QUIZ: How Many Of These Retro Cars Can You Name?
Classic cars are more than just vintage vehicles- they’re rolling time capsules. They transport us back to a bygone era, a time of innovation, cultural shifts, and pure driving enjoyment.
From the flamboyant curves of the 1950s to the muscle car madness of the 1960s and the quirky charm of European microcars, classic cars offer a window into the past. How many of them are you able to name?
Which 1950s American car was nicknamed the “Bullet Nose”?
A. Studebaker Commander
B. Chrysler 300
C. Chrysler Newport
D. Chevrolet Corvair
Answer: Studebaker Commander
The Studebaker Commander stood out with its iconic front-end design. This radical departure from conventional curves was part of Loewy’s “Next Look” philosophy, aiming for a futuristic and aerodynamic aesthetic.
While Unibody pickup trucks never really went mainstream, this is the most popular one of them all. What model is it?
A. Chevrolet El Camino
B. Dodge Rampage
C. Ford Styleside
D. Dodge Custom 880
Answer: Chevrolet El Camino
The Chevrolet El Camino wasn’t quite a car, not quite a truck either. This unique vehicle, born in the muscle car era of the 1960s, carved out its own niche. Imagine a Chevelle with the bed of a pickup truck grafted onto its back. That’s the El Camino in a nutshell.
What is the name of this American muscle car?
A. Dodge Super Bee
B. Dodge Charger Daytona
C. Plymouth GTX
D. Plymouth Road Runner
Answer: Dodge Super Bee
This mid-sized beast was a rebranded and slightly detuned version of its pricier cousin, the Dodge Charger. It hit the market at the peak of the muscle car craze in the late 1960s.
This beauty was a pioneer in streamlining. What is its name?
A. Chrysler Airflow
B. Pontiac GTO
C. Studebaker Flight Hawk
D. Ford Model T
Answer: Chrysler Airflow
This innovative car helped usher in a new era of aerodynamically efficient vehicles. Thanks to the Chrysler Airflow, automakers worldwide shifted focus to aerodynamics and a streamlined design.
What is the name of America’s favorite pony car?
A. Ford Mustang
B. Chevrolet Camaro
C. Mercury Cougar
D. Plymouth Barracuda
Answer: Ford Mustang
Ford released the Mustang in the mid-60s. This was a car that redefined the American automotive landscape. It wasn’t just another muscle car; it was a pony car – a smaller, sportier, and more affordable alternative to gas guzzlers.
While the 1940s weren’t the peak for car production, this roadster remains one of the most significant icons of its era.
A. Alfa Romeo Spider
B. Bugatti Type 35
C. Jaguar D Type
D. Alfa Romeo 6C
Answer: Alfa Romeo 6C
The 6C wasn’t a single car, but a lineage of high-performance vehicles spanning from the 1920s to the 1950s. The 1940s iteration housed a powerful and sophisticated straight-six engine, displacing 2.5 liters. While not a monstrous engine by today’s standards, it delivered impressive performance back then.
What tiny, economical Italian car became a cultural phenomenon in the 1960s?
A. Lancia Flavia
B. Fiat 500
C. Fiat Uno
D. Alfa Romeo Giulietta
Answer: Fiat 500
The Fiat 500, also known as the “Cinquecento”, was more than just a car. It was a cultural icon that revolutionized transportation in post-war Europe. Introduced in the late 50s, this tiny car quickly captured hearts with its charm.
This iconic Prancing Horse remains one of the most expensive cars in the world. What model is it?
A. Ferrari 330 GT
B. Ferrari Dino
C. Ferrari 250 GTO
D. Ferrari Testarossa
Answer: Ferrari 250 GTO
Just 36 units were ever built, each one a masterpiece of Italian craftsmanship. Today, the 250 GTO is a coveted collector’s item, fetching record prices at auctions
Which car was dubbed America’s first sports car?
A. Chevrolet Corvette
B. Ford GT
C. Chevrolet Camaro
D. Ford Mustang
Answer: Chevrolet Corvette
Inspired by European sports cars, the Corvette aimed to bring that spirit to American drivers. Although sales figures for the 1953 model weren’t stellar, the car’s impact was undeniable.
This classic is the first truly mass-produced car ever. What is its name?
