Over the decades, many different car models have seen the light of day. It is hard to decide which of these vehicles are the most beautiful. Nevertheless, it has become a tradition among manufacturers to always re-evaluate the vehicles after a period of 20 years. This decision always turns out to be extremely difficult because new cars are constantly being added. The manufactories, however, rise to this challenge.
Getting a place in the top 100 is still one of the easiest tasks with today’s designs. However, to be listed among the top 60, the vehicle must be particularly aesthetically pleasing. We have compiled a list of those exceptional cars.
1. Citroen DS19
It almost seems as if France is the main port of call for everything beautiful and stylish. Whether it’s the French language, culture, clothing or architecture. So it is no surprise that the 1955 Citroen DS19, a French car, gets a place among the most beautiful cars in history. The shape of the vehicle is unrivalled and the design attracts all eyes as soon as it appears anywhere.
The French manufacturer already provided a milestone in automobile manufacturing more than 60 years ago. It was not only the striking bodywork that caused a sensation at the time. As the first vehicle with a central hydraulic system, the car is an icon of technology.
2. Alfa Romeo 8C 2900
The 35 Alfa Romeo 2900 is probably the most unconventional vehicle in this list. With its uniqueness, the two-seater literally invites you to a romantic night out with your partner. At the same time, the beauty of the Alfa cannot be denied, and it is a predestined vehicle for people who have achieved influence and prestige. The eight-cylinder was built from 1935 to 1939 and was available both as a sports car and as a single vehicle. However, not even 50 units were produced during the construction period.
In this car, the Italian manufacturer combines elegance with high-level technology. On today’s classic car market, the 8C 2900 is considered one of the most valuable and expensive vehicles.
3. Lamborghini Miura
Ferruccio Lamborghini, the legendary father of the car brand, preferred cars that were suitable for long trips and journeys. The aim was to build a counterpart to the great rival Ferrari – standing for fantastic racing cars. Thus, the beautiful ’70 Miura saw the light of day. It was the first supercar in history to be designed as a pure two-seater. Since then, the Miura concept has been the standard among all sports cars and supercars.
At the time of its release, the Miura was the fastest road car of its time and Lamborghini set new standards for high-performance vehicles with this model. Over the years, the car received regular improvements and remained in production until 1973. In total, over 750 of these beauties were produced.
4. Ferrari TR250
This legendary Ferrari is a true racing car. Even though the car’s chassis is unique and bursting with creativity, it is beautiful for a completely different reason. In this automobile, the Italian manufacturer shows a good functionality and an almost challenging normality that one is not used to from Ferrari. What remains striking, however, is the „Pontoform“ of the front wings.
There were some rule changes for the 1957 World Sports Car Championship. For example, the engine capacity limit was set at 3 litres. The 250 Testa Rosa was subsequently brought to life. A 3-litre V-12 engine now powered the car. A total of 300 horsepower made the racer a true monster.
5. Bugatti Type 57 Atlantic
Even before the beginning of the Second World War, Bugatti brought a respect-inspiring warrior onto the road with the Model Atlantic. Always equipped with a completely unique design, Bugatti was and is a brand for the wealthy of this world. Even today, the vehicle attracts great interest around the globe. The car, made by the then French company, was available in four different body versions. Although not even 1,000 of them were built, the Atlantic is one of the brand’s most important models. This shows the uniqueness for which Bugatti stands.
With auction prices ranging from 30 to 40 million US dollars, the vehicle is one of the most valuable used cars in the world.
6. Aston Martin Vanquish
Even though the car with this special design is no longer produced, it is one of the most beautiful cars in history. For a whole decade, the demand for this Aston was enormous. The British manufacturer always attaches great importance to the exterior design of the car. Thus, the Vanquish model is also a beauty, one of many at least.
The coupé, built from 2001 to 2007, not only shows what it can do on the outside. Over 400 hp drive the 5.9-litre engine with 12 cylinders. Known through the James Bond series, Aston Martin combines upscale English style with brute engine power. A combination that more than deserves a place in this list.
