The 1960s was a transformative decade across the globe, and the automotive industry was no exception. Fueled by the space race and a burgeoning sense of freedom, car designers pushed boundaries, creating vehicles that were as stylish and innovative as they were powerful. This era gave birth to some of the most quintessential and popular cars that still captivate enthusiasts today. Let’s take a drive down memory lane and explore the iconic cars that defined the swinging sixties.
Ford Mustang
Arguably the most iconic car of the 1960s in America, the Ford Mustang galloped onto the scene in 1964 and ignited a revolution. With its striking good looks and affordable price tag, the original Mustang wasn’t initially about raw speed, but it offered a V8 option that hinted at the performance potential within its design. As the decade progressed, Ford unleashed more potent V8 engines and paired them with robust four-speed manual transmissions, transforming the lightweight Mustang into a true thrill ride. Available in fastback and convertible body styles, the Mustang catered to a wide range of tastes, and even the legendary Carroll Shelby got in on the action, creating high-performance variants. The Mustang’s impact transcended car culture; it became a symbol recognized even by non-car enthusiasts and children, cementing its legendary status as a popular 60’s car.
Chevy Camaro
Chevrolet’s answer to the Mustang arrived two and a half years later, and it was ready to rumble. The Chevy Camaro adopted a similar formula – a weight under 3,000 lbs, rear-wheel drive, a vast array of engine choices, and a design that screamed performance. By the late 1960s, the muscle car era was roaring at full throttle, and the Camaro was designed to be a more focused performance machine right from the start, offering big block power right out of the gate. While it initially trailed the Mustang in sales figures, the first-generation Camaro has since become a highly sought-after classic, often commanding top dollar at auctions like Barrett-Jackson, proving its enduring popularity as a 60’s car.
Chevy Corvette
While the C3 Corvette gained fame for its NASA-themed colors and association with Apollo astronauts, it’s the earlier C2 generation that is primarily celebrated as the quintessential 1960s Corvette. Emerging from the 1950s era first-generation model, the 1963 Corvette Sting Ray took its inspiration from the stunning Mako Shark concept car, and remarkably, much of its futuristic design made it to production. This generation marked significant advancements, with the introduction of the big block engine and independent rear suspension, finally elevating the Corvette to the status of a true sports car. Originally relatively affordable, the big block C2 Corvettes have become highly collectible, frequently selling for six-figure sums, solidifying their place as popular and valuable 60’s cars.
VW Beetle
The VW Beetle boasts a fascinating history, a testament to its remarkable production span from 1938 to 2003. The most famous iteration, the Type 1, also reigns as the most popular, with over 21 million units sold worldwide. These charming little air-cooled cars were not only fun to drive and affordable but also surprisingly reliable, paving the way for more premium German marques like BMW and Mercedes-Benz in the global market. The original Beetle continued production in Mexico for many years, even alongside the radically redesigned New Beetle. In its final year of production, a limited run of 3,000 commemorative editions were released, boasting a modest but charming 50 horsepower, cementing its legacy as a popular 60’s car for the masses.
VW Microbus
The VW Microbus, officially known as the Type 2, achieved a level of sales success and pop culture impact that rivaled even the iconic Type 1 Beetle. The 1960s encompassed the production of both the T1 and the less aerodynamically refined T2 generations. Sharing similarities with the Beetle, such as a rear-mounted air-cooled engine and rear-wheel drive, the Microbus, often dubbed the “hippie van”, became a symbol of the era’s counter-culture movement. However, its higher center of gravity made it less agile than the Beetle. The “chicken tax” in the early 1970s significantly impacted the import of new vans into the US, limiting the Microbus’s widespread acclaim in America, although it continued production in other countries until 2013, remaining a popular 60’s vehicle in many parts of the world.
Lincoln Continental
The slab-sided Lincoln Continental, produced from 1961 to 1969, stands as a true design icon of the 1960s. Its styling was a radical departure from the preceding Mark X Continental, although both models were undeniably massive. A distinctive feature of this generation was the introduction of rear-hinged “suicide doors,” adding to its gangster-esque allure. Coupled with its imposing presence, opulent interior, and plush ride, the Continental became a strong seller in the luxury car segment, despite its premium price tag. It also gained notoriety as the vehicle in which President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in 1963, forever linking it to a pivotal moment in history and solidifying its place as a significant and popular 60’s car.
