Top 20 Most Legendary Cars.
It sounds like you're crafting an introduction for a list of iconic cars! The cars you've chosen are indeed legendary in their own rights. The Jaguar E-Type is renowned for its beauty and performance, the Pontiac Firebird Trans-Am for its American muscle charm, the Aston Martin DB5 for its association with James Bond, the Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7 for its precision engineering, and the Lamborghini Miura for revolutionizing supercar design.
As for my dream car, I'd have to say the Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7. Its combination of sleek design, engineering excellence, and exhilarating driving experience makes it a timeless classic. What about you—any particular favorite among these or another iconic car that captures your imagination?
As for my dream car, I'd have to say the Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7. Its combination of sleek design, engineering excellence, and exhilarating driving experience makes it a timeless classic. What about you—any particular favorite among these or another iconic car that captures your imagination?
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Short filmTranscript
00:00In fact, the M1 is arguably the world's first truly sensible, usable, European mid-engined
00:05exotic.
00:07Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we're counting down our picks for the most iconic vehicles
00:11to ever come off the assembly line.
00:13But this is such a special car, it's so rare, they only built over 150 of them, around 150.
00:22Number 20.
00:23Toyota Supra MK4.
00:25The first generation of the Toyota Supra dates all the way back to the late 1970s.
00:29It could be argued, however, that the MK4 model that arrived in 1993 broke the proverbial
00:35mold.
00:39There was an increased focus on performance this time around.
00:42More than ever before, in fact.
00:43The MK4 was lighter and shorter, with a design that was perfect for road racing.
00:48Elsewhere, this Supra was also powerful and efficient on the road, a masterful meeting
00:53of planning, engineering, and execution.
00:56This was indeed the real deal.
00:58Number 19.
00:59Jaguar E-Type.
01:00There were a number of Jaguar models that were considered for this list.
01:03The C-Type certainly comes to mind, but it's the Jaguar E-Type that ultimately makes our
01:08cut.
01:09These models were produced between 1961 and 1974, and are remembered today as a perfect
01:14storm of sorts.
01:20These cars looked great, handled wonderfully, were well-constructed, and were even priced
01:25right for their day.
01:26The Jaguar E-Type possesses a legacy of excellence that's difficult to deny, while their beautiful
01:31lines and sleek design lend them the reputation as one of the most gorgeous cars to ever roll
01:36off an assembly line.
01:45Number 18.
01:46Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Coupe.
01:48The Chevy Corvette is a name that's virtually synonymous with cool.
01:52The second-generation Stingray Coupe that was produced from 1963 to 1967 are practically
01:57outstanding, however, thanks to an increased focus on handling to coincide with horsepower.
02:02The 1967 Stingray in particular arrived lightweight and with all of the various upgrades that
02:08Chevy tinkered with over the course of four years.
02:10The end results were an iconic American sports car that could seriously move, while also
02:15embodying power and great looks.
02:18They say that a classic never goes out of style, and that old adage definitely applies
02:22with the Chevy Stingray.
02:24Number 17.
02:25Ferrari Daytona.
02:26It's a clashing name, sure, but the Ferrari Daytona was something of a rock star within
02:31the car world.
02:32That's because variations of this car have appeared on everything from television shows
02:37like Miami Vice to movies like A Star Is Born and album covers from artists like The Carpenters.
02:43Here was a car that virtually defined the Ferrari brand during the 1970s, a speedy and
02:49efficient sportster with tons of get-up-and-go with a look that never skimped on style.
02:55There's a reason after all why the name Ferrari is a legend, and it's in part to cars like
03:00the Daytona.
03:01It's absolutely sublime.
03:07Number 16.
03:08Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale.
03:11Ferrari's Alfa Romeo brand is another brand with a number of iconic cars to its name.
03:15The eight-cylinder Competizione was totally killer, but it's the Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale
03:20that just might be one of the best examples of the company's excellence.
03:24There are many people who would say this is one of the greatest looking cars ever made.
03:28The 33 Stradale was fast with a capital F, with the very word itself, Stradale, translating
03:34from Italian into the phrase road-going.
03:36This car wasn't cheap, but those that could afford the 33 Stradale from Alfa Romeo received
03:41a car with dangerous curves that could go, go, go.
03:45Number 15.
03:46Pontiac Firebird Trans Am.
03:48The Firebird brand from Pontiac produced four different generational models of the Trans
03:52Am over the course of over three decades.
