.
Maybe the reason we love the Town and Country so much was because of how non-luxurious it felt. It wasn't flashy, but it was incredibly reliable and safe, which is what matters most at the end of the day.
The Fiat 850 Was Fun
Do you remember the Fiat 850? The small roadster was in high fashion for the Italian company in the '60s and '70s. Over two million were sold, making it shocking that it's not still around today.
Then again, Fiat only just re-entered the American market recently, so maybe this precious pony will be reinvented eventually. Until then, we'll have to take solace in the comfort of this picture and how pretty this little car was.
The Ford Focus Got Blurry
The Ford Focus became a victim of circumstance in 2018. The company decided to discontinue all their sedans (except the Fusion) to focus on the trucks, SUVs, and Mustangs. The surprising move shocked Focus fans worldwide.
There was time that the Focus was one of the most popular cars in America. It was impossible to drive on the freeway without seeing now. Today, they're a thing of the past, although we really wish they were still apart of the future.
The Geo Metro Was Ahead Of Its Time
The Geo Metro was manufactured from 1989 until 2001. During that time two different auto makers called it their own. It gave consumers incredible miles per gallon and was extremely cost efficient.
It was also one of the slowest and poorest performing cars on the market. Still, fans didn't care back then, and don't care today. Those who drove Metros loved them, and we're sure they would ecstatic to see them make a comeback today.
The Hummer Was Wrong For The Times
For a brief period of time, the Hummer was the king of the roads. It was big, loud, and never fit between the yellow lines. It was also a gas guzzler and maintenance nightmare and was perfectly imperfect for the times.
Today, the Hummer would fit perfectly on the freeways. Size matters again, and few cars were large. Improved technology also means MPG would be better (we would hope) and overall ride satisfaction would be higher.
The Ford Thunderbird Deserves A Second Wind
The Ford Thunderbird is easily one of the most iconic cars of the '70s. Alongside the Mustang, it defined what sports cars could and should be. As happens, Ford eventually discontinued the car, only to revive it briefly in the aughts.
The revived Thunderbird was an epic disaster. Consumers reviled it for its modern retro design, and it quickly went the way of its ancestors. Perhaps a third time could be the charm for Ford if the company is willing to take the chance!
