20 Defining Cars of the 60s Era – How Many Do You Know?

Written By Jill Taylor

The 1960s changed the car world with cool designs, new tech, and powerful engines. Car fans still love these classics, with many still driving them to this day. Here are 20 standout cars from the ’60s. How many do you know?

Ford Mustang

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Ford writes, “The Mustang’s grand debut came on April 14, 1964.” The Mustang instantly wowed car fans with its sporty look and strong performance. The Ford Mustang quickly became a sought after car, symbolizing freedom and adventure. Furthermore, its unique design set a new trend for American muscle cars.

Chevrolet Camaro

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Launched in 1966, the Chevrolet Camaro quickly won over muscle car fans with the bold design and powerful engines. It even gave the Ford Mustang a run for its money. Today, the Camaro is still a cherished icon in American car culture.

Jaguar E-Type

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Considered one of the most beautiful cars ever, the Jaguar E-Type was released in March 1961. It has a stylish and sleek design, and along with the car’s great performance, it became a standout car. You can still see its influence on sports car designs today.

Pontiac GTO

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Also known as the “Judge,”  the Pontiac GTO was launched in 1963 and started the muscle car craze. With a strong V8 engine and cool design, it delivered exciting performance. The GTO quickly became an icon of American car power and style.

Volkswagen Beetle

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This car is still considered an icon today. The Volkswagen Beetle was already well-liked, but the 60s made it even more popular. It had a unique look about it and its dependability made it a global favorite. It’s the Beetle’s cheerful design and practicality that’ve given it a lasting appeal.

Chevrolet Corvette Stingray

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If a person wanted to look slick on the roads, this is the car they chose. The 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray added serious style and performance to the Corvette lineup. Its unique split rear window and bold design caught everyone’s eye. The Stingray set a high bar for performance and innovation.

Mini Cooper

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Introduced in 1959, the Mini Cooper became really popular in the 60s. Its small size and easy handling made it a hit for daily driving and racing. Even today, the Mini Cooper’s design and appeal still have a big impact on the car industry.

Shelby Cobra

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This car combined British chassis with American muscle. Carroll Shelby’s Cobra, released in 1962, was a lightweight, high-performance roadster that dominated racetracks. The Cobra’s iconic design and racing pedigree make it a legendary sports car. It’s a car that’s still popular with collectors to this day.

Mercedes-Benz 600

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There was no denying that the Mercedes-Benz 600, launched in 1963, was the ultimate car for luxury and style. Celebrities and world leaders loved it for its lavishness and cutting-edge features. This car set a new bar for luxury sedans, making it a favorite among the elite.

Dodge Charger

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This famous car first came out in 1965 and instantly grabbed attention with its bold design and powerful engines. The Dodge Charger quickly became a symbol of American muscle cars. With its unique style and strong performance, the Charger became an icon of the 1960s.

Alfa Romeo Spider

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The Alfa Romeo Spider gained fame through its stylish design and engaging driving experience. It was released in 1966 and featured prominently in the film “The Graduate,” boosting its popularity. The Spider’s timeless appeal continues to attract enthusiasts. Now considered a vintage car, it can be worth a fair amount.

Plymouth Barracuda

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If car owners wanted a sporty alternative in the growing muscle car market, then they could purchase the Plymouth Barracuda. Its distinctive design and powerful engines made it a competitor to the Mustang and Camaro. Introduced in 1964, the Barracuda remains a classic symbol of 60s American cars.

Aston Martin DB5

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This car became immensely popular after starring in “Goldfinger” as James Bond’s car. The Aston Martin DB5 was released in 1963 and its elegant design and advanced technology make it a symbol of British luxury. The DB5 remains one of the most recognizable and admired cars in the world.

Ferrari 250 GTO

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This car is considered one of the greatest Ferraris ever built. Its stunning design and racing success made it a legend. The Ferrari 250 GTO was introduced in 1962 and instantly became popular. The 250 GTO is highly coveted by collectors and enthusiasts alike, even today.

Oldsmobile Toronado

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This was America’s first front-wheel-drive car. The Oldsmobile Toronado was introduced in 1966 and was considered a groundbreaking design. Its bold style and innovative engineering earned it accolades. It was a heavy car with a big engine, giving it some serious power. The Toronado’s impact on automotive technology is still recognized today.

Lincoln Continental

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Americans loved the luxury and sophistication of this car. The Lincoln Continental of the 60s, especially the 1961 model, is remembered for its sleek, understated elegance. Its rear-hinged “suicide doors” became an iconic feature.

Buick Riviera

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Released in 1962, the Buick Riviera combined performance with luxury. Its sleek, European-inspired design set it apart from other American cars. The Riviera’s distinctive look and refined driving experience made it a standout in the 60s. It set the mark for Buick cars today.

Toyota 2000GT

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Japanese cars were soon put on the map thanks to the Toyota 2000GT.  It hit the car market in 1967 and showcased Japan’s ability to produce world-class sports cars. The beautiful design and impressive performance earned it global recognition, giving it the popularity it deserved.

AMC Javelin

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For bold styling and strong performance, people chose the AMC Javelin car. It offered an alternative to the more mainstream muscle cars of the era, which became refreshing to see. The Javelin’s unique design and competitive spirit left a lasting impression, one that’s still around today.

Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow

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This car was seen as the height of British luxury. The Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow was introduced in 1965 and featured advanced technology and unparalleled craftsmanship. The Silver Shadow’s elegance and comfort made it a favorite among the elite, solidifying Rolls-Royce’s reputation for excellence.

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