7. Ford GT40
The first American joins the list, and what a car it is. The ’66 Ford not only won the prestigious 24-hour race at Le Mans four times in a row, but also placed itself in the top positions in terms of appearance and design. Without a doubt one of the most legendary vehicles from Henry Ford’s car forge.
Extremely lowered, the Ford conveys a powerful image. The car forms the ideal symbiosis between aggressive looks and brutal strength on the road. A total of 134 vehicles, both as racing racers and as road cars, were produced from 1964 to 1968. The car is one of the most famous cult objects in motorsport history.
8. Aston Martin DB9
Due to the extensive improvements made in 2004, this Aston Martin has earned a place in the top 20. Although DB9s had already enjoyed widespread acceptance in the past, it was the improvement in the quality of the car and its much more attractive shape that made the difference. The car was still being built until 2016.
The British manufacturer’s vehicle was offered in a 2+2-seat coupé as well as a 2+2-seat convertible. A 5.9-litre engine with 12 cylinders and a total of almost 500 hp powered the sports car. A better design and higher quality make the Brit a worthy member of this unique list.
9. Ferrari GTO
Ferrari has always been one of the most popular manufacturers of automobiles. Mostly, however, this condition was due to the sheer power of the engines and their capabilities on race tracks. Therefore, it was not very often that the Italian manufacturer placed great emphasis on appearance. The ’62 GTO, however, is one of the few exceptions. The curvy, pistol-shaped Ferrari is a real eye-catcher.
With its V-12 engine and a maximum speed of 280 kilometres per hour, the vehicle was a brute monster on race tracks. This GTO best summed up Ferrari’s philosophy in a single car. It is a prime example of both performance and style.
10. AC Cobra 289
With this car, the name says it all. If you look at the car from the front, you see a deadly-looking Cobra with dangerous-looking fangs. Initially, the car was designed as a classic British sports car by AC. Eventually, Cobra decided to take the design to the next level. When you look at the result, the decision can be classified as spot on. The result is a British-American eye-catcher in a class of its own.
For two years, the roadster rolled off the production line in both England and the USA. Despite its sleek appearance, the powerful V-8 engine should not be ignored. The Cobra is quite capable of biting hard.
11. Porsche 911 (997)
One car that should not be missing from the list is the Porsche 911. Known internally as the 997 model, this is the car from 2004. With the reintroduction of the round headlights, the sixth generation 911 more closely resembles the original 911 from 1963. This distinctive and classic design earns the car a place in the list.
Now part of the Volkswagen Group, Porsche has always impressed with the beautiful designs of its cars. In total, this 911 was built from 2004 to 2012. The 911 model is still the most successful sports car in the company’s history.
12. BMW 507
Although it is truly an honour to be part of this illustrious list, the 507 BMW has undoubtedly earned one of the places. The mechanics can look back on this elegant and stylish showpiece with great pride. A combination of Italian design with the typical BMW kidney as a radiator grille make the Bavarian racer a feast for the eyes.
This two-seater roadster is one of the icons of the automobile industry. So it is not surprising that it was owned by many celebrities, such as Elvis Presley. The car was powered by a 150 hp eight-cylinder V-engine. Just over 200 units have survived to this day and are considered a popular collector’s item.
13. Porsche 911
The Urneunelfer is not only Porsche’s most successful sports car, but also one of the most beautiful and best-known cars in history. With its simplicity of design, purposefully planned aerodynamics and almost human appearance, the 911 is a favourite of the masses.
This model rolled off the production line for a full 26 years. Between 1963 and 1989, the Porsche helped the company to world fame. Eventually it was upgraded to the 964 model, but the ’63 Porsche remains one of the symbols of German automotive engineering. The sports car was available on the market in three different versions. Whether as a roadster, coupé or cabriolet, the nine-eleven is the epitome of the brand.
