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Quizzes > Lifestyle & Hobbies

Classic Car Quiz: Name the Icons of the Road

Quick, free car trivia quiz with instant results and fun facts.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Nathan BedardUpdated Aug 27, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art silhouettes of iconic vintage cars on golden yellow background with quiz prompt to test classic car knowledge

This classic car quiz helps you spot iconic models, match badges to names, and see how much you remember from pre-war roadsters to postwar legends. Want deeper dives? Rev through our muscle car trivia, check your general chops with a car knowledge quiz, or practice with car questions with answers for a broader tune-up.

Which classic car is known as the "Beetle" and was produced by Volkswagen?
Porsche 911
Volkswagen Beetle
Volkswagen Type 2
Volkswagen Golf
The Volkswagen Beetle, officially the Volkswagen Type 1, is commonly referred to as the "Beetle". It was introduced in 1938 and became one of the best-selling cars of all time. Its distinctive rounded shape and air-cooled, rear-mounted engine made it instantly recognizable worldwide. .
Which American manufacturer produced the classic Mustang in 1965?
Dodge
Chevrolet
Pontiac
Ford
The Ford Motor Company launched the Mustang in April 1964 as a 1965 model. This pony car revolutionized the American auto industry by offering sporty performance at an affordable price. Its immediate popularity led to strong sales and long-lasting cultural significance. .
The Jaguar E-Type was introduced in which decade?
1940s
1970s
1950s
1960s
The Jaguar E-Type made its debut in 1961, placing its introduction squarely in the 1960s. It was praised for its combination of beauty, high performance, and competitive pricing. Enzo Ferrari famously called it "the most beautiful car ever made." .
Which classic Italian brand produced the 250 GTO?
Alfa Romeo
Lamborghini
Ferrari
Maserati
The Ferrari 250 GTO is one of the most iconic and valuable classic cars ever built. Ferrari produced only 36 examples between 1962 and 1964, making it extremely rare. Its racing success and elegant design have cemented its legendary status. .
In what year did the Chevrolet Impala first feature its signature triple taillight design?
1960
1959
1957
1958
The Chevrolet Impala introduced its distinctive triple taillight treatment in 1958. This design became a hallmark for the Impala and helped distinguish it from other Chevrolet models. The styling cue continued through various generations, reinforcing its identity. .
Which classic car featured a production rotary engine?
Mazda RX-7
Toyota Supra
Datsun 240Z
Nissan Skyline GT-R
The Mazda RX-7 was one of the first mass-produced sports cars to use the Wankel rotary engine. Introduced in 1978, its smooth power delivery and compact engine design set it apart. Mazda continued to refine the rotary design through multiple RX-7 generations. .
The Shelby Cobra was a collaboration between Carroll Shelby and which British manufacturer?
MG
Lotus
Triumph
AC Cars
Carroll Shelby paired his performance expertise with AC Cars' lightweight chassis to create the Shelby Cobra. AC Cars supplied the body and chassis, while Shelby installed a Ford V8 engine to produce a high-performance sports car. The result was an American-British hybrid legend. .
Which feature defines a classic American "muscle car"?
Diesel powertrain
Front-wheel drive
Large-displacement V8 engine
Rotary engine
Muscle cars are characterized by a large-displacement V8 engine optimized for straight-line acceleration. They originated in the 1960s and 1970s in the United States, offering high performance at an affordable price. Compact body styles with big engines were their hallmark. .
The first Shelby GT350 was based on which model?
Ford Mustang
Ford Torino
Ford Fairlane
Mercury Cougar
The Shelby GT350 debuted in 1965 as a high-performance variant of the Ford Mustang. Carroll Shelby's modifications included suspension upgrades, aerodynamic tweaks, and a tuned V8 engine. This collaboration gave birth to one of the most celebrated American performance cars. .
Which classic car was nicknamed "Eleanor" in the film "Gone in 60 Seconds" (2000)?
Dodge Charger
Mustang Mach 1
Shelby GT500
Camaro SS
In the 2000 remake of "Gone in 60 Seconds," the iconic car known as "Eleanor" is a modified Shelby GT500. Its custom bodywork and performance enhancements made it a standout on screen. The original 1967 Eleanor was a GT500-based Mustang with unique styling. .
The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL is famous for its what?
Rotary engine
Gullwing doors
Mid-engine layout
Pop-up headlights
The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL, introduced in 1954, is best known for its distinctive gullwing doors. These upward-opening doors were necessary to clear the high-mounted frame rails. The car was also renowned for its fuel-injected engine, a first for production cars. .
Which British luxury car featured rear-hinged "suicide doors" on many models in the 1950s?
Rolls-Royce Phantom
Bentley Continental
Aston Martin DB4
Jaguar XJ
The Rolls-Royce Phantom series of the 1950s featured rear-hinged doors, often called "suicide doors." This design provided a grand, formal entrance and was common in luxury cars of the era. The Phantom's craftsmanship and elegance made it a symbol of status. .
The Alvis TE21 grand touring car was produced in which decade?
1940s
1970s
1950s
1960s
The Alvis TE21 was built by Alvis Cars in Britain between 1966 and 1968. It featured advanced engineering for its time, including independent rear suspension. Despite its quality, low sales numbers make it a rare classic today. .
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Study Outcomes

