Sometimes, car manufacturers revive a classic model after years of absence, whether it’s a legendary family car or a high-performance supercar making its comeback. In some cases, the revived version bears little resemblance to its predecessor.

This list explores ten iconic cars that have undergone dramatic transformations, showing just how much automotive design has evolved and how the industry has shifted over time.

Fiat 600 Multipla

The Fiat Multipla that many recall is the quirky 1998 model, a unique MPV that turned heads. But the original 600 Multipla, released in 1956, couldn’t be more different. A stretched version of the Fiat 600, it borrowed its drivetrain from the Fiat 1100 and featured a boxy design. The front end was positioned right up against the cabin, offering minimal crash protection, which was common for vehicles of that era.

Ford Capri

The Ford Capri, a fastback coupe launched in 1968, aimed to be Europe’s answer to the Ford Mustang. Produced until 1986, the Capri used components from the Mk2 Ford Cortina. Fast forward to 2024, and the Capri nameplate has returned as a mid-size electric SUV. The modern version bears almost no resemblance to the classic, proving how much Ford’s vision for the model has changed.

Honda NSX

The second-generation Honda/Acura NSX, introduced in 2016, marked a major departure from its 1990s predecessor. The original NSX is revered as one of the greatest Japanese sports cars ever built, boasting a lightweight chassis and a high-revving V6 engine. In contrast, the modern NSX is a hybrid, with a more curvaceous design and significantly more power, showing how the supercar landscape has evolved.

Acura Integra

The 2024 Acura Integra is a stylish luxury sedan priced below $35,000, but it’s a far cry from the iconic Integra of the 1990s. While the new model shares its platform with the Honda Civic, the original Integra is legendary for its performance, especially the Type R, a front-wheel-drive sports coupe that remains one of the best in its class.

Volkswagen Golf Mk1

The first-generation Volkswagen Golf, launched in 1974, was a far cry from the modern Golf. While the Mk1 was a boxy, compact hatchback that served as a modern upgrade to the Beetle, today’s Golf has evolved into a more refined and versatile vehicle. The iconic GTI version of the Mk1 set the stage for hot hatches, a legacy that continues in the latest models.

Toyota Prius

The 2024 Toyota Prius is a far more visually appealing car than the original 1997 model, which first introduced hybrid technology to the masses. The original Prius was a rather uninspiring, boxy sedan that lacked the flair of today’s models. The modern Prius is sleeker and more stylish, a far cry from the original’s dull design.

First Generation Honda Civic

The first-generation Honda Civic, introduced in 1972, is almost unrecognizable compared to today’s model. Initially, it was a compact, fuel-efficient car that gained popularity during the 1973 oil crisis, offering an alternative to larger, less economical vehicles. Over time, the Civic evolved into a larger and more diverse range of vehicles, with performance models like the Type R becoming legendary.

First Generation Pontiac GTO

The first-generation Pontiac GTO, launched in 1964, was an instant icon in the muscle car world. Its aggressive design, complete with chrome detailing and a wide stance, couldn’t be more different from the sleek, more refined version that ended production in the 2000s. The original GTO’s raw power, fueled by a 6.4-liter or 6.6-liter V8, set the tone for the muscle car era.

Chevrolet C1 Corvette

The original Chevrolet C1 Corvette, first produced in 1953, is a far cry from today’s sleek, aggressive Corvette. With its chrome grille, whitewall tires, and smooth curves, the first-generation Corvette was a product of its time, while today’s Corvette is a bold, modern performance machine that embodies supercar aesthetics. Despite its initial struggles, the C1 Corvette laid the foundation for the iconic American sports car.

First Generation Honda Insight

The first-generation Honda Insight, launched in 1999, was a game-changer for hybrid technology, boasting an ultra-aerodynamic design aimed at minimizing drag. With its sleek, low-to-the-ground profile, it looked like something out of the future. In contrast, the latest Insight resembles a more traditional sedan, losing much of the original’s futuristic appeal. Nonetheless, the first-generation Insight remains a standout in automotive history for its environmental focus and design innovation.