What would the world be like without classic cars? Quite a bit worse off, that’s for sure. Classic cars are considered some of the most exciting and beautiful vehicles on the planet for a reason. They exude romance, personality, and style. In addition, they represent a geekier side of the auto industry that few people actually know about. However, those familiar with these vehicles realize their significance: these are a living testament to the human race’s capability to master technology. This post will cover some of recent history’s most famous and popular classic cars.
Ford Mustang
There is no way to avoid the iconic Ford Mustang when writing about classic cars. If you are in the market for one of these beauties, you will have to be prepared to pay a pretty penny as they are highly in demand. However, no matter how beloved the classic Ford Mustang is, only a few models are wildly desirable. Among them are the Famous Shelby GT500, and other notable mentions including:
- 1969 Boss 429
- 2000 Cobra R
- 1968 California Special
- 1978 King Cobra
- 1984 Mustang SVO
- 1965 Shelby GT 350
Aside from a few newer models like the 2000 Cobra R and perhaps the 2008 Mustang Bullitt, many believe that Ford has lost their way with design and features. However, as with all classic cars, time will tell.
Jaguar E-Type
Now is the time to switch from American muscle to British style, and the Jag E-Type is one of the best examples of this. The Jaguar E-Type is a classic car still popular today, but why? The E-Type was designed by Malcolm Sayer and was first introduced in 1961. The car’s design has been praised as one of the most beautiful cars ever created and was the first production car to use a monocoque construction. As with many British cars of the period, the majority of attention was paid to style and design at the expense of the engine and other parts. While the E-Type is in no way a slow car, its strength definitely lies in its raw beauty and swinging 60s aesthetic. To say this vehicle is iconic would be an understatement!
Volkswagen Beetle
Since its introduction in the 1930s, the Volkswagen Beetle has been a popular car and quickly gained popularity because of its unique design. Due to its unique shape, the first one was an instant hit when it was created in 1938. Its unique design set it apart from other cars on the market at that time. It has remained extremely iconic aside from its dubious origins (created by the Nazi Party as a car for the masses, or literally the people’s wagon). This can be attributed to its design but also its overall utility. You can still find people driving around in them today with minimal issues.
Citroen DS
So far, this post has had American, British, and German classics, so now it’s time to move on to something a bit more Gallic. The Citroen DS is a stunning machine, and in some ways, the DS is to France what the E-Type is to the UK. It has a French flair that is impossible to find in other classic cars but also featured some pioneering technology for the time. The DS greatly influenced modern automotive design with its distinctive body style and hydropneumatic self-leveling suspension system.
Mini
Ah yes, the iconic Mini! It seemed everyone wanted one of these diminutive cars after the Italian Job, so it became a sort of British Volkswagen Beetle. Everyone can recognize Mini from Beijing to LA as they represent a time when money was tight, but the style was free-flowing! In fact, the brand still remains profitable to this day, and Mini is still cranking out modern versions of eth classic.
Mercedes 300SL Gullwing
Outside of the E-Type (yes, this author is an E-Type fanboy), is there any other vehicle that can evoke such emotion from its breathtaking design? The Gullwing was introduced to great acclaim at the 1954 New York International Motor Show. However, the car’s design wasn’t just for looks; it had a racing heritage. The vehicle boasts a space frame chassis and an impressive aerodynamic profile, along with a powerful straight-six engine that used fuel injection, a first for the time.
As you can see, classic cars are still very much a part of the modern cultural milieu and for good reasons. They allow people to look back into the past and get a feeling of what life must have been like. Nevertheless, their main appeal still lies in their beauty, raw power, and ability to amaze at every angle!