While certain people think of cars strictly as a means of transportation, others cherish them, seeing them as wonders of power and design, trendsetters, … icons. Whether you are a car worshiper or not, you have to admit that cars are a huge part of our modern lives. Certain cars in history truly made a difference, changed the way we drive and marked our imaginations.
Here is a top 10 of the most iconic cars in history.
The Jaguar E-Type
Jaguar is known for producing classy, slick, powerful cars – but the Jaguar E-Type is something else: it is the quintessence of iconic cars. There is no way to have a top 10 most iconic cars list without coming up with this one in it. With its super long hood, smooth lines and retro design, the Jaguar E-Type is the symbol of the swinging sixties par excellence.
The DeLorean DMC-12
Although the DeLorean DMC-12 never really hit the road for good – with a flat, heavy stainless steel body, poor performance, stylish yet problematic gull-wing doors and not very practical – it captured our imagination forever. Who could forget Marty McFly and his trip back to the future?
The Oldsmobile
Not only did the 1940 Oldsmobile look good, it was also the first fully automatic car in history, which changed the North American way of driving forever.
The Ferrari F40
Many of this Italian car manufacturer’s models could have been picked for this top ten, but its the Ferrari F40 that made the cut. Designed in 1987 for the 40th anniversary of the brand, it was, according to 1987 standards, the fastest, most powerful and most expensive car ever put on the market by Ferrari. With its V8 engine, its 478 horse power and a top speed of 201 mph, the ferocious Ferrari F40 was often called the best “supercar” ever made in the world.
The Volkswagen Beetle
Probably the most popular and recognized car in the world, the Volkswagen Beetle was neither powerful nor really safe, but it conquered the public’s heart with its unique looks. Marketed for the first time in 1938, the Beetle has the longest production run of history (1938-2003).
The Citroen DS
This classic French car became popular for its futuristic body and its ground-breaking technology. The DS was named the Most Beautiful Car of All Times by Classic & Sports Car Magazine.
The Porsche 911
Often referred to as the quintessential sports car, beating Jaguar, Lamborghini and Ferrari in this category, the Porsche 911 has an easily recognizable design and amazing power.
The Ford Mustang
What we have here is a true American icon. With its long hood, short rear decks, stylish design and powerful engine, the Mustang was the first of the American “pony cars”. Its unique and cool looks were the inspiration for the design of many other American cars.
The BMW 2002
Launched in 1967 – unlike its name may suggest – the BMW 2002 is the most famous BMW of all times. With a compact body paired with a powerful engine, the BMW 2002 contributed to the brand’s prestige and fame, and became the cult car of the 70s.
The Mercedes Benz 300 SL
Last but not least, the Mercedes Benz 300 SL. When it was released in 1955, it was branded as one of the most beautiful cars in the world and the fastest car of its day. Like the DoLorean DMC-12, the Roadster Mercedes Benz 300 SL had gull-wing doors. Care to treat yourself with this car today? It will only cost you a mere $750,000 to get your hands on this baby.
Photo Credits
Jaguar by katherinetompkins on flickr – some rights reserved
DeLorean DMC-12 by pyntofmyld on flickr – some rights reserved
Oldsmobile by Hugo90 on flickr – some rights reserved
Ferrari F40 by Ed Callow on flickr – some rights reserved
Volkswagen Beetle by dave_7 on flickr – some rights reserved
Citroen DS by ndrwfgg on flickr – some rights reserved
Porsche 911 by FotoSleuth on flickr – some rights reserved
Ford Mustang by matze_ott on flickr – some rights reserved
BMW 2002 by tylerkaraszewski on flickr – some rights reserved
Mercedes Benz 300 SL by Ed Callow on flickr – some rights reserved
Guest Author Bio
Mireille Mayrand-Fiset
Mireille is a travel, music and theater enthusiast. She also writes for the stage and television and is a freelance blogger for Jaguar Laval.
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Absolutely great choices – ESPECIALLY the Citroen DS. This is a car that is very strong (they’re still going in parts of Africa, a tough environment) – and very comfortable to this day. Very beautiful design – by Bertone, I believe (Classic and Sports Car magazine are on the money with their award in my opinion).
I always loved the DS19 Palais ‘stretched’ variant – the choice of people like me who aspire to be Prime Minister of France and have a nice life being chauffeur-driven around Paris, one day. I’m sure it’s gonna happen. Just need to up my French a bit 🙂
(Alas, there don’t seem to be too many of these driving around in Paris any more. Lots of Puntos and Clios. Ach – the end of France).
Also big thumbs up for the 2002 and the 911! Nice article!