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Classic Old-School Car Features That Gen Z Will Never Know

Growing up as a kid in the 1970s to 1990s was a different time. During this era, the automotive industry was constantly changing. Certain features that we found inside a car were still new and revolutionary, like the first airbag or the first shoulder seat belts. Remember manual crank windows? Yes, those were actually a thing long before power windows became the norm.

Gen Z has grown up in an age where cars and trucks are covered in technology from top to bottom. Nowadays, cars even have built-in internet connectivity inside them. Those old-school car features of the past have since been forgotten by a new generation of drivers. Most of these car features such as antennas and bench seating will never be a part of the auto industry again. We looked back at the classic car features that Gen Z drivers will never know about. Take a walk down memory lane right here.

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Manual/Crank Windows

Manual or crank car windows were the norm for many years before power windows became popular. They were operated by a hand crank that you had to turn to roll the windows up or down. Many people found them to be a hassle and preferred the convenience of power windows. However, there are some advantages to manual windows, including that they are less likely to break and are more affordable to repair (via Car & Driver).

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Using manual windows could be a workout for your arms, especially if you had to roll them up and down repeatedly. On hot days, they could be particularly difficult to operate due to the heat expanding the metal tracks. Nevertheless, there was something satisfying about being able to control the airflow with a simple turn of the crank. Overall, while they may seem outdated now, manual windows were a reliable and straightforward way to operate car windows.

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Hits and Misses: The Best and Worst Pontiac GTOs Ever Made

Even though the Pontiac brand is just a distant memory in the automotive industry, the legacy of the famous brand is kept alive through its cars. Most notable among those are its iconic GTOs. The GTO was the first proper muscle car, singlehandedly establishing a whole new and popular class of vehicles. The car’s combination of great design, solid underpinnings, and power brought power to the masses and created the most significant muscle car legend.

However, despite being such an influential and fantastic machine, the GTO had its share of cars that carried that infamous nameplate but never deserved it. So today, we’ll make an interesting parallel between the five best GTOs and the five worst cars under that name. Check out the GTOs that made those three letters so iconic and those that almost ruined it right here.

Foto Credit: Auto WP

1964 Pontiac Tempest GTO (Best)

In the early 1960s, Pontiac had a ton of success on drag strips across America. That performance aspect became a powerful marketing tool since a new generation of buyers wanted fast cars. Pontiac understandably wanted to capitalize on its success. But the company was reluctant to invest in a sports car built from scratch. All of their production models were big, heavy vehicles. However, a young engineer named John DeLorean thought of a genius idea. Install a big and powerful 396 V8 into a light, intermediate Tempest two-door body to quickly (and cheaply) create an actual performance machine (via Car and Driver).

Foto Credit: Auto WP

The result was the Tempest GTO, an option on the intermediate Tempest model. For just $295, buyers would get a high-performance 396 V8 with 325 HP in standard trim or 348 HP in the famous Tri Power form. Manual transmission, unique trim, GTO decals, and dual exhaust were all part of the package. Since the car was light, the Tempest GTO had a convincing performance. Even the Corvette owners weren’t safe from the Tempest GTOs lurking at stoplights across the country. Pontiac’s sales manager wasn’t particularly fond of the model and thought that the GTO package didn’t have perspective. His estimate of a maximum of 5000 examples per year was drastically surpassed by official sales figures of over 32,000 copies. It was clear that the GTO was a hit amongst younger buyers and that a star had been born.

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The Dark Side Of Popularity: Hot Cars That Are Actually Tough To Sell

The used car market has gained traction like never before after the recent viral pandemic. Due to chip shortages and driver nostalgia, cars that were once nearly worthless are now worth thousands more than before. But even with the popularity of this new used car market, there are still some popular models that are incredibly hard to sell.

Vehicles like the Acura SLX come to mind. There are also once-popular cars like the Isuzu Trooper and Toyota Prius that are tough to sell nowadays. Buying a car that’s going to be hard to sell is also a very bad investment. You’ll hardly ever be able to recoup the money that you spend on a shoddy vehicle. We looked at some of the most popular cars that are the hardest to sell on today’s market here.

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First-Generation Toyota Prius (1997-2003)

The first-generation Toyota Prius was made from 1997 to 2003. It was the first mass-produced hybrid electric car and used both gasoline and electricity to reduce fuel consumption and emissions. The Prius was a compact car that could seat up to five people. The first-generation Prius had a futuristic design and a unique shape. It had a similar size to the Toyota Echo, which came in at a much cheaper price (via Hot Cars).