03:54The Firebird continues the F-car reputation of being the best handling car made in America.
04:00Today the car is remembered as perhaps the definitive American muscle car.
04:04The Pontiac Firebird Trans Am was a loud, fast, and powerful car that fed into American
04:09drivers' hunger for performance and speed.
04:12Kit from TV's Knight Rider was one of the coolest Trans Ams to ever hit the road, further
04:16solidifying the brand's iconic status.
04:19All those guys did a nice job, there's not a ripple on it.
04:24Alas, nothing lasts forever, and the Pontiac Firebird Trans Am faded off into the sunset
04:29in 2002.
04:31Although die-hard fans will always have their memories.
04:33I can't believe this, a car that talks back to me.
04:40Easy, take it easy.
04:44Don't let the sound of your own beat…
04:47Number 14.
04:48DMC DeLorean.
04:49It's perhaps the easiest softball entry on this list.
04:53A car whose easily distinguishable look and design forever cemented it within the 1980s
04:58cultural zeitgeist.
04:59Let's forget for a moment that the DMC DeLorean was never known for its performance
05:03or quality craftsmanship.
05:06Good lord.
05:09Let's also ignore the chaotic history behind former General Motors man John DeLorean and
05:14the company that bore his name.
05:16Instead, the DMC DeLorean lives on forever thanks to its inclusion in one of cinema's
05:21most beloved films, Back to the Future.
05:23Let's see if you bastards can do 90.
05:30The vehicle's gull-winged doors frankly made it seem more futuristic than it actually
05:34was, but you know what?
05:35We wouldn't want it any other way.
05:42Number 13.
05:43Shelby Mustang GT350 and GT500.
05:46A number of specific models come to mind when considering the enviable legacy of the Shelby
05:51Mustang.
05:52This collaboration between Shelby American and the Ford Motor Company hit particular
05:56pay dirt with their GT500 and GT350 models from 2007 and 2015 respectively.
06:04It's a good-looking car.
06:06The power is always intoxicating.
06:09The GT500 received the distinction of portraying the new kit for NBC's brief reboot of Knight
06:15Rider.
06:16Please step away from the car, or I will be forced to take defensive measures.
06:20Meanwhile, its third-gen model from 2020 and beyond showcased even more speed, power, and
06:25torque.
06:26The GT350, for its part, was tailor-made for the track, featuring ace handling and sleek
06:31design concepts that looked great as they whizzed by you at blinding speeds.
06:36All the work the engineers have done really pays off when you're here in the driver's
06:39seat.
06:40Number 12.
06:41AC Shelby Cobra 427.
06:43Shelby American returns once again with the AC Cobra 427 from 1965.
06:49This classic muscle car tried and succeeded in combining the American desire for power
06:54and speed with a European look and precision handling.
06:57The end results were tailor-made for this swinging decade of change, and the AC Shelby
07:02Cobra 427 delivered the goods when it came to harmonizing style and substance.
07:07There are so many replicas out there, it's fascinating to see one exactly as it left
07:13the factory.
07:14There was over 400 horsepower under the hood of the 427, yet this Cobra hugged the roads
07:19like an old friend, burning rubber ahead of the competition.
07:22Said quite simply, the AC Shelby Cobra 427 was badass.
07:27Maybe one of the most badass cars to ever be produced, full stop.
07:31Almost 55 years old, but still impressive.
07:35Number 11.
07:36Lancia Stratos.
07:37What a fantastic car!
07:40Rally racing is the name of the game when it comes to the Stratos from Lancia.
07:44What else might one expect from the Italian race car market, one of the most famous in
07:48the entire world?
07:49The Lancia Stratos was a dominant force on the racetrack, hugging corners and winning
07:53awards with speed and precision.
07:55It doesn't really matter that this wasn't a car you'd see on everyday roads.
07:59The Lancia Stratos meant business, and demanded that you get out of the way, or risk eating
08:04their literal dust.
08:06This is one of the best cars ever made.
08:10Number 10.
08:11Aston Martin DB5.
08:12It is arguably the dream car of the 1960s.
08:17Yes, it's that Aston Martin.
08:20Designed by Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera, 1,059 DB5s were built between 1963 and 1965,
08:27with the overwhelming majority of those being 2x2 coupes.
08:31123 were convertibles, but rarest of all was the shooting brake or wagon model, which was
08:36made for Aston boss David Brown himself.
