Turbulent times indeed, the 1960s saw the height of the Cold War. In fact, this standoff between the West and Communism reached a fever pitch with the Cuban Missle Crisis. It was a time of change for music and media, in particular, with dramatic evolutions. The humble motor car changed as well, both in the United States and Europe.
Gone were the massive cars of the 1950s and although many vehicles remained large, especially in the United States, a new phenomena hit the motoring scene: the pony car. Muscle cars as we know them today gave drivers an adrenaline rush thanks to their much-vaunted V8 powerplants. The Ford Mustang, released in 1964, is perhaps the most iconic muscle car ever made. And it exploded in popularity, selling 400,000 units in just a year, blowing away even the most forward-thinking analyst's sales projections. Due to its success, other brands soon followed and by the late '60s, if you didn't have a muscle car, you just weren't part of the young "in" crowd.
But there were many other excellent cars marketed during this decade and today, many of them are still sought after. So we have prepared a list of cars from the '60s for you to identify. Let's see how many you can get right!
Can you name this '60s off-roader with military heritage?
1969 Mercury Capri
1962 Jeep Gladiator
1969 Ligier JS1
1961 Barkas B 1000
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Wrong Answer
Produced between 1962 and 1971, the Jeep Gladiator was available in both a 4-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive option. Obviously, the 4-wheel drive was far more capable off-road. Suspension options also varied with either a solid front axle or an independent front section. Power plant options changed a number of times over the years.
This classic French car was first marketed in 1968. What is it?
1969 Holden Hurricane
1963 Hino Contessa
1968 Peugeot 504
1969 Triumph TR6
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer
Not many people know but Peugeot is actually one of the oldest car manufacturers in the world. Their most popular model, the 504, was produced between 1968 and 1983 and is the company's highest-selling model.
This classic station wagon was a staple of American families in the 1960s and '70s. Name it, please.
1969 Autobianchi A112
1963 Ford Consul Classic
1962 Buick Skylark
1967 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer
Oldsmobile manufactured the Vista Cruiser between 1964 and 1977. The earlier models had fixed-glass, roof-mounted skylights with sun visors for the second-row passengers and three rows of forward-facing seating.
First released in 1964, this vehicle became a much-loved muscle car. Identify it.
1967 Pontiac GTO
1969 Fiat 130
1961 Reliant Sabre
1969 Triumph TR6
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer
Pontiac produced some iconic names in motoring, especially with its GTO. The first models, released in 1964, were available in a convertible, hardtop and coupe. This was a serious muscle car and remains a firm favorite with enthusiasts today.
Can you name this vehicle? In the '60s it was responsible for setting over 30 performance records on the Bonneville Salt Flats.
1965 Chevrolet K5 Blazer
1963 Dodge Lancer
1962 Studebaker Avanti
1961 BMW 3200 CS
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Wrong Answer
Introduced in 1962, the Avanti certainly looked different from other cars on the market. Studebaker pitched the Avanti as a high-performance four-passenger car. And its performance at the time was pretty special, with the Avanti breaking close to 30 records during runs at the Bonneville Salt Flats.
An Italian car with an American V8 engine, but can you identify it?
1965 Iso Grifo
1963 Chevrolet Corvette
1969 Citroën M35
1961 Hino Briska
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Wrong Answer
A grand tourer, the Iso Grifo was first marketed in 1965. Although it was Italian through and through, bearing styling by design house Bertone, it made use of Ford and Chevrolet V8 engines.
With an unbelievably long hood, this Italian classic stood out. Can you name it?
1963 DAF Daffodil
1968 Ferrari Daytona
1969 Nissan Skyline GT-R
1968 Renault 12
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Wrong Answer
There isn't an ugly Ferrari is there? And the Daytona, with its unbelievably long hood, is a looker, too. Introduced in 1968, the Daytona was powered by a 4.3-liter V12 engine A little over 1,400 were made up until 1973.
Any ideas as to the make and model of this 2-door roadster?
