Class of 1996: The coolest cars of 30 years ago

Today, you hear much discussion about ‘peak car’. Many enthusiasts believe this golden age occurred in the 1990s, a time when most vehicles were dynamically sorted, reliable and comfortable over long distances. They also weren’t too large or powerful to enjoy on real roads, nor were they constrained by nannying driver aids. The general absence of SUVs among the cars launched 30 years ago is refreshing, too. 

Here, we remember the coolest and most interesting cars launched in 1996, including the Lotus Elise, Citroen Saxo VTS and Ford Ka. Which one would you choose to revisit?

Porsche Boxster

Along with winning the Euro 96 football tournament, Germany scored another major success in 1996 with the launch of the first-generation Porsche Boxster. 

A mid-mounted engine gave the two-seat roadster near-perfect weight distribution, aiding its agility and sense of balance. Early examples came with a 2.5-litre flat-six, with the later Boxster S model gaining a more powerful 3.2 unit. 

Widely acknowledged as having saved the company from extinction (a turnaround bolstered by the Cayenne SUV of 2002), the Boxster revolutionised how Porsche produced and sold cars. 

Mercedes-Benz SLK

The Mercedes-Benz SLK (and later SLC) has now been discontinued, but it left a strong legacy. Launched in 1996, that amazing folding hard-top roof came in a relatively affordable package. 

Handsome looks, a peppy 2.3-litre supercharged engine and the three-pointed star badge all helped make the SLK a success. Faster versions followed, peaking with the SLK 32 AMG in 2001.

The clever Vario Roof proved cars could have the benefits of security and comfort, but still enjoy top-down motoring. Whether we can be grateful for coupe-convertible imitators such as the Nissan Micra C+C and Peugeot 206 CC is another matter

Audi A3

Given Audi’s standing in the modern car market, it is hard to downplay the significance of the A3’s launch in 1996. Arriving just ahead of the Mk4 Volkswagen Golf, the Audi offered buyers an upmarket hatchback experience, albeit at a slightly higher cost. 

The first-generation A3 was good to drive, aided at launch by the option of a 150hp 1.8-litre turbocharged engine. Later in its life, powerful diesels helped sell the idea of a TDI hot hatch.

Today, more hatchbacks than ever are sold as premium products. But it was the original A3 that paved the way for them.

TVR Cerbera

Arguably the Blackpool company’s finest creation, even in the crazy world of TVR the 2+2 Cerbera made an impact like nothing else. Stunning looks, devastating performance and an outlandish soundtrack made the Cerbera a hit. 

Orders flooded in when the car was first revealed in 1993, but deposit holders had to wait until 1996 for delivery. The promise of a top speed in excess of 180mph was enough to offset worries about reliability in early magazine road tests. 

Every Cerbera was exciting, from the 350hp Speed Six through to the last 440hp 4.5-litre Speed Eight. No traction control or anti-lock brakes meant the cars demanded respect, especially on wet roads

Spectre R42

We will forgive you if you have never heard of the Spectre R42, let alone actually seen one. Inspired by the Ford GT40, this British-built supercar even used the same naming convention as Ford, as it stood just 42 inches tall.

The R42 was intended to compete in the Le Mans 24 Hours race. Financial difficulties saw production start slowly, then continue that way. Fewer than 30 cars were eventually completed, with the majority of those heading to Switzerland. 

Spectre reportedly took 2,000 hours to hand-build the R42, losing money on every example. A 350hp 4.6-litre Ford V8 was the engine of choice.

Jaguar XK8

Revealed to the world at the 1996 Geneva Motor Show, the Jaguar XK8 was intended to pull the classic British marque back from irrelevance and revitalise its image. Sound familiar?  With more than 90,000 made between 1996 and 2004, however, it certainly proved successful on the sales front. 

Helping the XK8’s case was its graceful styling, created under the supervision of the late Geoff Lawson. Although the interior was still a traditional wood-and-leather affair, the performance on offer was thoroughly modern. 

Early cars came with a 290hp 4.0-litre V8 engine. The launch of the supercharged XKR in 1997 lifted performance to another level.

Lotus Elise Series 1

Not sold on the idea of an electric Lotus SUV? Nor are many people, it seems. So let’s remember the good times, specifically when the Elise made its debut 30 years ago. 

