10 Favorite Grandma Classic Cars That Are Still Beautiful Today

There are some cars in the history of automobiles that maintain their appeal due to their distinctive charm and nostalgia even when they are discontinued. Here we list 10 such cars which have made a special place in the hearts of automobile enthusiasts who love vintage cars, especially our grandparents!

By Joshua Burnett

Published August 2, 2024

10 Favorite Grandma Classic Cars That Are Still Beautiful Today

Table of Contents

  • Imperial Crown
  •  9. Oldsmobile Cutlass
  • Saab 99
  • Toyota Avalon
  • Buick Skylark
  • Cadillac DeVille/DTS

Classic cars contain an element of magic that connects us with history by sending nostalgic messages of timelessness. Each of us has our own idea about the beauty of old cars, which makes us feel close to our grandma or grandpa. However, in this article, we shall scrutinize 10 well-known “Gramma classic cars” that still amaze and inspire car enthusiasts and collectors. Although these cars may seem old fashioned or outdated today they still retain an air of vintage sophistication which never dies.

10. Imperial Crown

Imperial Crown

 

Imperial Crown was a luxury flag of Chrysler expressing aristocracy and chicness. The Imperial Crown was produced between 1957 to 1975 and remains most popular among the grandparents and present collectors. It became one of the most stylish car designs of its time with distinctively sharp styled lines. It was also long hooded, and had massive front grilles, making it a unique vehicle.

For its part, there was opulence and luxury inside the Imperial Crown. It was truly a luxury vehicle with plush leather seats, a lot of chrome embellishments, and more advanced features than other vehicles at that time. Powered with strong V8 engines, it guarantees effortless yet powerful drive.

SpecificationValue
PriceNot available
Powertrain6.8L V8
Horsepower350 hp
Torque470 lb-ft
TransmissionFully automatic, PowerFlite
0-60 mph8.4 seconds (1964 model)
Top Speed110 mph

9. Oldsmobile Cutlass

Oldsmobile Cutlass

 

Many families loved the Oldsmobile Cutlass and to this day it is an old classic car. The Cutlass ran between 1961 and 1999 and witnessed several transformations, but it was the early models that grabbed many people’s attention. Specifically, the 1964 - 1972 models are very valuable when they make their way into collections. Popular for its sporty appeal and sleek design cutlass was sold in different types such as the coupes, sedans, and convertibles. It did have a lot of power for that time under its skin utilizing V8 engines. It came as a combination of style, performance, and practicality that every family loved it.

SpecificationValue
Price$5,000 to $25,000 (varies by year, model, and condition)
Powertrain5.7L V8
Horsepower180 hp
Torque275 lb-ft
Transmission4-speed automatic
0-60 mph6.5 seconds (1970 Oldsmobile Cutlass 442)
Top Speed130 mph (1970 Oldsmobile Cutlass 442)

8. Saab 99

Saab 99

 

Many people would say that a peculiar automobile called the Saab 99, which existed between 1968 and 1984 holds a special place in their hearts. Although Saab is not the most traditional automaker, it is clear that the 99 was unique in its approach and offered modern features for its time. The Saab 99 was noted for incorporating leading car security elements, such as wiper-cleaning headlights and absorptive bumpers. It came fitted with a host of engines, ranging from an economical V4 engine up to a turbocharged version that paved the way for future turbos. Despite being discontinued in 1984, the Saab 99’s charisma and Swedish quality maintain its strong group of devotees.

SpecificationValue
Price$1,000 to $10,000 (varies by year, model, and condition)
Powertrain2.0L Inline-4
Horsepower118 hp
Torque119 lb-ft
Transmission4-speed manual
0-60 mph8.5 seconds (1978 Saab 99 Turbo)
Top Speed118 mph (1978 Saab 99 Turbo)

7. Toyota Avalon

Toyota Avalon

 

Toyota Avalon is a newer arrival on the list that now can be a classic of its own. The old generation loved this car due to its being introduced in 1994 and aimed at being reliable and comfortable. It was referred to as a “modern classic” due to its ample seating area, soft driving feel, and proven reliability. Avalon’s design was stylish, and its inside incorporated good-grade materials as well as amenities. It has always lived up to Toyota’s tradition of long life, performance, and quality, hence has remained one of the best cars anyone wants to drive in.

SpecificationValue
Price$36,000 to $43,000 (varies by year, model, and trim level)
Powertrain3.5L V6 
Horsepower301 hp
Torque267 lb-ft
Transmission8-speed automatic
0-60 mph6.0 seconds
Top Speed130 mph

6. Buick Skylark

Buick Skylark

 

Another class car loved by grandparents was the Buick Skylark which was made between 1953 and 1998. The mid-sized car provided an ideal trade-off of luxury with value. The beautifully designed body and elaborate fixtures turned the classic into an embodiment of America’s excellent auto engineering. In the course of production, Skylark changed several times to keep pace with the shifts in consumer preferences. In the 1960′s there were sporty convertibles and in the 1990′s there were high end classy sophisticated sedans that served different people. It boasted strong V6 and V8 engines that delivered both power and comfort. However, today, the Buick Skylark is a treasured collector’s item cherished by lovers of vintage US cars.