14. Ferrari Dino 246 GT
The 1969 Ferrari Dino might look suspiciously familiar. In fact, the concept of the Dino was the inspiration for the McLaren 570S. Today’s supercar models also have a similar shape and look to this ’69 beast. But who can blame the manufacturers, with such beauty. This Ferrari is one of the most venerable cars in the history of the automobile.
The Dino was extremely successful not only during its construction period from 1969 to 1973, or 1974. Even after production was stopped, demand for the Italian racer was huge. Its 6-cylinder engine took the car up to 235 km/h, making the Dino GT the perfect combination of beauty and speed.
15. Mercedes-Benz 300 SL
Mercedes joins the illustrious list with an absolute classic. The 300 SL Coupé is one of the most legendary means of transport in German engineering. The German manufacturer took its cue from aviation and brought a unique vehicle onto the market. With the gullwing doors opening far upwards, one of the most striking automobile designs in history was created.
Due to the extraordinary aerodynamics, one can only imagine what it is like to drive this car. The coupé reached a top speed of a completely crazy 290 kilometres per hour and was thus the fastest sports car of its time. It is therefore not surprising that the sports car was able to win one or two official races.
16. Ferrari 288 GTO
Unlike its predecessors from the 50s and 60s, this Ferrari has an edgier and more aggressive look, but is in no way inferior to the older models in terms of beauty. Leonardo Fioravanti of Pininfarina had a real moment of glory in the conception of this GTO. The eight-cylinder road monster with twin turbo succeeds in combining rare elegance and visual integrity. But what else could you expect from a Ferrari. During the four-year production period, the Italian manufacturer was able to produce just over 270 of these magnificent specimens.
The additional designation GTO was intended to commemorate the legendary Ferrari 250 GTO. This fact makes the Ferrari an even more worthy member of this list.
17. Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato
Aston Martin had the ’62 GT made in collaboration with the Italian coachbuilder Zagato in Milan. Therefore, the similar curves and shapes to the Ferrari GTO of the same year are not surprising. It was to be a symbiosis between English technology and Italian design. Nevertheless, the Zagato did not become a box-office hit. Only 20 of the planned 25 vehicles of the British noble brand were built.
Intended as an exclusive sports coupé anyway, the Aston Martin thus became an even greater rarity. Even if demand was low at the time, the 1962 Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato is without question one of the 20 most beautiful cars in the world.
18. Ferrari 275 GTB
With the 64 GTB, Ferrari put another exclamation mark on the automobile market. Both as a private car and as a racing car, this Ferrari fulfils all requirements. Its powerful 12-cylinder engine combined with a beautiful exterior, gives the GTB a deserved place in this list. The extremely reliable coupé was built for a total of four years and is the successor to the no less legendary Ferrari 250. The popularity of the road sports car was so great that it was sometimes the top model in the entire Ferrari range.
The 275 GTB model was also technically advanced. For the first time, the Ferrari was equipped with independent rear suspension and a rear-mounted gearbox.
19. Ferrari 250 GTO SWB
The next car also comes from Ferrari. The 250 GTO stands for luxury, speed and beauty. The model is the epitome of a fully functional racing car with a simultaneously appealing exterior. The vehicle is part of the 250 series and thus part of Ferrari’s most successful vehicle series of sports cars.
The car was successfully built and sold for a period of 11 years. A few small changes were enough and the car was one of the favourites to win on every race track, in every class. With a top speed of 268 kilometres per hour, made possible by a V-12 engine, the car is the number one place to go in terms of design and performance.
20. Jaguar E-Type Series 1 Coupé
The legendary Enzo Ferrari once claimed that the car was the most beautiful car ever produced. What more is there to add. The ’61 E-Type is arguably Jaguar’s greatest contribution to automotive history. The coupé rolled off the production line from 1961 to 1975. In addition, the car was available as a roadster and estate coupé.
With this model, Jaguar managed to combine performance with beautiful design, but at the same time to be extremely inexpensive and thus highly competitive. Around 8,000 D-Mark had to be put on the table for the British car. These facts make the Jaguar E-Type one of the most beautiful 20 cars in the world.
