Classic cars capture the hearts and minds of enthusiasts worldwide. These iconic vehicles are more than just a mode of transportation; they’re cultural icons and timeless works of art.
Classic car designers emphasized form and function, producing beautiful and exceptionally performing vehicles. This dedication to engineering has helped classic cars stand the test of time.
Ford GT40
The Ford GT40 is one of the most iconic and influential cars in automobile history. It was the first car to prove that large-displacement American engines were competitive in GT endurance racing and set a standard for future generations of automakers and engineers. This unique racecar has both British roots and a strong American engineering identity. It was designed to comply with FIA Appendix J racing rules and featured an aluminum honeycomb chassis and new boxy aerodynamics. The GT40 was also the first racecar to use a hinged flap over the fuel tank, which reduced drag and weight.
The GT40’s coming-out party was the 1964 Nürburgring 1000 km race, where it held second place early on before retiring with suspension failure. Three more GT40s were entered at Le Mans three weeks later, but they all retired with gearbox and engine problems. The program was then handed over to Carroll Shelby, who had recently won the 1959 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Shelby recognized that the problem wasn’t speed but endurance. The GT40’s big block V8s could withstand the stress of long endurance races more than Ferrari’s higher-revving smaller-displacement engines. The GT40’s open airflow tunnels built into the rear fenders—known as flying buttresses—channeled oncoming air over the teardrop-shaped cockpit and over a rear spoiler for increased downforce.
Shelby made many changes to the GT40’s suspension, engine, brakes, and other components. It was a labor of love for him, and he put his own stamp on the design. By 1966, the GT40 was a dominant force in endurance racing, winning four of its six victories. It was the first car to win Le Mans with an all-American team, further legitimizing its true world champion role.
Aston Martin DB5
The Aston Martin DB5 is one of the most iconic cars in history. Not only was it the car of James Bond in the film Goldfinger, but it has also stood the test of time as a luxury grand tourer. The Aston Martin DB5 has become the symbol of the brand and is still in high demand.
The DB5 continued where the DB4 left off, but it took the design further with a number of improvements. It had a longer wheelbase, a more powerful engine, and better transmission. The Aston Martin DB5 was available as a saloon, convertible, and shooting brake.
It was also equipped with a number of gadgets, such as a rear-view camera and a pop-up roof. This helped the DB5 stand out from its competition, which was stiff then. In addition to its impressive performance, the DB5 was also a very attractive car. The aluminum exterior body panels covered a mild steel chassis structure.
In the end, Aston Martin produced a total of 1,021 DB5s, including 887 saloons, 123 convertibles, and 12 shooting brakes. It was also offered with a variety of engine choices, including the 4.0-litre V8 developed by Tadek Marek. The DB5 could produce up to 282 hp at 5,500 rpm and was paired with a David Brown four-speed manual or ZF five-speed automatic gearbox.
This particular DB5 is an early example of the model and benefits from its current owner’s nearly 40 years of consistent care. It was originally delivered in Caribbean Pearl with dark blue interior trim and was later fitted with a replacement engine by marque specialist Aston Service Dorset. The car is currently in pristine condition and offers the rewarding experience of driving Newport-Pagnell’s most legendary model.
Chevrolet Bel-Air
The Chevrolet Bel-Air is one of the most iconic cars of all time. It embodies the spirit of the 1950s with its elegant design and chrome details. In addition, it was a pioneer in terms of automotive technology, with its overhead valve V8 engine setting new standards for power and efficiency. The Bel-Air was also a cultural touchstone of its time, capturing the prevalent optimism and progress in America during this era.
In 1954, the Bel Air received a few notable updates. Its grille was redesigned to resemble that of Ferraris and given more chrome detailing. Additionally, the car was reworked to be more powerful, with a 283 cubic inch V8 engine that produced up to 283 horsepower. It was paired with a smooth and reliable Powerglide transmission. The car was available in two-door coupes, four-door sedans, and even a station wagon.
For 1955, the Bel Air was revamped yet again to be more contemporary and eye-catching. The new model was dubbed “The Hot One” in a series of GM advertising campaigns and was praised for its sleekness and youthful appeal. Chevrolet redesigned the front of the car, which was now more flamboyant and featured a grille inspired by Ferraris. The engines were also upgraded to a more modern 229 cubic inch inline six-cylinder and the smaller small-block V8.
By 1957, the Bel Air had become an icon of its era. It was a popular choice amongst families due to its spacious cabin, and it was a symbol of the economic prosperity that was happening in America at this time. It was also the year that safety features were introduced into the car, including shoulder belts for outboard front seat occupants and side marker lights.
Porsche 911
One of the most iconic cars in history, the Porsche 911 is a true legend that’s stood the test of time. With its rear-engine layout and superb handling, this is a car that’s remained popular with drivers of all ages. It’s also been a collector’s favorite, with many finding these cars highly valuable.
The 911 is still a popular choice with modern drivers, as it’s an incredibly versatile model that can be driven in a variety of ways. It’s available as a coupe, cabriolet, and Targa model, allowing owners to choose how they want to drive it. It’s also possible to get different power levels and features to tailor the car to your needs.
While it might not have the name recognition of the Aston Martin or BMW 7 Series, the Porsche 911 has a long production run set to continue for at least another decade. It’s a testament to how well the German manufacturer has adapted and tweaked its rear-engine blueprint while never diluting its trademark driving experience. The 2025 model, internally codenamed 992.2, is expected to carry on with this calculated evolution.
The 911 entered its second generation in 1998 with the introduction of the 996 model, which ditched its air-cooled flat-six engine and was the first to use water cooling instead. It also featured the first-ever variable-length intake runners, which helped to overcome its inherent compromise between high-rpm power and low-rpm torque output. It was also the first 911 to feature a fully integrated turbocharger, with the first production model to use this system being called the 930 Turbo Carrera (it was referred to as the GT3 in North America). The last iteration of the original design came with the 911 Turbo II, which was launched in 1975.
Volkswagen Beetle
For many of us, the Volkswagen Beetle is one of those classic car brands that has stood the test of time. It’s an automotive icon that has inspired counterculture movements, starred in Hollywood films, and even won races. Its eye-catching design is instantly recognizable. It has also seen many improvements over the years, ensuring it’s still a popular choice for many drivers.
The Beetle’s history began with Adolph Hitler, who wanted a “people’s car,” but it wasn’t produced for civilians until the late 1940s when the victorious Allies refueled Germany’s economy. The car’s first generation was essentially a utilitarian vehicle that was affordable, practical, and easy to drive.
By the 1970s, however, the Beetle was beginning to show its age. Competitors were coming out with compact cars that offered more modern styling, performance, safety, and amenities. Many of those competitors used Volkswagen’s rear-engine, air-cooled layout—which is still in use today, including the Porsche 911 series and Subaru BRZ.
The Beetle is an iconic car that has survived World War II, a number of redesigns, and the rise of newer models that look similar to it. Despite all of these changes, the Beetle has continued to be an enduring symbol of automotive ingenuity. For example, the famous 1963 Sports Illustrated article claiming that the Beetle could actually float was made after a car was gingerly lowered into a creek surrounded by lush Floridian swampland vegetation. Nevertheless, the Bug’s unwavering popularity makes it one of the most classic cars to ever be manufactured.
