Fastbacks, with their sleek, sloping rooflines, brought aerodynamics and style to the 1960s and 1970s, but some models faded into obscurity despite forward-thinking designs. These cars blended performance and futuristic looks, often overlooked for flashier rivals. Here are six forgotten fastbacks, with specs and details, that were years ahead of their era.
1963 Studebaker Avanti
The 1963 Avanti had a supercharged 289 V8 with 240 hp, hitting 0–60 in ~7.5 seconds and 168 mph. Its 109-inch wheelbase and 3,100-pound fiberglass body were sleek. The interior featured leather buckets and a full console. About 4,600 were built, per Hagerty. Values hit $30,000–$50,000.
Designed by Raymond Loewy, the Avanti’s fastback shape and disc brakes were futuristic, per MotorTrend. Its lightweight body and supercharged V8 outran Corvettes, but Studebaker’s struggles limited sales. Collectors now chase its unique styling and performance, a rare blend for the early 1960s.
1965 AMC Marlin
The 1965 Marlin used a 327 V8 with 270 hp, hitting 0–60 in ~8 seconds and 120 mph. Its 112-inch wheelbase and 3,400-pound body had a fastback roof. The interior offered vinyl benches and a console. Only 10,300 were built, per Hemmings. Values reach $20,000–$35,000.
AMC’s Marlin aimed for sporty luxury with its sloping roofline, inspired by European GTs, per Indieauto.org. Its roomy cabin and V8 power didn’t catch on, overshadowed by Mustangs. Collectors value its oddball fastback design and balanced handling, a unique American take on aerodynamics.
1968 Dodge Charger
The 1968 Charger used a 426 Hemi V8 with 425 hp, hitting 0–60 in ~5.5 seconds and 140 mph. Its 117-inch wheelbase and 3,600-pound body had a fastback profile. The interior featured buckets and a console. About 470 got the Hemi, per Hagerty. Values hit $100,000–$200,000.
The Charger’s sleek fastback roof and coke-bottle shape were futuristic, per MotorTrend. Its Hemi power crushed rivals, but less flashy B-bodies stole sales. Collectors now pay big for its iconic design and raw performance, a Mopar legend that still feels ahead of its time.
1970 Citroën SM
The 1970 SM had a Maserati 2.7L V6 with 170 hp, hitting 0–60 in ~8.5 seconds and 140 mph. Its 114-inch wheelbase and 3,200-pound body were aerodynamic. The interior featured leather and a digital dash. About 12,920 were built, per Hagerty. Values are $30,000–$50,000.
The SM’s hydropneumatic suspension and fastback design screamed future, per Fastlaneonly.com. Its Maserati V6 and 35 mpg efficiency outdid rivals, but complex mechanics scared buyers. Collectors love its French-Italian fusion and high-speed cruising, a visionary car that still turns heads.
1971 Jensen FF
The 1971 FF used a 6.3L Chrysler V8 with 325 hp, hitting 0–60 in ~7 seconds and 135 mph. Its 109-inch wheelbase and 3,800-pound body had AWD. The interior featured leather and wood trim. Only 320 were built, per Wikipedia. Values hit $50,000–$80,000.
The FF’s military-grade AWD and fastback shape were groundbreaking, per CarBuzz. Its V8 power and traction outran rivals on wet roads, but high costs ($10,000) limited sales. Collectors seek its rarity and advanced tech, a British coupe that still feels futuristic for its era.
1973 Toyota Celica Liftback
The 1973 Celica Liftback had a 1.6L I4 with 108 hp, hitting 0–60 in ~10 seconds and 110 mph. Its 95-inch wheelbase and 2,200-pound body were sleek. The interior featured cloth buckets and a sporty dash. About 10,000 were sold, per MotorTrend. Values hit $15,000–$25,000.
Toyota’s Celica borrowed Mustang-inspired fastback styling, per Wikipedia. Its lightweight chassis and reliable engine made it a hit in Japan, but U.S. sales lagged. Collectors value its early import performance and aerodynamic look, a forward-thinking design that paved the way for later Japanese coupes.
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