21. Auburn Speedster
The Auburn Speedster is a real icon for many car lovers and a real eye-catcher. This car is even so popular that there are many imitations of it. Several companies wanted to reproduce a similar variant. Today, it is one of the most sought-after US classic cars.
In the course of time, several facsimiles were built. Every single one of the Auburn Speedster is designed so that the classic car can reach at least 160 km/h, despite the heavy construction of the chassis. It is equipped with a 4586 cc in-line eight-cylinder engine with a supercharger and almost 152 hp powering it. Only about 600 were produced, which makes the vehicles very special showpieces today.
22. Aston Martin DBS Superleggera
Aston Martin is a car manufacturer that always manages to bring particularly beautiful cars onto the market. The DBS Superleggera not only impresses with its appealing and up-to-date design, it is also the brand’s latest model.
At first glance, the design resembles the DB11, but the body of the DBS is very unique, except for the roof. The angular rear, the short front overhang and the wide wings create special and outstanding proportions. The details are also more traditional in contrast to the futuristically designed DB11. The yawning opening of the whale shark-like radiator grille design is also reminiscent of the Astons of yesteryear.
23. Bugatti Chiron
The 2016 Bugatti Chiron is the successor to the Bugatti Veyron, which has a record-breaking top speed and is thus considered an icon, but the car doesn’t really look attractive due to its bulbous and strange design.
The Chiron, however, looks really really good. The design is very appealing and is particularly characterised by the large grille with tail lights at the rear of the car. Both sides have a strong C-line that curves around the doors, visually dividing the car into two distinct sections. In terms of colour, this line is also considered a demarcation and the Bugatti is thus painted in two different colours.
24. Lancia Aurelia B24 Spider
In 1954, the mechanics of the B20 were „re-dressed“. The result was an equally elegant Spider model. With regard to the improved lines, the Spider attracted all the attention and immediately became a great success in the USA. The few changes to the chassis and the 6-cylinder engine with 2,451 cm3 resulted in one of the most beautiful Spiders ever made.
It was built a total of only 240 times in 1955. 181 of these were for left-hand drive and 59 cars for right-hand drive. The main eye-catchers are the long air intake on the bonnet and the bumpers. In addition, the exquisite B24 Spider also stands out due to its deep doors.
25. Lotus Elite Type 14
In 1957, Lotus presented the legendary Lotus Elite Type 14. A major highlight at the beginning is that the car’s body was not made of sheet metal but of plastic. Hardly any other producer had ever risked such a thing before. It is also worth mentioning that it has independent suspension and disc brakes on all four wheels.
Another feature is its high engine power, compared to its low weight. The vehicle is equipped with an aluminium four-cylinder with a displacement of 1.2 litres and almost 75 hp powering it. This allows the car to accelerate to 100 km/h in just 12.5 seconds. Only at a speed of 185 km/h is nothing more possible.
26. Delage D8
In 1905, the company of this car was founded by the Frenchman Louis Delage and all the cars that were produced there were known on the one hand for their great racing successes and on the other hand also for their luxury. Especially in the 1920s and 30s, the company had a great competition with Hispano-Suiza.
Finally, in 1930, the Delage D8 was first produced, named after its in-line eight-cylinder engine, first introduced by a French manufacturer. It was delivered in chassis form and equipped by many of the most prestigious car manufacturers. Chapron and Letourneur et Marchand were also involved, building the truly impressive 1933 car.
27. McLaren F1
In 1993, the McLaren F1 was the fastest sports car in the world with its V12 engine. Manufacturers tend to equip their sports cars with stylish details such as spoilers, louvres or air intake vents. Most of the time, however, these designs have no use, but are only used to enhance the appearance of the vehicle, but this does not apply to the McLaren F1.
The car was only produced 100 times. Its 6.1-litre engine with 627 hp takes the sporty vehicle from 3.4 seconds to 100. It stops at a speed of 386 km/h. Other sports cars, such as those from Ferrari, cannot keep up. Other sports cars, such as those from Ferrari, cannot keep up. That’s why this car is not exactly cheap, second-hand it even costs at least another million euros.