The combination of a lightweight aluminium chassis, fibreglass body panels and mid-mounted engine created a glorious driver’s car. Precise steering and a low centre of gravity made the most of the 118hp 1.8-litre engine, too

Drive an Elise and you wonder why anyone would want more. Values of early cars are now on the rise, and rightly so. We will probably never see its like again.

Renault Sport Spider

If you prefer your lightweight roadsters with a French flavour, the Renault Sport Spider was just the ticket in 1996. As the first car to wear the Renault Sport badge, this was a truly hardcore proposition.

Early cars did not even have a windscreen, using an aeroscreen device instead. By the time the Spider made it to the UK, however,  the 100 examples sold here were all fitted with a full glass screen. A one-make race series saw the roofless Renault supporting the British Touring Car Championship in the late 1990s. 

All cars came with a mid-mounted 148hp 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, which is connected to a five-speed manual transmission.

Renault Megane Scenic

During the past 30 years, the compact MPV rose to great heights before disappearing into relative obscurity. 

The launch of the Scenic created a new segment for the European market, spawning multiple imitators. Its key features included three individual rear seats that could be moved or removed. 

Heading into the 2000s, the increasing popularity of SUVs saw sales of the Scenic begin to dwindle. We think these small and practical people carriers are due a comeback.

Peugeot 306 GTI-6

Six-speed manual transmissions had typically been the preserve of exotic supercars until Peugeot added one to its hot hatchback. Compared to the previous five-speed S16 model, the GTI-6 used six close-ratio forward gears to better keep its 2.0-litre engine in the power band. 

An output of 167hp doesn’t seem much today. However, combined with the 306’s sweet chassis, it made for a true driver’s car in 1996. Find a good one today and you’ll see what all the fuss was about.

Peugeot 106 GTI

Peugeot was on a roll with hot hatches in 1996, demonstrated by the launch of the 106 GTI. Yes, the 1.6-litre engine had a mere 120hp, but the pint-sized Peugeot weighed just 950 kg.

That meant a 0-60 mph time of 7.5 seconds, with a top speed close to 130mph. Yet it was precise and entertaining handling that really sold the 106 GTI to enthusiasts. 

Although it was constantly compared to the older Peugeot 205 GTI, the 106 has since established itself as another hot hatch to commemorate. 

Citroen Saxo VTS

Along with the Peugeot 106 GTI, 1996 can also be remembered for introducing its in-house Citroen rival. The Saxo VTS would become the king of the McDonald’s car park, forever associated with the ‘Max Power’ modified car scene. That Citroen asked Katie Price, then known as Jordan, to help promote the VTS only reinforced this image.

It packed the same 120hp engine as the 106 GTI, but had a greater fondness for disappearing backwards into hedges due to lift-off oversteer. This probably explains why only a few hundred examples of the Saxo VTS remain on our roads. 

Ford Ka

It’s hard to believe the original Ka made its debut three decades ago. The first production example of Ford’s ‘New Edge’ styling, it still looks modern today. 

Certainly more so than the ancient 1.3-litre ‘Endura E’ four-cylinder engine, which predates even England’s 1966 World Cup victory. But the Ka was never about performance. Rather, this was a cheap city car that was fun to drive. 

Had Ford made the Ka’s underbody rust protection as good as its handling, we would undoubtedly still see them on a regular basis. Sadly, most have now rotted away.

Lancia Ypsilon

Launched after Lancia had departed the UK market, the first-generation Ypsilon was a development of the original Fiat Punto. Aimed at delivering a little more pizazz in the piazza, the Ypsilon was offered with a choice of 100 different paint colours. 

Lancia launched the Ypsilon with its tried and tested FIRE range of engines, and tuned the suspension to deliver a more refined ride.  A performance model, given the wonderful name of Elefantino Rosso (Tiny Red Elephant), followed later in the Ypsilon’s production run. 

Fiat Coupe 20v Turbo

Long before Chris Bangle gained notoriety for his BMW styling efforts, the American designer worked for Fiat in the 1990s. His most striking creation was the Fiat Coupe, launched in 1993. 

In 1996, the Coupe was offered with a powerful five-cylinder turbocharged engine. This sent 217hp to the front wheels, allowing for 0-60mph in around six seconds. It meant the Coupe now had the performance to back up its bold looks. 

For those who struggled with the styling of the Coupe, solace could be found on the inside. Other than a body-coloured strip across the dashboard, the Pininfarina-designed cabin was rather more conventional than the exterior.

