These Are The Long-Dead Cars You'd Revive In 2023

If you were in charge of the product roadmap for one of the world's automakers over the next 12 months, what would you do? Would you go all in on EVs? Pivot to hydrogen power? Or just give the V8 a rapturous sendoff by recreating some steel-stamped icon?

If you're more inclined to the come down on that last idea, then this might be the slideshow for you. That's because last week, we turned to Jalopnik readers to find out what long-dead automotive icons they thought should be revived in 2023. And from pickups to PT Cruisers, you came back with some great answers.

"Subaru Baja. They pulled the plug too early on that. 'Murica can't get enough of trucks and truck-like vehicles."

Would a revived Baja sell like hotcakes here in America, or would buyers deem it to be too small in today's market?

Suggested by: huja

"Ferrari Testarossa nameplate as a cyber futuristic take on modern design."

As long as they bring it back with just the one, ridiculously large wing mirror, I'll be happy.

Suggested by: @acra_alex (Twitter)

"The El Camino with with a rear-wheel drive street version and a lifted off-road capable all-wheel drive version."

Because if there's anything GM needs to make more of, it's trucks.

Suggested by: Lonnie Rowe (Facebook)

"The PT Cruiser, it is a perfect fit for the market, it just got done wrong and was allowed to soldier on way past its freshness date. We had a first year GT in the family and it was a fun yet highly practical little runabout, if only they had evolved it instead of de-evolving it.

"It could be an EV and be aimed as a competitor to the ID.Buzz as a small highly practical retro EV."

I can't argue with this. If Chrysler bought the PT Cruiser back as an electric SUV, it'd be an instant hit.

Suggested by: citronc

"The Dodge Neon. More like the original style. Coupe, sedan, and a window lift hatch like its predecessor the Shadow or the Integra. But with the SRT-4's motor option. Mated to the Jeep RWD. Though six-speed would be preferred."

Do it, but also give it a Hellcat motor. Why not?

Suggested by: @CarlosFeesh (Twitter)

"Ford Thunderbird. RWD roadsters practically don't exist (besides the Miata of course). With Fords collection of powerful gas, hybrid, and electric drivetrains, surely one can be a match, and hopefully a match with an attainable price tag."

Has it been long enough since the 11th gen Thunderbird for this to be the one that's revived? Or, should Ford stick to its origins and bring back something inspired by the MK1?

Suggested by: Chayse Griffin (Facebook)

"There was a time when Volvo offered a handful of small 2-doors like the PV/Amazon/P1800.... they were all beautiful cars, but if I had to choose, I vote Volvo P1800.

"My heart says 544, but marketability says 1800."

In an ideal world, Volvo would make exclusively boujie station wagons and a reimagined P1800. Imagine that.

Suggested by: redneckrob

"I'd be tempted to run at the Lancia o37. Could be wonderful, but with modern regulations, probably a shit show. I'd be willing to take the risk though."

While we're at it, lets bring back a few other Lancias so the company's lineup is more than just the dull-as-a-wall Ypsilon.

Suggested by: @Sam__Foster (Twitter)

"Lancer EVO. I said it. We need an AWD Mitsubishi that's not a silly crossover."

To be honest, you could insert all manner of automakers into this plea for "anything AWD that's not a silly crossover."

Suggested by: Daniel Daniel (Facebook)

"Ramcharger. Make a two- and four-door and make a heavy duty version for people who tow. The two-door would have no competition and the four-door heavy duty version wouldn't either as long as you don't count used Ford Expeditions."

Please, tell me again how we need more trucks.

Suggested by: 1nightstan

"The Pontiac Aztek... so all the people who called it ugly when it came out, can compare it to their identical looking crossover they drive now!!"

Please, haven't we suffered enough?

[Ed. note: I support this cause.]

Suggested by: @oldcutlas87 (Twitter)

"Honda Element with electric rear axle for AWD models. Doesn't need off road chops, just packaged smart like previous."

I'll never understand why the Element is lauded while the Aztek is lamented, they're both ugly.

Suggested by: Andrew Boyd (Facebook)

"The Model T. This is more of a thought experiment, but I'm genuinely curious how Ford would take a car like that, update the design for modern standards while still being recognizable, and fit the original budget 'people's car' constraint."

I guess that's one way to approach the assignment.

Suggested by: kbabz

"Chevy S10. Would be a smaller alternative to the Colorado and provide competition to the Ford Maverick. Also would be a great candidate for an EV trim."

Oh goodie, another truck that daft people can parade around as the future of the small car. I can't wait.

Suggested by: @antink_kevin (Twitter)

"None of them. Every time someone revives a long dead nameplate it's always a disappointment.

"Either they throw a well regarded name on a totally different class of car (remember the first GTO revival 😕).

"Or enthusiasts expect the car to live up to some mythical ideal of what they imagine the original to be, no matter how good the new car is. (NSX, Supra, even the second GTO reboot)

"Unless you're really faithful to the original (and even then) just give a new vehicle it's own designation so it can be judged on its own merits."

You know what they say: It's better to have loved and lost to have never loved at all.

Let's just remember the good times we had with these old masterpieces.

Suggested by: Jason Kaplan (Facebook)