08:39Regardless of body shape, the DB5 was powered by a 4 liter, triple carbureted, straight
08:44six with a top speed of 143 miles, or 230 kilometers per hour, and a 0 to 60 mile per
08:50hour time, 8 seconds.
08:52Base models could boast 282 horsepower and 280 pounds per feet of torque, but the less
08:58common Vantage variant had a full serving of 315 horsepower pulling on the reins.
09:04This is quite possibly the most famous car in the world.
09:08No, it is the most famous.
09:09Number 9.
09:10BMW M1.
09:12But in 1978, an unlikely name threw their hat into the ring with a car that has since
09:17become as exotic and legendary as anything with a horse or bull on the hood.
09:21This unique beast of the BMW family, the M1, is also among the rarest.
09:26Birthed from a brief union between BMW and Lamborghini, the M1 was intended to be BMW's
09:32ticket to on-track success and a race car for the streets.
09:37Like a Lambo, the M1 was mid-engined, but that engine was a 3.5 liter, twin-cam, fuel-injected
09:43straight six, rather than Lamborghini's pride, the V12.
09:47It may have half the cylinder count, but with 273 horsepower and a top speed of 162 miles,
09:54or 260 kilometers per hour, it was no slouch.
09:58Turbocharged, full racing versions, meanwhile, could hit a stately 850 horsepower.
10:03Simply get in, turn the key, and drive.
10:07Number 8.
10:08Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7
10:10I am not a car.
10:13I'm much more than that.
10:15In striving to create a racing car, Porsche managed to create one of their most iconic
10:20and desirable cars of all time.
10:22Using the 911 as its base, every inch of the car was dedicated to racing.
10:26From the beefier brakes, wider rear end and rear wheels, and stiff suspension, to the
10:31hate-it-or-love-it ducktail spoiler.
10:33It was also lightweight, at just 2,370 pounds, or 1,075 kilograms.
10:39The sport lightweight version, meanwhile, was, naturally, lighter still, at 2,150 pounds,
10:44or 975 kilograms.
10:46This, combined with a fuel-injected 210 horsepower, 2.7 liter, six-cylinder engine, made the Carrera
10:52RS a rocket.
10:54And at just shy of 1,600 units, it's a rare and legendary rocket at that.
10:59Come and catch me, if you can.
11:02Number seven, Lamborghini Countach, made from 1974 to 1990.
11:07The Countach kick-started the entire wedge-shaped revolution.
11:11This car looks this shocking today.
11:13Imagine what it looked like back in 1971.
11:17Powered, initially, by the same four-liter engine as the Miura, Lamborghini continued
11:21improving the power plant until it became a fuel-injected, 5.2 liter, 414 horsepower
11:27fire-breather.
11:28The final take on the Countach, the 25th anniversary model, had a still respectable
11:330 to 60 time of 4.7 seconds, and a top speed of 183 miles per hour, or 295 kilometers per
11:40hour.
11:41With its sharp lines, scissor doors, and optional massive rear wing, it looked fast, even when
11:46parked, and was instant pin-up material.
11:49Your sense is being bombarded by so many other things, that you just don't notice how fast
11:54you're going, really.
11:55Number six, Ferrari F40.
11:57By the mid-80s, Ferrari had pretty much perfected their mid-engine, rear-drive, go-fast recipe,
12:02and that perfection came in the form of the F40.
12:05This was the last car blessed by Enzo Ferrari.
12:10Powered by a twin-turbo, 3 liter, 471 horsepower V8, the car was the last one personally approved
12:17by founder Enzo Ferrari.
12:19Made of a mix of Kevlar, carbon fiber, and aluminum, the F40 was a stripped-down,
12:24low-weight, high-power machine, built with the goal of breaking the 200 mile per hour
12:30barrier.
12:31Coated with just enough paint to hide the carbon fiber weave, the F40's body was shaped
12:35not only for style, but for aerodynamics, and to channel cool air to its vital organs.
12:41In the end, Enzo's legacy has been cemented in this supercar masterpiece.
12:46That's what I like.
12:47Ferrari always builds the ultimate of whatever it is they're trying to build.
12:50Number five, McLaren F1.
12:52With its unusual center-forward driving position and an ultra-sleek design, the McLaren F1
12:57was always going to be an attention-getter, and it had the goods to be more than just
13:01a head-turner.