28. Aston Martin DB11
The latest Aston Martin GT DB11 was launched in 2016, replacing the popular and admired DB9. The exterior design is credited to Miles Nurnberger. The Aston front end has been significantly developed and the tautly styled body panels make the DB11 a very sporty car overall, something the DB9 never experienced in this form. Roof rays and a tapered rear round off the overall appearance perfectly and make the car very stunning.
The DB11 Coupé is available with V12 or Mercedes V8 power, but the extra weight of the Volante body stiffener means that Aston does not offer a V12 version. Still, 500bhp and 187mph (about 301km/h) should be good enough for most.
29. 1955 MGA
One of the first MGs was the „A model“. It was by far one of the most beautiful sports cars of its time. It was also much more popular than its successor, the MG „B“, which was introduced in 1962. The MGA was available in the coupé variant and once as a convertible. Both were a real success, but especially the convertible variant quickly gained the attention of car lovers. However, the MGA did not convince with its performance of 69 hp, but with its noble design.
It attracted a total of 100,000 buyers, but only one in ten of them opted for the coupé variant. From 1958 onwards, even fewer people opted for the MG A Twin Cam, which had a power output of 108 hp.
30. Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud Drophead coupé
The Rolls-Royce brand is immediately associated with glamour, as many celebrities also own cars from the brand. Hollywood megastar Eilzabeth Taylor, for example, was seen in a Rolls-Royce Cloud Convertible in the colour Smoke Green, as this colour reportedly matched the colour of her wedding dress.
Elizabeth Taylor held on to her Silver Cloud for a full 20 years and her favourite car was a 1961 Series II model with V8 power. The six-cylinder Silver Cloud I appeared in 1957 and production ended in 1966 with the last Series III car – recognisable by its quad headlights. In addition, the Silver Cloud was mainly produced as an opulent and beautiful four-door saloon.
31. Corvette Stingray
Sports car enthusiasts rarely rate the handling of the Chevy Corvette against its European rivals, which is because it was named after a class of warships. However, from an aesthetic point of view, the Corvette always delivered, and especially in the guise of the legendary split-window coupé variant.
Then in 1963 the Moll Corvette was introduced and the coupé variant was a first. The design was created under the direction of Bill Mitchell and although he felt the twin-pane rear window was essential, it was released a year later with a single rear window. The ’63 Stingray Coupé has been one of the most collectible Corvettes ever since, and you only have to look at it to find out why.
32. Porsche 356
The era of the Porsche 356 began in 1948. Within 17 years, four series and many different variations developed from it. Models were for example the Porsche 356, the coupé variant from 1950 to 1955, the convertible model 1100 to 1500 S, the Porsche 356 A from 1955 to 1959 and also the 1500 GS Carrera GT variant. Later, the Speedstar variant, the 356 B and the Carrera 2, as well as the 356 C model developed.
The design of the Porsche 356 makes the car so popular with people. However, the car is not only beautiful to look at, it is built in such a way that it is above all fast, light, economical and agile for its drivers and is therefore a popular purchase.
33. Saab Aero X
The Saab Aero X was presented at the 2006 Geneva Motor Show and was a real eye-catcher for many visitors. This model of the car manufacturer Saab, does not look like the vehicles we usually know from the car manufacturer. The large wheels, the elongated bonnet, the thin glass construction with the wrap-around windscreen and the cut-off rear make this modern car a real luxury model. Moreover, it has no normal doors; you only enter the car through a lift-off cockpit.
The Aero X is powered by a 2.8-litre V6 engine and has an output of 400 hp. To achieve this power, however, there must be ethanol in the tank.
34. Lamborghini Countach
While many car enthusiasts prefer the original Countach LP400, which was the first to introduce Italian coachbuilder Bertone’s spectacular wedge design for bedroom wall posters around the world, there’s still no denying the popularity of the 1974 Lamborghini Countach. This design made Bertone’s work a big name with the fat wheel arches covering the widest Pirelli rear tyres available.