1968 Manic GT
1969 Honda 1300
1961 MG Midget
1963 Lagonda Rapide
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Wrong Answer
The Midget was produced by MG from 1961 to 1980, with four generations produced. A two-door roadster, the first generation was powered by a 948 cc engine which increased to a 1.1-liter engine the following year. Over 25,000 examples of the first generation MG were produced.
This vehicle was actually made for the "Thunderbirds" television series in the 1960s. Can you name it?
1961 Daimler DR450
1965 Rolls Royce FAB1
1968 Alfa Romeo 1750 Berlina
1962 Iso Rivolta IR 300
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Wrong Answer
Although made of plywood, it is inferred that the FAB1, the car driven by Lady Penelope Creighton-Ward of "Thunderbirds" is a heavily modified Rolls Royce. That's good enough for us!
What is the make and model of this Italian sports car, first seen in 1966?
1968 Ginetta G15
1962 Buick Wildcat
1967 Alfa Romeo Spider
1963 Mercury S-55
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Wrong Answer
Although the Alfa Romeo Spider had a production run from 1966 to 1993, it is the '66 to '69 models, the first generation, that are highly sought as classic cars. This version had three power plant options, either 1.3-liter, 1.5-liter or 1.8-liter.
Over 220,000 examples of this vehicle were built from 1968 to 1977. Can you name it?
1962 Saab 60
1968 BMW E3 New Six
1969 Morgan 8
1965 MG MGB
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Wrong Answer
Close to 222,000 examples of the E3 were built between 1968 and 1977. This full-size luxury car was powered by a range of gas engines from 2.5 to 3.2-liter, all straight sixes. The E3 was available in three body shapes: a 4-door sedan, a 4-door extended sedan and a 2-door cabriolet.
The 1960 Impala was a relic of '50s car design, with the remnants of tailfins on the hood and a giant steel body. It packed an optional 5.7-liter V8 engine that could put out 335 hp, and offered a new luxury: power seats!
Produced between 1962 and 1964, this vehicle was an upmarket version of a model known as the Dart. Do you know what it is?
1962 Dodge 440
1969 Holden Kingswood
1968 Plymouth Road Runner
1962 Ferrari 250 GT Lusso
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Wrong Answer
First introduced in 1962 and produced until 1964, the 440 is considered to be an upmarket version of the famous Dodge brand, the Dart. It was available in a range of configurations from 2-door convertible to a 4-door wagon.
A one-time Formula 1 winner, can you name the racer in this image?
1967 Gurney Eagle-Weslake MkI
1962 Ford Futura
1964 Maserati Sebring
1968 Daimler DS420
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Wrong Answer
A British design using a British engine, but built in America and with an American driver, the Gurney Eagle-Weslake MkI grabbed the win at the prestigious Spa F1 Grand Prix in 1967 with Dan Gurney at the wheel. It also managed a third in Canada that same year.
Over 100,000 of this full-sized vehicle model were made from 1962 to 1965. Do you know what it is?
1960 Saab 96
1967 Chevrolet Astro I
1961 Ford Galaxie
1962 Dodge Custom 880
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Wrong Answer
Built between 1962 and 1965, the Custom 880, which formed part of the full-sized vehicle segment, was brought in by Chrysler after the production of the DeSoto was stopped in 1961. Over 100,000 Custom 880s were sold by the end of the production run in 1965.
Produced in Australia, do you have any idea as to the name of this vehicle?
1968 Audi 100
1964 Isuzu 117 Coupé
1962 Mitsubishi Minica
1968 Holden Broughman
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Wrong Answer
Produced between 1968 and 1971, the Holden Broughman was a full-sized luxury sedan. Essentially, it was the Premier sedan but with an extended rear body. It was also marketed in South Africa as the Chevrolet Constantia.
Can you name this '60s car powered by a gas turbine?
1969 AMC Javelin
1968 Howmet TX
1964 Chevrolet Corvair Monza GT
1969 Alfa Romeo 1750 Berlina
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Wrong Answer
A jet car... yes a jet car. Well, to be precise, a gas turbine. The Howmet TX was an experimental car powered by a gas turbine engine. It raced around the world, even at Le Mans in 1968, but was plagued by reliability problems.
A muscle car, but far less popular than the Fords, Pontiacs and Chevys at the time. What is it?
