Cars Brought Back From the Dead
As Halloween approaches, we explore iconic cars that have been brought back from the dead. From the rugged Land Rover Defender to the retro-chic Fiat 500, these revived classics blend nostalgia with modern innovation, proving that some legends never truly rest.
The Cazoo editorial team
Published on 29 October 2025 | 5 mins read
As the nights draw in and pumpkins appear on doorsteps, there's a spooky feeling in the air. But it’s not just in horror films that things come back to life. In the car world, some beloved models we thought were gone forever have risen from the dead – though some of those comebacks have been more horrific than others.
Just like a character in a ghost story, these cars were once sent to the great scrapyard in the sky, only to reappear years later. Here are some of our favourite revived cars that made an iconic comeback from the automotive afterlife.
Land Rover Defender
The original Land Rover Defender was an absolute legend. For decades, it was the go-to vehicle for farmers, adventurers, and anyone who needed a car that was practically unstoppable. When Land Rover announced it was ending production, it felt like the end of an era. Many thought the Defender name would be laid to rest for good.
But you can’t keep a good car down. Land Rover resurrected the Defender, transforming it into a modern 4x4 that’s packed with technology. While it’s a world away from the original, it keeps some ghostly hints of its past, like the side-hinged boot and rugged, boxy shape. Still, it's still intended as Land Rover's most utilitarian model so it's a worthy spiritual successor to the original with its unstoppable nature and thirst for adventure.
You can now even buy the original Defender again, though these are revived and restored versions of used versions, badged as the Defender Classic. Mind you, they're quite expensive straight from Land Rover, and we reckon you'd be better off with a used example if you're in the market – it's estimated that over 70% of the original Defender models are still on the road, which is testament to their rugged dependability!
Mini
The original Mini is a true British icon. With its tiny size and cheeky, charming looks, it won hearts all over the world. When the last one rolled off the production line in 2000, it was a sad day for motoring fans. It seemed the Mini’s story had come to a final, conclusive end.
However, a revival was brewing. Under BMW’s ownership, a brand-new Mini appeared on the scene. It was bigger, safer, and much better to drive, but it kept the fun-loving personality and retro styling that made the original so special. It was an instant hit, proving that some legends are just too good to stay gone. Since the early 2000s, the Mini is now in its fourth iteration and comes as an fully-electric model, showing how far the little lovable car has come.
Ford Puma
Here's a name that's had a complete transformation in its second life. Back in the late 90s, the Ford Puma was a small, sporty coupe that was a joy to drive. It was loved for its sharp handling and quirky design but vanished from showrooms in the early 2000s. For years, the Puma name lay dormant.
Then, in a surprising twist, Ford brought the name back from the dead. This time, however, it was attached to a compact SUV. While some purists were spooked by the change, the new Puma quickly won people over with its clever mild-hybrid engines, practical 'MegaBox' boot storage, and an entertaining driving experience that honours its namesake. It’s one of the most successful revived cars of recent times.
Suzuki Jimny
The Suzuki Jimny has always been a bit of an underdog. This tiny off-roader had a giant-slaying reputation, capable of tackling tough terrain that would leave much larger and more expensive 4x4s stuck in the mud. It was a true character, and when it disappeared from the market, it left a big hole.
Thankfully, Suzuki decided to give it another go. The new Jimny was a masterclass in retro design, looking even more like a miniature workhorse than the original. It was an instant cult classic, and its off-road skills were as magical as ever. Although it was once again discontinued as a passenger car due to emissions rules, it lived on as a commercial vehicle, refusing to give up the ghost.
Fiat 500
Another small car with a massive heart, the original Fiat 500, or Cinquecento, helped get post-war Italy moving. It was affordable, stylish, and full of Italian charm. After a long and successful run, it was retired in 1975, leaving behind a legacy of fun and freedom.
Fast forward to 2007, and Fiat worked its magic. The 500 was reborn as a modern city car with a heavy dose of retro styling that perfectly captured the spirit of the original. It became a fashion icon and a huge sales success. Now available as a hybrid and a fully electric model, the Fiat 500 proves that even the oldest spirits can learn new tricks.
Ford Capri
As you've already seen, Ford's no stranger to recycling old nameplates, and few car comebacks have stirred as much controversy as that of the Ford Capri. The original Capri was an icon of the 1960s, 70s and 80s, lovingly referred to as the "European Mustang" for its sporty looks and everyday accessibility. It was a car that symbolised freedom, individuality, and a love for driving, capturing the hearts of countless enthusiasts. However, all good things must come to an end, and Ford discontinued the Capri in 1987, leaving its fans with nothing but fond memories.
Fast forward to 2024, and the Capri made an unexpected comeback—but with a modern twist. Reintroduced as an electric coupe SUV, the decision sparked plenty of conversation. While some applauded Ford for breathing new life into the nameplate and adapting it to today’s market trends, others felt the SUV format was a far cry from the Capri’s sporty coupe heritage. Love it or hate it, the 2024 Ford Capri certainly shook things up – whether it will end up becoming as much of an icon as the original was is another question, though.
Renault 5
The Renault 5 is another classic name that's just made a highly anticipated comeback. Originally launched in the 1970s and enjoying widespread popularity throughout the 80s and into the 90s, the Renault 5 became known for its chic design and iconic silhouette.
Fast forward to 2024, when Renault revived the iconic car as an electric hatchback infused with those familiar retro styling cues. The reimagined Renault 5 cleverly blends its signature charm with modern electric technology, appealing to both nostalgic fans and a new generation of drivers. It's hard to ignore the latest Renault 5's charm, and some reckon it will be the car to convert swathes of motorists to take the plunge and go electric – time will tell if the Renault 5 will capture hearts like it once did.
Some stories never end
These iconic car comebacks show that a great name never truly dies. Whether it's the rugged Defender, the fun-loving Mini, or the stylish Fiat 500, these revived cars have all found a new lease of life, blending old-school charm with modern tech.
Thinking of getting behind the wheel of a modern classic? Explore our range of used Ford Pumas, Minis, and Fiat 500s to find the perfect one for you.