Photo Credit: Toyota

It also had innovative features like a dashboard display that showed the driver how much fuel and battery power was remaining. When the 2008 recession hit, the Prius offered consumers a smart economical choice. The mid-2000s were the best time to be a Prius owner because the car hit its peak. The first-generation Prius was a groundbreaking car that helped pave the way for future hybrid and electric vehicles. However, the trademark egg-shaped design didn’t appeal to everyone. Some drivers thought that Toyota could have put a bit more effort into the design of the car.

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The Last Of Us: The Best Cars To Own Before The Fuel Runs Out

As you probably know, the era of fossil fuel-burning cars is slowly coming to an end. After over 100 years of gasoline and diesel consumption in passenger vehicles, the industry and car community will soon go electric. This won’t just change driving dynamics everywhere, but also the urban landscape forever. The change will put gasoline-powered cars into museums. The sad truth is that EVs are not as nearly as fun to drive as gas-powered models even though they have fantastic acceleration figures. The problem is in the detached driving feel of new electric models and the fact that all EV cars are very heavy.

That being said, it’s time for us to compile the list of cars we recommend you own or drive before it is too late. These vehicles are designed for sheer driving pleasure, speed, and performance. They are cars that will convince you that the ideals of driving are not behind the wheel of an EV, but behind the thumping fossil-fueled engine which roars and spits fire through the exhaust. Here are the cars you should drive before gasoline-powered cars become extinct. Enjoy them right here.

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Aston Martin V12 Vantage

The success of the regular Vantage inspired Aston’s engineers to think further. What if they took the standard V8 Vantage and installed the mighty V12 engine from the top-of-the-line DBS model? There was only one way to find out. Soon, prototypes roamed around Aston’s headquarters (via Edmunds).

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Engineers were surprised at how good the new car turned out to be. The V12 engine with 510 HP transformed the nature of this compact sports car and made it a British muscle car with fantastic road manners. The acceleration was brutal as well as the top speed. Also, the big V12 didn’t affect the weight distribution or balance. In an era of robotized automatic transmissions, the V12 Vantage left the factory with a six and later seven-speed manual, which proved to be the enthusiast’s choice. This is one of the last old-school sports cars and a definitive future classic that maintains a high value.

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Future Stars: The Best Modern Muscle Cars To Invest In

There’s no denying that the original classic muscle cars from 1964 to 1971 commanded high prices due to boomers’ interest in buying the cars from their youth. However, today’s car enthusiasts need to move on and concentrate on the present and future. That means finding a new class of modern muscle worth investing in and preserving. Car fans have already seen a significant rise in prices for muscle cars of the ’80s and early ’90s.

So the next logical step is that modern muscle cars from around the last 20 years will be valuable someday. That conclusion is entirely rational knowing that the 2000s brought us many exciting and fast muscle cars. In truth, this era of muscle cars raised the bar regarding performance and road holding. We looked at the top modern muscle cars that smart drivers are investing in now right here.

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Ford Mustang SVT Cobra

Inspired by the wild SVT Cobra Rs from the ’90s, the 2003 model was not given the “R” designation. This is because it wasn’t as limited in production. It was available to the general public rather than just racing drivers and private teams. However, this SVT Cobra was a very important model for the Mustang dynasty since it featured two firsts. One was the first factory supercharged engine. The other was an independent rear suspension. SVT took the standard 4.6-liter block and mounted different heads and a supercharger to get 390 HP and 390 lb.-ft of torque (via Car and Driver).

Photo Credit: Net Car Show

The engine is called “Terminator,” and rumor was that it has more than the advertised 390 HP. Ford equipped the SVT Cobra with an independent rear suspension similar to the first Ford GT to handle all that power and torque. This helped stability at high speeds and made this Mustang handle like a dream. Its 0 to 60 mph time took only 4.7 seconds, making the SVT Cobra a drag strip terror. Ford offered this model in 2003 and 2004, producing around 20,000 of them in a coupe and convertible form. Despite being almost 15 years old, the cars still hold high prices on the used car market.

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Costly Mistakes: Failed Supercars That Drained Drivers’ Wallets

Supercars are among the strangest of all segments of the automotive industry. These unique cars are made to look outrageous, go insanely fast, and be notoriously difficult to live with. Either way, if a driver has one (or more), they are usually the pinnacle of car collections. Supercar owners are proud of these cars that serve primarily as conversation starters for bragging. However, there are several failed supercars that wasted their owners’ money rather than starting a conversation for them.

