Retro-styled cars have been popular
for many years. It's a pretty successful formula for most manufacturers.
All they need to do is choose a model from their past which
was a success, create a similar looking vehicle for today which
is equipped with all the modern luxuries and technology, and
then sit back and wait for the money to roll in.
Here we've picked out some of the more unusual and extreme retro-inspired
sports cars. Some are from major manufacturers, while others
are produced by small cottage-industry builders.
Lucra
LC470
The LC470 is a great looking sports/racing car produced by Lucra
Cars based in Los Angeles, California
The LC470 is available in four different flavors, the most powerful
of which has 630 hp thanks to a 7.0 litre V8 engine.
Despite the retro style, the cars bodywork is made from carbon-fiber.
Lucra
LC470
Weismann
Roadster MF5
Weismann have become highly respected over the years for producing
extremely high quality sports cars which have traditional British
styling, and modern BMW power. The MF5 Roadster is powered by
a 507 hp BMW V10.
The original Lancia Stratos was a beast, both on the road and
track. It was demanding yet rewarding for the driver, and not
many cars before or since have had such an instantly recognizable
shape.
Fast forward to today, and after several failed projects and
prototypes the Stratos has returned. It's Ferrari powered and
Pininfarina styled. New
Lancia Stratos
Faralli
and Mazzanti Antas V8
Faralli and Mazzanti is an Italian coach building company which
has produced specialist cars for many decades. The Antas V8
was their first all-new car and the slightly odd, classic styling
is backed up by old-world craftsmanship. Power comes from a
Maserati V8. Faralli
and Mazzanti Antas V8
HMC
Hidalgo
The HMC Hidalgo is basically a very expensive rebodied Mercedes
SLK. You'll have to really like the looks, because for the same
price you could have five brand-new SLK 55 AMG's!
The styling was inspired by classic Bugatti models like the
Type 57.
Morgan don't make any cars which aren't retro styled. In fact
they've turned it into a bit of an art form. But it's one they're
very successful at since they've been making and selling cars
for over 100 years continuously.
The EvaGT is their latest creation, and judging by the looks
it's going to do nothing but enhance the brand, and cement them
as world leaders in the production of retro styled sports cars.
Morgan
EvaGT
Allard
J2X Mk1
The Allard name was reborn in Montreal in 2006. The first car
from the company was this, the J2X Mk1.
The car features a very traditional looking body, but work has
been done to improve safety, comfort and handling. Sadly the
company hasn't given the car an engine which matches the car's
persona. It's got a Chevy V8! Allard
J2X Mk1
Ford
GT
A no-brainer really. Upon its introduction, and right up until
it went out of production, the Ford GT rekindled the magic of
the original Ford GT40 from the 1960s.
The Ford GT has everything; looks, handling, reliability, and
race-winning performance. It's the perfect retro-inspired car
as it has everything the original had... And then some more. Ford
GT
Vanwall
GPR V12
Despite its appearance the Vanwall GPR V12 actually went into
production in 2005. The car is powered by a modern fuel-injected
Jaguar V12 engine producing 350 horsepower. It'll blow the doors
off most vehicles thanks to a 4.5 second 0-60 time and a 150
mph top speed.
The styling was inspired by a 1958 Gran Prix car. Vanwall
GPR V12
Gullwing-America
300SL Panamerica
The Gullwing-America 300 SL Panamerica is a vehicle based on
a replica of the original Mercedes-Benz 300SL. Mounted up front
is a modern 5.5 litre V8 sourced from Mercedes.
While the overall shape of the car stays pretty close to the
original, many of the styling details have been given a contemporary
twist. Gullwing-America
300 SL Panamerica
