Some cars don’t need the constant affection of their original manufacturers to become legends. While factory support and updates can be limited, a select group of vehicles has risen to stardom through the power of the aftermarket.
Enthusiasts, tuners, and custom shops have fueled these cars’ popularity, transforming them into icons with performance, style, and personality far beyond what the OEMs ever envisioned.
It’s in the garages, online forums, and bustling parts markets where these vehicles truly shine.
This list celebrates 20 cars that have become cultural phenomena—not because of factory love, but thanks to the vibrant, creative world of aftermarket support.
Some cars blaze brightly, even if only for a moment. While most vehicles fade quietly into obscurity, a select few short-lived models have managed to leave an indelible mark on the automotive world. Their stories are often defined by innovation, bold design, or a rebellious spirit that challenged convention.
Despite brief production runs, these vehicles continue to influence everything from engineering to pop culture.
Their enduring appeal proves that true greatness isn’t always measured by longevity. Instead, it’s the lasting impression they make—on enthusiasts, technology, and style—that cements their legendary status.
When it comes to conquering challenging terrains, most enthusiasts immediately think of rugged SUVs and purpose-built trucks.
Yet, hidden within the automotive landscape are underrated gems—all-wheel-drive (AWD) cars that offer surprising off-road capabilities paired with everyday practicality.
These vehicles might lack the aggressive styling or off-road branding, but beneath their unassuming exteriors lie impressive engineering, durable suspensions, and versatile drivetrains.
Whether navigating muddy trails, snowy mountain roads, or rocky paths, these unexpected AWD contenders prove that adventure doesn’t always require a traditional off-road vehicle.
Let’s explore 20 underrated AWD cars ready to tackle your next off-road adventure.
Think that sedans are just for shuttling families or commuting to work? Think again. Today’s market is filled with sedans that offer the kind of thrilling performance and pulse-quickening handling once reserved for pure sports cars.
These vehicles surprise drivers with their agility, powerful engines, and dynamic designs—while still delivering the comfort and versatility you expect from a sedan.
In this list, we spotlight 20 remarkable sedans that blur the lines between daily practicality and high-octane excitement, proving you really can have the best of both worlds.
Automotive manufacturing stands as one of the cornerstones of the global economy, fueling innovation, job creation, and trade across continents.
As technology evolves and consumer demands shift, the spotlight is widening beyond traditional automotive giants. Emerging economies are joining established leaders to shape a new era in car production, driving fierce competition and collaboration on a worldwide scale.
This dynamic landscape is not just about numbers—it’s about influence, opportunity, and the race to define the future of mobility.
Explore the top 20 nations accelerating this remarkable industry boom.
Few cars have left a mark on the supercar world like the Lotus Esprit. With its striking wedge-shaped design, relentless pursuit of lightweight engineering, and unforgettable appearances in pop culture, the Esprit carved out a legacy all its own.
From redefining performance benchmarks to starring alongside James Bond, the Esprit continually pushed boundaries. Its innovative spirit and bold aesthetics ensured Lotus remained at the forefront of automotive evolution, setting the standard for what a true supercar could be.
Looking for unbeatable value in the automotive market? June 2025 is shaping up to be an exceptional month for used car buyers. Prices have stabilized after recent market fluctuations, creating a sweet spot for affordability without sacrificing quality.
This month, buyers will notice a surge in reliable vehicles, especially among sedans and compact SUVs, which are delivering remarkable bang for the buck. Dealers are offering competitive deals on certified pre-owned models, making now an ideal time to upgrade your ride with confidence.
Explore our list of the top 20 used car deals and discover your next great find!
History has a funnyway of skewing the truth. We have discussed folklore of the Mopar “Wing Cars” and Chevrolet’s big-block 348 “truck engine,” but there are plenty of other examples of false narratives in automotive history that need to be put to rest. This time, it’s the 1977 Pontiac Can Am’s turn.
The Can Am has been a strong collectible for years within the Pontiac hobby and it has had many admirers beyond those into Ponchos. All were white with yellow/orange/red stripes and featured a shaker-equipped 400ci engine (or, for California and high-altitude areas, Oldsmobile’s 403). Only 1,377 were built. The story goes that Pontiac would have built many more if the spoiler machine did not break. As it turns out, Can Am expert and editor of Smoke Signals(the club magazine of the Pontiac-Oakland Club International) Tim Dye has shown us in Issue I 2025 that this narrative is not quite true.
