Cars that came back to the future
As the world (im)patiently awaits the arrival of the DeLorean Alpha5, we dive into most iconic cars reborn in recent years
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The classic cars making a comeback
What better way to mark the 10-year anniversary of the day Marty and Doc travelled to in the future – aka Back to the Future Day for those who celebrate – than with a brand-new DeLorean.
And it’s even more fitting with all the fantastic reimaginations of iconic cars from recent years, giving us the perfect excuse to get even more excited about the Alpha5.
The cars in our list might not have graced as many bedroom walls as the DeLorean (Lamborghini and Ferrari haven’t revived their Countach and F40... yet), but they’re legends reborn, nonetheless. Here are just a few that tug at our nostalgic heartstrings…
What do we know about the DeLorean Alpha5?
 "DeLorean Alpha5")
Fittingly, the biggest name going ‘back to the future’ is DeLorean with the Alpha5, its follow-up to the original DMC-12. It only took 40 years.
Other than the name, there are some clear nods to the famous original, including the gull-wing doors, of course.
Here’s what we know (and are led to believe) about the DeLorean Alpha5:
Designed by Italdesign (the firm originally founded by the designer of the DMC-12, Giorgetto Giugiaro)
Electric coupé with four seats
Same gull-wing door design as the original
Reservation fee of $88
Estimated to cost between $125,000 and $150,000
100kWh battery for approximately 300 miles of range
0-62mph in around three seconds
Extremely slippery design with a drag coefficient of 0.24Cd
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Classic car names making a comeback
Renault 5
Renault 4
Ford Capri
Ford Puma
Honda Prelude
Toyota Supra
Honda NSX
Vauxhall Frontera
Alfa Romeo Junior
Classic car names reused
Renault 5
 "Side-by-side image of original and revived Renault 5")
With over 5.5 million Renault 5s sold globally since its launch in 1972, the entire first-gen model (1972-1985) was France’s best-selling car in its day.
Extremely light (from 730kg) by today’s standards, power came from 782cc and 956cc engines at launch, with more added later.
Fast-forward to 2024 and Renault has built a chunkier, heavier supermini that very clearly resembles the original icon.
This is a wallet-friendly electric-only car these days, with up to 150hp on tap, a range of up to 250 miles and plenty of styling cues from its predecessor.
Oh, and there’s could be a limited-run Renault 5 Turbo 3E on the cards to reignite the flame of the infamous 5 Turbo from the 80s.
There’s set to be 1,980 units, each with 555hp and costing around £140,000, if you were wondering.
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Renault 4
 "Side-by-side image of original and revived Renault 4")
Hot on the heels of the ‘5’, Renault has now relaunched the ‘4’. It has the same 150hp motor and a near-identical 247-mile range, but it differs in style.
Older drivers will affectionately remember the original Renault 4’s canvas roof and customisation options, which live on. Younger drivers will just think the retractable roof is cool, which it is.
The original was loved by farmers thanks to its rugged suspension making it ideal for rural roads, and the modern-day R4 promises just as good a ride.
 "Renault 4 review banner")
Ford Capri
 "Side-by-side image of original and revived Ford Capri")
Launched right at the end of the ‘60s and living well on into the ‘80s, the Ford Capri was marketed as ‘the car you always promised yourself’. It was the sort of car you’d get if you wanted something great to drive but needed practicality for family life.
The brand-new Capri still has that classic coupé roofline (they called it a ‘fastback’ back in the day) but it’s now a bigger, bulkier crossover.
Like the Renaults above, Ford has reimagined its legend with electric power, and the Capri shares parts with other models such as the Volkswagen ID.5.
 "Ford Capri review banner")
Ford Puma
 "Side-by-side image of original and revived Ford Puma")
On sale for just a few years in the late ‘90s and early noughties, the original Ford Puma was a lightweight sports car praised for its excellent steering, much like the Fiesta it was based on. And it was an absolute cult classic.
In 2019, a new crossover Puma came out with nothing in common at all with the original (apart from its name), and it’s become an even bigger hit – often topping the charts as a best-selling car.
It has something for everyone, with mild hybrid petrol powertrains and even a hot ST version.
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Honda Prelude
 "Side-by-side image of original and revived Honda Prelude")
With a history spanning five generations and two decades, the Honda Prelude quickly became known for its revvy VTEC engines and futuristic four-wheel steering.
It may have gone on hiatus in 2001, but loyal and new fans alike are being treated to a new one 25 years later that’s truer to the original than many on this list.
Sharing parts with the latest Honda Civic means it’ll use a 2.0-litre hybrid engine and CVT gearbox, which might not sound like much, but feels excellent to drive in the Civic.
Toyota Supra
 "Side-by-side image of original and revived Toyota Supra")
The car with arguably the biggest cult following on this list, the Toyota Supra is a big deal – especially for fans of another famous film, Fast & Furious.
The latest one came out in 2019 after 17 years off sale, and it delivers on all fronts, especially its aggressive looks.
You get all of that history, design and reliability combined with BMW’s silky smooth 3.0-litre, six-cylinder petrol engine. Could this be the ultimate formula for bringing back our favourite cars?
Honda NSX
 "Side-by-side image of original and revived Honda NSX")
The Honda NSX was often called the first ‘everyday supercar’ – blisteringly quick but not as expensive to own or maintain as an Italian alternative.
The revived NSX still gets you a mid-engined V6 setup, but Honda’s second stab added twin-turbochargers and a futuristic three-electric-motor setup for up to 581hp.
Unfortunately, Honda took it off sale in 2022. It simply wasn’t selling well enough, but that was probably the £150,000 price tag rather than a reflection of the car itself. This makes it even more special if you can get your hands on one though.
Vauxhall Frontera
 "Side-by-side image of original and revived Vauxhall Frontera")
Okay, the Frontera is hardly a poster car, let’s be honest, but it was an important model for Vauxhall.
Back in the ‘90s – right at the start of the SUV boom – it was a capable, affordable 4x4, and that’s exactly what the latest Frontera is designed to achieve, too.
Vauxhall has also managed the tricky task of making its new 100hp mild hybrid Frontera the same price as the electric version. You can also pick up a more powerful 136hp mild hybrid or longer-range electric version with 248 miles of range if you fancy.
Alfa Romeo Junior
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Italian cars are renowned for their style, but historically, maybe not so much their reliability. Owning a GT Junior from the ‘60s and ‘70s could be a costly – if elegant – affair.
Now under the guidance of Stellantis, Alfa Romeo’s patchy reputation for reliability has improved while retaining their sharp styling. And that’s certainly true of the modern-day Junior crossover.
All are at least partially electrified for cheaper running costs – choose from a 136hp mild hybrid, a 156hp electric version. Or go all-out for the 280hp EV developed by the same engineers behind the sporty 4C, 8C and Quadrifoglio models.
Buy reimagined classic cars
Us motorists love a throwback, and there’s little more nostalgic than buying a name we’re already familiar with. Especially if one of those is a car we owned.
If you fancy yourself a slice of history without the hassle of expensive maintenance, browse our used cars for sale to pick the right one for your needs.
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