1969 Opel GT
1962 Jensen C-V8
1968 AMC Javelin
1965 Mercury S-55
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Wrong Answer
This 2-door hardtop was manufactured between 1968 and 1970, and again between 1971 and 1974. The AMC Javelin offered various engine levels from the more economical pony car through to muscle car options. In Australia, it was known as the Rambler Javelin, in México as the VAM Javelin and in Europe as the Javelin 79-K.
'60s muscle cars don't get much cooler than this. Please name the make and model.
1967 Chevrolet Camaro
1961 Alfa Romeo 2600
1963 Hino Briska
1969 Triumph TR6
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Wrong Answer
First manufactured in 1967, the Camaro is one of the most popular Chevrolet models ever. The first-generation Camaro came in a range of models including 2-door hardtop and convertible. Engine options included straight-6 to a massive 7.0-liter V8.
Created in France, what is the name of this sports car?
1969 Lamborghini Islero
1962 Facel Vega Facel II
1967 Matra 530
1966 Ford Cortina
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Wrong Answer
First seen at the Geneva Motor Show in 1967, the Matra 530 was a French sports car. It was powered by a Ford 1.7-liter Taunus V4 engine made in Germany. Talk about a cosmopolitan vehicle. Over 8,000 were made.
Any idea as to the make and model of this compact executive car from the early 1960s?
1969 Nissan Laurel
1968 Audi 100
1962 Alfa Romeo Giulia
1964 Lotus Elan
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Wrong Answer
Designed by Giuseppe Scarnati, the Alfa Romeo Giulia was a compact executive model first produced between 1962 and 1978. The first generation was powered by a 1,570 cc Twin Cam engine which produced 91 bhp.
This truck was marketed as Fargo in Canada and was also used in the "Batman" TV series. What is it?
1962 Matra Djet
1964 Dodge A100
1968 Toyota Hilux
1969 Lamborghini Espada
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Wrong Answer
The Chrysler Corporation marketed this range of compact forward-control trucks and vans between 1964 and 1970 in North America, under Fargo in Canada and Dodge in the US. A Dodge A100 was used in the "Batman" television series during the 1960s.
Popular in Europe, this vehicle was not sold in the United States due to emission limits. Can you name it?
1968 Mercury Montego
1969 Audi 100 Coupé S
1962 Pontiac LeMans
1966 BMW 1602 TI
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Wrong Answer
Sold for a period of nine years from 1966 to 1975, the BMW 1602 was a two-door cabriolet which included a high-performance version, the TI. This model was not sold in the United States, as it did not meet emission requirements at the time.
Widely regarded as one of the top sports cars of the 1960s, which make and model do we have here?
1962 Lotus Elan
1964 Mercury S-55
1962 Austin Freeway
1968 Volvo 164
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Wrong Answer
The original Lotus Elan first saw the light of day in 1962. A lightweight sports car, it featured a 1.6-liter double overhead cam engine and weighed just 1,500 pounds. The Elan is widely regarded as one of the best sports cars of the decade.
Manufactured by Opel between 1964 and 1977, the Opel Diplomat was a full-size luxury car which replaced the Opel Kapitän. Between 1965 and 1967, a limited number of Diplomat Coupés were available.
Noted for its slanting rear design, can you name this roadster?
1967 Ford Falcon GT
1960 Nissan Cedric
1968 Citroën Dyane
1969 Audi 100 Coupe S
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Wrong Answer
Over 30,000 of these fastback coupes were built by Audi from 1969 to 1976. It was noted for its slanting back section. The 100 Coupe S was powered by a 1.8-liter engine coupled to a 4-speed manual gearbox.
Can you identify this beautiful open-top roadster?
1961 Mitsubishi 500
1967 Saab Sonett
1960 Ford Taunus P3
1967 Toyota 2000GT
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Wrong Answer
Swedish car manufacturer Saab manufactured the Saab Sonett between 1955 and 1967. Saab targeted the Saab Sonett at the American market, although between 1968 and 1972 it was only available in Sweden. The Sonett was a 2-seat, open-top, lightweight roadster.
Not all were considered muscle cars, but this model sure was. Identify it, please.
