Classic cars often bring to mind the most iconic models, but many equally deserving gems remain under the radar. This article shines a spotlight on 19 underrated European classics that are waiting to be rediscovered. These cars, each with their own unique charm and history, offer something special for enthusiasts and collectors alike.
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Lancia Fulvia
The Lancia Fulvia, a compact Italian sedan from the 1960s, earned acclaim for its sharp handling and elegant design. Despite its success in rally racing, this model often goes unnoticed among classic car enthusiasts. The Fulvia’s V4 engine and front-wheel-drive setup were cutting-edge at the time, delivering a unique driving experience.
Peugeot 504
Introduced in 1968, the Peugeot 504 quickly became known for its durability and comfortable ride, making it a favorite across Europe and beyond. Its robust suspension and timeless design ensured its longevity, especially in regions like Africa, where it still thrives. Though it played a significant role in automotive history, the 504 is often overlooked in favor of flashier French models.
Renault 16
The Renault 16, launched in 1965, was groundbreaking as one of the first hatchbacks ever produced. It combined the versatility of a hatchback with the comfort of a traditional sedan, setting new standards in car design. Despite being named European Car of the Year in 1966, the Renault 16 has largely faded from memory. Its innovative features and practical design make it a classic worth rediscovering for modern enthusiasts.
Saab 99
Produced between 1968 and 1984, the Saab 99 is an often-overlooked Swedish classic that introduced many advanced features, including turbocharging in later models. Known for its durability, safety, and distinctive Scandinavian design, the 99 paved the way for Saab’s later successes. Although it doesn’t receive as much attention as other European cars, the Saab 99’s solid build quality and quirky charm make it a standout choice for collectors.
Fiat 124 Spider
Designed by Pininfarina and introduced in 1966, the Fiat 124 Spider is a classic Italian roadster that offers both style and performance. While it was praised for its lively engine and excellent handling, the 124 Spider often found itself overshadowed by the more famous Alfa Romeo Spider. Today, this underrated roadster provides an accessible entry into the world of classic cars, offering an enjoyable driving experience at a more affordable price.
Volvo P1800
The Volvo P1800, a Swedish sports car from the 1960s, gained fame as the car driven by Roger Moore in the TV series “The Saint.” It’s not just a pretty face, though; the P1800 is also known for its incredible reliability, with one example famously covering over 3 million miles. Despite its merits, it’s often eclipsed by flashier sports cars from the era. However, its combination of style, durability, and heritage makes it a classic that deserves more recognition.
Citroën GS
Launched in 1970, the Citroën GS was a marvel of engineering with its hydropneumatic suspension and aerodynamic design. Though it won the European Car of the Year award in 1971, it never quite gained the same cult following as other Citroëns like the 2CV or DS. The GS offers a comfortable ride and advanced technology that set it apart from its contemporaries.
Alfa Romeo 75
The Alfa Romeo 75, produced between 1985 and 1992, is a rear-wheel-drive sports sedan that represented the last true Alfa before Fiat’s takeover. With its sharp handling and distinctive Italian design, the 75 was a driver’s car through and through, though it never received the recognition it deserved. Today, it’s an affordable option for those looking to experience the passion and engineering of classic Alfa Romeos.
Volkswagen Karmann Ghia
The Volkswagen Karmann Ghia, produced from 1955 to 1974, seamlessly blended Volkswagen’s reliability with Italian design flair. Although its stunning looks earned it a dedicated following, it was often overshadowed by more performance-oriented sports cars. The Karmann Ghia’s timeless design, solid build quality, and ease of maintenance make it a fantastic choice for those seeking an affordable classic with a unique character.
Opel GT
Often dubbed the “baby Corvette,” the Opel GT was produced between 1968 and 1973, featuring a sleek, aerodynamic design that turned heads. Despite its sporty appearance, the GT was powered by a relatively modest engine, which may have contributed to its underappreciated status. However, the GT’s striking looks and nimble handling offer a lot of enjoyment for classic car enthusiasts.
Austin 1100/1300
The Austin 1100/1300, which rolled off production lines between 1962 and 1974, was one of Britain’s best-selling cars, celebrated for its practicality and front-wheel-drive innovation. Despite its widespread popularity at the time, it’s been largely overshadowed by iconic British models like the Mini. The 1100/1300’s combination of spaciousness, comfort, and affordability makes it a classic worth revisiting.
BMW 1600
Part of the “New Class” series introduced in the 1960s, the BMW 1600 was instrumental in establishing BMW’s reputation for sporty, well-engineered cars. While the more powerful 2002 model often steals the spotlight, the 1600 offers a similarly engaging driving experience at a lower price point. Its responsive handling, robust engineering, and understated style make the BMW 1600 a hidden gem among classic cars.
Lancia Beta
The Lancia Beta, launched in 1972, was one of the first models developed after Fiat took over Lancia. Although it initially enjoyed popularity, the Beta’s reputation suffered due to rust issues. Today, those problems can be mitigated, revealing a car with advanced engineering, a comfortable interior, and impressive handling. The Beta’s stylish design and performance make it a classic that deserves a second look, especially for those interested in Italian motoring.
Renault Alpine A310
The Renault Alpine A310, produced between 1971 and 1984, is a French sports car that combined lightweight construction with a rear-mounted engine for an exhilarating drive. Often overshadowed by its predecessor, the A110, the A310 offers more practicality and comfort while still delivering on performance. Its unique styling and relative rarity make it an intriguing choice for collectors.
Rover P6
The Rover P6, produced from 1963 to 1977, was a British executive car that boasted advanced safety features and an innovative design. Despite winning numerous awards, including the European Car of the Year in 1964, the P6 has not achieved the classic status of other British cars. Its sophisticated suspension system and comfortable ride make it a great option for those seeking a refined yet affordable classic.
Fiat 128
Introduced in 1969, the Fiat 128 was a trailblazer in automotive design, being one of the first mass-market cars to feature front-wheel drive. Although it was named European Car of the Year in 1970, the 128 often gets overlooked in favor of more glamorous Italian models. However, its practicality, affordability, and engineering significance make it a classic that deserves attention. The Fiat 128 played a crucial role in shaping modern car design, and its influence can still be seen today.
Simca 1000
The Simca 1000, produced from 1961 to 1978, was a compact French car that offered a winning combination of practicality and style. Despite its popularity during its production years, the Simca 1000 has largely faded from the classic car scene. Its simple mechanicals and charming design make it an appealing choice for those looking for an affordable and easy-to-maintain classic.
Alfa Romeo Alfetta
Produced from 1972 to 1987, the Alfa Romeo Alfetta was a compact executive car that introduced innovative features such as a rear transaxle and De Dion tube rear suspension. These advancements provided exceptional handling, making the Alfetta a driver’s delight. However, it has often been overshadowed by other, more famous Alfa Romeo models. Its distinctive design and engaging driving dynamics make the Alfetta a hidden gem that offers a pure and rewarding driving experience.
Mercedes-Benz W123
The Mercedes-Benz W123, produced between 1976 and 1985, is often hailed as one of the most reliable cars ever built. Though it was widely used as a taxi around the world, it hasn’t garnered as much attention from collectors as more luxurious Mercedes models. Yet, the W123’s durability, timeless design, and smooth ride make it an excellent option for those seeking a dependable and stylish classic. It’s a car that combines German engineering with everyday practicality.
This article originally appeared on MyCarMakesNoise.
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