Automotive history isn’t just about old cars; it’s about how we got from point A (the horse-drawn carriage) to point B (self-driving vehicles that still can’t parallel park perfectly). Peeking under the hood of these relics isn’t just for grease monkeys; it’s for anyone who appreciates how innovation—and the occasional face-plant—shapes our world.
Today, we’re spotlighting those manufacturers that took their final bow, driving off into the sunset with a last model that either screamed “swan song” or whispered “oops, we tried.” From head-turning designs to economic realities that hit harder than a two-ton truck, these last rides are time capsules on wheels.
These vehicles were designed to be practical and affordable, but now are only driven on Sundays by men named Earl. So buckle up, buttercup, as we tour the automotive graveyard, where the final models tell tales of glory, survival, and the occasional “what were they thinking?” moment. For enthusiasts seeking rare American cars, these final models represent the ultimate collector’s dream.
8. Pontiac G6 (Exterior)
Ever fantasize about a corporate gig so dull it loops back to fascinating? Picture a white-walled parking lot, where one lonely 2010 Pontiac G6, in Summit White, idles, waiting for its final shift. This wasn’t your neighbor’s sporty coupe; it was configured as a fleet vehicle—the automotive equivalent of a beige cubicle.
Pontiac G6 (Interior)
Under the hood, a 3.5 L (214 cubic inch) V6 engine churned out 219 horsepower and 219 lb-ft of torque, enough to merge onto the highway but not enough to outrun its fate. But here’s the twist: this particular G6 carried signatures from the Michigan factory workers—a bittersweet reminder of human hands in a machine-made world.
Though Pontiac has since shuttered, the G6 lives on as a reminder, like a relic from a bygone era where carmakers thought they could outrun the inevitable. Now that’s a plot twist M. Night Shyamalan would appreciate.
7. Plymouth Neon LX (Exterior)
One silver 2001 Plymouth Neon LX, the very last of its breed, offers a ride back to Y2K without the boy band soundtrack. Under the hood, the 2.0 liter (122 cubic inches) engine churns out 132 horsepower through a 5-speed manual transmission—proof that even an economy car could offer a stick shift thrill.
Plymouth Neon LX (Interior)
Inside, you’re greeted by black leather upholstery, power front windows, and even a sunroof for that “almost-convertible” experience. But wait, there’s more: a wood grain trim that looks suspiciously like it was designed by someone who’d only ever seen wood in a catalog—yet somehow, it adds to the charm.
With fog lights cutting through the haze and an original sticker price of $18,210, this Neon represents the end of Plymouth’s story arc. Sure, you could chase the latest Tesla with its autopilot, but can it offer the same blue-collar charm?
6. Oldsmobile Alero GLS Final 500 Collector’s Edition (Exterior)
Ever wonder what happens when a car company throws a farewell party for itself? It’s 2004, and Oldsmobile is staring down the barrel of automotive extinction. Instead of quietly fading away, they decided to release a “greatest hits” album in car form with the Alero GLS Final 500 Collector’s Edition.
This wasn’t just any Alero; it was dipped in a dark cherry metallic paint job and flaunted collector’s edition badging like a retiree sporting their AARP card. You also got polished exhaust tips, power rack and pinion steering, and a four-wheel independent suspension for pretending you’re not driving a glorified family sedan.
Oldsmobile Alero GLS Final 500 Collector’s Edition (Interior)
Under the hood, a 3.4 L (207 cubic inch) V6 engine coughed out 170 horsepower, paired with 16-inch wheels, fog lights, and a rear deck spoiler for that extra “oomph.” Satellite radio was standard, and the dash featured autographs and messages from the plant workers, because who needs a signed baseball when you can have a signed dashboard?
With an MSRP of $26,400, finding one today is like discovering a pristine Tamagotchi—a nostalgic gem that tugs at the heartstrings of anyone who remembers when Oldsmobile was more than just a punchline.