13:02The McLaren F1 is the dream concept of its designer, Gordon Murray.
13:07Using expensive and unlikely materials for weight relief, including gold, magnesium,
13:12Kevlar, carbon fiber, and titanium, the F1 was not only lightweight, it was near-perfectly
13:18balanced.
13:19But it was also seriously fast.
13:21Using a 6.1-liter BMW V12, the standard F1 recorded a top speed of 231 miles per hour,
13:29or 371 kilometers per hour, a record speed that held until the arrival of the Bugatti
13:34Veyron in 2005.
13:36Even today, long after it entered production in 1992 and left it in 1998, very few cars
13:42can keep up with, let alone pass, the F1.
13:46This is sensational!
13:504.
13:51Mercedes 300SL
13:53Most road versions of race cars are turned-down lookalikes with a few intimidating badges
13:58and a lot less power.
14:00The 300SL did things differently.
14:02It actually had a slightly more powerful engine than the racer it was based on.
14:06Where the carbureted racing version got 175 horsepower, the street-legal, fuel-injected
14:11300SL got 215 horsepower.
14:14And at 160 miles, or 258 kilometers per hour, it was the fastest production car in the world
14:21in 1954.
14:22Plus, with its old-world classy curves and its trademark gull-wing doors, the 300SL was
14:28simply gorgeous, whether it was creeping up in your mirror, passing you, or parked in
14:33your driveway.
14:343.
14:35Ford GT40
14:36Seven-liter, 200-mile-an-hour monster that won Le Mans four times on the track.
14:43Based in equal measure on the Lola MK6 and Henry Ford II's desire to beat Ferrari,
14:49the Ford GT40 was a legend from the first green flag.
14:52Using a blend of British engineering and American horsepower, the GT40 not only won Le Mans
14:57in 1966, it claimed second and third as well for a full podium sweep, and it would carry
15:03on winning the annual race until 1970.
15:06Due to its limited numbers, with just seven road-ready MK3s being built, GT40s can command
15:12an outstanding price on the collector's market, such as the $11 million paid for a
15:171968 model formerly owned by Steve McQueen.
15:21It isn't even as high as my legs.
15:242.
15:25Lamborghini Miura
15:26This is the origin of Lamborghini as we know it today.
15:31Prior to the Miura, Lamborghini was known for making quick cruisers and grand tourers.
15:36After the Miura, they were known for sleek, bold designs and ridiculous amounts of speed.
15:42The exact type of car Ferruccio Lamborghini never wanted to make, the Miura was designed
15:47by his engineers when he wasn't looking.
15:49They didn't realize it at the time, but those seven impetuous young engineers were
15:55about to spark a revolution.
15:57It would be the last time a Miura failed to catch a look.
16:01Using Lambo's trusty 3.9-liter 345-horsepower V12 and a then-revolutionary mid-engine layout,
16:08the Miura could achieve a 171 miles or 276 kilometers per hour top speed.
16:15With this, the Miura became the world's first true supercar.
16:19And in true supercar fashion, it was as pricey as it was fast, costing $20,000 in an era
16:25of $2,000 cars.
16:27As a car, it was flawed.
16:29But as a concept, it was truly a masterpiece.
16:35Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
16:381936 Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic, a rare and OG supercar.
16:44Duesenberg Model J, luxury personified.
16:48$2.15 million.
16:51Audi Quattro, rally car excellence.
16:54Mercedes-Benz SSK, pioneer of speed and performance from the golden age.
16:58And this car was built in 1928.
17:01This was also the first model year to carry the Mercedes-Benz logo on the radiator that we know today.
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17:22Number one, Ferrari 250 GTO.
17:25While the 250 California was made for winding roads and warm Pacific days,
17:30the 250 GTO was made to savagely beat Cobras, Jaguar E-Types, and Aston Martins on the track.
17:36Based upon the short wheel base 250 GT,
17:39this 250 got an ultra aerodynamic body and a Le Mans proven three liter V12 loaded with six Weber carburetors.
17:48Less than 50 GTOs were built and they were sold only to buyers personally selected by Enzo Ferrari himself.
17:55The $18,000 required to take Enzo up on his invitation proved to be an excellent investment.
18:01Today, GTOs can command millions like the $38 million paid for Sterling Moss' former GTO.
18:09What's your dream car? Let us know in the comments.
18:12There are faults with it, but you look at it and they just sort of aren't.
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