Plymouth Barracuda
The Plymouth Barracuda is renowned today as one of the most valuable muscle cars at auction, but its origins were surprisingly humble. Launched just two weeks ahead of the Ford Mustang, the first-generation Barracuda was an attractive coupe variant of the Plymouth Valiant. While its front end was conventional, the rear boasted a distinctive and expansive wrap-around glass fastback. The second generation, introduced in 1967, adopted a more muscular aesthetic and offered potent V8 engines, including the legendary 426 Hemi. This transformation cemented the Barracuda’s place in muscle car history and increased its popularity as a performance-oriented 60’s car.
Shelby Cobra
Carroll Shelby, a visionary racecar driver, embarked on a mission in the early 1960s to create a lightweight yet immensely powerful sports car. By combining the lithe AC Ace body with a Ford-sourced V8 engine, Shelby birthed one of the most legendary race and street cars ever conceived – the Shelby Cobra. Sold from 1962 to 1967, the Shelby Cobra is often grouped with the ultimate muscle cars, despite its sports car DNA. Weighing in at just over 2,000 lbs and packing a massive 427 V8 under the hood, the Cobra could unleash a traction-limited 0-60 mph sprint in a mere 4.5 seconds, establishing itself as a dominant and highly popular 60’s performance car.
Futura – Batmobile
What’s a 1955 Lincoln concept car doing in a list of 1960s cars? The answer lies in its transformation into a pop culture icon. After its show circuit days as the wildly futuristic bubble-top concept, the Lincoln Futura changed hands several times and fell into disrepair. When ABC sought to bring Batman to television for the first time, they needed a Batmobile that would capture the imagination of viewers. The Futura, with its dramatic styling, was quickly (and expensively) modified, becoming the definitive Batmobile for a generation, and an instantly recognizable and popular 60’s TV car. Pow!
Jaguar E-Type
Produced from 1961 to 1975, the Jaguar E-Type became the embodiment of British sports cars during the 1960s. Universally acclaimed for its breathtaking beauty, the E-Type is consistently ranked among the most aesthetically pleasing cars of all time. Built upon a proper racing-derived frame, the chassis was remarkably well-engineered, providing brilliant driving dynamics. The Series 1 models featured silky smooth inline-six cylinder engines, though they weren’t known for ultimate reliability. Nevertheless, the Jaguar E-Type single-handedly propelled the popularity of British cars in the US market, a remarkable achievement for a popular 60’s import car.
Ferrari 250 GTO
The Ferrari 250 GTO is often considered the F40 of the 1960s, representing the pinnacle of performance and desirability. Another contender for the title of “most beautiful car” on this list, the 250 GTO was one of Enzo Ferrari’s earlier masterpieces. It housed a 3.0-liter V12 engine producing 300 horsepower, propelling its lightweight body (under 2,000 lbs) to victory on racetracks worldwide. Originally priced at roughly twice the cost of a Corvette, it was an exotic car that delivered performance to match its stunning looks. Today, owning one is a dream for the ultra-wealthy. In 2013, a 250 GTO fetched over $38 million at auction, and currently, examples are listed for sale with price tags exceeding $55 million, making it the ultimate and most expensive popular 60’s dream car.
Ford GT40
From 1964 to 1969, Carroll Shelby played a crucial role in developing Ford’s ultimate performance machine – the GT40. While his Cobra and Daytona models were dominating in the GT class, Henry Ford II had a more ambitious goal: to defeat Enzo Ferrari in the top prototype class at Le Mans. The visually striking GT40 initially showed promise but struggled with reliability on the track. Once Shelby took over the program, the 427 V8-powered GT40 transformed into a racing juggernaut. Its dominance was absolute; in a single year, it achieved victory at the 24 Hours of Daytona, the 12 Hours of Sebring, and the 24 Hours of Le Mans, securing first, second, and third place at all three races, cementing its place as a legendary and popular 60’s racing car.
