Hatchbacks have long been praised for their practicality and unique styling, but some classic cars mimic their design without technically fitting the definition. These vehicles may have the sloping rear or liftback styling commonly associated with hatchbacks, but they feature trunks, unconventional cargo access, or distinct classifications that set them apart. Here are 11 classic cars that look like hatchbacks but aren’t.
Chevrolet Monte Carlo Aerocoupe
At first glance, the Monte Carlo Aerocoupe looks like a large hatchback with its sloped rear window and elongated fastback design. However, it features a traditional trunk rather than a hatch, making it a coupe with a sleek, aerodynamic twist. Built for NASCAR homologation, it was designed to improve high speed aerodynamics rather than increase cargo space.
Porsche 928
The Porsche 928’s long, sloping rear gives it the appearance of a large hatchback, but it actually has a fixed rear structure with a conventional trunk lid. Despite its grand tourer classification, its design remains one of the most debated when it comes to hatchback like aesthetics. It blended sports car performance with luxurious comfort in a way that was ahead of its time.
Chevrolet Vega Kammback
The Vega Kammback was a shooting brake style vehicle with a wagon inspired body, often mistaken for a traditional hatchback. However, it had a wagon style cargo door rather than a true hatch, making it more of a two door station wagon. This distinction set it apart from the compact hatchbacks that were becoming popular at the time.
Ford Mustang Mach 1 (Fastback Models)
Classic Mustang Mach 1 models, especially those with the fastback design, strongly resemble hatchbacks due to their aggressive sloping rear. However, they have a fixed trunk lid rather than a liftgate, keeping them in the sports coupe category. Their styling was all about aerodynamics and performance rather than maximizing cargo practicality.
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AMC Eagle SX/4
The AMC Eagle SX/4 had the raised stance of an off-road-ready hatchback but was actually a two door, all-wheel drive coupe with a fixed trunk. This rugged vehicle combined muscle car styling with SUV capability, making it one of the most unique cars of its time. It was a precursor to today’s crossover craze before the term even existed.
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Dodge Charger Daytona
With its long fastback design, the Dodge Charger Daytona looks like a giant muscle bound hatchback, but it’s strictly a coupe with a trunk. Built for high speed aerodynamics in NASCAR, its dramatic styling gave it a distinct presence on the road. Despite its race inspired looks, it was all about speed rather than hatchback style practicality.
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Mercury Cougar XR-7 (Fastback Models)
The Mercury Cougar XR-7 models of the late ‘60s and early ‘70s featured fastback style rear windows that created a silhouette similar to hatchbacks. However, these were classic luxury coupes with traditional trunk access. The Cougar aimed to be a more refined alternative to the Mustang, offering muscle with a touch of sophistication.
Plymouth Barracuda Fastback
The fastback version of the Plymouth Barracuda had a steeply raked rear window that gave it an unmistakable hatchback look. However, it maintained a separate trunk, making it a muscle car coupe rather than a hatchback. Its styling helped define an era of aggressive, aerodynamic American performance cars.
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Opel Manta A
With its smooth, sweeping lines, the Opel Manta A had a rear profile that looked distinctly hatchback like. However, it was a coupe with a traditional trunk, blending European styling with sports car handling. It competed with cars like the Ford Capri, offering a stylish and affordable alternative to high-performance models.
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Aston Martin DB6
The Aston Martin DB6’s long, sloping rear may seem like it belongs to a classic hatchback, but it remains a grand tourer with a separate trunk. Its fastback inspired styling was all about aerodynamics, helping it achieve higher speeds with elegance. This luxurious British machine remains one of Aston Martin’s most revered models.
Jaguar XJ-S
The Jaguar XJ-S had a unique rear profile that made it look like a luxury hatchback, especially in its early years. However, it was strictly a coupe or convertible with a conventional trunk, designed more for long-distance comfort than cargo capacity. Its distinct styling remains polarizing but undeniably iconic.
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These classic cars may look like hatchbacks, but their designs, classifications, and cargo access tell a different story. Whether built for performance, luxury, or style, they prove that appearances can be deceiving. While the hatchback design remains one of the most practical, these vehicles show that sometimes, a sleek fastback or coupe silhouette is just as captivating.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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When shopping for a car, reliability is one of the most important factors. Some vehicles are built to endure decades of use, covering hundreds of thousands of miles with minimal issues. Whether it’s their bulletproof engineering, durable components, or simple mechanical design, these 12 cars have earned a reputation for longevity. If you’re looking for a vehicle that can stand the test of time, this list is for you!
Read it here: 12 Cars That Are Built to Last a Lifetime
12 Cars That Have Been Around Forever (And Why They’re Still Selling)
Some cars defy time, continuing to roll off production lines decade after decade without slowing down or losing their appeal. Whether it’s their unbeatable reliability, iconic status, or sheer practicality, these models refuse to fade away completely despite changing trends. Automakers have kept them alive through innovation, strategic updates, and customer loyalty that spans generations. Here are 12 cars that have been around forever, and why they’re still selling strong worldwide, proving their lasting dominance.
Read it here: 12 Cars That Have Been Around Forever (And Why They’re Still Selling)
12 Classic Car Dashboards That Look Straight Out Of A Sci-Fi Movie
Some classic cars didn’t just push boundaries on the outside, their dashboards looked like they belonged in a spaceship from the future. From futuristic dials and glowing displays to wild steering wheels and toggle switches, these interiors were decades ahead of their time. Here are 12 classic car dashboards that look like they came from another galaxy entirely.
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