20 Retro Cars That Were Built for the Future

1. DeLorean DMC-12

The DeLorean DMC-12 wasn’t just a movie star—it was a genuine leap forward in automotive design. Its unpainted stainless steel body and distinctive gull-wing doors turned heads everywhere.
Beyond its looks, the DeLorean introduced advanced safety features uncommon for its time, embracing innovation at every turn. Today, its futuristic silhouette remains instantly recognizable, influencing countless concept cars.
Learn more about how the DeLorean DMC-12 became both a cultural icon and a symbol of forward-thinking design.

2. Citroën DS

When the Citroën DS debuted in 1955, it immediately captivated the automotive world with its sleek, aerodynamic shape and distinctive style.
What truly set it apart, however, was its revolutionary hydropneumatic suspension, delivering an unparalleled smooth ride and setting new standards for comfort. The DS’s blend of futuristic technology and luxury inspired generations of modern sedans.
Read more about how the Citroën DS became a symbol of French innovation and elegance.

3. BMW M1

The BMW M1 marked a bold step for BMW, merging racing pedigree with everyday usability. Its mid-engine configuration and angular styling were rare for its time, hinting at the future of high-performance BMWs.
The M1’s engineering prowess influenced the brand’s later M models and set a benchmark for supercar design.
Explore how the BMW M1 shaped the legacy of performance cars for decades to come.

4. Saab 900 Turbo

The Saab 900 Turbo was a true pioneer, bringing turbocharging technology to everyday drivers. Its engineering not only boosted performance but also set new standards for safety and innovation.
The distinctive wraparound windshield enhanced visibility, while the cockpit was thoughtfully designed around the driver—concepts that are now staples in modern performance cars.
More info on how the Saab 900 Turbo redefined what a sporty, practical car could be.

5. Toyota 2000GT

The Toyota 2000GT was a game-changer, blending impeccable Japanese craftsmanship with a striking, forward-looking silhouette.
Often hailed as Japan’s first supercar, the 2000GT set new standards for both performance and elegance, challenging perceptions of what Japanese automakers could achieve. Its influence is evident in many modern sports cars, both in design and innovation.
Discover how the Toyota 2000GT shaped the future of automotive excellence in Japan and beyond.

6. Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing

The Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing stands as an icon of both style and innovation. Introduced in the 1950s, its unique upward-opening doors made a dramatic statement wherever it appeared.
Yet, its most significant achievement was being the first production car to feature fuel injection, setting a new performance standard for the industry. The 300SL’s perfect marriage of engineering brilliance and timeless design continues to inspire.
Details on how the Gullwing became a lasting automotive legend.

7. AMC Pacer

The AMC Pacer broke the mold in the 1970s with its bubble-like silhouette and unusually wide stance. Designed with a focus on passenger comfort and panoramic visibility, it stood out from its contemporaries.
While divisive in its day, the Pacer’s emphasis on spacious interiors foresaw the priorities of modern crossovers and SUVs.
Learn more about the Pacer’s ahead-of-its-time approach to car design.

8. Porsche 959

The Porsche 959 redefined what was possible in the world of high-performance cars. Introduced in the 1980s, it featured all-wheel drive, cutting-edge aerodynamics, and a suite of electronic systems that put it leagues ahead of its time.
Its blend of speed, control, and technological sophistication set the standard for the supercars that followed. Even decades later, the 959 is considered a benchmark for innovation in the automotive world.
More about how the Porsche 959 became a technological legend.

9. Chevrolet Corvette C4

The Chevrolet Corvette C4 marked a pivotal shift for American sports cars in the 1980s. Its sleek, wedge-shaped body and introduction of digital dashboards brought a futuristic flair to the classic Corvette lineage.
The C4’s blend of advanced electronics and modern styling helped redefine what drivers expected from performance vehicles in the U.S.
Read about the impact and legacy of the Corvette C4 in automotive history.

10. Lancia Stratos

The Lancia Stratos was a true revolution in rally racing, built with a singular focus on performance and agility. Its compact, mid-engine layout and bold wedge shape broke away from tradition, making it both distinctive and highly effective on the track.
The Stratos’s radical design influenced not only rally cars but also the broader world of sports car engineering for years to come.
Explore the story behind this game-changing Italian legend.

