29 Quick and Quirky Classic Cars
Back in high school, my friend’s older brother had a Saab 96 that looked like a beetle with attitude.
It wasn’t the fastest thing on the road, but when it hit second gear with that two-stroke scream, it turned heads for all the wrong and right reasons.
Classic cars don’t always need brute horsepower or perfect lines to stand out—sometimes, a little weirdness and a lot of charm go a long way.
1. Saab 99 Turbo
The Saab 99 Turbo was the first production turbocharged car from Saab, and boy, did it leave its mark.
With a distinctive angular body and turbo lag that kept you guessing, every drive felt like a mini rollercoaster. Known for its quirky design and impressive performance, it was a pioneer of turbo technology.
The 99 Turbo was ahead of its time, offering a thrilling drive with unique Saab features like a wraparound windscreen. It’s a car that’s as much fun to look at as it is to drive.
Fun fact: Rally enthusiasts adored it for its robust build and spirited drive.
2. Renault 5 Turbo
Renault’s pocket rocket, the Renault 5 Turbo, was a mid-engine marvel that defied expectations.
Sporting wide rear arches and a feisty attitude, it was a rally superstar of the 1980s, adored for its nimbleness and power.
This little beast packed a punch with its turbocharged engine, making it a favorite among adrenaline junkies. Its unique mid-engine placement was a game-changer in compact car design.
Renault 5 Turbo was not just about speed; it brought style and flair to the streets, turning heads wherever it roared.
3. Citroën SM
The Citroën SM, a fusion of French elegance and Maserati power, was a visionary masterpiece. Its aerodynamic design and futuristic features made it a head-turner on any road.
Under the hood, a Maserati V6 engine purred, offering performance with a touch of class. Hydropneumatic suspension made every journey smooth, as if gliding on air.
Quirky and luxurious, the SM was ahead of its time, blending innovation with style. Its captivating presence remains a symbol of avant-garde automotive design.
4. BMW 2002 Turbo
BMW’s first turbocharged production car, the 2002 Turbo, set pulses racing with its bold graphics and dynamic performance.
It was a statement piece from the Bavarian automaker, showcasing the thrill of turbo power.
Its flared arches and aggressive stance gave it a unique identity, while under the hood, the turbocharged engine delivered exhilarating speed.
Fun fact: It was one of the first cars to feature a turbocharger, setting the stage for future innovations.
5. Lotus Europa
Low to the ground and ready to pounce, the Lotus Europa was a sports car lover’s dream. Its lightweight construction and mid-engine layout promised a driving experience like no other.
Designed for performance, the Europa’s handling was second to none. With its distinctive wedge shape, it cut through the wind effortlessly, turning every drive into a memorable adventure.
A true innovator, the Lotus Europa combined engineering excellence with British flair, winning the hearts of enthusiasts worldwide.
6. Subaru XT
The Subaru XT was a vision of the future, with its sharp angles and pop-up headlights. This quirky coupe was Subaru’s bold leap into the world of aerodynamic design.
Inside, the cockpit was spaceship-like, with digital displays and joystick controls, capturing the spirit of the 1980s. It was a car that dared to be different, and it succeeded.
Fun fact: The XT was one of the first cars to feature a drag coefficient of just 0.29, making it incredibly sleek for its time.
7. Alfa Romeo GTV6
Italy’s answer to the performance coupe, the Alfa Romeo GTV6 was all about style and substance. Its unique grille and hatchback design made it an icon of the 1980s.
Under the hood, a 2.5-liter V6 engine purred with a sound that could only be Italian. Its rear-wheel-drive setup promised a thrilling drive, with handling that was both agile and precise.
The GTV6 was a car that didn’t just transport you; it seduced you, making every drive a passionate affair.
8. Volkswagen SP2
Built only for the Brazilian market in the 1970s, the Volkswagen SP2 mixed air-cooled Beetle underpinnings with sleek, sports car styling.
It wasn’t especially fast, but its quirky charm came from how exotic it looked compared to its humble mechanical roots.
VW fans love it for being one of the rare times the brand embraced design flair over function.
Today, the SP2 is a cult classic that’s finally getting global recognition for its unique blend of elegance and oddity.
9. Triumph TR8
With a mighty V8 engine, the Triumph TR8 was a classic British roadster with a twist. It took the traditional Triumph shape and added American muscle, resulting in a thrilling package.
The TR8 was built for those who loved the open road, offering performance and style in equal measure. Its rumbling exhaust was music to the ears of driving enthusiasts.
