Classic Cars of 1960
 

There may not be a car more synonymous with the release date of 1960. The 1960 250 GT Ferarri California Spyder edition was, and is an automobile that possesses head-turning capability in its front bumper alone. This car was based on the previous Ferrari model, 250 GT Berlinetta SWB. The GT California boasted a 276 horsepower 250 V12, and belonged to a fleet of only 55.

The 1960 Chevrolet Impala was powered by a 4.6 litre, V-8, pushing 185 horsepower at 4,600 RPM. The Impala offered a long, sleek and angled design scheme to the Chevy fleet, and beginning in 1960, came in several models. It was Chevy's “top-of-the-line” production vehicle, perfect as a family wagon, or a cruising convertible. The 1960 Impala Nomad wagon is still an incredibly popular restoration model 50 years later.

Ford offered a design flow similar to the Chevrolet Corvette in their early Thunderbirds. In the pre-Mustang age, Ford needed a convertible coupe to compete with the American roadster king, and the Thunderbird was a capable answer to the call. The 352 cubic inch V-8, offered more than enough power to get up and go, or to rely on the 3-speed manual with overdrive to cruise the highways at a comfortable speed and RPM. Still considered one of the most beautiful cars ever made, the 1960 Ford Thunderbird took Ford to the next level of automotive excellence. Truly one of the classic cars of 1960.

Quite possibly the greatest American car model to be continually produced, the 1960 Chevrolet Corvette was another example of automotive achievement for Chevy. The convertible coupe cost a whopping $3,872 brand new in 1960. With performance and aesthetic options to choose from, this auto offered everything from a 2-speed powerglide transmission, to an optional 4-speed manual. The suspension of the 1960 Corvette took the American sports car to the next level.

For the car lover who appreciates comfort as much as style, Cadillac has always presented a wonderful option. The 1960 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham offered a slight deviation from the norm, as the automaker contracted the assembly of the 1959 – 1960 Brougham models to the Italian company, Pininfarina. The tail fins were far less elaborate, as were the taillights, when compared to the American-made Cadillacs from the same era. The 1960 model also didn't sell as well, until the appreciation and rarity was realized some years later. The models were equipped with a powerful V-8, producing nearly 300 hp in the coupe.