78 Classic Cars Trivia Questions with Answers
78 public questions with answers, drawn from the well. How many can you answer?
This Classic Cars trivia hub covers the engineering, styling, production history, and cultural legacy of important automobiles from the 1950s through the 1970s and beyond. Questions examine limited-production sports cars, iconic American models, British designs, chassis engineering, model names, and the designers who gave these vehicles their distinctive shapes.
Expect clues about the 1956–1959 BMW 507, first-generation Ford Thunderbird sales, the meaning of “SS” on the Chevrolet Impala SS, and the wedge-shaped Lotus Esprit associated with Giorgetto Giugiaro. Other questions reach into the Morris Minor, original Mini, Lotus Elan, and front-wheel-drive Oldsmobile models. The set works well for car-club gatherings, pub quizzes, automotive classrooms, and anyone who enjoys identifying cars through technical and historical details.
What phrase does the 'SS' in Chevrolet Impala SS stand for?
Answer
Super Sport
Which designer is credited with the wedge-shaped Lotus Esprit body?
Answer
Giorgetto Giugiaro
What was the original project code name for the Morris Minor?
Answer
Mosquito
Which designer created the original Mini?
Answer
Alec Issigonis
What type of chassis is the original Lotus Elan noted for using?
Answer
Backbone chassis
Which Oldsmobile model debuted for 1966 with front-wheel drive?
Answer
Toronado
Which coachbuilder styled the Aston Martin DB4 body?
Answer
Carrozzeria Touring
Which U.S. automaker produced the Avanti sports coupe in the 1960s?
Answer
Studebaker
What TV series helped make the Volvo P1800 famous?
Answer
The Saint
Which company produced the stainless-steel-bodied DMC-12?
Answer
DeLorean Motor Company
Which engineer designed the Morris Minor?
Answer
Alec Issigonis
Which car is commonly nicknamed the Tin Lizzie?
Answer
Ford Model T
Which country produced the classic Hudson Hornet?
Answer
United States
Which British company manufactured the classic Aston Martin DB5?
Answer
Aston Martin
Which American car company produced the 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air?
Answer
Chevrolet
Which Italian automaker produced the Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider?
Answer
Alfa Romeo
What was the engine displacement of the 1970 Ford Mustang Boss 429?
Answer
429 cubic inches
How many 1967 Shelby GT500s were produced?
Answer
2,048
What was the wheelbase of the 1964 Jaguar E-Type?
Answer
96 inches
How many Ferrari 250 GTOs were produced?
Answer
36
Which Italian automaker produced the Fiat 500?
Answer
Fiat
Which French company produced the Citroën DS?
Answer
Citroën
What type of engine cooling does a classic Volkswagen Beetle use?
Answer
Air-cooled
Which country is the home of the Mercedes-Benz brand?
Answer
Germany
What is the name of the first car produced by Porsche?
Answer
Porsche 356
Which was the first production car with a fiberglass monocoque chassis?
Answer
Lotus Elite
How many Plymouth Superbirds were produced in 1970?
Answer
1,920
Which Japanese automaker produced the Toyota 2000GT?
Answer
Toyota
Classic Cars trivia — quick answers
What are good Classic Cars trivia questions?
Good Classic Cars questions ask about designers, production totals, model origins, engineering features, naming conventions, and launch years. Examples include identifying the Mini’s designer, explaining “SS,” recognizing the Lotus Elan’s chassis, and recalling how many BMW 507s were built.
How hard is Classic Cars trivia?
The difficulty ranges from accessible to enthusiast-level. Famous models such as the Thunderbird and Mini are familiar to many players, while production figures, project code names, chassis construction, and designer credits require specialized automotive knowledge.
How many BMW 507 roadsters were built?
BMW built 252 examples of the 507 roadster from 1956 to 1959. Its low production run, elegant styling, and V8 engine have helped make the model one of BMW’s most sought-after classic cars.
Who designed the original Mini?
Alec Issigonis designed the original Mini. His compact front-wheel-drive layout placed the engine transversely, helping maximize passenger space within the car’s small exterior dimensions. The Mini became one of the defining small cars of the 20th century.
What type of chassis is the original Lotus Elan known for?
The original Lotus Elan is noted for its lightweight steel backbone chassis. Fiberglass bodywork was mounted over the central structure, reflecting Colin Chapman’s emphasis on reducing weight as a route to performance and handling.