11. Honda NSX (First Generation)

The first-generation Honda NSX was a revelation in the supercar world. Drawing directly from Formula 1 technology, it featured an innovative all-aluminum chassis—a rarity among exotics of its time.
The NSX proved that high performance and daily reliability could coexist, dramatically raising expectations for usability in the segment. Its influence can be seen in countless modern supercars, both in engineering and philosophy.
Details on how the NSX reshaped the supercar landscape.

12. Renault Avantime

The Renault Avantime was a bold experiment, fusing elements of both coupe and minivan to create something entirely new. Its striking design, highlighted by a panoramic glass roof and pillarless windows, broke away from automotive norms.
Although its production run was brief, the Avantime’s adventurous spirit anticipated the eventual popularity of crossover and multi-segment vehicles.
Read more about how the Avantime’s vision helped shape the future of car design.

13. Mazda RX-7 (FD)

The Mazda RX-7 (FD) is revered for its lightweight chassis and unique rotary engine, delivering an agile, exhilarating driving experience. Its flowing lines and compact proportions set a standard for sports car aesthetics in the 1990s.
The RX-7’s engineering and design influenced not only later sports cars but also the evolution of rotary-powered vehicles worldwide.
More info on the RX-7’s enduring legacy and innovative spirit.

14. Audi Quattro

The Audi Quattro was a true game-changer, introducing all-wheel drive to the world of high-performance cars. Originally built for rally dominance, the Quattro’s innovative drivetrain delivered unprecedented traction and control, quickly proving its worth on both dirt and tarmac.
This breakthrough technology soon trickled down into everyday vehicles, making all-wheel drive a staple in modern performance and luxury cars.
Explore the impact of the Audi Quattro on motorsport and automotive engineering.

15. Buick Reatta

The Buick Reatta stood out in the late 1980s for its unique blend of luxury and advanced technology. Most notably, it offered a touchscreen interface—a rarity at the time—that allowed drivers to control key vehicle functions digitally.
This pioneering approach to cabin tech anticipated the digital dashboards and infotainment systems found in modern vehicles.
Read more about how the Reatta previewed the future of automotive interiors.

16. Lotus Esprit

The Lotus Esprit boldly embraced the future with its sharp, angular silhouette and mid-engine configuration. Designed by Giugiaro, its wedge shape anticipated the styling trends of countless supercars that followed.
The Esprit’s lightweight build and handling prowess made it a favorite among driving enthusiasts, while its appearances in James Bond films cemented its status as a cultural icon.
More info on how the Lotus Esprit shaped supercar design for a new era.

17. Subaru SVX

The Subaru SVX made a splash in the 1990s with its futuristic design, most notably its distinctive aircraft-inspired window-within-a-window concept. This bold styling choice, combined with Subaru’s signature all-wheel drive, offered both performance and stability.
The SVX not only stood out visually but also paved the way for the advanced sports coupes Subaru would later produce.
Learn more about the SVX’s enduring influence on Subaru’s design direction.

18. Alfa Romeo Montreal

The Alfa Romeo Montreal captured attention with its distinctive style, from unusual headlight covers to bold air vents. Underneath its sculpted exterior, a lively V8 engine provided exhilarating performance, blending Italian flair with serious muscle.
The Montreal’s futuristic features and striking design cues echoed through subsequent generations of Italian sports cars, leaving a lasting influence on automotive styling.
Read about how the Montreal helped shape the look and spirit of future Alfas.

19. Ford GT40

The Ford GT40 was engineered with a singular goal: to conquer the legendary Le Mans endurance race. Its ultra-low profile, cutting-edge aerodynamics, and relentless pursuit of speed set new standards in motorsport engineering.
The GT40’s groundbreaking design not only secured Ford’s place in racing history but also laid the groundwork for the brand’s modern performance cars.
Explore the GT40’s extraordinary journey and its lasting influence on automotive innovation.

20. Oldsmobile Toronado

The Oldsmobile Toronado was a trailblazer, introducing front-wheel drive to the world of American luxury cars in the 1960s. Its daring engineering and assertive styling broke new ground, influencing the direction of countless vehicles that followed.
The Toronado’s legacy lies in its willingness to challenge conventions, proving that bold ideas can redefine an entire segment.
More about how the Toronado’s innovations still echo in today’s automotive landscape.

As we look back at these 20 visionary vehicles, it’s clear their influence endures. If you’re passionate about automotive innovation and design, let these classics inspire your next drive—or your next dream. Which future-forward retro car would you add to your list?