Any gearhead can easily agree that the BMW M1 is an iconic car. However, somewhere in gearhead’s garage, there is a set of pictures, centerfolds if you will, of cars never brought up in discussion. These are the guilty pleasures we hate to admit we get a kick out of. I have gone out to my garage and decided to share my list with you. Hopefully I will not be ostracized by the gathering throng. These are the cars that I hate to admit that I like.
Fiat 500
It’s cute and it’s small. While it is a bit of a “girly” car, that little body is a hoot to throw into a corner.
Hummer H2
Phooey on fuel prices! Football, Steak and Hummers. ‘Nuff said.
Volkswagen Beetle
Just like cockroaches, you may not like them, but you have to respect them for surviving.
Bricklin SV-1
It looks a little dated now. The pop-up headlights, the raked body, the gullwing doors – It may be a pornographer’s car, but this car Is the epitome of cool.
BMW M5
Sometimes, you hate a champion because he just wins all the time. This car, in every iteration, has whipped the pants off the competition. In a street fight, if a guy pulls a gun, I am pullin’ an M5!
Chrysler K Car
The car itself was Spartan and not much of a performer. I loved it because it was a car for people who didn’t like cars. This car spawned many designs long after its demise. I hate to admit it, but I love it. It’s history and there would be no Chrysler without it.
Buick Opel, Chevy Vega & Ford Pinto
First of all…..STOP LAUGHING!!! These cars introduced a young boy (me) to the world of compact cars. After rolling around in the back of the family station wagon, I was amazed that there was a car my size. When the Buick Opel was featured in magazines, I actually found out about German, British and Italian cars. Because of this, Hot Wheels & Matchbox became my friends. Besides, my toy cars were safer and more reliable than those…Okay, you can laugh now!
Cadillac DTS
In my youth, I always appreciated Cadillac but never wished to own one. The fact that I like this car reveals that I am becoming an old man.
Aston Martin Lagonda
I like driving cars that no one knows anything about. Pull up in this, despite its dated technology and pointy nose, and you will have a gathering in no time.
Mansory Panamera Turbo
Yes. It is pimped-out and the colors offered border on nauseating. However, anything that tries to improve the look of a Panamera is worth putting on my list.
AMC Eagle
I love these cars! I would relish the chance to put a well-kept one of these up against a Ford Explorer. Yes, I would drive it proudly (with a phony mustache and sunglasses).
Don’t judge me. I shared my list and I know you have one too!