Aston Martin DB5
The Aston Martin DB5 epitomizes the grand tourer ideal, a benchmark against which all other GT cars are measured. Even upon its debut in 1963, the DB5 exuded an air of exclusivity and expense. Arguably as visually captivating as the iconic Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing, the DB5 possessed ample power from its smooth 4.0-liter inline-six engine, paired with a sophisticated ZF 5-speed transmission – a remarkable feature considering 5-speeds were uncommon even 20 years later. Its design was classic and muscular, yet it retained elegant lines and character cues that are still evident in modern Aston Martins. This timeless appeal is why it became James Bond’s car of choice, and a popular 60’s car for discerning drivers.
Chevy Chevelle
The Chevy Chevelle frequently ranks at the top of muscle car enthusiasts’ lists. While its precise ranking may be debated, there’s no denying the Chevelle’s legendary status as a muscle car icon and one of the finest examples of the era. The Chevelle reached its zenith in 1970 with the monstrous 450 hp LS6 SS, but the 1960s versions were no slouches either. The 1964 debut model, with a modest 220 hp V8, was just the beginning. Once Pontiac unleashed the GTO, Chevrolet upped the ante. The 327 V8 was added mid-year, and by 1966, the potent 396 V8, delivering well over 350 hp, became available, transforming the Chevelle into a popular and formidable 60’s muscle car.
Pontiac GTO
Speaking of the GTO, Pontiac’s marketing strategists sought to inject excitement into their lineup amidst a factory-backed racing ban. Another restriction limited mid-size cars to mid-size engines (330 cubic inches or less), but Pontiac cleverly circumvented this rule by offering the GTO as an option package, which included a robust 325 hp 389 V8. Producing 100 more horsepower than its competitors in the mid-size class was a game-changer for the time, and the GTO instantly became a pop culture phenomenon, igniting the muscle car wars and establishing itself as a hugely popular and influential 60’s car.
Lamborghini Miura
The Lamborghini Miura, a true icon of automotive design, is surprisingly a car that Lamborghini’s founder, Ferruccio Lamborghini, wasn’t initially enthusiastic about. He favored luxurious GT cars, like Lamborghini’s earlier 350GT and 400GT. The Miura was a radical departure, boasting sleek, race car-inspired lines and a groundbreaking mid-engine layout. Upon its debut in 1966, its 3.9-liter V12 engine produced an impressive 350 horsepower, and its aerodynamic body enabled it to claim the title of the fastest production car in the world, making it a truly exotic and popular 60’s supercar.
Chevy Impala
The 1961 Impala marked the introduction of Chevrolet’s full-size styling direction for the new decade, characterized by cleaner, more refined lines on their large cars. The third-generation Impala continued to offer Chevrolet’s most powerful engines, including the legendary 409 cubic inch V8, famously celebrated in a Beach Boys hit song. It wasn’t just its substantial size for the era; the 409’s output of one horsepower per cubic inch transformed the Impala into a formidable drag strip contender. The expansive fenders and trunk space later made it a favorite among lowrider enthusiasts, providing ample room to conceal airbags and hydraulic systems, contributing to its enduring popularity as a versatile and popular 60’s car.
Porsche 911
Ferdinand Porsche sought to create a larger, more powerful successor to his first model, the 356. The resulting car, the 911, would become an automotive legend, outliving its creator. The 1964 911, while not a powerhouse with its 128 hp flat-six engine, possessed inherent beauty and exceptional handling dynamics right from the start. The infamous Porsche options list began to take shape in the 1960s, offering features like Targa tops and even gasoline-burning cabin heaters. While turbocharging wouldn’t arrive until the 1970s, the original 911 laid the foundation for decades of Porsche sports car excellence, making it an instantly recognizable and popular 60’s sports car.
Toyota 2000GT
Japan’s first collectible car, the Toyota 2000GT, began its life in 1965 as a Toyota show car. The model garnered critical acclaim and entered production in 1967. While its 2.0-liter inline-six engine was less powerful compared to other GTs of the era, its exceptional handling prowess allowed it to outperform many more powerful cars on the track, earning it a dedicated following and numerous racing victories. Its design is considered among the finest examples of “coke bottle” styling ever created, and it was deemed worthy of being driven by James Bond himself in You Only Live Twice, establishing its status as a rare and popular 60’s Japanese car.