  1. Identify Iconic Classic Cars -

    By engaging with this classic car quiz, you'll recognize legendary vintage car models based on visual cues and design details.

  2. Recall Automotive History -

    After the vintage car trivia quiz, you'll summarize key production eras and historical significance of each classic automobile.

  3. Analyze Distinctive Features -

    You'll sharpen your eye for unique styling elements, engine types, and bodywork details that differentiate iconic cars.

  4. Evaluate Your Knowledge -

    The scored format lets you measure your expertise, identify strengths in recognizing models, and spot areas for further learning.

  5. Apply Accurate Model Terminology -

    By naming each legendary car, you'll practice using correct model names and automotive terms with confidence.

  6. Share and Compare Results -

    Engage with fellow enthusiasts by sharing your score, challenging others, and discussing standout classic car finds.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Jet-Age Styling & Tailfins -

    Spot the dramatic tailfins on late-'50s Cadillacs like the 1959 Eldorado to instantly place a car in that Jet-Age era. Smithsonian Institution collections note how chrome accents and swept-back fins were inspired by fighter jets, making this a memorable design cue. Use the mnemonic "fins take flight" to recall that tailfins = 1950s American styling.

  2. Distinctive Grilles & Badges -

    Grille shapes and manufacturer emblems are like fingerprints: the oval Ford Blue Oval of the '60s versus the round Porsche crest on early 356 models. Hemmings Motor News emphasizes how subtle grille mesh patterns and hood badges evolved each model year. Remember "badge + grille = brand thrill" to link these details to specific marques.

  3. Engine Displacement & Nomenclature -

    Knowing that "289" in Ford's 289 ci V8 converts roughly to 4.7 L (1 L≈61.024 ci per SAE standards) helps you decode engine badges on muscle cars. SAE International guidelines show how cubic-inch and liter designations coexisted in American vs European models. A quick formula "ci ÷ 61 = L" is all you need to convert on the fly.

  4. Special Editions & Model-Year Changes -

    Shelby Mustangs like the GT350 (1965 - '66) and GT500 (1967 - '68) showcase how minor body tweaks and engine upgrades can signal a new "holiday" model. Ford archives detail each year's hood scoops, side stripes, and interior trims to help pinpoint production dates. Think "350 small, 500 super" to remember performance tiers.

  5. Historical Context & Era Identification -

    The 1973 OPEC oil embargo marked the twilight of big-block muscle cars, so full-size V8s from '74 onward often sported smaller displacements. National Archives records explain how fuel economy regulations reshaped styling and engine choices. Linking world events - like "oil crisis" to "smaller engines" - anchors models in their correct years.

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