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Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Cars That Will Age Well

Today my idea was to list 10 cars I think will never show their true age. When I finished the list there were 18 cars total. I struggled but couldn't remove eight of them, so I added two…and then added more. So here is my list of the top 20ish cars that will (or continue to) age like fine wine.

1954-1963 Mercedes 300SL.
What started as a race car later became the vehicle Mercedes is best known for. The 300SL is Starry Night and Mercedes is Van Gogh. Well done Mercedes, well done.


1948-1959 Porsche 356
Simple, understated, and elegant. This car will look as good in 2055 as it did in 1955. Smooth lines and simplistic features made for the perfect combination on both the coupe and convertible models. 

Aston Martin DBS
In all actuality the DB7 should be on the list but the smoked-clear taillights get me every time. This is undeniably one of the sexiest cars of all time. Don’t believe me? Just ask Bond, James Bond.

Ford GT
Taken from the original GT40 the newer GT’s low roof-line and wide hips made for one attractive automobile. However, with the big V8 whatever glimpse you got was probably of the rear.

Porsche 911
The Porsche 911 is the master of aging well. The early 911 looks just as good as the new 911. No matter what year model you drive, the 911 will get you envious looks for years to come.  

Ferrari F355
I fell in love with this car the moment I saw it and I still have those same feelings today. The proportions are correct, the wheels fit it perfectly, and the taillights will never go out of style.

1955-1966 Rolls Royce Silver Cloud
If they still made this car today I’d buy one. Nothing says money or taste like a Silver Cloud. Give me a cigar, some scotch, power over a country and there is only one car I’d ride in...a Rolls Royce Silver Cloud.

1965-1967 AC Cobra
One part British sports car, one part American madness. Lucky for us the madness was under the hood and the British (who clearly know how to build automotive art) designed a stunningly flawless body. From the small air scoop to the push-bar bumpers, this car will always look amazing. Although very few were produced you can build your own with the help of Factory Five.

BMW E46 M3
It was hard for me to decide between this and the E39 M5. In the end the E46 made it because I’m sure it will age just as good as, if not better than, the E21.

2009-Present Jaguar XJ
Stunning, absolutely stunning. I could, and probably have, stared at this car for hours. Every time I drive by one parked in a lot I gawk like a freshman in love with an upper-class cheerleader.


Bentley Arnage T
This might be my most favorite car on this list. The flat mesh nose and round headlights are timeless. If I see one driving by I suddenly have the urge to pull over and salute (while the Royal Navy Marching song plays and canons are fired off in the distance). Long live the Queen. 


Mercedes CLK AMG Black
Much like the M3, the CLK AMG Black adds performance to a base model without going overboard on styling. Classic Mercedes headlights, subtle but effective features, and perfect dimensions make this an obvious choice. No wrinkle cream needed.

Jaguar E-Type
The term classic doesn't even begin to describe the E-type. The long hood makes this car so unique and like the Porsche 356, the E-type looks good in both convertible and coupe. You have to love Jaguar’s signature oval mouth grill which has been in use every since the 60s.  

2001-2008 MINI Cooper S
If you’re honest with yourself you’ll agree that BMW did a great job on reviving the BMC/Rover Cooper with MINI. The ride height, wheel choice, special options, two-tone paint scheme, and traditional grill are what make this a timeless design.

Lancia Stratos
There is no arguing this one. Any car nut can recognize a Stratos from its wedge shaped nose, bubble shaped cabin, and pop-up headlights. Fat Wheel arches and roof-top spoiler make the cheese-wedge shape even more aggressive. We all know that if Lancia came back and built a new Stratos that they wouldn't change the shape. They’d just round the edges and fit it with a larger cabin to put an end to the awkward leg touching between driver and co-pilot while changing gears.   

Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Split-Window
Like something from the Jetsons, the Stingray Split-window encompasses the 60’s obsession with futuristic design. Knife-like nose, taillights that mimic flames exiting a jet engine, and other airplane style features make this car bad ass even when parked.

Jaguar XK120
I would be forbidden to call myself a car enthusiast if I left this one off the list. There is not much to say about this masterpiece of a car that hasn't already been said. This car is breathtaking and always will be…end of story.

1991-2001 Acura NSX
I see an NSX at least once a week and still can’t get over the fact they were built in the 90s. The NSX looks so good and regardless of the new model, this one will always look timeless. The big bonus comes from the fact this is one of the most reliable sports cars ever. Not only will it look good in 2025, chances are it will still be running great.

1969-1972,  1995-2002, 2007-Present Nissan GTR
I know, I know, technically that is three different cars but technically I said 20ish cars to begin with. The early model brought us an everlasting look and the other two will age just as well. Plus who could resist the early model’s fender mounted rear-view mirrors?


Weismann GT
This one might be the least known of the group but should not be overlooked by any means. This German company has put modern twists on a classic design. A Jaguar XK120 face and Delahaye 135 roof-line help put this beauty on the list.


Honorable Mentions:
Ferrari F40
2002-Present Range Rover Supercharged
1970-1973 Datsun 240Z
BMW E39
2005-Present Chevrolet Corvette C6
Bentley Continental GT
BMX X6M
1938-1966 VW type-1




All photos were used under the Creative Commons found here http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/deed.en

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