Thanks to the invention and refinement of the internal combustion engine over the years, we’ve gotten some truly amazing vehicles. More than a few of them reached legendary status, either because of their innovation, styling, performance, or simply because they had to prove something. Whatever the case, these cars had an aura about them that’s not easy to replicate. And while some of these cars have modern-day successors, others are still waiting to be commemorated with their own modern version. Here are 10 cars we think should make a comeback.
Pontiac GTO
Said to be the grandfather of all muscle cars, the original Pontiac GTO introduced the formula of affordable performance. It was achieved by taking a big engine and shoving it into the smallest car possible. Technically, the GTO got a successor in the early 2000s. Although the car wasn’t bad, many people frowned upon the fact it was just a rebadged Holden Monaro / HSV Coupe GTS. Even the fact it used Chevy’s LS-1 and LS-2 units with up to 405 horsepower did not help much. Nevertheless, the retro-futurism design is still being boldly exploited by manufacturers, so we can definitely see, a 60s inspired GTO, even if the brand no longer exists.
Read our full review on the Pontiac GTO
Porsche 928
We can all agree that the most recognizable Porsche model is the rear-engine 911. Because of its distinctive features and heritage, the model overshadows other models of the brand.
One of the most notable front-engine Porsches of that time was the 928. It immediately made it clear that it wanted to be more of a GT car. It offered a variety of big V-8 engines, ranging from 4.4 to 5.4-liters of displacement and up to 350 horsepower. Although a new 928 might result in an internal competition to the rear-engine 911, it can also expand the brand’s portfolio, bridging the gap between the 911 and Panamera models.
Read our full review on the Porsche 928
Toyota Celica GT-Four
When we talk about Japanese performance vehicles, rally cars are not the first to come to mind. However, the Celica GT-Four had its fair share of success in rallying. The GT-Four version can be traced back to the mid-1980s and featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four and all-wheel-drive. It was also manual only, as it should be. In the ST205 generation of the GT-Four (1994-1999), the 3S-GTE unit produced 246 horsepower and 224 pound-feet. Performance coupes are making a comeback, and Toyota has already brought spiritual successors to two of their iconic models. It’s only fair they bring back a successful Japanese rally legend.
Check out more details on the Toyota Celica GT-Four
Citroen 2CV
The 2CV was introduced in 1948, and it could best be described as the French equivalent to the VW Bug / Beetle.
It was meant to motorize the large number of farmers still using horse-drawn carts. The car was meant with simplicity in mind and was very easy to work on. It was powered by a variety of very small air-cooled flat-two engines. They varied from 375 cc and 9 horsepower to 602 cc and 29 horsepower in later models. The suspension was set up in a way that would allow the transportation of a basket of eggs without any of them breaking during the drive. Considering the growing number of micro-EVs, it makes sense to bring back one of the most iconic European mini cars as an EV.
Read our full review on the Citroen 2CV
Chevrolet Chevelle
The Chevelle is a well-respected name when it comes to Muscle cars. With the iconic Chevy “Big block” 454 V-8 (7.4 liters) it was one of the fastest at the quarter-mile, rivaling even the Hemi-powered MOPARs.
Read our full review on the Chevrolet Chevelle
Porsche 912
The 912 was essentially a more affordable 911, which was produced between 1965 and 1969, as well as in 1976 (912E) for the North American market. The 912 featured a 1.6-liter boxer-four with 90 to 103 horsepower depending on the version. The car weighed just 2,127 pounds (965 kg). The one-year-only 912E used a 2.0-liter Volkswagen boxer-four with 90 horsepower. It’s possible for Porsche to bring back the name, following the same formula. Moreover, the brand already has potent four-cylinder engines, which are used in the 718. They can easily fit in the engine bay of a narrow body 911. Given that a new 912 might attract some of the 911 buyers, a limited production run may be the best way to commemorate the 912 badge.
Read our full review on the Porsche 912
Volkswagen Karmann Ghia
The Karmann Ghia was an exciting-looking car, built on the not so exciting Type 1 Beetle platform. The styling was entrusted to Carrozeria Ghia. Later Karmann Ghia generations were based on the newer Type 3 Beetle, but the first one (Type 14) is the more recognized one. A variety of air-cooled flat-four engines were utilized. The most powerful one was the 1.6-liter unit with up to 60 horsepower. The Karmann Ghia was made from 1955 to 1974 with over 445,000 units produced. Volkswagen’s current efforts have nothing to do with cars like the Karmann Ghia. At least not when it comes to VW’s lineup. But we can definitely imagine a modern-day Ghia-styled sports coupe, with the GTI turbo-four engine in the back, sending power to the rear wheels.
Read our full review on the Volkswagen Karmann Ghia
Honda S2000
According to many, the best driver’s car has to be lightweight, rear-wheel-drive, normally-aspirated, and with a manual gearbox. Most would immediately think of the Mazda Miata. Granted, it is a fun little car, but what if you want a Miata, that’s turned up to 11? Enter S2000. It follows the exact same formula as the Miata. It just has more of everything.
Although Honda currently doesn’t have any high-revving four-cylinder engines, we would be happy to see the Civic Type R turbo unit put to work in a compact rear-wheel-drive roadster.
Read our full review on the Honda S2000
Alpine A610
Until a couple of years ago, the Alpine brand was obscure to most. This changed with the introduction of a new A110 model, which was a direct successor to the iconic small sports car from the 1960s. The brand had other models as well, one of which the A610. It was an evolution to the Alpine GTA and was a 2+2 rear-engine coupe. The brand made heavy use of the PRV (Peugeot-Renault-Volvo) developed engines.
The A610 could hit 60 mph in 5.7 seconds on its way to 166 mph (267 km/h). It would be interesting to see if the small company brings back other model names. We reckon Infiniti’s 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6 would be a good fit for a new A-610.
Jaguar XJ220
Let’s skip the cliché about Jaguar being the brand of choice for movie villains. The company has done a good job of supplying us with some of the most elegant cars in the business, for a long time. They even gave us the F-Type which was a spiritual successor to the glorious E-Type. They also had another highlight, in the early 1990s when they, for a very brief time, held the record for the fastest production car. Jaguar broke many promises with the XJ220, as it was supposed to have all-wheel-drive and a V-12.
Jaguar almost gave us a successor in the form of the C-X75, but the Economic crisis made sure this wouldn’t happen. Today, it seems like a good time to be an established supercar manufacturer, so we hope a new super “Jag” will be in the making soon. Maybe skip on the Rover 200 taillights this time.
Read our full review on the Jaguar XJ220