Table of Contents
10 Best Classic Cars from the 60s
The 60s was a decade of change and the decade where the automobile industry went from a luxury item to an affordable commodity. The decade also saw the rise of classic cars that became icons of the time.
These are some of the most iconic cars from the 60s. They have been around for decades and are still in production today. These cars have made an impact on the automotive world, and they have helped shape how we view cars today.
The critical point to remember is how many of these cars have increased in value over time, and this further displays their impact on the automotive industry as a whole
Keep reading below to learn more about the ten best classic cars from the 60s.
1. 1960 Ford Thunderbird
The 1960 Ford Thunderbird is a classic car manufactured in the United States by the Ford Motor Company. It was introduced to the market in 1954 and ran in two production splits until 2005.
The first generation of this car had a very distinctive design with a long hood, a short deck, and an open-roadster body style. This is one of the best cars from the 1960s and still ranks as one of the most iconic vehicles ever today.
It has a unique design and is one of the most desired classic cars from that decade. It's worth mentioning that many different versions of this car are available in today's market, depending on your budget or needs.
The 1960 model was part of the second generation of Thunderbirds. It included a redesigned grille and an upgraded engine that provided 350 horsepower.
It also included a V8 engine with 4,400 RPMs of torque. The four-seat, two-door design was modern, with the first convertible release for all Thunderbirds.
This trendy look lasted for decades and became synonymous with the Thunderbird brand. The 1960 model also upgraded to triple unit taillights for improved coverage and visibility.
2. 1965 Ford Mustang
The Ford Mustang was first introduced in 1964 and is now one of the most iconic cars in the world. This 1965 model was the first ever Ford Mustang to reach the market.
It was designed to be a sporty car with a powerful engine and sleek design. And it has been an American icon from day one, with production still running today.
The car became an instant classic and significantly influenced the automobile industry with its design, styling, and marketing. The design included 120 horsepower or 200 horsepower options depending on the driver’s choice.
It also had better acceleration than its V8 engine, providing impressive torque and strength. The two-barrel carburetor was an innovation in the industry as well.
The interior was designed with luxury, elegance, and comfort in mind so that you can enjoy your ride even more. It also came with 3-speed, 4-speed, or automatic transmission options.
Despite how new this vehicle was to the market, you had plenty of variations and options to consider. And almost sixty years later, you would struggle to find someone who has never heard of the Mustang before.
3. 1969 Plymouth Roadrunner
The Plymouth Roadrunner is one of the most iconic muscle cars from the 1960s. It was built for speed and performance with a powerful V8 engine. It could produce up to 425 horsepower and 4,600 RPMs of torque.
This car was one of the most powerful muscle cars of its time, with a top speed of 132 mph. The vehicle is known for its distinctive, sleek design and is considered the first muscle car.
It has a 426 cubic-inch Hemi engine that can produce up to 425 horsepower. It came with a three-speed manual transmission, but it could also be ordered with an automatic or four-speed manual transmission.
The car had a curb weight of 3,300 pounds and drum brakes in the front and rear. The cast iron cylinder block was quite heavy and contributed to this as well.
This vehicle also received slight upgrades with new tail lights, side marker lights, and Road Runner decals. All of these things created an even sleeker exterior finish.
4. 1964 Pontiac GTO
The Pontiac GTO is a classic car from the 1960s that has significantly impacted the automotive industry. It was one of the first cars to have a high-performance engine and one of the first muscle cars.
The Pontiac GTO is an iconic car, not just because it was a muscle car but because it was also one of the first cars to have an engine that could go 0-60 mph in 7 seconds.
The Pontiac GTO can be described as a muscle car because it had high horsepower, low weight, and wide tires. It came with a 325-horsepower engine, which made it faster than any other production car in America at that time.
It also had a 4-speed manual transmission with a 389-cubic-inch V-8 engine. This design also included a single Carter AFB four-barrel carburetor.
The GTO also had a distinctive split grille with some features that were not standard on many American cars at the time. It also came with some limited power features too.
While this classic car will always be remembered, it wasn't the fastest. The top speed capped out at 99 MPH.
5. 1967 Chevrolet Camaro "Ultimate Sixty Seven"
The 1967 Chevrolet Camaro is one of the best classic cars from the 1960s. It has been a favorite among car enthusiasts and collectors for decades.
The 1967 Chevrolet Camaro was a revolutionary car that was first made available in the market. It was the first vehicle to offer a six-cylinder engine as standard equipment, which gave it an edge over its competitors.
The 1967 Chevrolet Camaro also had several other features that made it stand out from other cars. This specialty design received upgrades of the LS9 engine mated to a Tremec T-56 transmission to compete with the Ford Mustang.
The first generation of Camaros was powered by a 6.2L V8 engine that produced maximum horsepower and torque, enabling it to go from 0-60 mph in five seconds flat and reach a top speed of 155 mph.
This car is extremely rare, and the price tag will also be pretty steep if you can find an available model. With multiple 1967 models, you can’t go wrong with a few of them.
Chevy was on a mission to make an impact within the industry. And after seeing the success of the Camaro, it is safe to say they were successful in doing so.
6. 1967 Lamborghini Miura
The Lamborghini Miura was a revolutionary design and is still one of the most well-known cars from the 1960s. The Miura is an extremely rare car produced from 1966 to 1973.
There were only 800 total units made, making it one of the most expensive classic cars to buy on the market today. Today, it is believed there are less than 400 still in circulation.
Many features make this car so special, but its engine is what sets it apart from other cars. The Miura has a 3.9L V12 engine that can reach up to 345 horsepower. This makes it one of the fastest cars in its class.
