Lets face it, there are cars, and there are CARS. While some vehicles are likely to just take you from A to B without any great fanfares, there are a few that will turn heads at every corner. They are iconic and stylish, and even if they arent particularly fast or especially luxurious, they get you noticed.
This is a personal choice of the ten most iconic cars of the past. There arent too many of them around these days, but thats not the point. These are never likely to be confused for the homogenous silver-grey metal boxes that are so popular these days. These have made their mark, and its time to salute them.
10. Ford Anglia 105E
A classic design that brought sharp lines and defined angles back into fashion, the 105E was manufactured between 1959 and 1968, and was a popular choice among the burgeoning middle classes. Back in the day, families only owned one car, if at all, and the Anglia was seen as something of a status symbol.
9. Citron 2CV
While the 2CV has a long history spanning many decades, the most fondly remembered models date from the 60s and 70s. Noisy and uncomfortable to drive, and as unreliable as it was possible to get, it nevertheless was well loved by many. The top of the range models were the same as the rest, except they had a Nuclear Power? No Thanks sticker on the back window.
8. Austin FX4 London Taxi
A classic design that stood the test of time for four decades, the FX4 first saw the light of day in 1958. If youre unsure about how it actually looked, close your eyes and imagine a London taxi; the chances are the shape you picture in your mind will be that from the golden age of taxi driving. Sleek, chunky and able to turn on a sixpence (when sixpences were common, of course), it remains popular with collectors to this day.
7. E-type Jaguar
First built in the early 60s, no less a figure than Enzo Ferrari called the E-type the most beautiful car ever made, and lets face it, he should know. There were various styles and engine configurations made, but these dont really matter. This was just a stunning machine, and was guaranteed to get you noticed. For many people, it came to represent the whole Swinging London ethos of the late 60s.
6. Ford Cortina Mk I
The Mk I was the first in the series of top-selling Cortina cars. It was never regarded as a truly classic car, but the slightly raised rear corners gave it almost American-type tail-fins, perhaps a conscious nod to the new-found affluence of post-war, baby-boomer Britain. Another nice touch was the rear light cluster, which looked like an upside-down Mercedes badge.
5. McLaren F1
Launched amid great euphoria in 1992, the McLaren F1 was the super-car that defined the whole super-car genre. Supremely stylish yet somehow understated, its impossible to see one without feeling your jaw drop in admiration. With a top speed of over 230mph, it was claimed to be the fastest production car in the world.
4. Corvette C2
Also known as the Corvette Sting Ray, this powerful car simply oozes class, with its distinctive long bonnet and its futuristic beauty. Made in the 1960s, it has featured in many movies and TV shows over the years, and was a hugely successful race car.
3. Porsche Spyder
A stunning car, the Spyder had a racing pedigree and a design that was the epitome of the belligerent boy racer. Movie star James Dean was killed in one, adding to the cars iconic status. It was made between 1953 and 1956, and was the fore-runner of the Porsche RSK.
2. Mini
The Mini simply IS Britain. It has achieved legendary status over the past few decades, and continues to be popular all over the world. There are so many beautiful variants on the original theme, making it impossible to select just one. If you ever wonder why the Mini is so well-loved, watch the original version of The Italian Job.
1.Rolls Royce Phantom VI
Perhaps the most stylish car ever made, the Phantom VI was first manufactured in 1968. Bucking the trend towards smaller, more energy-efficient cars, it made one simple statement: if you need to worry about the cost of fuel, you simply cant afford a Phantom VI. Only 374 were made, and one of them was recently seen taking Kate Middleton to her wedding.
David Rice lives in the UK and enjoys looking at iconic cars. The only one from the above list which he has owned is the 2CV. Sadly, it didnt have a Nuclear Power sticker on it. He now uses
car leasing companies when he needs to change his vehicle.
