"Out with the old, in with the new" is an expression many automakers and their customers abide by when it comes to building and buying brand new cars. Yet, there are a few times when an automaker decides to take a short trip down memory lane. Sometimes, it even comes back from that trip with a few souvenirs, occasionally in the form of a genuine classic that's remade for the modern era.

None of these classic car remakes are carbon copy classics with just updated internals. Instead, the cars on this list are production vehicles that have already proven themselves in the eyes of the market. 

1. Ford GT

Based on the legendary Ford GT-40 racecars of the 1960s, this modern-day supercar is perhaps one of the most stunning and most faithful recreations of any classic car. Manufactured from 2003 to 2006, this all-American vehicle is well on its way to becoming something of a collector's item itself due to its relative rarity, outstanding performance and its ability to turn heads regardless of where it shows up. 

2. Dodge Challen

gerDigging deep into its roots, Chrysler came up with the impressive styling of the Dodge Challenger, faithfully recreated in large part from the 1970-1974 original. Featuring a powerful selection of V6 and V8 engines, the Challenger is just as muscular as the original.

3. Ford Mustang

For the latest version of one of America's most popular sports cars, the designers at Ford reached back all the way to the first generation of Mustangs. The end result is a classic car remake that clearly harkens back to its roots but with plenty of modern touches both inside and out. From the retro-themed interior to the revival of 1960s and 1970s-era performance packages, the Mustang offers a unique experience that combines a taste of nostalgia with a modern twist.

4. Chevy Camaro

After a brief hiatus, the Chevy Camaro made a triumphant return to showrooms in retro garb. The Camaro's current body style harkens back to the first-generation models that debuted in 1967. Not only did the new Camaro borrow its styling cues from the old, but it was also inspired to add plenty of grunt under the hood. With the retro Mustang around, it's safe to say that the Pony Car wars that were in full swing throughout the mid to late-1960s are back again with a vengeance.

5. Volkswagen Beetle

The latest rendition of the iconic VW Beetle might not be rear-wheel drive, nor is the engine in the back, but it manages to capture the classic shape and appeal of the original. Fortunately, it doesn't have any of the idiosyncrasies of the original, such as the weak heater, sparse interior and the relatively feeble air-cooled four-pot boxer engine. Underneath is a thoroughly modern design that is based on the VW Golf compact.

All of the cars listed above were and in many cases, continue to be sales successes. Although the Ford GT is no longer in production, it remains an extraordinarily valuable car that commands top prices at auction houses to this day. СlassicCar.com features plenty of in-depth information about the classic cars these remakes are based on, along with other exciting stories about classic and modern cars.