Some classic cars haven’t stood the test of time. Whether it’s safety concerns, rust-prone bodies, or underpowered engines, these classic cars are more of a collector’s niche than beloved models. Here are 17 classic cars you should pass on.
1971 Ford Pinto
This subcompact Ford car was rushed through production, leaving it with a glaring safety flaw. Time notes, “The car tended to erupt in flame in rear-end collisions.” The model is often listed as one of the worst cars of all time and is also prone to rust and mechanical failures, so people looking for a classic car should skip this one.
1974 Bricklin SV-1
The Bricklin SV-1 was marketed as a safety vehicle, but its iconic gull-wing doors and construction quirks compromised that appeal. Hagerty explains that the electrically assisted doors weighed 90 lb. each, and “if the car’s battery died, the occupants had to climb out of the rear hatch.” Under 3,000 units were built, making it a rare collector’s item, but most classic car enthusiasts pass on the Bricklin.
1979 Oldsmobile Diesel
The Oldsmobile Diesel is notorious for its unreliable diesel engine, which is prone to catastrophic failures and expensive repairs. Its slow acceleration and lackluster driving experience compared to its gasoline counterparts contributed to the unpopularity of diesel cars in America for the next 40 years.
1991 Chevrolet Caprice Classic
The 1991 Chevrolet Caprice Classic’s redesign was controversial, with some loving it but many hating it, nicknaming it “the whale.” Its bulky size and boat-like handling detract from its desirability for many classic car enthusiasts, who associate it with police and taxi services from the time.
1971 Chevrolet Vega
MotorTrend notes that the Vega “is remembered as one of General Motors’ worst cars, a troublesome rust-bucket prone to gas tank fires and melting engines.” The Vega is particularly rust-prone in colder climates, making it challenging for many classic car enthusiasts to preserve.
1981 DeLorean DMC-12
Iconic for its appearance in Back to the Future, the DeLorean is also known for its lackluster performance and reliability issues. The 1981 model has numerous quality issues, including problems with the brake rotors, instruments, power door locks, and clutch pedal adjustment, making it a collector’s piece for enthusiasts with deep pockets and a lot of patience.
1985 Yugo GV
Time mocks the Yugo GV as the “Mona Lisa of bad cars” that had “the distinct feeling of something assembled at gunpoint.” Infamous for its poor construction, underwhelming engine performance, and reliability issues, the Yugo is an undesirable classic car.
1970 Ford Maverick
Early models of the Maverick were plagued with quality control issues, ranging from poor fit and finish to notoriously unreliable components. The 1970 model is often overshadowed by more powerful muscle cars of the era, limiting its appeal to classic car enthusiasts.
1982 Cadillac Cimarron
MotorTrend argues that the Cimarron is “one of the worst cars ever,” a “rebadged Chevy Cavalier with a new grille and a leather interior.” The Cimarron’s poor performance, low sales, and underpowered engine saw Cadillac’s market share drop from 3.8% in 1979 to 2.2% in 1997. Today, the model is a poor investment as a classic car, an economy car pretending to be a luxury car.
1984 Pontiac Fiero
The 1984 Fiero’s reputation was irreversibly damaged by its frequent engine fires, at a rate of 20 per month by 1987. Despite its marketing as a sports car, the initial model had a lackluster performance. Today, the early models are collector items for those willing to make a risky investment.
1976 Dodge Aspen
The 1976 Aspen suffered numerous recalls and was plagued by multiple issues, including chronic stalling, front suspension component failures, and poor drivability. This model was known at the time as a lemon and hasn’t aged well since.
1997 Plymouth Prowler
Despite the 1997 Plymouth Prowler’s vintage hot rod looks, its lackluster acceleration, impractical design, and limited storage space reduced its appeal. The Prowler’s unique styling is polarizing, limiting its appeal to classic car buyers.
1976 AMC Pacer
The Pacer is infamous for its uniquely-wide body and fishbowl-like windows and is often described as one of the most ugly cars ever made. Hagerty notes that “on hot summer days, it was ‘the boiling lobster pot.’” The Pacer is also known for electrical issues and parts scarcity, making it a complex car to maintain and restore.
1982 Lincoln Continental
The drastic downsizing of the 1982 Continental was unpopular with traditional Lincoln buyers and has damaged its legacy. Aside from its unremarkable design, the 1982 model is plagued with quality control issues, making it an unlikely choice for a classic car enthusiast.
1983 Chrysler Imperial
The 1983 Imperial’s early adoption of electronic fuel injection led to reliability issues, and it has since been criticized for its outdated styling and mediocre performance. Classic car enthusiasts have limited interest in this Malaise-era model.
1980 Triumph TR7
This high-maintenance classic is known for mechanical and electrical problems caused by frequent production strikes in its Liverpool factory. Its wedge shape is also a major departure from traditional British roadsters, making it less desirable to classic car enthusiasts.
1975 Jensen Interceptor
The 1975 Jensen Interceptor’s big V8 engine makes it expensive to maintain and run and is highly prone to rust. While the model has a niche following, its quirks and maintenance challenges limit its broader appeal to classic car enthusiasts.
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