Unlike mere mortals, gearheads possess the rare innate superpower to recognize the cool quotient of any car irrespective of its price tag. So, to help you catch up with your gearhead buds here is a catalog of 10 cheap-looking cars only gearheads will appreciate.

Where most people consider these cars outdated and unattractive, experienced enthusiasts know that there's more to them than meets the eye. Whether they're iconic movie and TV cars, motorsports legends, or even sleepers, here are some cheap-looking cars only true enthusiasts can appreciate.

10 Acura Integra (1994-2001)

Acura Integra (1994-2001)
via: Bodhtree

The Integra, originally built in Japan, was Acura's kick-off compact coupe and sedan. Though it stayed prominent for three generations, it is its third generation (1994-2001) that is most fancied by gearheads. A typical Integra engine would start at 1.8 liters and would yield 142 or more horsepower aided by an amalgamation of VTEC and DOHC technologies.

Acura Integra (1994-2001)
via: Wikipedia

With a high-level refinement and a free-revving engine coupled to a class-leading five-speed manual transmission, Acura accomplished a 0 to 60 mph within the 6-second range, making it as fast as many V8-powered muscle monsters of the era.

Related: A Detailed Look Back At The Honda Integra

9 Chevrolet Impala (Any Generation)

Red Chevrolet Impala
via: Pinterest

After the exquisite African antelope, the Impala is a muscle car that gave even the legendary Mustang a run for its money. This flagship car of Chevrolet was among the best-selling cars during its hay day. Its signature styling comprises triple taillights arranged in a symmetrical fashion.

Bottle-green Chevrolet Impala
via: Wikimedia Commons

As Impala’s rubber crossed tracks from roads to rock, courtesy of the song "409" by The Breach Boys, inventing a new rock sub-genre, hot-rod rock, its popularity soared across the world. However, it is a dream machine for gearheads due to the "Super Sport" (performance-enhancing) packages provided additionally by Chevrolet.

8 Datsun 280Z

Yellow DATSUN 280Z
via: YouTube

The first and foremost reason a gearhead would find his groove with the Datsun 280Z is that it can be used as a regular car and is drivable daily despite being a sports car. Akin to the woman, a man wishes to get married, it ticks all the right boxes, including the prerequisite - sex appeal.

Red DATSUN 280Z
via: Pinterest

The Datsun 280Z showcases the look just right for a sports car. It boasts of being the first Japanese car to complete with its European counterparts in the racing circuit. For the American car connoisseurs at that time, it provided an alternative affordable option to European imports.

Related: Here's Why The Datsun Z Cars Are Skyrocketing In Value

7 Honda Civic (Any Generation)

Blue Honda Civic
via: Wikimedia Commons

One can call the Honda Civic the "James Bond" of cars; it certainly has got the irresistible suave factor shared by Agent 007. It is a performance car in a commuter body. As a result, you get the best of both worlds - a superb sports car that is grounded enough for daily usage, exhilarating, and yet practical.

White Honda Civic
via: Forbes

Honda Civics are renowned for their dependability. And, in terms of look and style, it is a scene to behold. It was released as both a hatchback and sedan. Over the years, it has been successful in keeping consumers close and the competition at bay.

Related: The Evolution Of The Honda Civic In Pictures

6 Lexus SC 300/400 (1992-1996)

Lexus SC 300/400 (1992-1996)
via: Pinterest

The Lexus SC 300/400 (1992-1996) were sports coupe from Lexus, Toyota's luxury line of cars. These marvelous machines are still marveled at by mechanics worldwide. A sheer epitome of extraordinary engineering, these vehicles possess all the prerequisite characters to get a gearhead high.

White Lexus SC 300/400 (1992-1996)
via: Wikiwand

In terms of looks, the Lexus SC 300/400 (1992-1996) are sleeky and appealing, simultaneously. Plus you are assured of refined performance and top-notch quality. Its hinged doors that could be held at any angle for its time were state-of-the-art technology. And, yes in its prime, it could provide any other car in its class a serious competition in terms of speed.

5 Mazda Miata (1990-1997)

Red Mazda Miata
via: Coilovers.com

The Mazda Miata is the best-selling sports car of all time. Also, it is the ultimate sports car that anyone including gearheads can own without burning a hole in their wallet. Consequently, gearheads go gaga for it.

Bottle-green Mazda Miata
via: Wikipedia

The Mazda Miata scores heavily in terms of handling around the corners. This bankable car barely breaks down courtesy of bearing a simple yet effective engine. Being a driver's car, it is a fun ride and replicates the go-kart driving feel with its low center of gravity due to its low suspension. No wonder, it has many dedicated fan clubs around the globe.

Related: 30 Years Of The Mazda MX-5 Miata In 15 Pictures

4 Mercury Marauder (2003)

Black Mercury Marauder
via: Pinterest

The  Mercury Marauder was a performance sedan that burst on the scene with a V8 engine that churned a horsepower of 302 HP. The highlights of this car were smooth handling and mafia hitman-type body style.

3 Nissan 240SX (1989-1998)

Nissan 240SX (1989-1998)
via: Wikipedia

The Nissan 240SX with its JDM heritage is a craze among gearheads. The price tag of an old model of this drifter machine depends on its condition; the difference between crests and troughs is significant, to say the least. It originally came with a 2.4-liter engine and 4-speed transmissions and 5-speed transmissions (to pick from).

Burgandy Nissan 240SX
via: CLASSIC.COM

The Nissan 240SX is renowned for its glaze on the race circuit. Imagine yourself driving this sexy coupe on a circuit with your hot gal accompanying you; the thrill it would provide while drifting coupled with her sliding towards you can very well serve as an aphrodisiac.

2 Lancia Delta Integrale

White Lancia Delta Integrale
via: YouTube

To quote Doug Demuro, the incredible car reviewer, "The Lancia Delta Integrale Is the Greatest Hot Hatch Ever Made." One of the most successful rally cars of all time, Integrale is simply an icon for gearheads and race junkies alike.

Steel-grey Lancia Delta Integrale
via: Wikipedia

The Lancia Delta was launched in 1979 and designed by Picasso of car designs — Giorgetto Giugiaro. After winning the WRC in its debut, the Lancia Delta Integrale was conceived in 1988. The continued upgrade of the car continued to enhance its capability until the final version — Delta Integrale Evolution II — was realized, which also happens to be the most in-demand version.

1 Toyota Corolla AE86

White Toyota Corolla AE86
via: WallpaperSafari

A legend in its own right, the Toyota Corolla AE86 is the coupe that youngsters craved for during its heyday. Weighing just about 2000 lbs, it could zoom from zero to sixty in less than 8 seconds courtesy of its 1600 cc twin-cam engine that yields an output of 123 horsepower with 7600 RPM.

White Toyota Corolla AE86
via: YouTube

The sexiest attribute by far about the AE86 is the unique metallic rasp sound produced by its refined engine, which is sufficient to turn any gearhead into nuts. Plus, for you to let the competition taste the dust, the throttle is instantaneous.

Next: 8 Cheap Cars Only Gearheads Drive