A rare beast, the TR8 combined British charm with V8 power, making it a joy to drive and a treat to behold.
10. Honda CRX Si
The CRX Si was a featherweight rocket in the ’80s—small, simple, and a blast to drive. With a high-revving engine and go-kart handling, it became a legend among enthusiasts looking for fun on a budget.
Its unique two-seater hatchback layout gave it an identity all its own, and the Si trim added fuel injection and real performance punch.
Despite modest horsepower, the CRX Si delivered pure driver engagement in a compact, quirky package that’s still beloved today.
11. Porsche 914
Born from a collaboration between Porsche and Volkswagen, the 914 was mid-engined, boxy, and controversial—but also surprisingly quick and agile.
With its low center of gravity and sharp handling, it delivered sports car thrills at a fraction of a 911’s price.
Though it confused purists at launch, the 914 has since earned respect for its performance and distinctive styling.
It’s a quirky Porsche that dared to be different, and it paid off with a cult following.
12. Lancia Beta Montecarlo
The Lancia Beta Montecarlo was a mid-engine marvel from Italy, with a design that screamed ’70s chic. Its wedge shape and compact size made it a standout in any crowd.
Underneath its stylish exterior was a car that handled like a dream, with a mid-engine layout that offered superb balance and agility. It was a car for those who appreciated the finer things in motoring.
Fun fact: The Montecarlo was also the basis for the Lancia 037, a rally legend in its own right.
13. Matra-Simca Bagheera
The French Matra-Simca Bagheera may have been a modest performer, but its wedge-shaped body and three-abreast seating made it one of the strangest and coolest cars of the ’70s.
It was lightweight, aerodynamic, and surprisingly fun to drive for its class. Built from fiberglass over a steel frame, it embodied French automotive eccentricity at its best.
The Bagheera is now a rare sight, but it remains a favorite among collectors of forgotten oddballs with flair.
14. AMC AMX
The AMC AMX was a muscle car with a difference. Shorter than most of its rivals, it packed a punch with its potent V8 engine and distinctive styling.
Its compact size made it nimble, while its performance ensured it was a force to be reckoned with on the drag strip. The AMX was a true American classic, combining muscle car power with a unique style.
Fun fact: The AMX was one of the few muscle cars to offer a two-seater configuration, adding to its exclusivity.
15. Datsun 2000 Roadster
The Datsun 2000 Roadster was Japan’s answer to the British sports car, offering style, speed, and a touch of the exotic. Its refined lines and open-top design made it a favorite among enthusiasts.
Under the hood, the 2000 Roadster packed a powerful punch, with an engine that delivered thrilling performance. It was a car for those who loved the wind in their hair.
Fun fact: The Datsun 2000 Roadster was one of the earliest Japanese sports cars to gain popularity in the US.
16. Fiat X1/9
Designed by Bertone and engineered by Fiat, the X1/9 brought exotic, mid-engine balance to an affordable platform.
It had the heart of a humble econobox, but the soul of a baby Ferrari. The targa top and sharp lines gave it serious visual appeal, and its agile handling made it a riot in the corners.
Quirky electricals aside, the X1/9 proved that you didn’t need big power or big money to feel like a true sports car driver.
17. NSU Ro80
The NSU Ro80 was a car ahead of its time, with a revolutionary rotary engine and futuristic design. It was a car that dared to be different, and in doing so, became a legend.
Its smooth lines and advanced engineering made it a favorite among those who valued innovation. The Ro80 was not just a car; it was a glimpse into the future of motoring.
Fun fact: The NSU Ro80 won the European Car of the Year award in 1968, thanks to its groundbreaking design and technology.
18. Mazda RX-3
Before the RX-7 stole the show, the Mazda RX-3 introduced the rotary engine to mainstream buyers with flair.
Lightweight and rev-happy, the RX-3 punched well above its displacement. Its unusual sound and smooth power delivery made it feel fast and futuristic.
Combined with sharp styling and tuner potential, it became a JDM icon. The RX-3’s offbeat engine and bold attitude helped define Mazda’s rebellious spirit in the ’70s—and it’s still a rotary favorite today.
19. TVR 3000M
The TVR 3000M was a British sports car that combined power and elegance. With its curvaceous body and potent engine, it offered a driving experience that was both thrilling and refined.
Known for its lightweight construction and agile handling, the 3000M was a car that demanded attention wherever it went. It was a symbol of British engineering at its finest.