The wedge design was so impressive with the typical scissor doors that the design was developed for Lamborghini’s top sports cars up to the present day, but also for the unique and limited models such as the Reventon, Veneno and also Sian.
35. TVR Griffith 500
The TVR Griffith was later also called the Griffith 500. This sporty car was produced in a period from 1991 to 2002. The name is associated with the Griffith 200 and 400 respectively. This model was one of the most popular models among car enthusiasts in the 1960s.
It is equipped with a 4.0 litre V8 engine and has an output of 243 hp. Its V8 sound is a great point of popularity. From 1992 to 1993, small changes were made to the car, for example, the displacement was increased, the engine was replaced, and the power was increased from 243 hp to 284 hp. As to its appearance, the body features a glass fibre reinforced plastic. It features one of the advanced designs.
36. Jaguar XK120
Jaguar was particularly in demand in the late 1940s and wanted to provide a sense of pleasure and fun in response to the sharp rise in demand in the post-war period. At the London Motor Show in 1948, Jaguar launched the two-seater roadster model, originally intended as a showpiece for the new XK six-cylinder engine. The car was immediately well received and went into production as the XK120. It was named after the car’s top speed in MPH with the windscreen removed.
But the XK120 is not only available as a roadster, but also as a coupé with a fixed roof. It also evolved into the XK140 and XK150 models and was the forerunner of the E-Type.
37. Volvo P1800 S
The Volvo P1800 stands out from other classic cars in terms of its shape, which was designed by Pelle Petterson in 1957. The P1800 had a 1.8-litre carburettor engine and an output of 90 hp. Due to problems regarding quality, production was changed and the Volvo P1800 S was born. New to the model was the increase in power from 90 hp to 96 hp. In 1968, the engine was replaced with a two-litre capacity and, in addition, 105 hp now drove it.
The new designation P1800 S was not always used. Volvo had different names for its variants. In the end, the model name Jensen-Volvo was a perfect nickname. In 1969 the P1800 was replaced by the 1800E.
38. Alfa 8C 2900 Mille Miglia
There have been a great many beautiful Alfa Romeo cars over the years, but one of the most significant highlights from this spectacular historic portfolio is the car that won the famous 1938 Italian endurance race, the Mille Miglia. The 8C 2900 was derived from Alfa’s 8C Grand Prix and was introduced. An 8-cylinder 2.9-litre in-line engine with two superchargers.
The ambitious Alfa Corse racing team entered four in the 1938 Mille Miglia, with the Grand Prix engine producing a powerful 308 295 hp. The car was eventually driven to victory by Clemente Biondetti and a second 8C 2900 Mille Miglia also took second place. The other two cars did not achieve success.
39. Dodge Challenger
The Dodge Challenger was used under this model name for two different coupé variants from 1969 to 1974 and from 1978 to 1983. It is a sports coupé from the American car manufacturer Dodge. From 2008 onwards, another model was produced which continued to retain the retro design.
The Dodge Challenger was already one of the most popular sports coupes and convertibles worldwide in its first years. It was equipped with an R6 engine and achieved an output of 145 hp. In 1972, the engine was replaced by an eight-cylinder and now had an output of 243 hp. The design remained almost unchanged, there were only slight changes to the radiator grille from 1970/71 and the headlights were improved.
40. Aston Martin Valkyrie
The recent trend towards ultra-high performance cars often results in exterior designs that are more focused on performance than aesthetics. But the Aston Martin Valkyrie manages to look beautiful at the same time as incorporating technology that wouldn’t be out of place on a futuristic jet fighter.
It is a machine designed primarily to split the air like an F1 car. It has an incredible Venturi effect under the floor to match its stunningly powerful V12 engine of around 1,000bhp, but the Valkyrie’s carefully honed curves are as stunningly beautiful as you would expect from any modern Aston road car.
