Italy has long been at the heart of automotive excellence, producing some of the most beautiful, powerful, and influential cars in history. The 1960s and 1970s were a golden age for Italian automotive design, giving the world some of the most legendary sports cars, grand tourers, and compact icons.
Here are 12 of the most iconic Italian cars from this unforgettable era.
1. 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO – The Holy Grail of Classic Ferraris
Arguably the most valuable and sought-after Ferrari ever, the 250 GTO was built for racing but became a symbol of Italian automotive perfection. With a 3.0-liter V12 engine producing 296 horsepower, it dominated the race tracks while looking stunning on the streets.
Ferrari only made 36 units, making it one of the rarest and most expensive cars in the world. Today, it holds the record for the highest price ever paid for a car at auction—over $70 million.
2. 1963 Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint GT – The Compact Sports Coupe That Stole Hearts
Designed by Bertone, the Giulia Sprint GT blended elegant styling with sporty performance, making it a favorite among driving enthusiasts. Its 1.6-liter twin-cam engine and perfectly balanced chassis made it a joy to drive.
The Giulia’s racing success, especially in touring car championships, cemented its reputation as one of Alfa Romeo’s greatest creations. It also laid the foundation for modern sports sedans.
3. Lamborghini Miura (1966–1973)
The Lamborghini Miura is often credited as the first true supercar, revolutionizing the industry with its mid-engine layout and breathtaking design by Marcello Gandini at Bertone. Its 4.0-liter V12 produced 370 horsepower, making it the fastest production car of its time.
With its low stance, sculpted bodywork, and exotic styling, the Miura remains one of the most beautiful cars ever built. It set the standard for every Lamborghini that followed.
4. 1966 Fiat 124 Spider – The Affordable Italian Roadster
The Fiat 124 Spider proved that Italian sports car magic wasn’t reserved only for the ultra-rich. Designed by Pininfarina, it combined a sleek body, a rev-happy four-cylinder engine, and an affordable price, making it a favorite for open-top motoring.
It was so well-loved that Fiat revived the 124 Spider in 2016, proving its timeless appeal. The original remains one of the most charming and accessible Italian classics.
5. 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 – The Perfect Grand Tourer
A direct successor to the 250 GTO, the Ferrari 275 GTB/4 combined luxury, performance, and stunning design. With its 3.3-liter V12 and four overhead camshafts, it produced 300 horsepower and could reach 165 mph.
Beyond its speed, the long-nose design and sculpted curves made it one of Ferrari’s most elegant creations. Even today, it remains one of the most desirable classic Ferraris ever built.
6. 1969 Lancia Stratos HF – The Rally Legend
The Lancia Stratos HF wasn’t just a car—it was a rally weapon. Designed by Bertone, it had an aggressive wedge-shaped body and a mid-mounted Ferrari V6.
Its lightweight design and incredible handling helped it dominate the World Rally Championship, winning three consecutive titles from 1974 to 1976. The Stratos remains one of the most iconic rally cars in history.
7. 1969 Alfa Romeo Spider (Duetto) – The Movie Star Convertible
Made famous by Dustin Hoffman’s character in The Graduate, the Alfa Romeo Spider became one of the most recognizable convertibles of the era. Designed by Pininfarina, it combined graceful curves, a spirited twin-cam engine, and open-top driving pleasure.
The Duetto was the first in a long line of Alfa Romeo Spiders, staying in production for nearly three decades. Even today, it remains a symbol of classic Italian roadster elegance.
8. 1971 Alfa Romeo Montreal – The Forgotten Supercar
The Alfa Romeo Montreal was Alfa’s bold entry into the high-performance GT world. Designed by Marcello Gandini, it featured a 2.6-liter V8 derived from Alfa’s racing engines, producing 200 horsepower.
Despite its gorgeous design and advanced engineering, the Montreal was somewhat overlooked compared to Ferrari and Lamborghini rivals. However, today it’s considered one of Alfa Romeo’s most unique and desirable classics.
9. 1972 Maserati Bora – The Sophisticated Mid-Engine GT
The Maserati Bora was Maserati’s first mid-engine production car, developed to compete with Ferrari and Lamborghini. It combined a powerful 4.7 or 4.9-liter V8 with a sleek Giorgetto Giugiaro design, creating a balance of speed and sophistication.
Unlike some of its exotic rivals, the Bora was also comfortable and refined, making it one of the most underrated Italian supercars of the era.
10. 1973 Ferrari Dino 246 GT – The Ferrari That Wasn’t a Ferrari
Named after Enzo Ferrari’s late son, the Dino 246 GT was the first mid-engine Ferrari-badged car—though technically, it wasn’t a Ferrari at all. It was sold under the Dino sub-brand, meant for smaller, more affordable sports cars.
With a 2.4-liter V6 engine, stunning Pininfarina styling, and incredible handling, the Dino became an instant classic. Today, it’s one of the most beloved Ferraris ever made, despite never officially wearing the prancing horse badge.
11. 1976 Fiat 131 Abarth Rally – The People’s Champion
The Fiat 131 Abarth may not be as famous as Ferrari or Lamborghini, but it was a giant in the rally world. Fiat took its simple 131 sedan, added Abarth tuning, a 140-hp twin-cam engine, and lightweight modifications to create a dominant rally car.
It won three World Rally Championships and became a legend among Fiat enthusiasts. The Abarth legacy continues today, proving that performance isn’t just about exotic supercars—it’s also about passion and clever engineering.
12. Fiat 500 (1957) – The Car That Defined Small Cars
No list of iconic Italian cars is complete without the Fiat 500. This tiny city car put Italy on wheels, providing affordable, stylish, and fun transportation for the masses. Its rear-mounted 500cc engine may not have been powerful, but the cinquecento’s charm and practicality made it a global sensation.
The modern Fiat 500 revival proves its timeless design still holds a special place in automotive history.
13. Lamborghini Countach (1974–1990): The Supercar That Defined an Era
The Lamborghini Countach, introduced in 1974, was a revolutionary supercar that redefined automotive design and performance. With its low, wedge-shaped body and distinctive scissor doors, it looked like nothing else on the road. Designed by Marcello Gandini at Bertone, the car combined extreme aerodynamics with aggressive styling, making it an instant icon.
Powered by a mid-mounted V12 engine, the Countach delivered breathtaking speed and handling, cementing Lamborghini’s reputation as a builder of cutting-edge performance machines. The name “Countach,” a Piedmontese exclamation of astonishment, perfectly captured the reaction it provoked among car enthusiasts and the general public alike.
Next Up: 15 Classiest Cars of the 1960s
The 1960s gave us some of the most stunning, innovative, and iconic cars of all time—machines that blended power with sophistication and style with substance. Whether built for speed, luxury, or a combination of both, these cars left an indelible mark on automotive history. Decades later, they remain some of the most revered and collectible vehicles ever made, proving that true class is timeless.