5 cars brought back from the dead

By Quentin Fottrell

Volkswagen Beetle

With its relaunch of the Datsun , Nissan hopes to follow in the tire tracks of other automakers who successfully resurrected old brands. Few such efforts were more successful than Volskwagen’s Beetle, brought back in 1998 -- two decades after it was last sold in the United States – with a new bubble shape and dashboard vase. A third generation Beetle was introduced in September 2011, targeting a broader audience with a sportier, sleeker shape that was closer to the original. Volkswagen sold over 21,500 Beetles year-to-date -- brisk sales in the compact car market, says Larry Dixon, senior automotive analyst at NADA Used Car Guide. The 2013 version is priced from around $20,000.

Fiat 500

A shiny new Fiat 500 had not been seen on American soil since 1983, but Chrysler re-launched its signature small car in the U.S. in March 2011. As consumers cooled on gas-guzzling SUVs, Chrysler bet on the appetite for a smaller model priced from around $15,500. “It’s not a blockbuster, but it’s done pretty well,” says Jesse Toprak, vice-president of market intelligence at TrueCar.com. The Fiat 500 set a monthly sales record in September, selling 4,176 units, after moving 19,769 cars in 2011, a Fiat spokesman says.

Ford Thunderbird

The two-door convertible Ford Thunderbird was created in 1955 for the American car market as a “personal luxury car” -- to compete with Chevrolet’s Corvette -- and lasted until 1997, when it was officially retired, at least for the first time. In 2002, Ford brought out the 11th generation model of the Thunderbird, turning the car back into a convertible with two doors. “It was a fine car,” Toprak says, “but it wasn’t exceptional.” Having sold over 4.2 million Thunderbirds over its lifetime and 55,000 models between 2002 and 2005, Ford ceased production of the car in 2005. Cars.com is currently selling 10-year-old Thunderbirds from around $19,000.

Chevrolet Camaro

This year marks the 45th anniversary of the Chevrolet Camaro. After a hiatus of nearly 10 years, the Camaro returned with a bang three years ago. It won the “World Car Design of the Year” at the World Car of the Year 2010. Originally sold as an alternative to the Ford Mustang, the Camaro went on sale in 1966 and remained on the road until 2002 when Chevrolet ceased production on the car. But Dixon says that there was still an appetite among baby boomers and younger drivers for the classic “muscle” car. Last year, Chevrolet sold 88,249 Camaros, more than the 70,438 Ford Mustangs sold. Prices start at just over $23,000 for the Camaro Coupe.

Dodge Challenger

In 2008, Chrysler decided to bring back another classic “muscle” car: the Dodge Challenger. Produced from 1970 to 1974 and 1978 to 1984, it was conceived as a two-door, hard-topped convertible. The Challenger returned four years ago with its familiar long hood and short deck design. Latest models start at around $26,000. Chrysler sold 39,534 last year, up from 17,423 in 2008. “Chrysler essentially brought the spirit of the Challenger back,” Toprak says, “but it’s a brand new vehicle.” The 2013 version comes in “blue streak” with chrome tip dual exhaust and rear self-leveling shock absorbers.