Fun fact: The TVR 3000M was one of the first models to feature a fiberglass body, making it both lightweight and durable.
20. Opel GT
Often referred to as the ‘mini-Corvette,’ the Opel GT was a compact sports car with big ambitions. Its sleek design and pop-up headlights made it a favorite among enthusiasts.
Under the hood, the GT offered a spirited drive, with handling that was both precise and engaging. It was a car that promised fun, whether on a winding road or a straight stretch.
Fun fact: The Opel GT’s design was so popular that it even inspired a comic book superhero car in Germany!
21. Volvo P1800 ES
The P1800 ES, with its extended glass hatch and shooting-brake profile, was Volvo’s answer to practical style. It kept the reliability and grace of the P1800 coupe, but added a dose of sport wagon quirkiness.
While not blisteringly fast, it offered confident performance with solid European handling and a unique look that turned heads.
It’s best remembered as the “snow-white hearse,” but today it stands as one of the coolest, oddball Volvos ever built.
22. Mitsubishi Starion
The Mitsubishi Starion was a turbocharged beast that captured the spirit of the 1980s. With its angular design and powerful engine, it was a force to be reckoned with on the road.
Known for its performance and handling, the Starion offered a thrilling driving experience that was both exciting and engaging. It was a car that promised fun and delivered it in spades.
Fun fact: The Starion was one of the first Japanese cars to be equipped with electronic fuel injection, a sign of its cutting-edge technology.
23. Dodge Omni GLH
The Dodge Omni GLH—short for “Goes Like Hell”—was Carroll Shelby’s hot hatch with a muscle car complex.
It looked like a boxy econo-hatch but packed surprising power and spirit, especially in its later turbocharged form. Light, cheap, and hilariously quick, the GLH was a sleeper icon of the 1980s.
Its barebones design and aggressive tuning gave it an underdog charm that still resonates with gearheads who love unexpected performance from unlikely sources.
24. Chevrolet Corvair Monza Spyder
The Chevrolet Corvair Monza Spyder was a car that defied convention with its rear-engine layout and turbocharged engine. It was a car that dared to be different, and in doing so, left a lasting impression.
With its amazing design and convertible top, the Monza Spyder was a car for those who loved the open road. It offered performance and style in equal measure, making every drive an adventure.
Fun fact: The Corvair was one of the first American cars to feature a turbocharger, setting it apart from the crowd.
25. Peugeot 205 GTI
The Peugeot 205 GTI was a hot hatch that became a legend in its own time. Known for its nimble handling and spirited performance, it was a car that brought joy to drivers across Europe.
Compact and stylish, the 205 GTI offered a driving experience that was both engaging and thrilling. It was a car that promised fun at every corner, making it a favorite among enthusiasts.
26. Ford Capri RS
Marketed as “the car you always promised yourself,” the Ford Capri RS was Europe’s answer to the Mustang—a sporty coupe that looked fast and backed it up.
With rear-wheel drive, sharp handling, and RS-badged variants tuned for performance, it became a cult hit on both sides of the Atlantic.
While not exotic, its combination of motorsport pedigree and everyday usability made it one of the most fun and distinctive Fords of the era.
27. Isuzu Piazza Turbo
The Isuzu Piazza Turbo was a car that combined Japanese engineering with Italian flair. With its angular design and turbocharged engine, it offered a unique blend of style and performance.
Known for its handling and agility, the Piazza Turbo was a car that promised excitement and delivered it in every gear. It was a car that captured the spirit of the ’80s with its bold design.
Fun fact: The Piazza Turbo’s design was penned by Giorgetto Giugiaro, a legendary name in the world of automotive design.
28. Skoda Rapid Coupe
The rear-engined Škoda Rapid Coupé was one of the last cars of its kind when it launched in the 1980s. In a world moving forward, it leaned into its peculiar layout with charm and solid handling.
Often called the “poor man’s Porsche” due to its design and layout, it became a cult car in Eastern Europe.
It wasn’t quick by modern standards, but it was nimble, unique, and undeniably quirky—everything a classic oddball should be.
29. Lancia Fulvia Coupe
The Lancia Fulvia Coupe was a car that combined elegance with performance. Known for its beautiful design and impressive engineering, it was a car that captured the hearts of many.
With its V4 engine and nimble handling, the Fulvia Coupe offered a driving experience that was both engaging and rewarding. It was a car that promised thrills and delivered them with style.