10 iconic motoring comebacks — for better or worse…

As Oasis’ momentous reunion continues to steal headlines, we remember some of the car world’s equally riotous revivals. While some mark a triumphant return to form, others probably didn’t deserve an encore, but which is your favourite?

Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the last decade, you’ve likely witnessed the rebirth of many epic motoring nameplates. And it doesn’t look like things are set to slow anytime soon: from Ford’s new Capri SUV to Fiat’s 80s-inspired Grande Panda, the automotive industry is still deep in its retro era.  

So, join us as we recall some of the best (and worst) times car makers decided to get the old band back together.

Toyota Supra

We start with a particularly divisive example: Toyota’s venerable Supra. Following the reveal of the jaw-dropping FT1 concept in 2014, the Japanese giant called an end to the Supra’s 14-year hiatus with an all-new, road-going resurrection of the revered badge.  

However, while the car went down well with the motoring media — apart from its heavily diluted concept-inspired looks — it was less well received by the Supra’s notoriously impassioned fan base. Clearly aggrieved by the fact it shared numerous components with the contemporary BMW Z4, many MK4 loyalists refused to give it the time of day. That’s a pity as, by most accounts, the new model is an exceptional driver’s car.

BMW Mini

You could say the  modern Mini is the Wonderwall of motoring comebacks for being both incredibly obvious but also universally adored. In fact, the reborn  BMW sub-brand is now such a powerhouse, it’s easy to forget how risky the revival was. Such was the success and ubiquity of the original Mini, the 21st century reimagining required an exceptionally considered approach.  

Much like the uncanny valley phenomenon in animation — where getting the wrong balance between human and CGI results in an eerie, unsettling feeling for the viewer — striking the wrong balance between modern and retro can have equally repulsive results in automotive design. With over 5.1 million modern Minis sold to date, clearly BMW’s stylists got the blend just right.

Volkswagen Scirocco

VW’s sophisticated Golf-based three-door is no stranger to being routinely retired and recommissioned. After a successful model run spanning two generations and 18 years, the Scirocco production line first fell silent in 1992.  

16 years later, the new MK3 was released to great fanfare. Marrying the Golf’s polished road manners and general air of solidity to a more handsome body, there was a lot to like about this comeback. Unfortunately, though, those traits weren’t enough to save the ‘Rocco from a return to the chopping block; a 2016 company restructuring ended the MK3’s tenure.

The good news? A new electric successor might be in the works…

Renault 5

From Germany to France, and with it, another triumphant revival. Just like the Mini, Renault’s reborn 5 has some seriously big boots to fill – from 1972 to 1986 the original supermini was France’s best-selling car. Amazingly, such success wasn’t owed to an army of artists and millions of pounds. Instead, the R5 was the adopted passion project of just one man (Michel Boué) working after hours and over weekends.  

Judging by the rapturous response it received at this year’s Geneva Motor Show, the new R5 does Boué’s pop culture classic proud. Plus, with an all-electric drivetrain and 85% recyclability, its eco credentials are equally impressive.

Honda NSX

Though it sold in comparatively tiny numbers, Honda’s first NSX left an equally indelible mark on the motoring world. Famously developed in collaboration with one of history’s greatest F1 drivers, Ayrton Senna, the 1991 NSX majored in precision, purity, and the connection between man and machine.  

Fast forward 32 years, and the latest model represents an entirely different proposition. Sure, it’s still a mid-engined V6 supercar, but it’s bigger, heavier, and vastly more powerful than the original. This means the performance is orders of magnitude greater, though some argue it comes at the cost of engagement. Ultimately this was reflected by poor sales, signing the NSX’s death warrant in 2022.

Ford Capri

Taking one of Britian’s most beloved two-door sports coupes and turning it into a four-door, family friendly e-SUV was always guaranteed to cause much kicking, screaming, and heel stamping from classic fanatics.  

However, while it won’t appease the purists, the reborn Capri is shaping up to be a genuinely interesting alternative to high-riding EVs from the likes of Polestar and Kia.  

We’ll soon find out if there really is no such thing as bad publicity, or if Ford’s radical reinvention is a bridge too far, when the Capri arrives later this year.

VW Beetle

Remember what we said about the uncanny valley? Well, you could argue that VW’s modern Beetle is a shining example of what happens when things get skewed slightly too far towards the retro end of the scale.  

We probably don’t need to remind you about the origins of its predecessor, but at 21.5 million units sold since 1945, it is one of history’s best-selling motors. The new one, on the other hand, failed to garner as much enthusiasm. Despite initially proving popular, the modern bug saw dwindling sales figures before it was finally discontinued in 2019.

Fiat 500

Dating back to 1957, Fiat’s first Cinquecento had the same mission statement as the Beetle: mobilise the masses. And mobilise it did, thanks to its combination of practicality and affordable running costs, the Italian marque managed to shift nearly 4 million 500s until 1975.  

As for its modern reincarnation, well it’s also been a runaway success. From day one (2007) the new 500 was a smash hit for its cutesy, evocative shape and nostalgia-inducing interior. Granted, it’s earned more than its fair share of negative stereotypes too, but you can’t deny that it does exactly what it says on the tin.

Honda Prelude

A little more left field but just as important to its proponents, Honda’s Prelude coupe earned a devout following over its five-generation, 20-year model run. Sitting below the halo car NSX as the firm’s more affordable sporty offering, the Prelude boasted some advanced features. From mechanical four-wheel steering to a torque vectoring differential, the classic coupe’s spec sheet was well ahead of its time. 

Enter Prelude MK6: the all-new hybrid-powered successor. Is it as revolutionary as the original? Probably not. However, in a world where every new release is a 2.5-tonne electric family SUV, the new Prelude’s mildly hybridised petrol powertrain is positively refreshing.  

According to Chief Engineer Tomoyuki Yamagami, the MK6 will be defined by feel rather than firepower, so fans shouldn’t be disappointed.

Fiat 124 Spider

Last but by no means least, Fiat’s 124 Spider. First released in 1966, the classic 124 Spider was penned by Pininfarina and endured nearly two decades on sale. Famed for its nimble handling and free-revving twin cam engine — designed by former Ferrari engineer, Aurelio Lampredi — it’s no surprise the original 124 was a strong-seller, especially in North America.  

Unfortunately, the same can’t be said for its modern reincarnation. After being reintroduced in 2016, the Fiat 124 managed just three short years on sale before being canned in 2019. Despite exhibiting the same stellar handling characteristics as the Mazda MX5 upon which it was based, the British public never bought into the Fiat with much gusto. Just 3,000 124s were sold in the UK, which was around one fifth of the Mazda’s tally over the same period.

Which ageing motoring icon do you want to make a comeback? Let us know if we’ve missed one of your favourite reimagined classics.

Whatever your preference, fitting quality performance tyres from the likes of Michelin, Continental, or Hankook, ensures your iconic vehicle performs like the manufacturer intended. 

Hero image credit: Honda