1960 Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato
1965 Buick Riviera Grand Sport
1961 Dodge Dart
1963 Mazda R360
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Wrong Answer
The Riviera stirs up a lot of debate as to whether it should be regarded as a muscle car or not. What is not disputed is its impact on American motoring. With the Riviera, Buick aimed at a European style while keeping the framework of the larger American automobile.
Another classic muscle car ... but do you know what it is?
1967 Holden Torana
1969 Opel Rekord P2
1966 Dodge Charger
1968 Pontiac Tempest
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Wrong Answer
The Charger was Dodge's first muscle car in the 1960s and entered the market as the automaker's answer to Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro. All three cars continue to vie for dominance.
We're not sure why, but this vehicle was named after a town in France.
1969 Mercury Cougar
1965 Cadillac Calais
1967 DAF 55
1968 Mazda Cosmo
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Wrong Answer
Named after a town in France, the Calais was produced by Cadillac from 1965 to 1976 over two generations. Although it was a full-sized luxury car, it was aimed at the entry-level market.
Only 851 units of this failed pickup model ever sold. What is it?
1961 Chevrolet Corvair Pickup
1967 Mercury Marquis
1968 Austin 3-liter
1966 Volkswagen Beetle
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Introduced in 1961, this smaller pickup didn't catch the imagination of the American public. In fact, by 1964 only 851 were sold. It was discontinued that year.
Based on the D-series pickup truck, can you name this model?
1960 BMW 600
1961 Subaru 360
1968 Dodge Adventurer
1967 Moskvitch 412
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Wrong Answer
The Dodge Adventurer was a version of the Dodge D-Series pickup and was marketed by Dodge from 1968 to 1971. By 1970, there were three Adventurer models for customers to choose from - the base model, the Sport and the SE.
Many people's favorite muscle car is pictured here. Can you identify it?
1965 Ford Mustang
1966 Pontiac GTO
1969 AMC Rebel
1969 Chevrolet Camaro
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Wrong Answer
Arguably the most iconic muscle car even, the Mustang was first released in 1964. It proved one of the most popular debuts ever and within a year, 400,000 units had been sold, which quadrupled Ford's sale estimates.
This made-for-TV vehicle was based on a concept car. What is it?
Ford Falcon
Lincoln Futura Batmobile
GMC Van
Chevrolet Camaro
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Wrong Answer
The Batmobile in the 1960s "Batman" TV series was, in fact, a Lincoln Futura, a concept car from 1955 of which only one was ever built. The Batmobile itself was not this Futura but a replica with a Fiberglass body. In 2013, it was sold for an astonishing $4.62 million at auction.
First released in 1963, this car was produced for another 40 years! Any idea as to the name?
1969 Citroën Dyane
1969 Toyota Century
1969 Mini
1963 Mazda 323
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Wrong Answer
The 323, also know at the Familia in Japan, was a small compact car marketed by Mazda for 40 years from 1963. All in all, the Familia included eight generations, each with a range of body styles including wagons, hatchbacks and sedans.
Identify this American car from the 1960s, please.
1963 Abarth Simca 2000
1966 Glas V8
1963 Mercedes-Benz W113
1964 Oldsmobile Cutlass
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Wrong Answer
Established in 1897 by Ransom E. Olds, this American auto manufacturer closed its doors in 2004 after producing 35 million vehicles for American roads. The Cutlass, a model introduced in the early ‘60s, proved to be one of the most popular introduced by the company. It started life in the compact class before the 1964 models moved the Cutlass into the mid-sized category.
Still in production today, this van was introduced in the 1960s. Do you know what it is?
1963 Mercedes-Benz 600
1966 Broadspeed GT 2+2
1966 Audi 80
1965 Ford Transit
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Wrong Answer
This light commercial van was first produced by Ford in 1965 and remains an important model in the company's lineup to this day. In fact, over the years, Ford has sold over 8 million Transits.
Other than the fact that it is the quintessential Bond car, the Aston Martin DB5 certainly is a classic! This luxury grand tourer was only produced between 1963 and 1965 with little over 1,000 made. It was available as a hardtop and as a convertible.