Many of the most iconic automotive creations of the last 100 years have all but disappeared from our roads, as manufacturers scrap older models in favor of innovative, new vehicles. In some cases, entire companies have been forced to close their doors and stop making cars, including some big names like Plymouth, Oldsmobile, and Pontiac.
Favorite vehicles like the Chevy Nova, the Cadillac El Dorado, and the Ford Capri were hugely popular with drivers, and many motorists look back fondly on their early cars. Auto companies understand this, and often tap into this love of nostalgia, bringing back iconic cars and iconic names – including the vehicles below that are rumored to be making a comeback.
10 VW Microbus
The original VW Type 2 vehicle was launched in 1949, and though VW is still producing vans today, the modern version looks nothing like the iconic bus which became synonymous with the free love generation of the 1960s.
More recent VW Type 2 models are boxy minivans compared to the stylish design of the first and second generations. However, Volkswagen has now revealed that they plan to launch a brand-new electric VW Microbus for the 21st century, which takes its inspiration from the original style of the early VW Type 2 buses.
9 Aston Martin Vanquish
The Aston Martin Vanquish was only canceled in 2018, but it is already much-missed by fans of the British supercar manufacturer’s work. The stylish grand tourer didn’t just look the part but was also powered by an impressive V12 engine and could accelerate from 0 to 60mph in 3.6 seconds.
Aston Martin scrapped the Vanquish in preparation for the launch of their new DBS model, but there are suggestions that the company is going to use the Vanquish name for a new mid-engine sports car after a concept car was unveiled at the Geneva Auto Show in 2019.
8 Ram Dakota
Known as the Dodge Dakota from its launch in 1986 until 2009 and then as the Ram Dakota until it was canceled two years later, this popular mid-size pickup could be set for a return in the next few years.
The rumors started when Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) submitted a trademark application on the Dakota name, and the newly-revived mid-size truck is expected to be available by 2022. FCA boss Mike Manley has made no secret of the fact that he wants a new dual-cab pickup for his company’s line-up.
7 BMW Z3
Available as either a coupe or a roadster, the BMW Z3 was the name given to a range of two-seater sports cars which were in production between 1995 and 2002. Though the car was eventually canceled and replaced by the BMW Z4 in 2002, many feel that the Z3 model was better in terms of design and performance.
There were rumors at the start of the decade that the German manufacturer was planning on reviving the BMW Z3, but sadly for fans of the sophisticated vehicle, it has yet to make a comeback.
6 Toyota MR2
The sporty Toyota MR2 was the first mid-engined car made by a Japanese manufacturer and proved a success worldwide between 1984 and 2007 when it was canceled after demand started to fall.
In the last few years, there have been whispers that Toyota might be relaunching a revamped MR2, possibly as an electric vehicle, to fill a sports car-shaped hole in their line-up. We have already seen both the Toyota Supra and the iconic Toyota Celica making a return, so perhaps it is only a matter of time before the MR2 also enjoys a revival.
5 Hummer
There have been rumors about a new and improved Hummer for years, almost since the original super-sized SUV was canceled in 2009. Based on the design of the Humvee military personnel carrier, many people thought that the Hummer was too big to be practical, and their gas-guzzling fuel consumption meant that they fell out of favor when drivers started to take an interest in green motoring.
Should the Hummer finally make its long-awaited comeback in 2021, however, it will be as an environmentally-friendly EV.
4 Aston Martin Lagonda
Only 645 Aston Martin Lagonda cars were originally made between 1976 and 1990, and collectors are willing to pay hundreds of thousands of dollars for second-hand models today. The Lagonda name came from a British luxury car manufacturer which had been acquired by Aston Martin in 1947.
A Lagonda saloon called the Taraf was created for the Middle East market in 2014, but the rest of the world has been waiting a long time for the famous name to make a return, though there have been reports that an electric Aston Martin Lagonda SUV is going to be launched soon.
3 Jeep Wagoneer
The Jeep Wagoneer played a significant role in the development of the modern SUV, having been launched back in 1963 using the same platform as the Jeep Gladiator pickup. Owner Chrysler scrapped the Wagoneer in 1991 in favor of more sporty off-road vehicles, but the company has plans for the SUV to make a comeback as early as 2022.
A Jeep Wagoneer concept model has already been revealed, and there are even plans for an electric Jeep Wagoneer within a few years.
2 Alfa Romeo GTV
The Alfa Romeo GTV was one of two sports cars produced by the Italian manufacturer for a decade between 1995 and 2005, alongside the Alfa Romeo Spider. Fewer than 42,000 GTV models were made, and Alfa Romeo even launched their motorsport race just for GTV cars and their drivers.
It has been 15 years since the Alfa Romeo GTV was scrapped, but the company has plans to relaunch the vehicle. A new and improved 600hp Alfa Romeo GTV made its debut at the 2020 Geneva Motor Show, and motorists may be able to buy one of their own in a few years.
1 Ford Thunderbird
The Ford Thunderbird is one of the most iconic names in American automotive history, having been used on various models between 1954 and 2005. The first Thunderbird was a stylish sports car that was launched to rival the Chevy Corvette, while the last one (at least so far) was a two-door convertible, which was available between 2001 and 2005.
There are some exciting rumors, however, that the Thunderbird is going to be making a comeback in 2022 as a grand tourer which will replace the Ford GT in the company’s line-up.