41. Rolls-Royce Phantom I
Car fans and nostalgics go into raptures at the sight of a Rolls-Royce Phantom I. The elegant vehicle was produced in the 1920s in Great Britain and also in the USA. The elongated bonnet houses an engine with 95 hp. This much horsepower was also urgently needed to move the heavy vehicle. The Rolls-Royce Phantom I reached a top speed of 145 kilometres per hour.
However, the Rolls-Royce company only produced the chassis and the engine itself, the body was supplied by the Steilmacher company. Those who would like to take a closer look at the elegant luxury car can marvel at it in detail in the silent film „Gribiche“.
42. Mercedes G-Class
Mercedes began building an off-road vehicle in 1979. The appearance of the so-called G-Class remained almost unchanged until 2018. The vehicle is a beefy, solid Jeep that is suitable for both everyday and off-road use. The engine and vehicle safety have always been adapted to the latest state of development.
In some countries, the car was sold as the Puch G. In 2018, Mercedes presented a completely new G model. The new model is larger and taller than its predecessor. An old Mercedes G-Class now commands a high price among car enthusiasts. It is, after all, the classic SUV. Especially in Great Britain, the car is extremely popular.
43. Ferrari 458 Italia
The Ferrari 458 Italia was built from 2009 to 2015. The exterior of the sports car was designed by Donato Coco. The interior was designed by a French designer named Bertrand Rapatel.
The former Formula One racing driver Michael Schuhmacher worked on details. At his suggestion, the steering wheel was given buttons with functions such as the indicator so that the driver can keep his hands on the handlebars even at high speed. The car’s aerodynamic design is his trademark. The front grille lowers when air resistance increases at the appropriate speed. For every lover of sports cars, the Ferarri 458 Italia should be a dream car.
44. Mercedes S-Class (W116)
In 1966, Mercedes began working on the development of a saloon car that was as comfortable and safe as possible. The Mercedes S-Class W116 came onto the market in 1972. The car is relatively wide and the transverse radiator grille and the side-mounted headlights became its trademark. The padded interior is also a special feature of the Mercedes S-Class W116.
Some controls are even recessed into the upholstery. The car was voted both „Car of the Year“ and „Best Car in the World“ in the 1970s. In 1978, this model was the first car with an anti-lock braking system. Mercedes set new standards in automotive engineering in the 70s with its S-Class.
45. Alfa Romeo Montreal
Between 1970 and 1977, Alfa Romeo produced a total of 3,925 examples of the Alfa Romeo Montreal. Today, the sports coupé is worth around 90,000 euros in good condition. It is not easy to get hold of a model, as the bodies were so prone to rust in the 1970s that many cars ended up on the scrapheap after a decade.
The car also has other weaknesses, such as a tiny boot and a sparse interior. Fans of sports cars will nevertheless enjoy the car’s unusual looks and its speed. Enthusiasts are also happy to overlook the high fuel consumption and expensive spare parts.
46. Cadillac Eldorado
The Cadillac Eldorado is an American legend. The General Motors company produced the elegant cars in a wide variety of versions from 1952 to 2002. In the 50s and 60s, the heavy automobiles were powered by rear-wheel drive. The models built from 1955 onwards in the 1950s and 1960s have the typical tail fins.
Trim in chrome is another feature of the luxury sleigh. A full-length bench seat, a cup holder and even a built-in perfume atomiser reflected the wealth of the vehicle’s owners. The Cadillac Eldorado was a symbol of the „American Dream“ in the 50s and 60s. Today, the models from the 50s and 60s are coveted collector’s items.
47. Ferrari 330 GTC
In 1966, Ferrari presented a new road sports car at the Geneva Motor Show. The Ferrari 330 GTC was one of a whole series of different models that Ferrari designed for normal use between 1963 and 1968. The 330 GTC was a sleek coupé designed by Aldo Brovarone.
