Some vintage cars are so stunning that they’ve become icons of automotive design, but behind their flawless exteriors lies a driving experience that leaves much to be desired. While these beauties may have turned heads when they first hit the road, many didn’t live up to expectations when it came to performance.

From uncomfortable rides to sluggish engines and poor handling, these 10 vintage cars were the epitome of style over substance. Sure, they were beautiful to look at—but once you got behind the wheel, you quickly realized that looks aren’t everything.

1. Jaguar E-Type (1961–1975)

Often celebrated as one of the most stunning cars ever created, the Jaguar E-Type captivated the world with its flowing lines, elongated hood, and undeniably graceful profile. It’s a car that defines automotive beauty. However, when it came to actually driving the E-Type, it wasn’t always as glamorous as it looked. The steering felt disconnected and lacked the precision you’d expect from such a high-performance icon.

The suspension, while advanced for the time, delivered a stiff and jarring ride that was far from luxurious. While the E-Type packed a powerful engine, its handling dynamics often left drivers feeling underwhelmed. It’s an art piece on wheels, but the experience behind the wheel doesn’t quite match its breathtaking design.

2. Chevrolet Corvette C3 (1968–1982)

The third-generation Corvette, or C3, became an instant American classic with its dramatic curves, long hood, and unmistakable road presence. However, once you got behind the wheel, the story took a turn. The Corvette’s bold looks weren’t quite matched by its driving characteristics. Its ride was harsh, with a suspension that felt every imperfection in the road.

The heavy steering and unrefined handling made it more of a brute than a precision instrument. While the C3’s powerful V8 engine was undeniably thrilling in a straight line, its cornering ability left much to be desired. It was a muscle car at heart, but it lacked the finesse expected of a true sports car.

3. Ford Mustang (First Generation, 1964–1966)

The original Ford Mustang revolutionized the auto industry, capturing hearts with its stylish design and affordable performance. However, the first-generation Mustang wasn’t as enjoyable to drive as its aggressive looks suggested. Its steering was sluggish and imprecise, making tight turns a challenge.

The suspension was stiff and unforgiving, particularly on uneven roads, and the overall ride felt more utilitarian than sporty. Despite these flaws, the Mustang’s undeniable charm and groundbreaking status have ensured its place as an enduring automotive legend.

4. Maserati Ghibli (1967–1973)

The Maserati Ghibli is the epitome of Italian style, with its sleek silhouette and aggressive stance. However, while it excelled in looks, its performance on the road was less than thrilling. The ride was notoriously stiff, and its heavy handling often made navigating corners feel more like a chore than a joy.

The Ghibli’s powerful V8 engine offered great speed in a straight line, but its overall driving dynamics were unrefined compared to competitors like Ferrari or Lamborghini. It’s a car that’s best appreciated for its beauty rather than its road manners.

5. Porsche 356 (1948–1965)

The Porsche 356 is often credited as the car that laid the foundation for Porsche’s legacy of performance engineering. Its compact design and elegant simplicity made it a standout in its era. Yet, as charming as it was, driving the 356 came with its share of frustrations.

The car’s small dimensions led to a bumpy, uncomfortable ride. The steering was heavy, and the engine—while reliable—felt underpowered, even for its time. The 356 is now a collector’s dream, but as a driving machine, it was far from perfect.

6. Alfa Romeo Spider (1966–1993)

With its timeless curves and quintessential Italian charm, the Alfa Romeo Spider became an icon of style and sophistication. But behind the wheel, it wasn’t always a smooth operator. The car’s interior felt cramped, and its suspension struggled to provide a comfortable ride.

The steering lacked precision, and while the Spider was agile, its performance failed to inspire the confidence you’d expect from a sports car. It’s a car you’d love to be seen in, but not necessarily one you’d want to drive every day.

7. Triumph TR6 (1968–1976)

The Triumph TR6 is another British roadster that exudes charm with its bold, muscular design. Yet, for all its aesthetic appeal, the TR6 fell short in delivering a refined driving experience. Its steering was excessively heavy, the suspension too firm, and its handling unpredictable at times. While it had an air of sportiness, the driving experience often felt more cumbersome than exhilarating.

8. Ford Thunderbird (1955–1966)

The Ford Thunderbird is a shining example of 1950s luxury, with its dramatic tailfins and chrome accents. However, as a driver’s car, it left much to be desired. The ride was overly soft, making sharp turns a challenge, and the steering lacked responsiveness. The Thunderbird was more about cruising in style than delivering dynamic performance, appealing to those who prioritized luxury over speed.

9. Chevrolet Camaro (1967–1969)

The first-generation Camaro looked every bit the part of a muscle car legend, with aggressive styling and plenty of attitude. But when it came to handling, the Camaro struggled to keep up.

The steering was vague, and its suspension struggled to handle corners effectively. It excelled in straight-line speed but faltered when precision and balance were required.

10. Jaguar XK120 (1948–1954)

The Jaguar XK120 dazzled with its elegant curves and groundbreaking top speed for its time. But behind the wheel, it didn’t feel as refined as its appearance suggested.

The primitive suspension led to a rough ride, and the steering was unresponsive, making it difficult to handle at higher speeds. While stunning to look at, the XK120 is more of a showpiece than a driver’s delight.