Factory photo of the 1974 All American show car.
The story begins in 1974 with the bicentennial-themed All American, a Grand Am-based show car that was somewhat like a Grand Am given the Trans Am treatment. However, in June of that year, production consideration was rejected. Motortown, the company run by former Pontiac adman Jim Wangers, came up with an evolutionary proposal in 1976: an orange LeMans Sport Coupe with a shaker scoop and GTO Judge-inspired striping. Pontiac rejected this proposal too.
However, LeMans sales had been falling since 1973, so Pontiac executives were keen on giving sales a kick in the rear. Wangers was encouraged to meet with Pontiac product planners; the team ended up proposing two variations (LeMans and Ventura) of the same idea: white paint with a black lower body, a shaker hood, exhaust splitters, painted bumpers (white on top, black below), and a rear spoiler. The Ventura also had louvered rear quarter windows created to match the LeMans Sport Coupe’s. In Wangers’ book Glory Days, he said that the LeMans received white Rally II wheels, but photographs show only the Ventura got these wheels, while the LeMans came with body-colored Snowflakes.
The Ventura proposal did not receive approval (though, interestingly, the prototype ended up being sold to the public and is currently in the hands of Dye), but the LeMans proposal persevered and was approved in November 1976. Dealer announcements were made the following January, with the public first bearing witness at the Detroit Auto Show the same month. Production began in February; Can Ams arrived at dealerships in March.
The initial production Can Ams were “pattern” cars, meaning they were built with the same equipment: a Safe-T-Track limited-slip differential, GR70x15 white-letter tires, a Custom Sport steering wheel, Soft Ray tinted glass, Custom seat belts, dual horns, and floor mats. This was in addition to the “WW3” Can Am package, which included the Grand Prix’s instrument panel with Rally gauges, the Trans Am’s L72 400 (or the 403—42 were built, we now know!), Rally Tuned Suspension, a Hydramatic transmission, power steering and brakes, body-colored mirrors and Rally II wheels, a black grille, and several other items. At Motortown, the shaker hood, special trim (yellow/orange/red striping and black lower body paint that included the underside of the bumpers), Can Am decals, and decklid spoiler were added. The package’s initial cost was $1,214.43, plus $375 for the Motortown conversion.
At the time, Pontiac had 4,000 dealers, which placed orders for 5,000 Can Ams. However, according to a March 17, 1977, letter to Motortown, Pontiac desired to be released from its commitment to produce 2,000 vehicles for conversion due to a tool breakdown, specifically the machine that created the unique spoiler.
This has been the narrative for several decades, but Dye has been able to provide evidence that the spoiler was not the end of the Can Am. Per an internal company letter, “From the week of April 11 forward Can Am orders will be processed on a free-flow basis,” meaning production would continue. Additionally, a Car Distribution Bulletin dated April 26 stated that the Can Am option had been removed from “hold” status. It’s also worth noting there are Can Ams known with scheduled build dates through June 1977, proving that production did not cease after the machine breakdown.
If stories like this interest you, it would behoove you to join POCI. Not only does Dye produce the club magazine, but he also manages the Pontiac-Oakland Museum, which has a Resource Center full of internal company documents that allow hobbyists to learn about Pontiac straight from the horse’s mouth.
Today on ClassicCars TV we’re getting familiar with a unique restomod we spotted at the Barrett-Jackson 2025 Palm Beach Auction! With its Jet Age fins, sweeping profile, and custom Pagan Gold paint job, this 1959 Buick LeSabre convertible reimagines mid-century American style. Under the hood is a 5.3-liter LS V8 paired with a 4L60 four-speed automatic transmission and a nine-inch rear end.
This modified Buick rides on an AccuAir suspension and comes equipped with disc brakes and 15-inch artillery wheels with wide whitewalls. On the inside, there’s a hand-built dash, molded seats, and classic features. Join us as we take a quick walk around this customized example of rolling Americana.
Jay Leno’s car collection isn’t just massive; it’s a playground for the truly eccentric side of automotive history.
Nestled in his legendary garage are not only pristine classics, but also rare prototypes, one-off concepts, and experimental oddities.
Leno’s relentless curiosity drives him to seek out vehicles that most collectors overlook, ensuring his collection stands apart for its originality.
In this article, we highlight twenty of the most quirky and conversation-starting cars that showcase Jay’s unique taste—each with a story as fascinating as the man himself.
