10 Best Looking Classic Cars That Have Stood the Test of Time
Updated: Mar. 22, 2024
Vehicles come and go, but these truly iconic cars have stood the test of time.
Chevrolet Suburban (1933 — Present)
The first Chevrolet Suburban featured a body set on a half-ton truck frame, and it was constructed mostly of wood! Capable of holding eight passengers, it was designed for use in the Civilian Conservation Corps and National Guard. It first went on sale as a commercial vehicle in America in 1933. Today, it has a more refined body while still offering off-road amenities. It has eight seats and a powerful 6.2L V8 engine.
Ford F-Series (1948 — Present)
The Ford F-Series debuted in 1948 as a post-war truck. Henry Ford had shut down civilian production during WWII to focus efforts solely on producing vehicles that would support America’s allies and troops. When the war ended, the F-Series trucks, as well as the veterans, were the first to be recognized. Each truck in the series featured a manual transmission, driver and passenger side windshield wipers and a foot-plunger windshield washer. Today, the F-150 offers a lineup of six engines covering three configurations: naturally aspirated V6 and V8 gas power plants with twin-independent variable cam timing, turbocharged gas EcoBoost V6 offerings and the Power Stroke Turbo Diesel V6. Replace a broken taillight assembly by ordering a new one online and installing it using two ordinary hand tools.
Toyota Land Cruiser (1951 — Present)
The oldest car in Toyota’s lineup, the Land Cruiser was created to provide the American Army needed utility vehicles. The first prototype was revealed in 1951, featuring an 84 hp 6-cylinder gasoline engine. By 1953, mass production commenced under the name “Toyota Jeep BJ.” By 1954, the name was changed to “Land Cruiser” to compete with the British Land Rover. The 2019 Land Cruiser comes equipped with a 5.7L V8 engine, 8-speed transmission and robust suspension. If your windshield wipers aren’t working properly the arms may need replacing. Here’s how to replace them yourself.
Chevrolet Corvette (1953 – Present)
General Motors marketed the Corvette as a “dream car” at its Motorama in New York’s Waldorf Astoria Hotel in January 1953. Soon after, the first 300 Corvettes were built by hand in Flint, Michigan. Despite it being designed as a show car, the Corvette has remained a high-performance sports car that has stood the test of time. The first version offered a 4.3-liter V8 option, while the 2019 Corvette Z06 was engineered to be the ultimate driver’s car. It offers a supercharged 6.2L V8 that’s capable of 650 horsepower. It can rocket to 60 mph in less than three seconds! Check out these 10 vintage cars to remind you how cool cars used to be.
Mercedes-Benz SL (1954 – Present)
The SL designation derives from the German Sportlich-Leicht, (English translation: Sport Lightweight). The car was originally built as a racing sports car and designed for peak performance. One of the longest-running sports cars ever created, the original idea came from American importer Max Hoffman, who suggested creating a toned-down Grand Prix car geared toward affluent performance enthusiasts. The original 1954 version, the 300 SL, came in coupe form and featured gullwing doors. Today, the engine options for the SL top out with an incredible 6-liter V12.
Mini Cooper (1959 — Present)
The Mini Cooper came to be in 1959 as an answer to a fuel shortage and the need for more efficient city cars. It was a two-door, four-cylinder engine car by British Motor Corporation (BMC), and featured a monocoque shell (the chassis is integral with the body). The tiny car became an icon of the ’60s—a favorite among rock stars, actors, junior royalty, writers, debutantes and designers throughout London. The newest version has the latest performance engineering, premium technology and a finely tailored interior.
Porsche 911 (1963 — Present)
Car enthusiasts say the only “true Porsche” is the Porsche 911, because it’s the only one with a direct link to the original Porsche 356. The 911 was based on the 356 model, featuring the 356’s fastback design and it was the first production Porsche without front trailing arms or rear swing axles. The new 911 is the sum of its predecessors, featuring the iconic silhouette, timeless design and next-level technology. It has 443 hp max power, can go from 0 to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds and has a top track speed of 191 mph.
Ford Mustang (1964 – Present)
Officially unveiled by Henry Ford II at the World’s Fair in Flushing Meadows, New York, on April 17, 1964, the Ford Mustang was a two-seat, mid-engine sports car. The same day as its introduction, the new car was debuted in Ford showrooms across America, resulting in almost 22,000 Mustangs being snatched up by buyers. The car was named for a World War II fighter plane, and was designed to be a “working man’s Thunderbird.” While it was expected to sell less than 100,000 models per year, more than 1 million of the vehicles were shipped in its first 18 months alone. The 2019 Mustang BULLITT is a special-edition Mustang designed after the 1968 version.
Toyota Corolla (1966 – Present)
Introduced in 1966, the Toyota Corolla was the best-selling car worldwide by 1974. In 1997, the reliable family car became the highest selling car of all time. To date, more than 45 million Corolla models have been sold throughout the world. Since its creation, the car has been through 11 generations spanning five decades. The 2019 Toyota Corolla features an all new sleek-looking, modern design. It’s equipped with a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that’s good for 132 horsepower and 128 pound-feet of torque.
Honda Civic (1972 – Present)
Before the Civic’s release, Honda had been considering pulling out of vehicle manufacturing altogether. In 1972, the subcompact Civic (shown here) gave the brand new life. Thanks to its reliable engine and great fuel efficiency, the car became a global hit. Since its introduction, the Civic has been through 10 generations. The 2019 version features a turbocharged 1.5-liter engine that provides a significant boost in fuel economy and generally improves the driving experience. Here are the best and worst car brands for customer satisfaction.
