In 1969, the Maserati Ghibli was available in a hard-top or soft-top convertible for the first time. Originally introduced at the 1966 Turin Motor Show, the Ghibli (pronounced “gib-lee”) had already established itself as a luxury, grand touring vehicle, crafted to transport its passengers in style. Another upgrade to the 1969 version was a 4.9-liter V-8, known as the Ghibli SS. Significantly, it made it the fastest street-legal Maserati, with top speeds of 174 mph, zipping 0-60 in 6.8 seconds.
Like its fellow Maserati brethren, the trident ornament on its front fender harks back to the statue of Neptune at the Piazza Maggiore of Bologna, the hometown of the six Maserati Brothers who first began building racecars in 1926. Inside, the Ghibli leather sports seats remind the driver of the car’s legendary racing history.
1962 Morris Garages MGB
The MGB is a favorite of classic car hobbyists. It’s adorable, a blast to drive, and it’s got a ruggedly dependable engine. Some people call it the best-selling sports car ever. The British manufacturer produced a total of 513,000 MGs from 1962 to 1980. The best-selling Miata by Mazda borrowed heavily on the MG’s design.
The MGB was also affordable. It packed a 4-cylinder MG T-series, but what it lacked in speed, it made up for in design and construction. Albeit, hitting 100 mph was totally possible with its 95 horsepowers.
1964 Chevrolet Bel Air
The 1964 Bel Air was a 4-door, 6-passenger sedan with a 283 cu. in. V-8 Turbo-Fire overdrive engine, and an upper-class image as a 1950s Hollywood celebrity wagon. In the ’60s, that well-appointed space went to the middle class, with plenty of room for families.
In 1964, the Chevy Bel Air model trimmed down on its full and curvy body style of the past and offered a sportier, more streamlined look. The Bel Air name badge lasted until 1975, after which Americans opted for Chevy’s Impala and Caprice for their high-class rides.
1967 Oldsmobile 442
The 1967 Oldsmobile 442 was a solid reply to the groundbreaking Pontiac GTO. Introducing the 442, the badge meaning a 400-engine, a 4-barrel carburetor, and “2” for dual exhaust, was all about muscle. The big-block 400 brought 350 horsepower and 440 ft. lb. torque. Setting a B/Pure stock national record, the 1967 442 commanded attention on national drag strips.
A 3-speed Turbo Hydra-Matic transmission became an option with the 442 as were front disc brakes. Built upon the luxury model Cutlass Supreme body, 442 became increasingly popular. It was praised as one of the best all-around muscle cars of the 1960s, excelling in performance speed, handling, and braking.
1966 Buick Wildcat
The 1966 Buick Wildcat was the most popular version of this model. Classy and nice to look at, the 1966 Wildcat boasted of superb handling with a tightened suspension. The Buick LT401 CID V-8 came standard, providing 325 horsepower. At 4,150 pounds, its power didn’t go to waste.
It offered an upgraded option with a high-performance V-8 with a 380-HP 425 CID, 4-barrel carb engine with dual exhaust and heavy-duty suspension. “Wildcat Custom” delivered bucket seats, deluxe steering wheel, padded armrests, plush seats. Due to competition from Buick’s LeSabre, 1970 was the last year for the Buick Wildcat.