Classic cars have a timeless appeal, with their interiors often standing in stark contrast to the modern, technology-driven cabins of today’s vehicles. While today’s cars are designed to keep us cocooned in high-tech comfort, classic cars offer a rawer, more analog experience that highlights the simplicity and elegance of earlier automotive design. For car enthusiasts, the interior is a sanctuary—a place to feel connected to the machine and to the open road. In contrast to the sterile, tech-filled cockpits of modern cars, the interiors of classic vehicles evoke nostalgia, and their design reflects a sense of style and craftsmanship that has often been lost in the pursuit of convenience and efficiency in recent years.
However, this doesn’t mean that classic car interiors lacked innovation or style. On the contrary, many classic cars featured interiors that were ahead of their time, skillfully blending aesthetics and functionality in ways that continue to be admired today. While some manufacturers have incorporated modern technology into restorations or custom builds, the original interiors of these cars were designed with a focus on luxury, comfort, and individuality. From the sumptuous leather seats of the 1961 Imperial to the minimalist, purpose-driven cockpit of the Porsche 550 Spyder, these interiors represent an era when the driving experience was about more than just getting from point A to point B—it was about savoring the journey itself. Below, we examine ten of the best classic car interiors that have had a lasting influence on automotive history.
1. 1961 Imperial
The 1961 Imperial is a standout from Chrysler’s luxury lineup, designed to rival the world’s finest luxury cars. Its interior, replete with expansive, leather-clad bench seats, emphasized comfort and luxury, offering space for up to six passengers. The front bench seats had the remarkable ability to swivel, making entry and exit more accessible. Other distinctive elements, such as the rectangular steering wheel and push-button transmission controls, added to its futuristic vibe. The Imperial’s interior captured the essence of postwar American opulence and remains a true testament to the era’s emphasis on spaciousness and refinement.
2. 1956 Buick Centurion Prototype
Though it was never meant for public sale, the 1956 Buick Centurion Prototype remains one of the most striking vehicles of its time. Designed with aircraft-inspired aesthetics, its interior is as imaginative as its exterior. The Buick Centurion featured a bubble top that provided a panoramic view for its occupants, making it feel as though they were sitting inside a jet cockpit. Notably, the Centurion introduced a rear-view camera—a groundbreaking feature for its time, though it wouldn’t be seen in production cars for decades. This innovative touch highlighted Buick’s forward-thinking approach to automotive design, blending futuristic technology with luxury and style.
3. 1960 Fiat Multipla
The 1960 Fiat Multipla stands as an icon of post-WWII Italy, designed as an economical solution to transportation without sacrificing style. It could seat up to six people in a compact space, a feat of engineering that required a minimalist, clever approach to interior design. Despite its utilitarian purpose, the Fiat Multipla’s interior is notable for its clean lines and attention to detail. The vehicle’s space-efficient design exemplified Italian craftsmanship, showcasing how even the most practical cars could exude style and innovation.
4. 1958 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham
When Cadillac introduced the Eldorado Brougham in 1958, it was the epitome of luxury and sophistication. Aimed squarely at the upper echelon of the automotive market, this car’s interior was replete with opulent materials and unique touches. One standout feature was its glove compartment, which housed a magnetic tray, flask, and six-shot glasses, creating a distinctive luxury experience. The Eldorado Brougham offered a level of refinement that rivaled even Rolls-Royce at the time, blending American grandeur with impeccable attention to detail.
5. 1961 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint Speciale
The Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint Speciale, with its sleek, streamlined bodywork by Bertone, is one of the most elegant vehicles ever made. Its interior, while modest, speaks to the understated luxury of European sports cars from the era. Leather seats invite passengers into a cabin that is minimalist by design but beautifully executed. The absence of excess creature comforts highlights Alfa Romeo’s focus on style and performance, giving the interior a timeless appeal that reflects the brand’s dedication to creating both aesthetic and functional beauty.
6. 1955 Porsche 550 Spyder
The Porsche 550 Spyder, a purpose-built racing car, offers an interior that is as no-nonsense as the car itself. Stripped down to the essentials, the interior features no radio, no climate controls, and no side windows—anything not necessary for performance was omitted. This minimalist approach ensures that the driver is fully immersed in the driving experience, with no distractions from the visceral thrill of the road. The 550 Spyder’s cockpit, with its pure focus on speed and agility, remains one of the most revered in the automotive world.
7. 1960 Citroën DS19
The Citroën DS19 was revolutionary for its time, blending advanced technology with striking design. Inside, the car’s single-spoked steering wheel and futuristic dashboard gave the cabin a spaceship-like feel, which perfectly complemented its bold, jet-age exterior. The interior’s innovative layout and stylish instrumentation reflect Citroën’s commitment to pushing boundaries, ensuring that the DS19 was not just a car but a technological marvel. Its design continues to influence automotive aesthetics, serving as a reminder of the DS19’s role in shaping the future of the automobile.
8. 1973 Citroën SM
The Citroën SM, a French grand tourer, featured an interior designed for luxury and comfort at high speeds. Its leather-clad lounge chairs offered a level of relaxation that was unusual for a car of its time, while the positioning of the stereo controls between the seats added a touch of convenience and innovation. The SM’s futuristic dashboard and unique shifter further emphasized its forward-thinking design. The cabin’s design not only enhanced comfort but also provided a sense of elegance, making the SM’s interior a true work of automotive art.
9. 1958 BMW Isetta
The BMW Isetta is a true icon among microcars, and its interior showcases a masterclass in engineering efficiency. Its single front door opens to reveal a unique hinged steering column that folds away, making entry and exit easier. The interior, while modest, highlights BMW’s ingenuity in maximizing space and functionality. The Isetta’s quirky design and clever solutions established it as one of the most mechanically brilliant interiors of its time.
10. 1963 Ferrari 250 GT Lusso
The Ferrari 250 GT Lusso is one of the most luxurious and elegant grand tourers ever made. The interior features rich leather upholstery with cross-stitched detailing, providing a plush and comfortable environment for its occupants. Despite its opulence, the Lusso’s interior remains understated, relying on the quality of materials and craftsmanship rather than excessive embellishments. The Lusso’s cabin is an example of how Ferrari’s focus on luxury and performance created one of the most refined interiors in automotive history.
The interiors of classic cars reflect an era where craftsmanship, design, and functionality were harmoniously integrated to create exceptional driving experiences. Each vehicle on this list embodies the culture and aspirations of its time, contributing to a rich catalog of automotive history. These timeless designs continue to inspire car enthusiasts and designers, preserving the legacy of innovation and style in automotive design.