The Fiat 124 was a clean-sheet design by the talented Oscar Montabone, the chief engineer responsible for developing this vehicle. This car had a boxy appearance that was favored in the 1960s. Despite its small appearance, the Fiat 124 had a spacious interior, a lightweight construction, advanced coil spring rear suspension, and disc brakes on all wheels. 

Additionally, it might be surprising, but the Fiat 124 won the 1967 “European Car of the Year.” This model was so popular that a few other variants were added to the range. These variants included the 124 Sport Coupe, 124 Familliare, and the 124 Sport Spider. Yet, these are not the only variants that were added, as, over the years, newer models were designed. 

The 1966 Fiat 124 was equipped with a 1.2-liter naturally aspirated engine that could produce a horsepower rating of 59, and it had a top speed of 87 mph and could go from 0 to 60 mph in 13.3 seconds. 

5. GAZ-12 ZIM

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Our list of the top 20 cool cars wouldn’t be complete unless we included a classic limousine. The Gaz-12 ZIM was a Russian-built limousine manufactured by the Gorky Automotive Plant from 1950 to 1960, and there were only 21,527 units produced. 

This vehicle was designed for Soviet committee party officials and was the only Soviet executive class vehicle that was available to the public. Although the Gaz-12 ZIM drew its design inspiration from American Buicks, this vehicle did not copy any American analog directly. However, it did borrow elements for the chrome outlines, hood, bumper, and radiator grille. 

Yet, this does not mean that the vehicle didn’t have its own unique design elements. For example, the Gaz-12 ZIM was the world’s first mass-produced ponton limousine, and it was the first to have the iconic leaping deer hood ornament. Additionally, the rear tread was wider than the front, which was an unusual but useful design as it allowed the rear seat to accommodate three people. The Gaz-12 Zim could produce a horsepower rating of 90, and it had a top speed of 78 mph and could accelerate to 60 mph in 37 seconds.