So not all supercars are sought-after by their owners or well-publicized by the media. There are some models that, despite being fast and extremely good-looking, couldn’t justify the prices and are left forgotten. Today, we’ll look back at the supercars that wasted their owner’s money. If you have the cash for a car at this level, these models should be avoided. Find out which failed supercars are best left in the garage below.

Photo Credit: Supercars

Cizeta-Moroder V16T

In 1988, the Cizeta-Moroder V16T had the potential to become the next big thing in the world of supercars. It was made by a group of ex-Lamborghini engineers led by Claudio Zampoli. He partnered with famous music composer and supercar fan Giorgio Moroder. The car had celebrity endorsement, an Italian background, an exotic name, and technology. The main feature of this obscure beast was its monstrous V16 engine. It was basically two flat-plane crank V8 units. All supercars have engines installed longitudinally. But Cizeta-Moroder chose a different route, resulting in a very wide rear track and complicated assembly of its five-speed manual gearbox (via Goodwood).

Photo Credit: Supercars

The V16 engine had six liters of displacement and delivered 560 HP. This was a fantastic number for the late ’80s. The performance was equally impressive, with a 0 to 60 mph time of just 4 seconds and a top speed of over 200 mph. Even today, those numbers will draw attention from the supercar crowd. The base list price was close to $300,000. Production stopped after only 20 examples which is why they are a scarce sight today. It was simply too expensive and weird for most supercar owners.

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Strange Cars That Defined The ‘Space Age’ Era of The 1960s

The 1960s were a decade of technological advancement and renewed fascination with space exploration. This led to the creation of a new genre of futuristic automobiles called “space-age cars.” These cars had sleek and aerodynamic designs and many unconventional features such as bubble tops and gull-wing doors. Some of the most iconic space-age cars of the ’60s include the Ford Thunderbird, Chevrolet Corvair, and Chrysler Turbine.

Space-age cars of the 1960s weren’t just about looks. They were also packed with advanced technology that was cutting-edge at the time. These cars featured advanced safety features, such as seat belts and padded dashboards, as well as innovative features, such as automatic transmissions and power steering. Many space-age cars were also equipped with engines that could deliver speed and acceleration. Space-age cars of the 1960s represented a bold era of car design and technology that still inspires enthusiasts to this day. We took a look at the strange vehicles that defined the space age era right here.

Photo Credit: Chrysler

1960 Plymouth Valiant

The Valiant, a compact car, was designed by the Plymouth division of the Chrysler Corporation in 1960. It was designed to appeal to a wide range of people as a fuel-efficient, practical car. It had a functional design that made it easy to maintain and repair. The Valiant was equipped with a reliable engine capable of up to 101 horsepower. This made it a practical, fuel-efficient car for its time (via Valient).

Photo Credit: Jack Baruth

The 1960 Valiant had a functional and comfortable interior. It featured a comfortable bench seat and a large trunk. The Valiant was compact and easy to park in the city. The 1960 Plymouth Valiant was a reliable and practical car for daily use. It was a simple and functional car that still holds a special place in the hearts of those who appreciate classic practical vehicles.

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Famous American Cars That Desperately Need A Remake

Reviving old nameplates and designs is nothing new in the car industry. For decades, carmakers have looked to the past for inspiration and direction. Most of the cars that received a remake have been very successful in cashing in on people’s nostalgia and memories. Just look at the current Charger and Challenger models, Chevrolet Camaro, and new Jeep Wagoneer.

The trick is to present something recognizable but in a modern package and with modern tech, like the brand-new Hummer EV. The new Hummer has nothing in common with the old one except for its size, but people have recognized it and demand has suppressed the supply. However, the American car industry has dozens of legendary models, advanced concepts, and great ideas. Even though Detroit resurrected quite a few models, much more is still possible. Here is our take on the best American vehicles that desperately need a modern remake.

Photo Credit: Mecum

AMC Eagle

It’s interesting to see how some automobile manufacturers were ahead of their time. One of those manufacturers is the American Motors Company (AMC). Always flirting with bankruptcy, AMC needed to explore the limits of conventional car classes and present new concepts to stay profitable. One of their experiments was the Eagle, a passenger car lineup with Jeep-derived all-wheel drive. It also had excellent off-road capabilities in a sedan, wagon, or coupe form. AMC conceived it in the late ’70s as their answer to the rising popularity of AWD vehicles and SUVs. They decided to combine their compact sedan and wagon lineup with the tough, proven Jeep AWD system. The result was a surprisingly capable vehicle with the comfort and luxury of a sedan (via Motor Trend).

