Retro-inspired cars offer a real blast to the past. Brands build up a rich design catalog over the years and often borrow elements in models. Think of the BMW kidney grille as a perfect example of this. However, brands may lean heavier upon these retro designs with some of their models. These cars might not always be an exact re-launch of a previous car, but they often offer similarities in the design.

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Big sports car brands like Porsche and Ferrari often like to pay homage to previous cars as these vehicles may have provided the brand with huge success and they are a great way of providing nostalgia to many fans who were young at the time or didn't have the money. As such, many companies like to offer retro-inspired cars in lineups. However, sometimes these cars miss the mark and actually end up being poor cars. Whether the car is disappointing or whether the retro inspiration didn't work, some vehicles can be very divisive. As such, we bring you five of the best retro-inspired cars, along with five of the worst we could find.

10 Horrible - Ford Thunderbird 2002

2002 Ford Thunderbird Convertible Silver
via The Daily Drive

The eleventh generation of the Ford Thunderbird was released in 2002 and it wasn't exactly a success for the brand. The vehicle's design paid homage to the first generation Ford Thunderbird that was released in the 1950s but it was just shockingly unattractive in comparison. The styling looked poor and it looked very juvenile, and it was a very divisive car in this regard, alongside its cheap-looking, plastic-filled interior.

Via: Ford Motor Company

Generally, the car was a disappointing end to the Thunderbird nameplate, especially as though the V8 engine was a bit poor in comparison to the previous lineage of the Thunderbird. Also, the vehicle struggled with reliability issues and it is generally considered a poor retro-inspired car by enthusiasts.

9 Amazing - Mini Cooper

The front of a dark green Mini Hatch on the move
favcars.com

The Mini Cooper received a relaunch in 2000, with a third-generation launching in 2014. The vehicle pays homage to the original Mini of the 1960s and it has been very much loved by enthusiasts around the world. Coming with several engine choices, the Cooper S model using a 2.0-liter four-cylinder BMW B48 engine that produces 189 hp. It is still a fun hot hatch, and there are both three and five-door options available, suiting those who require more room in a Mini.

The rear of the R50 Mini Hatch
favcars.com

In terms of styling, the Mini Cooper brings a fantastic homage to its origins while remaining suitable for the modern-day, keeping the simple lines and the same short-wheelbase design. There have also been more performance-based versions released, with the Mini John Cooper Works GP coming with a turbocharged engine and a top speed of 165 mph. As such, the Mini Cooper has been a very successful retro-inspired car and it will continue into production for quite some time.

8 Horrible - Chrysler PT Cruiser

Chrysler-PT-Cruiser
via wikiwand

The Chrysler PT Cruiser isn't one of the best-looking cars on the market, and that's being polite. The styling is very much a reflection of 1930s cars, but it simply can't pull it off. Its name stands for 'Plymouth Truck' as it was initially going to be a Plymouth vehicle but it ended up badged as a Chrysler. It was launched in 2001 and was available as a convertible and a hatchback too. Its looks weren't exactly impressive, but neither was the performance and drivability of the car either.

Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible
Via FavCars

Its driving has been compared to the Chrysler Neon, and this is partially due to the 2.0-liter Neon sourced engine that produced 140 hp. Indeed, it is quite bland to drive and this includes the sound being boring too. Indeed, the Chrysler PT Cruiser isn't for anyone with taste and it is definitely a poor retro-inspired car.

7 Amazing - Alpine A110

Alpine A110S on the highway
Via carscoops.com

Released in 2018, the Alpine A110 has quickly become a fan favorite. It has been a huge hit and it has received some power updates recently too with the S, expanding the line-up. Reminiscent of the Alpine A110 released in 1961 especially with its spotlights the updated model brings a lightweight body, great handling, and fantastic balance. Indeed, it is very fun to drive and it glides nicely on the roads.

Related: 8 New Cars We Wish Were Available In America

Alpine-A110
via alpinecars

For many, it is an enviable vehicle to own as it is so stylish and cool. It is considered to be one of the best sports cars on the roads today too, so it has an incredibly high status around the world. As such, the Alpine A110 is definitely one of the best retro-inspired cars to be released in recent times.