5. Studebaker Cruiser
Studebaker, once an American automotive bellwether, faced stiff headwinds from Detroit’s Big Three, and by the mid-1960s, the end was near. Like that friend who says, “I’m not crying, you’re crying,” Studebaker moved production to Canada in a final attempt to keep the lights on.
The 1966 model year brought a unique refresh, but alas, it wasn’t enough to reverse the tide. One of the last cars to roll off the line was the Cruiser, a four-door sedan; its distinctive Timberland turquoise and white exterior now preserved at the Studebaker National Museum in Indiana.
Power came from a Chevy 283 V8 engine, proving that even in its twilight, Studebaker wasn’t afraid to borrow a trick or two. Only 8,947 units were produced that year, making this Cruiser not just a car but a poignant artifact.
4. Eagle Talon (Exterior)
The Eagle Talon, a name whispered only in the darkest corners of automotive trivia, holds the dubious honor of being the last Eagle car. Imagine Chrysler’s biggest flop starring in its own tragicomedy—that’s the Talon.
Eagle Talon (Interior)
The base ESi trim came with a 2.0 liter (122 cubic inches) dual overhead cam Chrysler 4-cylinder engine, churning out a respectable 140 horsepower and 130 lb-ft of torque. But if you wanted to burn rubber like you stole something, the TSI top trim boasted a 4G63 turbo 4 engine, pumping out 210 horsepower and 205 lb-ft of torque.
Here’s the kicker: only about 4,300 of these so-called gems rolled off the assembly line in 1998. Want to make your own? Just mix lukewarm performance with a dash of badge engineering and a whole lot of Chrysler’s questionable decisions, and voilà!
3. International Harvester Scout II (Exterior)
Anyone who’s ever tried to parallel park a city block knows size matters, but not in the way you think. It’s October 21st, 1980, and the last International Harvester Scout II rolls off the line. They slathered it in red, gave it a regular wheelbase, and then IH threw in air conditioning to keep your mullet from wilting.
International Harvester Scout II (Interior)
This one, though, isn’t just any Scout; it’s got a plush bench seat in sierra tan because lumbar support is a must when you’re conquering the urban jungle. Because gas was expensive and the OPEC nations had your wallet by the short hairs, this final Scout got a Nissan turbo diesel engine, mated to a four-speed manual transmission.
2. Renault Medallion (Exterior)
“The French know how to make an exit,” said no one ever—except maybe about cheese and fine wine. Yet, Renault, the automaker that once thought it could tango with AMC (spoiler alert: it didn’t), made its own curtain call with the Medallion.
Introduced as a rebadged and reworked version of the Renault 21, this import was supposed to charm American drivers as either a sensible sedan or a capacious station wagon. Automotive reviewers at the time gave it a thumbs-up, but here’s where the plot thickens: Renault’s marketing budget was flatter than a crepe, leading to a launch that fizzled faster than you can say “flop.”
By 1987 or 1988, the French were waving au revoir to the U.S. market, leaving the Medallion to become a case study of good cars gone unnoticed. What’s left? Automotive toast, a footnote in automotive history, a ghost in the machine.
1. Muntz Jet (Exterior)
Turns out, luxury doesn’t always equal success—just ask Earl “Madman” Muntz. Produced from 1950 to 1954, the Muntz Jet was intended to be a high-end sports car, but it ended up being more of a financial black hole.
With aluminum body panels and a removable fiberglass top, it looked the part, but the price tag of around $5,500 was a hard sell when you could buy a Cadillac for less. Later models packed a Lincoln side valve V8, good for 160 horsepower and a top speed of 112 mph (180 km/h), hitting 0 to 80 mph (0 to 129 km/h) in 9 seconds.
Muntz Jet (Interior)
The final Jets rode on a unique 120-inch (305 cm) wheelbase, but even that couldn’t save it. Ultimately, Muntz lost a ton of money on each car, proving that sometimes, even the coolest toys can’t defy basic economics. Bet it felt a little like throwing a rager that nobody shows up to.
