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Which Classic Cars Do Not Get Enough Love?
There are loaded questions, and then there are loaded questions about classic cars. Some of us will accept a legal definition of a 25+ year-old car being a classic or antique, but others will insist on items like chrome and carburetion as real classics. Any and all interpretations are welcome, because there are classic cars from every point in time that don’t get the love they deserve.
I once postulated that there are three keys to buying an affordable classic car. I firmly believe that a car’s affordability has a direct correlation to how many people love them, and certain brands, body styles, and eras of automobile production are not getting their just deserts.
I will kick start the discussion with one of the lower hanging fruits of lackluster love for a classic, one that is likely less desirable than the Buick Park Avenue seen at the top.
1995-99 Oldsmobile Aurora
The first-generation Aurora shares its G-platform underpinnings with other classics that don’t get enough love in my book. While front-wheel drive luxury and problematic Northstar engines are 1990s hallmarks that haven’t aged well, the examples that remain in 2025 deserve a better fate. This is especially true of the Aurora, which was a clean sheet luxury sedan with very few flaws when new.
Its unique, stunning styling and admirable performance suggested a resurgent Oldsmobile brand, one that never came to fruition. While many of us have positive memories of famous Oldsmobile products under the Cutlass name, I wager few of us show any love to their pricey ($30,000+ when new) luxury sedan aimed at Lexus and Mercedes-Benz buyers.
But that’s based on what I have seen. You, dear reader, have witnessed other classic cars get the short end of the stick. So now we put the ball in your court and ask you to post in the comments with an answer to this question:
What Classic Cars Do Not Get Enough Love?
Agree with XLR, but have to add one that’s a step ahead. The Chevrolet SSR.
Both are fun cars (trucks) to drive. I have owned my SSR over 11 years. If garage were larger (along with bank account) I would also have an XLR.
Had two 1st Generation Auroras (1995 early model and 1998), drove them for 175k each before selling them. It was the multifunction stalk was the biggest issue in both years (sent bad signals to computer, then lose functions) and 1995 Air Conditioner Control. Engines were fine, but the later 90s Northstar Bolts were improved. For some, Head Gasket leaks due to head bolt weakness was a problem. Changed Coolant frequently, might have helped.
My ’67 Corvair. (People still laugh at it, and give me crap.)
…and my response to the non-owner trolls: ignorance is bliss!
2nd series Acura Legend. Our 91 had the same wheelbase as a Caprice but was two feet (!) shorter. Great highway cruiser, mid 20s gas mileage (200hp), comfortable, roomy interior and Honda bulletproof.
When was the last time you saw one on the road, much less at a car show?
1968-1970 2 seat AMX. I OWNED A 69 purchased new, Big Bad Blue with the 390 cid motor, 4-speed manual, twin traction rear. Had to sell it in 1971 when my job sent me to NYC. Bought a 1968 with the same mechanical set up as my 1969 in 2010, and love driving it. It is not valued as much as cars from the big 3, but it is unique, and most people have no idea what it is. On a side note, I had a blind date with a college coed in January of 1970, and now together, married for 53 years.
My vote is for the oddities or the novel innovations of the 80’s and 90’s. First, the Pontiac 6000 AWD, in a time when American cars weren’t doing that (plus the GM 60° V6 was quite reliable in retrospect, albeit underpowered).
Then, we’ll move on to the FWD Riviera. First a turbo version, then an oh-so-reliable diesel (since compression ratios easily can scale up with no redesign). Second, that CRT touch-screen. I bet those still work today. Finally, the supercharged version in the 1990’s.
Mopar “C” bodies from 1963 to 1978. Right now, all the focus is the the “B” bodies’, ( charger, roadrunner, superbee, ) and “E” bodies ( cuda challenger ).
I think the Buick Roadmaster is over looked
From the nineties
I agree! Big American car with a corvette motor what’s not to like.
I like my low key, rust free 01 Dodge Dakota R/T standard cab with its 5.9 v8. Has decent power, easy to maneuver and has a 6.5’ box that’s bigger than most modern pickups.
Plus it was a limited production run truck overlooked by most.
The first gen Aurora was a great vehicle. I owned a 1995 that lasted forever. The car was a standout in nearly every way. It’s only “shortcoming” was that it lacked a Japanese or European pedigree to appeal to the anti-American car snobbery.
The G body El Camino seems to be ignored while other El Caminos are getting more love.
I was already in my Toyota Lexus years. Last in a GM in 1985.