6 Horrible - Chrysler Prowler

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The Chrysler Prowler was originally named the Plymouth Prowler and it is a retro-styled car that was released in 1997. Based on the 1993 concept, the Prowler was a clear reflection of hot rod cars from the past, with designer Thomas C. Gale highlighting that his love for 1930s hot rods inspired the "retro-themed" Prowler. The car also managed to look quite aggressive, with its hard nose looks.

via Laguna Classic Cars

While its styling was pretty on point, its speed didn't reflect the harsh looks of the vehicle. Indeed, going 126 mph wasn't exactly impressive in a car like this and many expected more from the brand. As such, the car didn't fully take off and it was a bit disappointing that it didn't succeed really as it was a cool retro-inspired car.

5 Amazing - Honda E

honda_e
via Pinterest

The Honda E is the first mass-production EV that Honda has made. Launched in 2020, the Honda E fits right in as there is a growing amount of EVs on the road as many brands look to going completely electric. Generally, performance is nice and it is a very technological vehicle, as expected. Also, the vehicle is suited towards being driven around a city rather than on long journeys, which is a reason as to why the range is so low in the E.

Related: Grab These 10 Honda Sports Cars Before They Become Expensive Collectibles

honda-e-charging-solutions
via: Honda

In terms of retro-inspired design, the Honda E takes from the first generation Honda Civic as it is so compact the overall body is very similar to the car. There are also some retro inspirations taken from the Honda N600 with the front of the car looking very similar to this. As such, bringing retro inspiration to a modern and futuristic car is a perfect way to show how Honda is evolving throughout the ages.

4 Horrible - Ineos Grenadier

Ineos Grenadier
Via: Carscoops

The Ineos Grenadier 4x4 car is a vehicle that takes a lot of inspiration from the Land Rover cars of the past. The vehicle is a capable off-roader, especially in terms of size and dominance. Indeed, it is built for extreme conditions and it is very robust. One may mistake it for a military vehicle when considering all of the styling and the engine is good too, sourced from BMW with the petrol model producing 285 hp.

Related: This Is What Makes The Ineos Grenadier A Serious Off-Roader

Ineos Grenadier Prototype
Via: Ineos Grenadier

However, the reason why it is a bit of a horrible inspired retro car is that it may take from the past Land Rovers and comes across as a cheap replica, like a fake Rolex next to a real one. Technically not in production yet, but the car has been shown off as well as there being orders taken. While the car itself is very good, the retro-inspired design doesn't really capture the off-road look properly.

3 Amazing - Fiat 500

2018 Fiat 500
Via Wikimedia Commons

The Fiat 500 offers a nice retro-styling appeal that pays homage to the Fiat 500 from 1957 to 1975. The 2007 models brought a fantastic nostalgic Italian theme to a car that has been loved by many. The styling is very cute and it is an ideal city car, being small but is easy enough for one or two people to drive around comfortably. It is a light car to drive and it isn't made for long journeys on the highway, and people should remain aware of that.

2021 Fiat 500e rear third quarter view
Via: Caricos.com

The car has received many updates, with 2010 models coming with improved suspension and the car is also offered in an electric form after the EV models being relaunched in 2020. Its styling is a definite reflection of the old Fiat 500, and it still keeps that with the Fiat 500-e, paying homage to its past throughout time.

2 Horrible - Mitsuoka View

Mitsuoka Viewt
Via Bring A Trailer

The Mitusoka Viewt was a modification of the Nissan Micra and the vehicle was meant to look like the 1963 Jaguar Mark 2. 12,000 were sold and it did also encourage other Japanese car brands to make retro-inspired cars. There were two generations of the car, with the second generation coming with a multitude of engines, with the top of the range being a 1.5-liter. Its styling was updated but the Jaguar resemblance remained and there were changes to the doors.

Mitsuoka Viewt
Via Bring A Trailer

The Viewt wasn't a great retro-inspired car because it looked so small and a bit bug-eyed really. It wasn't that impressive in terms of design and it didn't do the Jaguar Mark 2 as much justice as it should have done. As such, it makes it onto the horrible side of the list here.

1 Amazing - Porsche 911 Carrera T 2018

Porsche 911 Carrera on the road
Via porsche.com

The Porsche 911 Carrera T is a homage to the 911 T that was released in 1968. The 911 T was the car in which Porsche won its first Monte Carlo rally. The vehicle is very lightweight, weighing 44 lb less than the standard 911 car, making it perfect for track-based driving. There is a boost in performance too, with the steering being very precise and sports suspension aiding the sportiness of the vehicle.

via C/D.com

In terms of practicality, the car is still useable as a daily driver, and it is definitely suited towards those who want power and comfort. However, this is what the car does best with its inspiration taken from the 911 T and its general retro theme. As such, it isn't a car for everyone but Porsche enthusiasts love it.