The Best 1960s Cars

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Updated January 1, 2025 509.6K views 73 items
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Car models or model generations that debuted in the 1960s.

The era of the 1960s was a golden age for automobiles, with numerous classic cars hitting the market. With distinctive designs, powerful engines, and definite flair, it's no wonder that many of these vehicles continue to captivate collectors today. This selection ranges from muscle machines to sleek sports cars - each offering something special for those who appreciate automotive history.

These innovative machines offer a blend of power and elegance. This was a time when automobile manufacturers pushed boundaries and created vehicles that not only boasted high-performance capabilities but also stunning aesthetics. As a result, 60s cars often featured revolutionary advancements in engineering while staying true to their aesthetic roots. This combination has contributed to their appeal among passionate car aficionados.

Some particularly noteworthy examples include the Dodge Charger, AC Cobra, and Shelby GT500. The Dodge Charger arrived in 1966 as a muscular fastback coupe with an aggressive stance - its "menacing" look made it an instant favorite among muscle car enthusiasts. In contrast, there was elegance in simplicity found within the AC Cobra: a British-American hybrid sports car that combined lightweight European design with American V8 power. And finally, there is the Shelby GT500. It resulted from Carroll Shelby's desire to create a road-going race car to compete with Europes finest while maintaining its American identity.

These exceptional automobiles remain influential far beyond their initial impact. While some may look back nostalgically at these vintage vehicles as relics of simpler times or admire them as symbols of mechanical beauty and ingenuity, others actively seek out these classics to use today. Regardless of the individual motivations, it's clear that car enthusiasts respect these 1960s cars for their good looks and innovative in automotive engineering and design.

Most divisive: Ferrari Daytona
Over 10.4K Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Coolest Cars of the 1960s