Ferrari 550 Maranello

The 478hp 550 Maranello blasted onto the covers of car magazines in 1996, exciting Ferrari fans with its 199mph top speed. 

The 550 was both a grand tourer and a red-blooded supercar, with a front-mounted V12 engine and an open-gate manual gearbox. It truly delivered on the road, and is now rightly recognised as an all-time Ferrari great.

Skoda Octavia

Everyone’s favourite Czech mate revived a name first used by Skoda between 1959 and 1973. Launched in April 1996, the new Octavia promised plenty of space for not much cash. 

Its boot was substantially bigger than the Mk4 Volkswagen Golf it shared a platform with, but the Skoda was cheaper to buy. This first-generation Octavia eventually sold more than 1.5 million examples. 

Holden HSV GTS R

While Europe was building small MPVs and hot hatchbacks, Australia continued to build V8-powered super saloons. One of the rarest and most outlandish models produced by Holden in the 1990s, the HSV GTS-R is a true collector’s item. 

Just 85 examples of the bright yellow saloon (or ‘sedan’ if you’re Aussie) were made, and it was the most expensive Holden ever when new. A 5.7-litre V8 with 289hp was standard, or buyers could pay more to have the engine ‘blueprinted’ by Holden’s racing team.

Such low production numbers have resulted in big prices for examples of the GTS-R, despite its unfashionable three-spoke alloy wheels. A few years ago, one was sold for the equivalent of £190,000.

Dodge Viper GTS

Not to be outdone, America was celebrating the launch of the coupe version of the Dodge Viper for 1996. A development of the RT/10 roadster model, the GTS featured a special ‘double bubble’ roof to accommodate crash helmets. 

The launch of the GTS also saw Dodge release a range of updates for the Viper. These included airbags, electric windows and air conditioning. More power was extracted from the 8.0-litre V10, taking it all the way to 450hp.

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IV

Developed for use in rallying, road-going versions of the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution helped spearhead the UK’s Japanese grey-import market. 

Constant developments saw the Evo IV released in August 1996, using an updated platform. Underneath, the 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine and manual transmission remained. Mitsubishi fitted the Evo IV with Active Yaw Control for its all-wheel drive system, helping control the 276hp output. 

Compared with earlier versions, the Evo IV sported a more dramatic bodykit. Huge PIAA fog lights, 16-inch OZ Racing wheels and Recaro bucket seats were also part of the transformation.

Toyota Mega Cruiser

No, this is not a Hummer H1. The Toyota Mega Cruiser was the Japanese company’s own take on the Hummer concept, creating a giant SUV intended for military use. 

Production of civilian versions began in 1996, although fewer than 150 examples were sold to the general public. High prices, and the general lack of need for a giant SUV in Japan, kept sales low. 

A 4.1-litre diesel engine provides the power, and comes with a four-speed automatic transmission. The all-wheel-drive system has a two-speed transfer case, along with front, centre and rear differential locks. 

Toyota Classic

When even Toyota’s UK magazine describes a vehicle from its back catalogue as ‘wacky’, you can be confident that it will be unconventional. In 1996, Toyota decided to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the 1936 AA sedan by building a modern tribute. 

Using a Hilux pickup truck frame as a base, the Classic was powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 97hp. Inside, Toyota added extra wood trim for the dashboard, a wooden steering wheel, and red leather seats. 

Toyota produced 100 examples of the Classic, making them a real rarity today. At the time of writing, we couldn’t find a single one for sale.

SsangYong Korando

Released in 1996, the second-generation of the SsangYong Korando is certainly one of the more curious vehicles on our list. Essentially a South Korean take on the Jeep Wrangler, using engines from Mercedes-Benz, the Korando had body-on-frame construction. 

The combination of German engines and a ladder frame chassis helped the Korando develop a reputation for dependability. Coil suspension and selectable four-wheel drive allowed it to go further off-road than softer SUVs. 

Although it may look a little unusual, compared to the hideous SsangYong Rodius MPV, the Korando is positively pretty.

Vauxhall Sintra

Being named after a Portuguese town was where the European influence stopped with the Sintra. This was simply a rebadged version of the General Motors U-Body, used for American minivans like the Chevrolet Venture and Pontiac Montana. 

Built in Atlanta, GM was generous with equipment but stingy on quality. By the year 2000, the Sintra had become Britain’s least reliable car, and had disappeared from sale. Not everything was better in 1996, then…

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