A. Ford Model TT
B. Ford Anglia
C. Ford Model A
D. Ford Model T
Answer: Ford Model T
Introduced in 1908 by Henry Ford, the Model T wasn’t the first car, but it was the first car designed and produced to be affordable for the average American family. Prior to the Model T, automobiles were luxury items reserved for the wealthy.
This is the GTO, an iconic muscle car made by which manufacturer?
A. Pontiac
B. Oldsmobile
C. Chevrolet
D. Dodge
Answer: Pontiac
This unexpected muscle car emerged from a marketing gamble by Pontiac, who saw an opportunity to use leftover parts from a larger Grand Prix project. The result was the GTO, a seemingly ordinary mid-size car packing a monstrous V8 engine under the hood.
This Italian supercar features one of the most iconic side profiles in the auto world. What make and model is it?
A. Ferrari Testarossa
B. Ferrari Dino
C. Ferrari Daytona
D. Ferrari 275 GTB4
Answer: Ferrari Testarossa
The Testarossa’s most striking feature was its side strakes, not for downforce, but to channel air to the radiators mounted behind the engine.
This was one of the first production cars to surpass 200mph. What make and model is it?
A. Ferrari Enzo
B. Ferrari F40
C. Ferrari Challenge Stradale
D. Ferrari F50
Answer: Ferrari F40
Unveiled in 1987 to celebrate the company’s 40th anniversary, the F40 wasn’t built for comfort or practicality. It was a raw, untamed celebration of speed and racing pedigree.
What is the name of this British legend that became the favorite vehicle of a fictional secret agent?
A. Aston Martin DB5
B. Jaguar E Type
C. Aston Martin Rapide
D. Jaguar XK120
Answer: Aston Martin DB5
Outfitted with an arsenal of gadgets by Q Branch, the Aston Martin DB5 became James Bond’s signature vehicle. From ejector seats to bulletproof windows and hidden machine guns, Bond’s DB5 had it all.
The Jeep Wrangler traces its roots back to this utilitarian vehicle. What is it?
A. Jeep Renegade
B. Willys MB
C. Ford T-Bucket
D. Chevrolet Advance Design
Answer: Willys MB
The Wrangler’s design heritage comes from the iconic military vehicle known for its off-road capability. This military vehicle dates back to the early 1940s.
This iconic French vehicle became famous for its innovative suspension system.
A. Citroen 2CV
B. Peugeot 208
C. Citroen Berlingo
D. Citroen Picasso
Answer: Citroen 2CV
This unassuming car wasn’t built for speed or luxury. Instead, it was designed with a singular purpose: to provide affordable, practical transportation for the masses in post-war France.
Which Porsche is nicknamed the original Widowmaker?
A. Porsche Carrera RS
B. Porsche 964
C. Porsche 911 GT2
D. Porsche 930 Turbo
Answer: Porsche 930 Turbo
Unlike many cars of the era, the turbocharger’s delayed power delivery could catch drivers off guard, leading to accidents and the car’s infamous nickname.
This utilitarian off-roader was built solely to conquer the roughest terrain. What is its name?
A. Hummer H1
B. Toyota FJ
C. Jeep Wrangler
D. Toyota Land Cruiser
Answer: Toyota Land Cruiser
Inspired by the American military vehicle, Toyota engineers crafted the Land Cruiser with a focus on durability and off-road capability. A powerful engine, four-wheel drive, and a simple, rugged design made it a go-to for adventurers, explorers, and military forces worldwide.
This is the first supercar ever made. Are you able to name it?
A. Lamborghini Countach
B. Ferrari 250 GT
C. DeTomaso Pantera
D. Lamborghini Miura
Answer: Lamborghini Miura
Unveiled in 1966, this mid-engined, two-seater masterpiece defined the image of a supercar. The Miura wasn’t just a showstopper; it was a performer, all thanks to its screaming 3.9L V12 motor.
The German autobahn legend, the Mercedes-Benz 300SL, had doors that opened in an unusual way. How were they nicknamed?
A. Butterfly Doors
B. Suicide Doors
C. Dihedral Doors
D. Gullwing Doors
Answer: Gullwing Doors
These iconic doors hinge upwards, resembling the wings of a seagull when open. These unusual doors had to be developed due to the car’s tubular frame design derived from race cars.
