Though most automobile brands become well-known, not all of them become iconic. Iconic cars stand out because of their distinct quality and technological innovation. On top of that, they leave behind a story that people remember.
Whether you belong to car enthusiasts or not, there are cars you can recognize as game-changers. If you are excited to know more about these iconic cars, or perhaps you want to own one, here’s a list for you!
- GT40 Shelby Edition
In 1965, Henry Ford II and Carroll Shelby teamed up for the first time to defeat Ferrari. The Ford-Shelby team then won a 1-2-3 sweep in racing (with a speed of 213 mph) and had a four-year winning streak at the world’s most prestigious race, the 24 hours of Le Man, from 1966 to 1969. If you are a big fan of car racing, you can commemorate this historic win with the Shelby Store’s selection of mustang t-shirts and GT40 collectibles.
GT40 uses its original style, the steel monocoque unibody chassis, and a completely independent suspension. The design series uses A-arms of different lengths. Two-thirds of the components can be swapped out with the original race car. Amazingly, the top speed of the GT40 is 164 mph.
- Jaguar E-Type
Dubbed “the most beautiful car ever made,” the Jaguar E-Type is known for its seductive blend of sleek shape and fluidity. The E-Type is one of only three vehicles to be accepted into the permanent design collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
Furthermore, the E-Type mechanism was based on its predecessor, the D-Type that won the Le Mans between 1955 and 1957. With a top speed of 150 mph (241 km/h) and a 0-60 mph (97 km/h) acceleration time of fewer than seven seconds, the E-Type is an emblem of the abilities of British manufacturers.
- Volkswagen Beetle
The Volkswagen Bettle is known as der Käfer, which translates to “beetle” in German. With its simplicity and minimalistic design, this car is an inexpensive model that can be produced in large quantities. The original 25-horsepower Beetle was intended to reach a top speed of around 100 km/h (62 mph). With a flat-four, air-cooled engine that has less than 200 moving parts, the car is, indeed, ideal for mechanics and hobbyists alike.
- Ford Model-T
The Ford Model-T quickly became a household buzzword in the early 1900s, signifying the rise of the middle class and the start of America’s modernization era. Ford Model-T was a crowd favorite, with over 15 million produced between 1913 and 1927.
In terms of innovation, the Ford Model-T was the first to have a single-piece engine block and crankcase, the first to have a removable cylinder head for easier access, and the first to use the lightweight but strong alloy vanadium steel extensively. Nowadays, everyone could switch gears with ease thanks to the Model T’s zippy transmission. These advancements and technologies enabled the world’s transition to a more urban lifestyle.
- Lincoln Futura
If you are a fan of heroes in popular comics and movie shows, you are familiar with the batmobile, the cinematic Lincoln Futura. Unlike the Ford Model-T, the Lincoln Futura portrays leisure.
The Futura was powered by a 368 cubic inch Lincoln engine and powertrain, with a three-speed turbo drive automatic transmission. Its appearance was inspired by science fiction and aspirations of futuristic technology during the post-war Atomic Era.
- Nissan GT-R
Nissan manufactured a high-performance version of its Skyline coupe called the Nissan Skyline GT-R between 1969 and 1974, and again between 1989 and 2002. With 160 horsepower and a top speed of 121 mph, no wonder the GT-R is nicknamed Godzilla.
The Skyline GT-R has become one of the most well-known sports cars in popular culture today. It has solidified its spot as one of the most stunning automobiles of all time by appearing in movies that feature fast cars.
- Lincoln Continental
Lincoln, a division of the American carmaker Ford Motor Company, produces a line of mid-sized and full-sized luxury cars. This car became famous during JFK’s assassination when he was riding in this magnificently modified 1961 Lincoln Continental four-door convertible presidential limousine.
- Chevrolet Camaro
The Chevrolet Camaro is a mid-size American automobile that is categorized as a pony car with a peak speed of 198 mph. It was designed to compete with the Ford Mustang. However, it later found its way into movies as the Bumblebee.
- Mini
From 1959 to 2000, the British Motor Corporation (BMC) manufactured the Mini, a two-door compact city automobile. Despite being so small, 80 percent of its floor pan area can be used as passenger space. With its transverse engine, the Mini proved to be a powerful rally car, dominating the Monte Carlo Rally in 1964, 1965, and 1967.
- Toyota 2000 GT
Toyota 2000 GT is the first Japanese supercar. Famous for its appearance in the espionage film “You Only Live Twice,” Toyota 200 GT was portrayed as a secret agent’s trusted supercar.
For the record, the Toyota 2000 GT is indeed reliable. In 1966, this car set thirteen FIA records for speed and endurance in a 72-hour test at Yatabe High-Speed Track. In the same year, Toyota 2000 GT won its first Japanese Grand Prix in the inaugural Suzuka 1000 Kilometers.
Leaving A Legacy
Car designs evolve. Preferences change and differ. However, an iconic car transcends time since it is designed with passion and effort. As always, it will leave behind a legacy for the next generation of the automobile industry.