The 1964 Bel Air was a 4-door, 6-passenger sedan with a 283 cu. in. V-8 Turbo-Fire overdrive engine, and an upper-class image as a 1950s Hollywood celebrity wagon. In the ’60s, that well-appointed space went to the middle class, with plenty of room for families.
In 1964, the Chevy Bel Air model trimmed down on its full and curvy body style of the past and offered a sportier, more streamlined look. The Bel Air name badge lasted until 1975, after which Americans opted for Chevy’s Impala and Caprice for their high-class rides.
1968 BMW 2002
Also premiering at the 1966 Geneva Motor Show, the 1968 BMW 2002 could not have been much different. The BMW 2002, called a “whispering bomb” by the German Auto Bild newspaper, was made for the practicality of motoring. Roomy inside, with plenty of head and leg space, and built with a spacious trunk, it was not made for the racetrack. Yet driving it was a joy.
With 114 horsepower, this modest-looking machine effortlessly cruised to 100 mph and over, handling turns better than American muscle. Great brakes and performance agility came standard. It was built with no-nonsense German engineering in an economic era recovering from the War when American autos dominated. Bells and whistles also came standard.
1962 Morris Garages MGB
The MGB is a favorite of classic car hobbyists. It’s adorable, a blast to drive, and it’s got a ruggedly dependable engine. Some people call it the best-selling sports car ever. The British manufacturer produced a total of 513,000 MGs from 1962 to 1980. The best-selling Miata by Mazda borrowed heavily on the MG’s design.
The MGB was also affordable. It packed a 4-cylinder MG T-series, but what it lacked in speed, it made up for in design and construction. Albeit, hitting 100 mph was totally possible with its 95 horsepowers.
1969 Maserati Ghibli
In 1969, the Maserati Ghibli was available in a hard-top or soft-top convertible for the first time. Originally introduced at the 1966 Turin Motor Show, the Ghibli (pronounced “gib-lee”) had already established itself as a luxury, grand touring vehicle, crafted to transport its passengers in style. Another upgrade to the 1969 version was a 4.9-liter V-8, known as the Ghibli SS. Significantly, it made it the fastest street-legal Maserati, with top speeds of 174 mph, zipping 0-60 in 6.8 seconds.
Like its fellow Maserati brethren, the trident ornament on its front fender harks back to the statue of Neptune at the Piazza Maggiore of Bologna, the hometown of the six Maserati Brothers who first began building racecars in 1926. Inside, the Ghibli leather sports seats remind the driver of the car’s legendary racing history.
1967 Oldsmobile 442
The 1967 Oldsmobile 442 was a solid reply to the groundbreaking Pontiac GTO. Introducing the 442, the badge meaning a 400-engine, a 4-barrel carburetor, and “2” for dual exhaust, was all about muscle. The big-block 400 brought 350 horsepower and 440 ft. lb. torque. Setting a B/Pure stock national record, the 1967 442 commanded attention on national drag strips.
A 3-speed Turbo Hydra-Matic transmission became an option with the 442 as were front disc brakes. Built upon the luxury model Cutlass Supreme body, 442 became increasingly popular. It was praised as one of the best all-around muscle cars of the 1960s, excelling in performance speed, handling, and braking.