When we think of classic cars, names like the Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro, or Porsche 911 instantly come to mind. But what about the vehicles that slipped through the cracks of automotive history—cars so rare, unusual, or ahead of their time that most people don’t even know they ever existed?
Today, we’re diving into the fascinating world of forgotten classic cars—vehicles that tell incredible stories yet somehow faded into obscurity. Whether you’re a car enthusiast, a collector, or simply someone who loves strange automotive trivia, these rare vintage cars will leave you saying, “Wait, they actually made that?”
1. 1956 BMW 503
When you think of BMW in the 1950s, luxury probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. Enter the BMW 503—a stunning grand tourer designed by Albrecht von Goertz. With its sleek curves, handcrafted details, and V8 power, it was meant to rival Mercedes-Benz. But with a price tag far too high for post-war Europe, fewer than 500 were ever made. Today, this forgotten BMW classic is a true unicorn in the collector’s market.
2. 1961 Chrysler Turboflite
Imagine a car powered by a jet engine. Sounds futuristic, right? That’s exactly what Chrysler envisioned with the Turboflite concept car. It had a gas turbine engine under the hood and a wild space-age design that looked more like a spaceship than a sedan. Unfortunately, it was too experimental for the mass market, and the idea was scrapped. Still, it remains one of the coolest concept cars of the 1960s that you’ve probably never heard of.
3. 1970 AMC Gremlin
Often the butt of jokes, the AMC Gremlin was America’s attempt at a compact economy car during the fuel crisis era. While it may look odd with its chopped-off rear, it actually sold quite well at the time. Today, the Gremlin has a cult following among collectors who appreciate its quirky design and place in automotive history. It’s proof that sometimes the weirdest cars are the most unforgettable.
4. 1954 Kaiser Darrin
With its swooping fiberglass body and sliding pocket doors, the Kaiser Darrin was like nothing else on the road. Designed to compete with the Chevrolet Corvette, it had beauty, innovation, and charm—but not enough power to win over buyers. Only 435 units were built, making it one of the rarest classic American roadsters ever produced.
5. 1980 Aston Martin Bulldog
Think of a wedge-shaped supercar with scissor doors, a twin-turbocharged V8, and a top speed that rivaled the Lamborghini Countach. That was the Aston Martin Bulldog. Built as a one-off prototype to showcase the company’s engineering, it reached a blistering 192 mph during testing. But high costs killed any chance of production. Decades later, this forgotten Aston Martin is still a jaw-dropper.
6. 1963 Studebaker Avanti
The Studebaker Avanti was designed to save a dying brand, and for a brief moment, it seemed like it might succeed. With a fiberglass body, futuristic styling, and a supercharged V8, the Avanti was ahead of its time. Sadly, Studebaker’s financial troubles meant the car was produced for only two years. Collectors today regard it as one of the most interesting forgotten American classics of the 1960s.
7. 1991 Mazda Autozam AZ-1
Japan is known for quirky kei cars, but the Mazda Autozam AZ-1 takes it to another level. This tiny mid-engine sports car featured gullwing doors and handling that rivaled much bigger machines. It looked like a mini supercar but was designed to comply with Japan’s strict kei car regulations. While it was too niche to succeed commercially, the AZ-1 is now a highly sought-after JDM hidden gem.
8. 1974 Bricklin SV-1
Canada isn’t exactly famous for building cars, but the Bricklin SV-1 was their bold attempt. Marketed as a “safety sports car,” it came with gullwing doors, a fiberglass body, and bright, eye-popping colors. Unfortunately, poor quality control and high prices doomed it from the start. Still, it remains one of the most unusual classic cars ever produced.
9. 1966 Jensen FF
The Jensen FF might look like a regular British grand tourer, but under the skin, it was revolutionary. It was the world’s first production car with all-wheel drive and anti-lock brakes—features we now take for granted. Sadly, the technology was expensive at the time, and only a few hundred were ever built. Today, it’s remembered as a true pioneer that was simply too far ahead of its time.
10. 1989 Nissan S-Cargo
Yes, the name is a pun—S-Cargo literally stands for “Small Cargo,” but it also sounds like “escargot,” the French word for snail. This quirky delivery van from Nissan had a snail-inspired design and was part of their “Pike car” series. While it may look odd, it has become a cult favorite among fans of rare Japanese cars. Love it or hate it, the S-Cargo proves that not all cars have to be serious to be memorable.
Why Forgotten Classics Matter
Cars like these remind us that automotive history isn’t just about the big names or the bestsellers. The forgotten cars of the past tell us about innovation, risk-taking, and bold ideas that didn’t always work out. They also highlight how automakers have constantly experimented with design, performance, and technology.
For car collectors and enthusiasts, these rare classic cars represent opportunities to own a piece of history that few others even know exists. And for the rest of us, they serve as fascinating reminders that the road to automotive progress is filled with strange detours.
Final Thoughts
From the jet-powered Chrysler Turboflite to the gullwing-doored Bricklin SV-1, these 10 forgotten classics prove that the automotive world has always been full of surprises. While some were failures, others were simply too unique for their time. But all of them deserve to be remembered.
So, next time someone mentions the “classic cars” of the past, you can impress them with stories of the forgotten legends that once roamed the roads.