Five iconic cars everyone should know about

When it comes to design and form, there are few things in the world that express themselves more than a vintage car. They constantly make us turn our head and reach for our phones to snap a picture. But how much do you know about the classic models? Below we list five car models we think everyone should know about.

Text: Sebastian Frank
Photos: Getty Images

Published 2022-09-10

Jaguar E-Type

This classic car designed by Britain's Jaguar is always noticed by everyone. The model was manufactured between 1961 and 1975 and was first launched as a more affordable sports car variant in relation to its performance. The car's signature long bonnet (which isn't just a design stroke of genius) houses a powerful 3.8 to 5.3 litre straight 6 or V12 engine (depending on model). Around 70,000 were manufactured, and is commonly seen at car shows around the world.

Porsche 911

One of the world's most iconic car models, which 57 years after its introduction at the Frankfurt Motor Show is actually still being manufactured (although the design has of course been updated over the years). From the beginning, Porsche called the model the 901, but after a conflict of interest regarding the name with Peugeot, they chose to change it to the 911. The car's six-cylinder engine is air-cooled, which means that the engine is cooled using a fan system. The air-cooled engine was removed in 1998, and according to collectors and enthusiasts, it is the models before that that are the most interesting.

Mercedes-Benz 300SL

The classic of classics. "Gullwing" doors, there are few who contradict themselves in terms of design (and few who can afford it). A significant detail, which also gave rise to its nickname, is that the doors open upwards, which when open makes the car's doors look like gull wings. Between August 1954 and February 1963, only 3,258 cars were built, making it extremely desirable and sought after by collectors. An early variant can go for over $1 million.

Land Rover Defender

This timeless all-terrain vehicle, so often associated with Britain's castles and manors, is a real utility vehicle well worth the name. As many do not know, the 90/110 models were only launched in 1983, when before that it was named series I, II and III. Just in 1983, the British Land Rover underwent an extensive modernisation, after which a new off-road car with better comfort was introduced. The car came in two different versions where the model name refers to the wheelbase in inches – 90 for the short model and 110 for the long one. In 1990, the car received its current name Defender and was produced until 2016. After that, it was difficult to update the model due to today's requirements for safety and exhaust emissions. However, this seems to have been figured out now, as the model was reintroduced in 2020.

Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta SWB

There is no better design in the world that tops Ferrari's 250 GT Berlinetta SWB. The car, which was produced between the glory years of 1959 and 1963, is exactly what you are looking for in a classic sports coupé. It is small, fast and comfortable to drive. The model is a so-called Grand Turismo, which means that the car is enjoyable, exciting and comfortable to drive on open roads. The car was designed by the design firm Carrozzeria Scaglietti, who are known for having designed and manufactured many classic cars over the years.