Vintage cars often turn heads for all the right reasons. Their sleek designs, old-world charm, and ability to transport you back in time make them incredibly appealing. However, owning some of these classics often feels like a test of patience and perseverance. While they may look glamorous, their performance and practicality frequently disappoint enthusiasts. Let's take a closer look at 10 vintage cars that charm on the outside but frustrate behind the wheel.

1. Jaguar E-Type

The Jaguar E-Type grabs attention with its iconic curves, long front hood, and unrivaled style. People still call it one of the most beautiful cars in automotive history. Unfortunately, this beauty comes with a long list of headaches. The E-Type’s cooling system refuses to cooperate, often causing the engine to overheat after short drives. Electrical quirks spring up regularly, leaving owners stranded more often than they’d like. Parts for this classic aren’t just expensive; they’re notoriously difficult to source. You can savor every look you get while driving it—but be prepared for plenty of time in the workshop.

2. DeLorean DMC-12

The DeLorean DMC-12 dazzled audiences thanks to its starring role in Back to the Future. Its brushed steel body, futuristic gull-wing doors, and retro vibes make it an unforgettable car. However, owning one in real life feels like living through a DIY repair manual. Its underpowered V6 engine barely pushes it down the road, and the handling feels heavy and clunky. Complaints about poor production quality include unreliable fuel systems and electrical breakdowns. To top it off, replacing parts feels like hunting for a needle in a haystack.

3. Triumph Stag

The Triumph Stag combines elegance and adventure with its open-top design and T-bar roll structure. It was marketed as Britain’s answer to grand tourers like the Mercedes-Benz SL. However, its 3.0-liter V8 engine causes endless trouble with overheating, oil leaks, and untimely gasket failures. Owners continually battle rust that eats away at the car's bodywork if left unchecked. While it’s undeniably charming, the constant breakdowns make this car more hassle than it's worth for most people.

4. Maserati Biturbo

The Maserati Biturbo seduces with its polished Italian design and promise of turbocharged performance. When it rolled out in the 1980s, drivers admired its sporty style and luxurious interior. But behind the promise of sophistication lies a world of mechanical trouble. Owners often fight with failed turbos, troublesome carburetors, and unreliable wiring systems. Keeping the Biturbo running requires deep pockets—and a lot of free time.

5. Alfa Romeo Spider

The Alfa Romeo Spider turns heads with its elegant frame and Italian heritage. Movie stars and celebrities once adored this convertible icon, making it a poster car of its time. But owning one often turns into a saga of repairs. Rust attacks the body mercilessly, and its electrical system causes endless frustration for daily use. Despite its beauty, the Spider demands constant care and attention, which can drain even the most passionate owner’s enthusiasm.

6. Chevrolet Corvair

The Chevrolet Corvair looks delightful with its sleek, unconventional design and air-cooled engine. It stood out in an era of big, bulky Detroit sedans. However, the Corvair gained notoriety after Ralph Nader’s book Unsafe at Any Speed pointed out glaring safety concerns related to its suspension system. This set off years of legal battles and tarnished its reputation. Owners must also deal with frequent overheating issues, oil leaks, and tricky maintenance tasks. While it finds love at car shows, the Corvair often breaks hearts in the driveway.

7. Porsche 924

Porsche offered the 924 as a more affordable sports car with smooth lines and a promise of fun driving. Its shape delighted buyers in the 1970s and 1980s, but performance fell short of Porsche’s usual standards. The 924 packed an underwhelming Audi-sourced engine that lacked the oomph Porsche fans expected. Over time, owners report transmission problems, leaky cooling systems, and expensive repairs. This car will appeal to die-hard Porsche collectors but frustrates anyone looking for reliability.

8. Austin-Healey Sprite

The Austin-Healey Sprite beams with charm and character. Its small size, rounded headlights, and simple design make it adorable, and it’s a joy to drive when it works. Unfortunately, the Sprite’s simplicity doesn’t extend to its reliability. The carburetors demand constant tinkering to perform correctly, and rust often invades the frame. While its size makes it light and zippy, that same structure often feels flimsy and fragile. The Sprite might make you smile, but it’s unlikely to go a week without needing attention.

9. Citroën SM

The Citroën SM stuns with its futuristic design and cutting-edge technology. This French masterpiece combined luxurious comfort with Maserati power, resulting in an avant-garde car that felt years ahead of its time. But innovation came at a price. The SM’s hydraulic suspension, while revolutionary, was overly complex and prone to breaking down. Mechanics familiar with this system are scarce, and replacement parts cost a small fortune. It might transport you in style, but the SM will leave your wallet empty.

10. MG MGB GT

The MG MGB GT delivered practical, sporty thrills with its compact design and accessible price. Its hatchback-style coupe was perfect for a weekend drive in the countryside. Despite its appeal, this car left owners frustrated. The electrical wiring, crafted with infamous British engineering, worked sporadically at best. Oil leaks, overheating engines, and brittle components made them notoriously unpredictable. While fun for the occasional joyride, the MGB GT demands a lot of work to stay on the road.

Many vintage cars undeniably capture the imagination with their beauty and history. They represent eras when vehicles were built with unique character and artistry. However, the challenges of ownership are just as real.

If you’re determined to tackle these classics, be prepared for a rollercoaster of passion and frustration. For many enthusiasts, though, admiring them from afar—or at a car show—might be the wiser move.