These are the Cars That Went from Zero to Hero
Cars can be weird, can’t they? One minute, they’re the laughing stock of the motor world, and the next, everyone’s fighting to get their hands on them. It’s like the fashion world: one day you’re wearing double denim and getting strange looks, the next, you’re a style icon (now apparently). That’s what’s happened to these cars – they were once the butt of jokes, but now they’re rolling down the street with their heads held high, basking in the glow of admiration and nostalgia.
In my previous video, I talked about cars that were cool when they launched but are now so uncool that you’d hesitate to be seen driving one in public. That got me thinking: what about the ones that took the opposite journey? Cars that started out as… let’s call them “also-rans”, only to become desirable, iconic, and, dare I say it, cool.
So here are some once-unloved cars that have now reached hero status.
Chevrolet Caprice Classic (1980s)
Ah, the Chevy Caprice Classic—a car I know well from growing up in Saudi Arabia. Back in the 80s, this boxy beast was the definition of a land yacht. It was the choice for taxi drivers in America and well-to-do dads in Dhahran who wanted something reliable, if a bit… uninspired. The design was a folded-paper effort, and it was as square as you could get. It wasn’t exactly what you’d call cool.
But fast forward a few decades, and the Caprice has taken on a whole new aura. No longer seen as your grandad’s commuter, it’s now a lowrider enthusiast’s dream. You’ll see these things bouncing along the streets in the US, with hydraulics and custom paint jobs, turning heads at car shows. It’s gone from taxi rank to street cred in one fell swoop. If you see one, snap it up, because these are getting rarer by the day. I want a black two-door coupe!
Mercedes G-Wagon
The Mercedes G-Wagon was never meant to be cool. It was originally designed for military use and farmers – basically for anyone who needed to traverse rough terrain with little concern for comfort or style. It was boxy, utilitarian, and about as aerodynamic as a brick. Back in the day, it was more about function than form, and “cool” wasn’t even part of the conversation.
Now, though? Well, you can’t open Instagram without seeing a white G-Wagon posing somewhere on the streets of Dubai or outside a footballer’s mansion. It’s become the ultimate symbol of wealth, status and oligarchy, especially when it’s plastered with an AMG badge and some absurdly oversized wheels. Who would’ve thought this farm vehicle would become a modern-day icon of prestige and pose?
Chrysler PT Cruiser
The PT Cruiser – where do we even start? When it first hit the streets, people couldn’t figure out if it was a joke or a genuine attempt at retro design. It was mocked for looking like an old-timey gangster car trying to fit into modern times, and the convertible version was ridiculed even more. It was a family car trying to dress up as something far cooler, but everyone thought it was faking it. Not me though, I always like them. Even ran one for a while. Practical with presence I figured.
The rest of the world is catching up with my thinking. Today it’s got that “so bad, it’s good” appeal. Sure, it was quirky, but now it’s become something of a cult classic. People are modifying them, appreciating their retro vibes, and loving the practicality of those removable seats. It’s safe to say, the PT Cruiser has found its niche – and who doesn’t love a good comeback story?
Ferrari Mondial
Ferrari is a name that usually means instant coolness, right? Well, not always. The Ferrari Mondial is often considered the black sheep of the Ferrari family. When it was launched, people scratched their heads at the 2+2 seating and the stretched design. It didn’t have the sleek, curvaceous lines of a 308 or 328, and it was called everything from “awkward” to “the worst Ferrari ever.”
But look at it now. The Mondial has aged gracefully, and prices are creeping back up as people realise it’s still a mid-engined Ferrari at the end of the day. It may not have been the poster car of its time, but it’s now appreciated for its practicality (as far as Ferraris go) and unique charm. So, if you’re looking for an affordable entry into Ferrari ownership, this might just be your ticket.
BMW Z8
When the BMW Z8 came out, it had the tough task of living up to the legacy of the beautiful 507. It looked the part, and even appeared in a James Bond movie until it split. Somehow it didn’t grab the spotlight the way you’d expect. The reviews weren’t glowing, and people complained it wasn’t sporty enough, even though it was never really meant to be a pure sports car.
But it’s another one I loved from day one – utterly gorgeous and that steering wheel – what a work of art. I got to drive it and personally, wasn’t disappointed. These days, it’s a collector’s dream. The design has aged beautifully, and now everyone realises it was always meant to be more of a grand tourer than a track weapon. Prices have skyrocketed, and it’s being hailed as one of the most desirable BMWs ever made.
Pontiac Aztek
Yes, the Pontiac Aztek – arguably one of the ugliest cars ever made. It looked like it was designed by a committee, and no one could agree on what it should actually be. Its strange angles, awkward proportions, and clunky styling made it the laughing stock of the car world. People wondered how it ever got greenlit.
But then Breaking Bad happened. Walter White’s trusty Aztek became the anti-hero of TV land, and suddenly, the car was synonymous with one of the coolest characters ever written. Now, thanks to its pop-culture status, the Aztek has become a cult classic. Who would’ve thought?
Porsche Cayenne (First Generation)
When Porsche decided to build an SUV, petrolheads lost their minds. “A Porsche SUV?!” they cried. “Sacrilege!” The first-generation Cayenne wasn’t winning any beauty contests either, and purists grumbled about Porsche abandoning its roots. It was bulky, a bit awkward-looking, and many thought it was just wrong.
Fast forward to today, and we’ve all realised that the Cayenne saved Porsche from financial ruin. It was ahead of its time, blending performance with practicality, and now it’s seen as the godfather of the high-performance SUV. The first-gen Cayenne, with its chunky styling, has become desirable in its own right, especially among collectors who appreciate its place in Porsche’s history. And, let’s be honest, it was always a beast to drive.
Over to you!
There you have it—cars that were once laughed at, scorned, and dismissed, but have now found their way into the hearts of enthusiasts and collectors alike. Time has a funny way of changing our perceptions, doesn’t it? Whether it’s nostalgia, pop culture, or just an appreciation for the quirky, these cars have proved that sometimes, being uncool is just a stepping stone to greatness.
What cars would you add to this list? Drop them in the comments, and don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more automotive stories that are sure to turn heads—just like these cars now do!
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