SpecificationValue
Price$5,000 to $25,000 (varies by year, model, and condition)
Powertrain3.8L V6
Horsepower300 hp
Torque330 lb-ft
Transmission3-speed automatic
0-60 mph6.1 seconds (1970 Buick Skylark GSX)
Top Speed124 mph (1970 Buick Skylark GSX)

5. Cadillac DeVille/DTS

Cadillac DeVille/DTS

 

Cadillac always carries luxury and elegance, and so this was the case with DeVille/DTS models, manufactured between 1958-2011. The ride was great enough that older people often preferred these cars because they represented luxury, comfort, and style. The early models had unique styling which included big grilles, chrome trimming, and Cadillac's famous tailfins. On the inside, they were displays of wealth, with soft leather chairs, timber trim, and techno at that time. They were propelled by strong V8 motors that provided a soft and polished journey, rendering the cars popular in traveling along long distances. Today, collectors and luxury car enthusiasts alike celebrate the uniquely charming look of Cadillac.

SpecificationValue
Price$45,000 to $55,000 (varies by year, model, and trim level)
Powertrain4.6L V8
Horsepower275 hp
Torque300 lb-ft
Transmission4-speed automatic
0-60 mph7.5 seconds
Top Speed112 mph

4. Lincoln Town Car

Lincoln Town Car

 

Comfort and luxury were highly prized by those who chose the Lincoln Town Car. It was made between the years 1981 and 2011 and became a famous emblem that represents the luxurious US cars. It featured plenty of interior room, plush seating, and had a smooth ride. The externally appeared much like the traditional cars but it was the interior that made the 1995 town car stand out. It provided a five-star travel experience on leather seats with lots of space and a wide range of deluxe options. There were V8 power plants under the hood which offered a luxurious yet powerful car riding experience. To date, the Lincoln Town Car still epitomizes elegance and comfort.

SpecificationValue
Price$2,000 to $20,000 (varies by year, model, and condition)
Powertrain4.6L V8 
Horsepower239 hp
Torque287 lb-ft
Transmission4-speed automatic
0-60 mph8.5 seconds
Top Speed112 mph

3. Oldsmobile 88

Oldsmobile 88

 

There were lots of modifications with time in the Oldsmobile 88 which was in production between 1949 and 1999. It started as a full-size car before shifting to being a mid-size car. People loved the Oldsmobile 88 for being powerful, affordable, and fashionable. The 88 was a stylish car in its early days. Among the first to equip a high-compression V8, this car provided exhilaration in the ride. However, it evolved with time to meet the shifting market needs and yet maintained its Oldsmobile charm. The Oldsmobile 88 is an embodiment of the history behind the brand’s name, which serves as a source of pride for many classic car fans.

SpecificationValue
Price$5,000 to $25,000 (varies by year, model, and condition)
Powertrain3.8L V6
Horsepower345 hp
Torque440 lb-ft
Transmission4-speed automatic
0-60 mph7.5 seconds (1957 Oldsmobile Super 88)
Top Speed120 mph (1957 Oldsmobile Super 88)

2. Lincoln Continental

Lincoln Continental

 

A classic that just exudes timeless elegance and that was made between 1939 and 2002; the Lincoln Continental. Grandparents loved it because of its luxury design and smoothness. In the case of the 1960 models, the Continental embodied classic looks, such as rear-hinged” suicide” doors to suit an image of timeless glamour while later versions were known for their elegant simplicity. They had been furnished in a luxurious manner using high-quality furniture items characterized by wood grains and leather seats. Riding was peacefully and comfortably powered with strong V8 engines. The iconic American automobile luxury, Lincoln Continental has retained its position at high demand among collectors and car enthusiasts till today.

SpecificationValue
Price$5,000 to $50,000 (varies by year, model, and condition)
Powertrain3.7L V6 
Horsepower305 hp
Torque280 lb-ft
Transmission6-speed automatic
0-60 mph6.5 seconds
Top Speed130 mph

1. Chevy Impala

59 chevy impala

 

The Chevrolet Impala is a timeless model which has proved its durability. The Impala was produced between 1958 and 2020, changing over time to fit the different tastes of various decades. It represented American fashion, performance, and economy. There were different model variants of the Impala like the classic two-door coupe and a four-door sedan suitable for families. Engines were its power source and it had some very strong V8s for people who wanted a thrill. Impala interior space, beautiful lines, and reliability have made it one of the classic favorites of hobbyists and collectors.

SpecificationValue
Price$5,000 to $30,000 (varies by year, model, and condition)
Powertrain3.6L V6 
Horsepower305 hp
Torque264 lb-ft
Transmission6-speed automatic
0-60 mph6.0 seconds (2018 Chevy Impala)
Top Speed149 mph (2018 Chevy Impala)

The 10 grandma cars (classic) that have left an indelible mark in the motoring industry still impress automobile enthusiasts. These are proof that classics never grow old showing style, comfort, and speed that stands above all times. Classic cars like the Cadillac DeVille, Lincoln Continental, or Chevy Impala are not only beautiful but they also conjure up fond memories of simpler times when life was less complicated. Therefore it is not surprising that these classics are revered and loved by car enthusiasts, collectors, and all those who understand the depth of automobile history.


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