Lotus Elan
Squinting at a 1960s Lotus Elan, one might easily mistake it for a 1990s Mazda Miata. The Lotus design was remarkably ahead of its time (and the Mazda was intentionally retro), making it appear contemporary even today. The Elan was an unapologetic sports car, initially offered solely as a two-seat roadster. With a modest 108 hp at launch, the Elan relied on its incredibly lightweight construction and superb handling to deliver thrilling driving experiences. Its minimalist yet attractive design, characterized by a low and curvaceous profile, contributed to its minor legend status in its own time, elevating Lotus’s global reputation as a maker of popular and engaging 60’s sports cars.
Buick Riviera
In the early 1960s, Buick recognized the need for a personal luxury car to compete with the wildly successful Ford Thunderbird. Inspired by a custom Rolls-Royce, Buick’s design chief, Bill Mitchell, envisioned a sharp, knife-edged design for GM. After some refinements, the 1963 Riviera debuted to both critical and commercial success. Its combination of crisp, angular lines and emerging muscular styling created arguably the most beautiful Buick ever produced. Later generations offered enhanced performance, but the first-generation Riviera, particularly the GS variant, defines the pinnacle of GM design and luxury from the 1960s, making it a highly desirable and popular 60’s luxury car.
Shelby Daytona Coupe
The Shelby Cobra was engineered to challenge Ferrari’s dominance on high-speed racing circuits. However, Carroll Shelby identified a limitation in the powerful Cobra’s design – its open cockpit restricted its top speed to under 160 mph. Utilizing a wrecked Cobra chassis, stunning coupe bodywork was meticulously hand-hammered into existence, resulting in the first Daytona Coupe. With its significantly improved top speed of 190 mph, the Daytona Coupe secured numerous class victories and set 25 speed records at Bonneville, proving its effectiveness as a popular and record-breaking 60’s race car.
Studebaker Avanti
Studebaker was facing financial difficulties in the late 1950s, and the Avanti was conceived as a halo car to revitalize sales. The Avanti was a fiberglass-bodied sports car, similar in concept to the Corvette, offering a robust V8 as the sole engine option. Despite its attractive design and focus on safety, the Avanti sold fewer than 2,000 units in its first year. Sales improved slightly the following year, but not sufficiently to rescue the company from its mounting financial woes. Production ceased in December 1963 when the Studebaker plant closed. While Studebaker eventually faded away, the Avanti nameplate still holds a unique place in automotive history as a distinctive and somewhat popular, albeit short-lived, 60’s car.
Chevy Corvair
The Chevy Corvair’s fully sealed, Tesla-esque grille hints at its unconventional nature. Unlike its competitors and every other GM car of the era, the Corvair featured a rear-engine layout, similar to the Porsche 911. Initially intended to compete with smaller cars like the VW Beetle and Ford Falcon, the Corvair adopted relatively conventional 2-door, 4-seater styling. The first generation debuted in 1960 with a starting price under $2,000. While the car underwent rapid improvements in subsequent years, American drivers were unaccustomed to the rear weight bias, and the Corvair unfairly gained a reputation for being dangerous, despite its innovative design and initial popularity as an affordable 60’s car.
Jensen Interceptor
Think of the Jensen Interceptor as a Ferrari GTC4Lusso with a robust 1970s-style mustache – a fitting description for this unique vehicle. Jensen, a British car manufacturer with 30 years of history known for its distinctive rear windows, unveiled the appropriately eccentric Interceptor in 1966. With its long hood and the unusual “bubble” rear end reminiscent of 1970s designs, the Interceptor looked unlike anything else on the road. While its reliability was sometimes questionable, it delivered impressive performance courtesy of Chrysler V8 engines, including the massive 440 cubic inch unit. Just over 6,000 Interceptors were produced before Jensen ceased operations in 1976, but the Interceptor’s undeniable coolness has led to plans for a potential revival, ensuring its legacy as a distinctive and popular 60’s car.
These are just some of the most quintessential and popular cars that emerged from the vibrant automotive landscape of the 1960s. Do you agree with our list? Are there any other iconic rides from the decade that you believe deserve recognition? Let us know in the comments which 1960s car you find the most memorable and iconic!