This was one of the first cars to have a rear mid-engine, rear-wheel drive layout. This design made it incredibly fast and agile while also being comfortable to drive.
The engine was a V12 with three double overhead camshafts, producing 350 horsepower and 354 lb/ft torque at 5500 rpm.
It had an aluminum body with steel reinforcements in some areas, such as the doors, bonnet, and boot lid, making it very light for its size. The interior was also very luxurious, with sleek leather seats.
One more unique thing about this car is the engine and gearbox combination into one casting. This allows for an even lighter design with less curb weight to improve speed and handling.
7. 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray
The Stingray was the first Corvette to sport a fiberglass body and an independent rear suspension. The car was developed to create a sports car that could compete with European models.
The Sting Ray has a distinctive shape with a low-slung hood and long tail. It is powered by an inline six-cylinder engine that produces 250 horsepower on the standard model and up to 360 horsepower on other options.
The Stingray is one of the best classic cars from the 1960s because it has a sleek design and it is powerful. A total of 21,513 units of the 1963 version were released to the general public for purchase.
It was so popular that it became the most sought-after car by collectors and enthusiasts. The body style was based on a fighter jet design, which made it stand out among other cars at the time.
It is a two-seater sports car with a unique 327cid engine and a refined body. The front end had a pointed nose with hidden headlights, making it look like an arrowhead. It can reach a maximum speed of up to 142 MPH.
The fuel consumption for this vehicle is not that great for a sports car, but it does have an average fuel economy rating of around 19-23 MPG.
8. 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO
The Ferrari 250 GTO is one of the most sought-after classic cars in the world. This car was manufactured from 1962 until 1964, and only 36 total vehicles were produced. This makes it one of the rarest vehicles ever.
The 2,953cc V12 engine produces 296 horsepower and elite speed and handling capabilities. It can reach up to 174 MPH speeds and goes from 0 to 60 in only 5.4 seconds, making it the top performer of the decade.
The primary focus of Bizzarrini was to improve the aerodynamics of the car to make it better suited for racing. For example, the body design was tested by riding this vehicle through a wind tunnel to see how it performed.
The 2-door Berlinetta design was impressive and compact for handling as well. It was initially designed as a no-frills racing car in the 60s, but due to its rarity, the value continued to rise over the years.
It is considered one of the world's most expensive cars, with a recent sale in 2018 going for $48.4 million. This is still one of the most impressive vehicle designs in history too.
9. 1969 Pontiac Trans Am
The Pontiac Trans Am was the first car to have a name that matched its design. This is one of the best classic cars from the 1960s and often is referred to as the Firebird instead of the Trans Am.
This is one of the most iconic muscle cars ever made. It was also the first car to have a name that matched its design. Its powerful engine and sleek design make it one of the best classic cars from the 1960s.
The two-door hardtop and convertible design was an early innovation in the industry and closely resembled the Chevy Camaro. This vehicle was also part of the first generation of vehicles for this model.
It is a two-door coupe that has sleek lines and an aggressive look. It is powered by a powerful 400 cubic inch V8 engine with horsepower up to 325. It also features a manual transmission with a few alternative options available.
Pontiac Trans Am’s aggressive styling, powerful engine, and four-speed manual transmission make this classic car one of the best cars from the 1960s.
This vehicle also came with a few upgrades, like side marker lights, enlarged turn signal lights, and an additional Arrowhead logo added to each side of the car.
10. 1968 Ford Torino
The Ford Torino was introduced in 1968, and this model was the first of the eight-year long run on the market.
The Torino was designed to be a sporty car competing with the Chevrolet Camaro and Dodge Charger. It had a V8 engine and was not very powerful, with 335 horsepower and excellent handling capabilities.
The 1968 Ford Torino is one of the best cars from that decade. It has a powerful engine that can go from 0 to 60 in 7 seconds. It is a fast, reliable, and dependable car.
The exterior design of the car is very sleek and beautiful. The interior has been designed with luxury in mind and is spacious enough for five people to sit comfortably inside.
The design varied with many options like two-door convertibles or four-door sedans available. Ford was sure to release many variations for drivers to choose from a wide range of options.
It was one of the most successful cars in its class and is still considered one of the best cars from this era. The gently sloped roof was modeled after the Mustang to improve aerodynamics and driving speed.
You also had the option to choose between a 3-speed manual, 4-speed manual, and 3-speed automatic transmission. This is one of the most versatile vehicles from this era too.
Where Can You Buy Classic Cars From The 60s?
Classic cars from the 60s are highly sought after and can be difficult to find. Even if you have the money, they will be hard to find.
A few places specialize in these classic vehicles, but they can still be difficult to locate. If you're looking for an authentic 60s vehicle, then these are your best bets for finding them.
Local Auctions
You should stay current about local auctions in your area for any potential classic cars from this decade. They are typically posted online or in communities.
It is best to stay involved in these communities or follow along online to know about any upcoming auctions. This is where the best deals tend to happen too.
Online Private Websites
The most common way to find classic cars is by using online websites like classiccars.com to pick up new vehicles. This is a marketplace where private sellers post cars for sale.
This allows you to shop for everything that is available. For example, there are over 32,000 options on this website and dozens of other websites just like it.
Social Media
Social media is great for finding deals on cars too. Facebook Marketplace has become a top place to sell just about everything, including vehicles.
You can also use Instagram to find available vehicles for sale too. When using social media, it is best to do your due diligence because scammers can get on these apps easily.
