Seven cars that should make a comeback

In the days of social responsibility and downsizing, reviving a huge gas-guzzling piece of Americana might not seem a great idea. But 10 years after it was discontinued, we say reinvent it as an in-your-face hydrogen fuel cell-powered vehicle, emitting nothing more than water and freedom.

If Arnie can become governor of California, then his favourite ride can become a symbol of high-riding environmentalism. Who needs the Tesla Model X’s silly doors?

Ford Sierra RS Cosworth

It’s almost 25 years since the Sierra RS Cosworth was discontinued, but it still draws a large smile from any fan of Blue Oval performance. With an enviable racing pedigree and plenty of room for modifications, it’s a cult classic that deserves a successor.

The Sierra name is now adorning GMC pick up trucks in the US, so let’s take the spirit to Ford’s descendant. We want a 500bhp, rear-biased, all-wheel-drive RS Mondeo.

Maserati Birdcage

The Tipo 61 acquired its nickname for obvious reasons – a complex tubular space-frame chassis that was revolutionary in the sports car world back in 1959. Only 16 were ever made.

The MC12 of the noughties was liveried in its honour, and a concept tribute was made in 2005, but Maseratis these days are stylish machines but too focused on comfort and a nice noise. Someone at Modena needs to right that wrong and build an out-and-out, cutting-edge performance car.

BMW 507

The 507 failed as a profitable model when it launched in the late '50s. It was too expensive and too heavy to sell the thousands that BMW anticipated, and only 252 were made.

But oooh, it was pretty. So pretty that it inspired the Z3, BMW Z4 and Z8 rather heavily. And that’s fine. But we want a new 507, one so achingly pretty that it sticks two fingers up to volume and profitability and serves as a staggeringly beautiful flagship roadster for BMW. Make 252 of them, make them unfathomably desirable and price them for millionaires.

Bugatti Royale