The automobile industry revolutionized during the 60s. It was a glorious period, and we are going back in time to commemorate the most beautiful cars of the 60s. It was a time people associated vehicles with fashion and style. It was an era when fast sports cars rose to fame. Its when the production of economically friendly four-wheels for public use was recognized. Numerous nations contributed to this age of innovation. As a result, the 1960s has a long list of notable cars that remain iconic designs and collector item editions to a hobbyist.
What Makes A Car Beautiful?
Beauty is not only physical appearance but also what is within. It is the same for cars. To define the beauty of vehicles from the 1960s, we used the following criteria: Lines, Bumper Design, Headlights, Interior Space, and Engine Capacity.
Lines: The lines of a car runs from the front to the rear. Attractive lines project an image of motion even when not moving. It could be curvy or boxy and gives a sense of wanting to touch the car.
Bumper Design: The bumper design is like the lips of the car. It is an indicator of an automobile's winning smile.
Headlights: The headlights aim to give warning and receive attention. Of course, its shape and form add attractiveness.
Interior Space: Car owners get attached to their cars when it is comfortable to use. It is why interior space is a definition of beauty.
Engine Capacity: Cars are a means of transportation, and people love the feeling of driving. Engine capacity is the life force and an indicator of how fast an automobile can go.
The Most Beautiful Cars of the 60s:
10/10. MGB
The MGB is a British two-door sports car introduced in 1962. It had a glorious run until the 1980s. The secret to its longevity is its unique monocoque chassis combined directly with the bodyshell and frame. It made the car lighter and compact on the outside but spacious inside. The MGB also managed to get exported to the U.S. and had a successful run there.
The lines of this car are smooth and curvy. The design of the headlight is round and mounted with a bulging effect. The small chrome bumper is sleek. The first MGB release features a 1798 cc engine with an output of 94 horsepower and 107 lb-ft of torque. It can go from 0 to 60 mph in 12.2 seconds and as fast as 106mph.
The 1962 MGB model had minor tweaks through the years, but until its final day, it retained most of its original assets. Minor changes include changing door pull handles to push-button ones. A bit of adjustment on the windshield and roofline height. And more luxurious features like comfier seats and engine compartment improvements.
9/10. Renault 16
The Renault 16 is a sophisticated-looking French family hatchback released in 1965. It features a fifth door for the compartment at the back for storage space. The lines on its body are not entirely curvy and have subtle sharp edges that blend well. The headlights are rectangular shaped and prominent. The bumper adopted a thin and sleek design.
The Renault 16 is the first French car to win the European Car of the Year award. It is well deserved for an automobile ahead of its time. It features a 1470 cc engine delivering 59 brake horsepower and 78 ft-lb of torque. This four-speed column shifter model can go as fast as 88 mph. You can check the value using the KBB Classic Car Value Guide. There was an upgrade in 1968 to a 1565 cc engine and the inclusion of a tachometer on the dashboard.
The interior of the Renault 16 is spacious. The item to take note of is its comfy bucket-front seats. Tall people will not have problems driving this beauty. It can fit as many as four to five people, or a family of four has enough room for luggage at the back. This model had a run of 15 years and sold well in different parts of Europe.
8/10. Volkswagen Microbus
The 1967 Volkswagen Microbus is a fancy German four-door vehicle. The cute minivan has the Volkswagen logo on the front and smacks in the middle like a button nose. The headlights are round, the bumper location is a bit low, and it looks like a happy smile. The paint job on this vehicle is whimsical. It is a popular mode of transportation for the hippies in this era.
It features a 1.6-liter engine delivering 53 horsepower and 4-speed manual transmission control. It can go as fast as 65 mph on the road. This spacious beauty can accommodate seven people. It is known as a recreation vehicle that is suitable for large families or for hosting camping trips. During the 1960s, petroleum prices were low, and light road traffic made traveling in groups a favorite leisure.
The iconic design of the Volkswagen Microbus remains significant to this day. It is the inspiration for other Volkswagen electric cars like the Bulli (2011), BUDD-e (2016), and ID BUZZ (2017). An all-electric battery concept is in the works and will also take a similar look.
7/10. Pontiac GTO Judge Convertible
The 1969 Pontiac GTO Judge Convertible is a stylish American muscle car. Back in the day, automobiles without a roof over their head are innovative and fresh ideas. It has tri-color body stripes, a blacked-out grille, 14×6-inch Rally II wheels, and width rear spoilers.
The body line design is boxy and features a lot of edges. The hidden headlight design gives it a mysterious vibe. This structure is masculine and appeals to the taste of men. The bumper is also slim and rugged.
Aside from being flashy, this beauty has a V8 engine. It can go as fast as 125mph with a torque of 445 ft lbs @ 3400 rpm. It is one of the rarest cars of the era. There were only 108 convertible units made adorned with the "The Judge" decals. The 1969 Pontiac GTO Judge Convertible is sought after by collectors. In an auction in 2010 at Gainsville, the winning bid was a staggering $620,000.
