Beautiful ONES - The 1960s, with its miniskirts, the electrifying music of Jimi Hendrix, and the spirit of the summer of love, exuded an unparalleled grooviness. It was a time when the world emerged from post-war austerity, ushering in a newfound sense of optimism.
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Elvis Presley's Pink Cadillac Fleetwood Series 60 at Graceland in Memphis, Tennessee. (Picture from: EncirclePhotos)
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This creative resurgence extended beyond music and fashion; it extended to the automotive industry as well. In this article, we'll delve into the mesmerizing world of '60s cars, celebrating their timeless beauty and the era's glamorous culture.
10. Austin Mini 850 Mark I
The Austin Mini 850 Mark I, produced by the British Motor Corporation (BMC), is an enduring icon of the 1960s. This compact car, known for its sliding windows, external door hinges, and distinctive "moustache" grille, revolutionized automotive design. Its space-saving front-wheel-drive layout allowed 80% of the floorpan area to be dedicated to passengers and luggage, influencing generations of car makers.
Often
compared to the Volkswagen Beetle, the Mini captured the hearts of
many, including the legendary Beatles who favored it over the Beetle. It
stands as a testament to British automotive innovation and style during
the swinging '60s.
9. Buick Riviera
Introduced in October 1962, the Buick Riviera stretched out luxuriously at 208 inches. Its rear-slanted nose, low-profile roofline, and wide roof pillars gave it a distinctive appearance. The headlamps seamlessly integrated into the grille, maintaining the car's sharp profile.
Designed to rival Ford Thunderbird, the Buick Riviera exuded a refined masculinity with its sleek side-vents and assertive front grille. Inside, it boasted four bucket seats, a center console, and a floor-mounted shifter.
The upholstery options included vinyl, cloth/vinyl, or leather/vinyl, providing a touch of elegance. Rear passengers could exit using the second set of inside door handles, and the radio speaker was ingeniously placed between the rear seats due to the dashboard's space constraints.
8. Pontiac Firebird
The Pontiac Firebird, in production from 1967 to 2002, shared the stage with its sibling, the Chevrolet Camaro. These pony cars sported various four-cylinder, six-cylinder, and V8 engines sourced from GM divisions, offering a diverse range of powertrains. The Firebird's integrated bumpers and distinctive "slit" taillights, inspired by the Pontiac GTO, defined its unique identity.
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| 1967 Pontiac Firebird. (Picture from: Cargurus) |
Originally conceived as a "consolation prize" for Pontiac, which had initially sought to create a two-seat sports car, the Firebird shared the F-body platform with Chevrolet to avoid competing with the Corvette directly. It became a symbol of American muscle and style during the swinging '60s.
7. Austin-Healey 3000
Manufactured from 1959 to late 1967, the Austin-Healey 3000 was a beloved two-door soft-top roadster offered to American enthusiasts. Often referred to as the "big Healey" to distinguish it from its smaller sibling, the Bugeye Sprite, this model featured a robust 2.9-liter C-Series straight-six engine generating 124 horsepower. |
| Austin-Healey 3000 MK 1. (Picture from: OtoBlitz) |
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| Austin Healey 3000. (Picture from: OtoBlitz) |
Equipped with twin SU carburetors, Girling front disc brakes, and optional features like adjustable steering, overdrive-equipped gearbox, wire wheels, and two-tone paint, the Austin-Healey 3000 provided a thrilling driving experience. Even Jay Leno counts himself among its enthusiasts.
6. Cadillac Series 62 Eldorado
Elvis Presley's favorite car, the Cadillac Series 62 Eldorado, epitomized understated elegance. Departing from the flamboyant tailfins and aerospace-inspired designs of the late '50s, this model embraced a leaner, more linear aesthetic.
With its sculptured sides, distinctive tail lights, and cornering lights, this one-year-only production bodystyle exuded sophistication. It featured a massive 6,390 cc (390 cubic inch) V8 engine producing 325 horsepower, reflecting Cadillac's commitment to performance and style.
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| 1962 Cadillac Series 62 Eldorado. (Picture from: Hemmings) |
Inspired by the space program and the era of jet engines, the Series 62 Eldorado was a symbol of technological progress and luxury. Despite its size, it navigated with a 24-foot turning radius, making it a true testament to '60s automotive engineering.
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This creative resurgence extended beyond music and fashion; it extended to the automotive industry as well. In this article, we'll delve into the mesmerizing world of '60s cars, celebrating their timeless beauty and the era's glamorous culture.
In the 1960s, these iconic cars embodied the spirit of the era—bold, innovative, and undeniably stylish. From the compact charm of the Austin Mini 850 Mark I to the understated elegance of the Cadillac Series 62 Eldorado, each car had its unique allure. As we look back on these classics, we're reminded of a time when the world was groovy, and the cars were nothing short of legendary. (Jump to Next-Part.) *** [EKA [27022013] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | DAILYTOP10 | BRINGATRAILER | CLASSICAUTOMALL | MOTORTREND | CARGURUS | ENCIRCLEPHOTOS | HEMMINGS ]