48. Bentley S1 Continental
In the 1950s, the Bentley S1 Continental was the absolute epitome of a luxurious yet sporty car. Rolls-Royce built a total of 431 examples of this elegant saloon in 1952. The vehicle was the most expensive car that could be bought at the time, but each of the limousines had a custom-made body.
49. Alfa Romeo Gulia GT Bertone
In the 1960s, the Alfa Romeo GT Bertone was considered the epitome of Italian dolce vita. The sporty coupé was built between the years 1963 and 1976. Today, this Alfa is a cult car that has many enthusiasts. The Alfa Romeo GT Bertone is „the classic“ from Alfa Romeo and has contributed a lot to the company’s image.
50. Morgan Plus 8
The Morgan Plus 8 is an open sports car that looks like it belongs in a 1930s gangster movie. Morgan built this car for a whole 36 years. From 1968 to 2004, it was the company’s flagship model. In the 60s and 70s, this elegant two-seater was particularly popular in the USA.
51. Horch 8
The Horch 8 is a so-called touring car. In the 1930s, the first mass-produced German car with an eight-cylinder engine was a sensation. The successor model of the Horch 8, the Horch 850, can be seen in many old films. The design looks stately. At the end of the 1930s, Horch brought out another model as a luxurious convertible, the Horch 853.
52. Plymouth Belvedere Fury
Film: Christine (USA 1983)
The American feature film „Christine“ made the Plymouth Belvedere Fury a star. The car plays the leading role in the thriller. The horror film was based on the novel by Steven King. In the film, a Plymouth Belvedere Fury is possessed by ghosts. Even today, the classic car with the beautiful tail fins has a ghostly image.
53. Mercedes SSK
The Mercedes SSK was developed by Ferdinand Porsche for the Mercedes company. Shortly afterwards, Porsche founded his own automobile company. The SSK was produced from 1928 to 1932. The designation SSK stands for „Super Sport Kurz“ and refers to the narrow wheelbase. The roadster won major car races and is one of the most sought-after classic cars today.
54. BMW 3,0 CSL
In 1972, BMW presented the 3.0 CSL touring race car. The drivers of the car succeeded in winning the Group 2 drivers‘ title in 1973, 1975 and 1979. The car is very light and the racing driver Hans Joachim Stuck won several victories with it in the 1970s.
55. BMW Z8
At the beginning of the 2000s, we could admire a BMW Z8 on our roads from time to time. The roadster was produced by BMW between 2000 and 2003. It impresses with its elegant design, its speed and the light body. The car can be admired in the James Bond film „The world is not enough“.
56. Duesenberg Model SJ
Only 4 examples of this luxurious classic car still exist. In 1928, the car manufacturer Duesenberg wanted to conquer the market with this car. The economic crisis curbed its success, but the car was still sold until 1937. In the USA, a Duesenberg SJ from 1935 was sold at auction some time ago for 22 million US dollars.
57. Austin Healey 100
Donald Healey had set himself the goal of building fast sports cars. The high-priced Austin Healey 100 roadster was produced from 1953 to 1956. The car was given the additional designation 100 because it could reach speeds of 100 miles (160.93 km) per hour. The rear window can be folded down, the doors have no interior trim and the dashboard is not symmetrical. The Austin Healey 1000 is a real pure sports car!
58. Porsche 917
The Porsche 917 was designed and developed to win car races. The test drives were a disaster and a racing driver lost his life. In 1970, the Porsche 917 finally reached its goal and won an important race. The 24 Hours of Le Mans became the first triumph of the racing car.
59. BMW 327
With the 327, BMW produced an elegant, solid touring car. The car was built between 1937 and 1941. The first models were convertibles and a year later BMW added a coupé. The design of the 327 was very popular. The car is relatively low and seemed to point the way to modernity at the time.
60. VW Käfer
In 1934, the car manufacturer VW began to develop a utility car that was as cheap and economical as possible. In 1938, the first VW Beetle came onto the market. The car quickly became popular and in the 1960s countless Beetles populated German roads. In total, VW produced the popular model from 1938 to 2003. Today, the Beetle is a coveted cult car.
