Discover hidden classic car gems from Europe, known for their rarity, timeless design, and lasting appeal to collectors and enthusiasts.
Introduction
The term hidden classic car gems from Europe is used here to describe these timeless vehicles. These vehicles despite their beauty, engineering quality and charismatic presence may not receive the same attention. As the better known makes of Iron hiding classic car bodies on the continent cars such as Ferrari, Porsche or Jaguar. These cars all from the 50s-80s, are prized by collectors. Those looking for unique designs, superior work and a taste of automotive history. But these European classics unlike their mainstream icons. Really are that driveable and have a very interesting story that the classic car enthusiast on the street has yet to uncover.
Alfa Romeo Montreal
Italy’s best kept secret the Alfa Romeo Montreal made its debut in 1970 as a futuristic sports coupe. Designed by Bertone’s Marcello Gandini it brought aggressive styling to bear on an innovative 2.6 liter V8 engine that help Alfa Romeo with its racing program. But for all its beauty and capabilities the Montreal was overshadowed by Ferrari and Lamborghini. Only some 3,900 were made making it today a rare and highly desirable collector’s piece. Pop up headlights hood vents and a sumptuous cabin display Italian creativity beyond the common auto brands.
BMW 2002 Touring
Even though the BMW 2002 is celebrated as the car that made BMW popular with enthusiasts around the world. The 2002 Touring is an amazing rare gem. Offered from 1971 to 1974, the Touring was a sporty, fastback version of the 2002 coupe providing the interface of practicality and sporty driving. With its hatchback body it provided more cargo and hauling ability setting the pace for later sport compacts. Today it is an underappreciated gem loved by aficionados. Those who appreciate its simplistic design, nimble handling and scarcity among the garden variety 2002s.
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Saab Sonett III
The weird but wonderful Saab Sonett III from the chilly climes of Sweden. This fiberglass bodied sports car was introduced in 1970 and produced through 1974. It was a small V4 powered product that utilized a Ford V4 for propulsion. It has a wedge shape, pop-up headlights and weirdo Scandinavian engineering. Due to a little more than 8,000 produced the Sonett III is better than you remember. Saab is better known for its turbocharged sedans but the Sonett III is a highlight in the brand’s quirky history. That provides excellent fun to drive lightweight coupe action that’s getting difficult to find.
Peugeot 504 Coupe
When you think of classic coupes French manufacturer Peugeot is probably not the first name. That springs to mind but it has its hidden gems too and the 504 Coupe is a shining example of this. Sold from 1969 to 1983, the sleek vehicle was a mix of Italian design and French engineering. The 504 Coupe came with either four or six cylinder engines and provided a smooth ride and a sense of understated luxury. With its unadorned lines, roomy interior and reliability it was a hit at home but it never became known abroad. Today, its a savvy move for collectors in search of European refinement on the cheap.
Lancia Fulvia Coupe
Another Italian favourite, the Lancia Fulvia Coupe, is appreciated for its pointiness and rally history. The Fulvia made from 1965 to 1976, racked up countless rally championships but is largely forgotten beyond the enthusiast community. Beyond its small footprint, front-wheel-drive configuration and free-revving V4, it was an utter hoot to wheel around twisty roads. Hand built and boxy in shape with stylish lines the Coupe is a rewarding classic that still remains some way under the radar of mainstream collectors.
Conclusion
These hidden classic car gems of Europe are a welcome relief from the typical collector favorites. Whether it be the rakish Alfa Romeo Montreal the utilitarian BMW 2002 Touring or quirky Saab Sonett III these are in that classic car context the spirit of invention. The spirit of hand built creativity that helped shape Europe’s automotive landscape. For the avid enthusiast and collector come across one such forgotten gem and its akin to a hidden chapter to some of the greatest motoring stories.