6/10. Ferrari 250 GTO
The 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO is an Italian vehicle made for speed. This sports car has a top speed of 170mph with its V12 engine and delivers 300 horsepower. The front-engine design of this automobile was considered unique among race cars. But the thing with this model is even if it is for racing, it is also available for sale to the public. However, aspiring owners, aside from shelling out the cash, also need to receive the approval of Enzo Ferrari.
This competitive automobile won the prestigious 24h Le Mans race in 1962. One of the drivers was the legendary Olivier Gendebien, who then had a winning streak from 1960 to 1962. The sports car also won in top competitions like the Tour de France, Targa Florio, and 12 Hours of Sebring Race.
The Ferrari 250 GTO has curvy lines from front to rear. The round headlights and protected by removable 'D'-shaped panels. It does not have the traditional bumper structure. Upfront, the iconic Ferrari logo stands tall. This two-door beauty has strong charisma and performance as it won numerous races during its prime.
5/10. Plymouth 426 Hemi Road Runner
The 1968 Plymouth Hemi Road Runner is another handsome American muscle car. This 1969 MotorTrend Car of the Year winner is fast and cheaper than most models during this period. It can go from 0 to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds, and the max speed is 134 mph. Thanks to its V8 engine output of 330 horsepower.
The Plymouth Hemi Road Runner has a boxed structure. It has stacked headlights with a thick bumper at the bottom front. You can check the price using the NADA Classic Car Value Guide. This two-door model's interior design is basic but comfortable. The sales projection was only 20,000 units, but the numbers rose to 45,000. It only goes to show how the public loved this car.
This automobile takes after a speedy cartoon character named Road Runner by Warner Bros. Plymouth even paid the studio to have the right to use this name. Along with the rights is the authority to use the iconic "beep-beep" sound for the horn.
4/10. Ford Mustang Boss 429
The Ford Mustang Boss 429 is an American compact pony car that is stylish, sporty, and affordable. This model made its debut in 1969, intending to join the race track of NASCAR. It has sharp lines and soft edges, a balanced mix of rugged and sophisticated. This compact car has a long hood, the round headlights are distinct, and the bumper is thin and sleek. The Ford Mustang Boss 429 is rare. It has only 1359 units manufactured.
This two-door beauty has a 7 Liter Ford 385 V8 engine delivering 375 horsepower and a max speed of 175 mph. Despite the raw power, it is easy to modify and has low-cost maintenance. It can run for 200,000 miles without major breakdowns. This powerful engine receives ventilation with the hood scoop design for maximum performance.
This two-seater interior is spacious and simplistic. The steering wheel features wood. In front of the driver, four gauges with the speedometer and tachometer are on display. It has comfy leather seats and a large storage compartment.
3/10. Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray
The 1967 Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray is an iconic American sports car. The model has many exclusive features like a stinger hood, air vent side gills, and fancy rally wheels. It has a V8 engine with an output of 300 horsepower and can go as fast as 142 mph.
The body structure has smooth corners and edgy body lines. It looks luxurious. The interior is also spacious and features a central pool brake. The seats are comfy vinyl seats and have wide storage at the back. The headlights need switching on from the control panel, which is another cool feature.
The rarest color for this model is tuxedo black. Fans of this car love to hear the sounds from the side exhausts. It makes the listener feel they should buckle up as the car will speedily drive out soon. And the 1967 Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray does not disappoint. It is indeed one fast supercar.
2/10. Jaguar E-Type
The British Jaguar E-Type during the 1960s is called the most beautiful car in the world. The main selling point of this car is its smooth curves that are attractive and functional. Jaguar E-Type used the principles of aerodynamics to turn it into a formidable racer.
It has a 3.8 Liter engine delivering 265 horsepower and a top speed of 150 mph. The headlights of the Jaguar E-Type feature a gasket seal to prevent condensation from leaking. The bumper is shiny and sleek. Fans describe driving this beauty as experiencing heaven on earth.
During its debut in Geneva, Switzerland, the sweetest surprise was the cheaper cost of this supercar. Compared to its contemporaries, the Jaguar E-Type is something the masses could afford. There were over 72,000 units made, and it is a testament to how the public loved it.
1/10. Porsche 911 S Coupe
The 1967 Porsche 911 S Coupe is a legendary German car that leads a legacy of innovation. This flagship model has a flat-six engine that outputs 160 hp and can as fast as 140mph. The design satisfies both things people love in the 60s, style, luxury, and speed.
The Porsche 911 S Coupe is curvy from front to rear. The round headlights are distinct and blend well with the hood and slim bumper. This sports car has a spacious interior and a light chassis. It is easy and comfortable to drive as the steering is surprisingly light.
This lovely car features luxuries that were scarce in this era. Some of it is a leather-covered steering wheel rim, fog lights, and magnesium-alloy 5-leaf wheels. This car is a commercial success and has undergone continuous redesigning through the years. The 2018 Porsche 911 GT3 RS (991.2) is a direct descendant of this classic. And who knows? In the future, a better version could pop up once more.
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