11 Car Designs That Should’ve Never Been Canceled

In the span of automotive history, there have been countless models that have come and gone. Some were loved, others were hated, and a few were just plain strange. But among these, there are a select number of vehicles that have left an indelible mark, inspiring nostalgia, admiration, and in some cases, regret for their premature cancellation.

These are the cars that, had they been given the chance, could have potentially revolutionized the auto industry, offering unique design, unrivaled performance, or simply a much-needed breath of fresh air.

The Chevrolet El Camino

Green 1972 Chevrolet El Camino with red racing stripes and modern wheels at outdoor classic car show event — Image Credit: Calreyn88 – CC BY-SA 4.0/Wiki Commons.

The Chevrolet El Camino, a combination of a car and a pickup truck, was a unique model that should never have been canceled. Produced from 1959 to 1987, the El Camino was a versatile vehicle that provided the comfort of a passenger car with the utility of a pickup truck.

The El Camino was a trendsetter in its time, offering a unique blend of performance and practicality. Despite its discontinuation, it still enjoys a dedicated fan base today, with many enthusiasts restoring and customizing these vehicles for car shows and personal enjoyment. The El Camino’s unique design and versatility make it a prime example of a car design that should have never been canceled.

The DeLorean DMC-12

Silver DeLorean DMC-12 sports car with distinctive stainless steel body and gull-wing doors parked on grass near trees — Image Credit: Thilo Parg – CC BY-SA 3.0/Wiki Commons.

The DeLorean DMC-12, often just referred to as the DeLorean, is arguably one of the most famous cars in the world thanks to its starring role in the “Back to the Future” movies. But beyond its cinematic fame, the DMC-12 was a unique and innovative car that was sadly only produced for a brief period from 1981 to 1983.

The DeLorean’s gull-wing doors, stainless steel body, and rear-mounted engine set it apart from other cars of the era. Unfortunately, financial difficulties and legal issues led to the DMC-12’s premature cancellation. Despite its short-lived production, the DeLorean remains a beloved piece of automotive history, and there are ongoing efforts to revive the brand.

The Pontiac Firebird Trans Am

Blue Pontiac Firebird Trans Am with eagle hood graphics and American flag displayed on grass near brick wall — Image Credit: Calreyn88 – CC BY-SA 4.0/Wiki Commons.

The Pontiac Firebird Trans Am, known for its powerful performance and iconic “screaming chicken” hood decal, was a staple of American muscle cars from 1969 to 2002. This high-performance variant of the Pontiac Firebird was beloved by many for its aggressive styling and powerful engines.

The Firebird Trans Am’s distinctive design and impressive performance made it a standout in the crowded muscle car market. Its cancellation in 2002 marked the end of an era for American muscle cars. Despite this, the Firebird Trans Am’s legacy lives on, with many enthusiasts maintaining and restoring these iconic cars.

The Volkswagen Beetle

Red vintage Volkswagen Beetle with white script lettering, whitewall tires, and custom modifications parked on cobblestone street — Image Credit: ReneeWrites – CC BY 4.0/Wiki Commons.

The Volkswagen Beetle is one of the most recognizable cars in the world, with its unique shape and design making it an instant classic. Produced from 1938 to 2003, and then revived from 2011 to 2019, the Beetle was a global success, selling millions of units worldwide.

Despite its popularity, Volkswagen decided to discontinue the Beetle in 2019, marking the end of an era for this iconic car. The Beetle’s unique design, affordable price, and cultural significance make it a model that should have never been canceled.

The Dodge Viper

Red Dodge Viper with white racing stripes parked in urban parking lot with city buildings behind — Image Credit: Mohammed Hamad – CC BY-SA 4.0/Wiki Commons.

The Dodge Viper, known for its raw power and aggressive design, was a staple of American performance cars from 1992 to 2017. With a V10 engine and a distinctive design, the Viper was a unique and impressive vehicle.

Despite its popularity among performance car enthusiasts, Dodge decided to discontinue the Viper in 2017, much to the disappointment of its fans. The Viper’s unique design and impressive performance make it a model that should have never been canceled.

The Honda S2000

Silver 2005 Honda S2000 convertible with soft top parked on grass at car show — Image Credit: Calreyn88 – CC BY 4.0/Wiki Commons.

The Honda S2000, a high-performance roadster, was produced from 1999 to 2009. Known for its high-revving engine and precise handling, the S2000 was a popular choice among car enthusiasts.

Despite its popularity, Honda decided to discontinue the S2000 in 2009. This decision was met with disappointment by many fans of the vehicle. The S2000’s unique design and impressive performance make it a model that should have never been canceled.

The Mazda RX-7

Red Mazda RX-7 sports car with pop-up headlights parked on asphalt at outdoor event with spectators and vehicles — Image Credit: Mr.choppers – CC BY-SA 3.0/Wiki Commons.

The Mazda RX-7, a high-performance sports car, was produced from 1978 to 2002. Known for its unique rotary engine and sleek design, the RX-7 was a popular choice among car enthusiasts.

Despite its popularity, Mazda decided to discontinue the RX-7 in 2002. This decision was met with disappointment by many fans of the vehicle. The RX-7’s unique design and impressive performance make it a model that should have never been canceled.

The Subaru SVX

Silver Subaru SVX with distinctive window design parked on grass field among other cars at outdoor event — Image Credit: Charles01 – CC BY-SA 3.0/Wiki Commons.

The Subaru SVX, a high-performance coupe, was produced from 1991 to 1996. Known for its unique window design and powerful engine, the SVX was a unique and interesting vehicle.

Despite its unique design and impressive performance, Subaru decided to discontinue the SVX in 1996. This decision was met with disappointment by many fans of the vehicle. The SVX’s unique design and impressive performance make it a model that should have never been canceled.

The Pontiac GTO

Red 2006 Pontiac GTO muscle car with hood scoops parked on wet pavement in rural field setting — Image Credit: MyName (Crossley1 (talk)) – Public Domain/Wiki Commons.

The Pontiac GTO, often considered the first true muscle car, was produced from 1964 to 1974, and again from 2004 to 2006. Known for its powerful engines and classic design, the GTO was a popular choice among car enthusiasts.

Despite its popularity, Pontiac decided to discontinue the GTO in 2006. This decision was met with disappointment by many fans of the vehicle. The GTO’s classic design and impressive performance make it a model that should have never been canceled.

The Alfa Romeo Spider

Red Alfa Romeo Spider with soft top parked on rural road with castle and countryside in background — Image Credit: Reinhold Möller – CC BY-SA 4.0/Wiki Commons.

The Alfa Romeo Spider, a classic Italian sports car, was produced from 1966 to 1993. Known for its stylish design and enjoyable driving experience, the Spider was a popular choice among car enthusiasts.

Despite its popularity, Alfa Romeo decided to discontinue the Spider in 1993. This decision was met with disappointment by many fans of the vehicle. The Spider’s stylish design and enjoyable driving experience make it a model that should have never been canceled.

The Saab 900

Dark gray Saab 900 with distinctive wraparound windshield and white wheel covers parked on city street — Image Credit: IFCAR – Public Domain/Wiki Commons.

The Saab 900, a unique and distinctive car, was produced from 1978 to 1998. Known for its unconventional design and turbocharged engines, the 900 was a popular choice among car enthusiasts.

Despite its popularity, Saab decided to discontinue the 900 in 1998. This decision was met with disappointment by many fans of the vehicle. The 900’s unique design and impressive performance make it a model that should have never been canceled.

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