Words: Charlie Thomas
Automobiles are a funny thing. Some people love them, drawn to the romanticism of travel and strive for engineering perfection. Other people don’t get them at all, writing them off as overpriced lumps of metal. When viewed from the perspective of design though, it’s hard to argue against them. Sure, there have been many heinous machines over the decades, but there have also been some truly stunning cars, conceived from the eyes of some of the most legendary automotive architects. Here are the 10 definitive most beautiful cars of all time.
MASERATI A6GCS BERLINETTA
Photo: eGarage.com
The A6GCS Berlinetta is ‘remarkably nimble and sure-footed with the accent upon good handling. This characteristic was brilliantly demonstrated in period by Luigi Musso’s third place overall in the 1,000-mile race of 1954, followed by Francesco Giardini’s fourth-overall in the 1955 event – both of them driving 2-1itre A6GCS cars.” – Bonhams
BMW 507
“The lightweight 90? V8 engine ticked over in sepulchral silence but had an impressively roaring bark when revving to its 150bhp maximum at 5,000rpm.” – Bonhams
FERRARI 275 GTB/4 COUPE
“In recent years there has been ballooning interest in Ferrari 275s, especially the coveted four-cam variants, which now rank among the most collectible of the Italian company’s road cars.” – RM Auctions
ALFA ROMEO 33 STRADALE
“The stunning 33 Stradale – even by Alfa’s own illustrious standards one of its rarest and most beautiful creations – was arguably the marque’s first-ever supercar. But with its compact dimensions, curves and mid-engined layout, it’s providing inspiration for a new generation of models.” – Heinrich Linger of Auto Express
PORSCHE 356 SPEEDSTER
The Porsche 356 “was a true dual-purpose sports car. Owners could readily use their Speedsters for every-day transportation and then drive to the track on weekends, remove the bumpers, top, windshield, floor mats, and other trim, tape on some numbers, and go racing.” – RM Auctions
BUGATTI TYPE 57SC ATLANTIC
“The Atlantic is not just a car, but a monument to pre-war Europe. It’s one of the last great things mankind produced before everybody switched to building tanks. It’s also the pinnacle of the Bugatti family’s contribution to the twentieth century and the automotive industry. It’s a significant piece of history and its is basically art deco on four wheels. It’s also a ghost we can touch.” – Mate Petrany of Jalopnik.com
FERRARI 250 TESTA ROSSA
“1958 would prove to be the 250 Testarossa’s absolute pinnacle. The factory cars won four of the six races to secure Ferrari’s third consecutive World Sports Car Championship for Constructors. Phil Hill and Peter Collins won in Argentina and again at the Sebring 12-Hours. Victory at the Targa Florio was taken by Luigi Musso and Gendebien and the 24 Hours of Le Mans was won by Gendebien and Hill.” – RM Auctions
JAGUAR E-TYPE
“The most beautiful car ever made.” – Enzo Ferrari
ASTON MARTIN DB5
“The Aston Martin DB5 epitomised the success of the company’s mission to produce a world-class GT sports coupe with the English gentleman in mind.” – RM Auctions
MERCEDES 300SL GULLWING
“The 300 SL today remains one of the greatest production automobiles ever produced, and it will be forever recognised for sheer performance, heritage, engineering, and overall excellence in an automobile.” – RM Auctions
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