Photo Credit: Mecum

The Eagle was one of the first crossover models in the world. Only today can car fans see how important and influential this car was. As expected, the Eagle was a relatively popular car, especially in areas with harsh climates and long winters. The Chrysler Corporation is the owner of the AMC name, so hopefully, some executive will decide to reintroduce the Eagle to the world. AMC could use the same sedan body as the Jeep all-wheel-drive system to achieve better success than the original model. Today, 30 years after they discontinued the Eagle, people can see how influential it was. The crossover class the Eagle kickstarted way back when is one of the most popular global market segments. The creators of the original AMC Eagle should be proud.

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Save Your Money: 1980s Muscle Cars That Aren’t Worth Scrap Metal

The 1980s were a defining time for the muscle car business as the industry shifted away from the big block V8-powered cars of the 1960s and early 1970s. Cars were more economical and new emissions laws were putting a damper on what automakers got away with. Nevertheless, there were quite a few exciting muscle cars that came out in the 1980s. These cars were more advanced than anything that came before them, and although there was less power, the cars were still impressive.

Ford was instrumental in the 1980s muscle car scene with its Fox Body Mustang, one of the most iconic cars ever built. The 1980s are often frowned upon when it comes to reliability and performance, but in some ways, this was also the pinnacle of the new age of automotive design. But there were also a lot of lemons during this era. So we looked back at the muscle cars that should be avoided. Many of these vehicles became instant rust buckets that you don’t even see on the road anymore.

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1980 Ford Mustang

The 1980 Mustang launched the car that we know today as the “Fox Body” Mustang. The major flaw with the 1980 Mustang was the lackluster four-cylinder engine. There was nothing “Muscular” about this pony car. The new generation of the Mustang was the smallest model ever to carry the Mustang badge. The original Mustang GT that came long before the 5.0 had the 4.9-liter Windsor V8 under the hood (via Motor Trend).

Photo Credit: Ford

The 5.0 was introduced a short while later, but the first year was crucial in introducing the fox body to the public. The original models had shoddy build quality compared to other vehicles at the time. It’s not uncommon to see an early fox-body Mustang in the junkyard, which is why enthusiasts try to skip these models. Although a fox-body Mustang is still a fox-body Mustang, you’ll want to steer clear of this one.

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Diamonds In The Rough: The Most Underrated Cars Of The 1960s

In the classic car world, numerous cars are landmark models that lots of auto fans covet. Cars like classic Ferraris, luxury Mercedes, and sporty Porsches are all over social media as they achieve high prices on the marketplace. However, what about the forgotten, underrated cars from that era that can provide you with the same levels of performance for far less money?

So today we’re going to look at a selection of classic 1960s cars that flew under the radar of many enthusiasts. These cars may not be as well-known as the true classics from this Golden Era of cars, but they have enough power and features to warrant a look for any car collector. Find out which models made the grade right here.

Photo Credit: GM

Pontiac Tempest

In the early ’60s, all major US carmakers introduced compact models. Chevrolet had the Corvair, Ford had the Falcon, and Pontiac presented the Tempest. The new Tempest had independent suspension at a time when all cars used live rear axles. Then it featured an economical four-cylinder engine which was a cut-down V8 when all competitors had six cylinders. The third thing is the most interesting and Tempest used a rear-mounted gearbox, the transaxle design, which was unheard of at the time. Today, only the most expensive Gran Turismo Coupes like Aston Martin or Ferrari use this system. In the ’60s, Pontiac was the only production model with this solution (via Hemmings).

Photo Credit: GM

The Tempest didn’t have a conventional drive shaft connecting the engine in the front with the transmission in the back. Instead, it used a torque tube with a cable inside. This layout gave the Tempest perfect handling and enough room for six passengers since there wasn’t any transmission tunnel in the cabin. Compared to the rest of the compact car field, the 1962 and 1963 Pontiac Tempest was from another planet. During its lifespan, Pontiac sold over 200,000, making this model a solid success. But in 1964, the company introduced the bigger and much more conventional Tempest. Despite its revolutionary mechanics, perfect driving dynamics, and even some motorsport success, the first-generation Tempest was soon forgotten. Today it is only remembered by diehard Pontiac fans. The Tempest is rare at car shows and the parts are scarce.

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