Eight cars that need a comeback

Alfa Romeo Spider

We open with the on-again-off-again car that Alfa has promised us countless times but never quite delivered. A revival of the Duetto is entirely in Alfa’s wheelhouse and you just know it’d be gorgeous. If Alfa comes out with an EV ‘skateboard’ platform for the coming years, it’d be relatively easy, too. Nothing could prove that sexy EVs are possible quite like a revived Spider with plug-in power.

Audi Quattro

Again, Audi has danced with the idea of a new Quattro for the last ten years. A concept in 2010 proposed a five-pot plumbed into a docked Audi A5 chassis with some ultra lightweighting for good measure. That project hit the backburner until dieselgate killed it altogether. When we look at that lovely concept we can only wonder what could have been and should still be. Sad.

BMW M1

BMW’s first and only supercar was a bit of a fluke really. Designed by Lamborghini, intended for racing but its potential was never quite fulfilled. Even with the success of the R8 for rival Audi, BMW has for the last 40 years very much taken the “fool me twice” stance on a revived M1. Still, we can all dream of a 500PS mid-engined twin-turbo M3 powered supercar with weird front teeth.

Ford Capri

Another company, another coupe we wish they’d revive. For the EV revolution, could a new Capri not be “the electric car you always promised yourself”? Of course, it could. We know the Mustang basically sits where the Capri once did but the potential for a more European electric coupe to sit alongside it is there. Ford, are you listening?

Honda S2000

Rumours have circulated for years that Honda’s beloved sportscar was due to make a return. Alas, no such model has materialised. We implore you, Honda, make the most of that amazing VTEC turbo engine from the Civic Type R in a front-engined rear-driven roadster with a tight manual shift and a digital display. Before it’s too late!

Porsche 928

Porsche’s souring love affair with the 911 in the 1970s did yield a number of models designed to wean us off it. Chief among them was the warbling V8-powered 928, a lovely leggy luxurious GT. Following its disappearance in the 1990s, we’ve seen nothing like it ever since. Now is the time for Porsche to take the Panamera, lop two of the doors off, smooth out the styling and slap a 929 badge on it...

Vauxhall Calibra

Oh yes, this is one you almost certainly have forgotten about but are pleased you’ve been reminded of it. How cool would it be if Vauxhall came out with another sleek, sexy flagship coupe? Once again, it’d be the perfect way of glamorising the switch to electric power. We reckon Vauxhall’s latest turn of sharp styling would translate into a Calibra revival well.

Volkswagen Corrado

We hesitated to say Scirocco because we had one of them quite recently. Now, however, is the Corado’s time, we think. Never mind all these doughy SUVs and hatches. The real way to show the versatility of the MEB platform is by bringing the Corrado back to life. Stubby and sexy in equal measure as the Corrado was, we reckon it’d translate wonderfully into modern VW design language.

Are there any we’ve missed? We’d love to hear your thoughts on what names you think should be brought back.