The 1960s were not all about muscle, though. Lot #34.1 is a tiny car from Italy that’s at the opposite end of the scale. This 1968 Fiat 500L Targa comes from the collection of a well-known Phoenix, Arizona, Ferrari collector. Beloved by Italian car enthusiasts, the original Fiat 500 has been spotlighted recently because of the new, retro-styled Fiat 500 that’s being marketed by the Chrysler/Fiat alliance. In case this car looks familiar to younger car enthusiasts, think about the character of Luigi, modeled after a ’60s Fiat 500, from the animated film Cars.

The tiny 1968 Fiat 500L Targa is a beautifully preserved original with an optional interior upgrade. (Photo: Barrett-Jackson)

The original 500 was the Italian equivalent of Germany’s Volkswagen beetle, England’s Austin Mini and France’s Citroen 2CV, all of them minimalistic cars designed to be inexpensive and durable, and able to get the job done with no frills. But they all transcended their original utilitarian purpose to become industrial icons and design statements that have endured as popular collector’s items.

This 500L Targa is in excellent original condition with only two owners from new and is ready to be enjoyed by someone who appreciates its unique style. This Fiat also has its original L interior option, which was a modernized upgrade from the base model offering more comfort, features and a revised dashboard.

Now, for something completely different. One of the most iconic off-road vehicles ever built was also produced in the 1960s. That would be the Mercedes-Benz Unimog (Lot #41), a brawny truck that’s readily capable of going just about anywhere. This four-wheel-drive, flat-faced behemoth is extremely rugged and capable of everything from climbing impossibly steep grades to traversing deep mud and even fording rivers.

The Mercedes-Benz Unimog is a go-anywhere off-road truck that has enjoyed a cult following. (Photo: Barrett-Jackson)

Originally designed specifically for farm chores, the imposing Unimog traces its roots back to a shattered postwar Germany when the country needed a multi-purpose vehicle that could tackle the difficult job of rebuilding the nation. Its strange name, Unimog, is shorthand for “Universal-Motor-Gerät” (Universal Motor Implement in English), which seems rather bureaucratic considering the muscular truck’s cult following.

Although not officially exported to the United States, many of them have found their way here, such as the 1968 Unimog utility truck at Barrett-Jackson. Painted army green with a black interior, it’s powered by a high-torque six-cylinder diesel engine with a six-speed manual transmission. A true survivor considering how most of these off-roaders were used and abused, this Unimog is described as being in excellent unmodified condition with all its original tools, tanks and equipment.

These are just a sampling of the wide variety of muscle cars, sports cars, convertibles, cruisers and what-have-you from the late 1960s that will make that magical decade come alive once again in Southern California at the Orange County auction.

Barrett-Jackson on SPEED
2012 Orange County auction live coverage
(All times Eastern; Schedule subject to change)

Friday, June 22
*Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Event: 5 – 11 p.m.
Hagerty Fantasy Bid Game: 5 – 11 p.m.

Saturday, June 23
*Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Event: 5 – 11 p.m.
Hagerty Fantasy Bid Game: 5 – 11 p.m.

Sunday, June 24
*Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Event: 3 – 7 p.m.
Hagerty Fantasy Bid Game: 3 – 7 p.m.

*Alternate streaming cameras available at SPEED.com

For more information about Barrett-Jackson’s Orange County docket, see Barrett-Jackson.com.

Bob Golfen, Automotive Editor for SPEED.com, is a veteran auto writer based in Phoenix, Arizona, with a passion for collector cars, car culture and the automotive lifestyle. SPEED.com fans can email Bob Golfen at