The 14 Most Iconic Classic Cars

Robb Report’s definitive guide to the most important cars of the 20th century.

By Terry Christodoulou 12/08/2021

Reducing all the world’s great cars to a list of just 14 is a somewhat thankless task, and is sure to upset a few (many). However, when curating this heady list of vehicles below we’ve taken into account not only collectability, design, racing heritage and cultural impact. These are the cars that remain icons in an industry filled with watershed moments.

Here, in no particular order, Robb Report’s 14 most iconic classic cars.

Mercedes-Benz 300SL Coupe

The 300SL needs little introduction. From 1954-57 the coupe turned the motoring world on its head.

Its ultra-light, tubular design and gullwing doors were standout features, however, it was the ground-breaking engine – a 3-litre overhead camshaft straight-6 engine – that really captured the imagination.

Capable of 179kW and 294Nm of torque, the engine catapulted the 1500kg car to a top speed of 263km/h, making it the fastest production car of its time.

Aston Martin DB5

Crossing the cultural zeitgeist, the Aston Martin DB5 is the most recognisable motorcar produced by the marque thanks to its starring role in the James Bond film, Goldfinger.

Championing many of the attributes of its predecessor – the equally handsome DB4 – the DB5 saw an enlarged, all-aluminium engine attached to a five-speed transmission that produced 210kW and propelled the car to 233km/h. A spritely figure.

From 1963 to 1965 only 1059 units of the DB5 were ever produced and today it remains a coveted piece of English motoring history thanks to its performance, good-looks and bona fide star power.

Ferrari 250 GTO

Produced from 1962 to 1964, the Ferrari 250 GTO has become the holy grail for Prancing Horse fans. Powered by Ferrari’s Tipo 168.62 Colombo V12 engine, the GTO offered 250cc’s of displacement resulting in 221kW and 294nm of torque.

The formidable grunt was paired with a smooth, aerodynamic design, which promised speed and stability. Now, the aluminium bodywork is instantly recognisable thanks to its long, low nose, and distinctive air intakes.

It was enough to see Ferrari win the over 2000cc class of FIA’s International Championship for GT Manufacturers in 1962, 1963 and 1964. With thanks to its curved lines and racing heritage the GTO is now arguably the most coveted collector car in the world – with a 250 GTO selling for US$70 million in 2018.

 

 Jaguar E-Type

Over the years many have spoken to the Jaguar E-types beauty. Hell, even Enzo Ferrari famously stated it was the most beautiful car in the world. It’s also one of the most important and collectable in history.

The British sportscar was manufactured between 1961 and 1975. The ‘series 1 cars were initially built with 3.8-litre six-cylinder engine that produced 198kW and sent the car to a top speed of 241km/h.

 

Porsche 911 (930)

No classic car list is complete without a mention of a Porsche 911. The Robb Report team debated at length about which iteration was favoured, ultimately landing on the 930. Produced from 1975-1989 the car carried over much of its initial iconic shape but was made, broader, angrier. The 930 catapulted Porsche into rarified air, producing at the time the fastest production car available in Germany at the time.

It also was the first of the 911s to be turbocharged, with Porsche badging the vehicle as “Turbo” at the Paris Auto Show in October 1974, taking the total output of the engine to 191kW and 329Nm of torque.

 

Lamborghini Countach

The Lamborghini Countach was the poster child for 80’s excess thanks to its outrageous “Italian Wedge” design and performance figures.

Produced from 1974-1990 the Countach was designed by Marcelo Gandini and was the first production car to incorporate scissor doors.

However, it doesn’t make this list for that alone, the earlier models – such as the LP400 saw a 276kW V12 in the middle of the car which gave the car a top speed of 288km/h. It was a supercar like nobody had yet seen with its ostentatious design, loud engine notes and searing performance – the weighing 1000kg dry, it saw 0-100km/h in 5.4 seconds.

 

 Ferrari F40

Ferrari had long been lauded as the pinnacle of motoring, but it was losing its edge against Lamborghini’s wild designs. Enter, the F40. From 1987 to 1992 the mid-engine rear-wheel-drive sports car was built to celebrate the Italian marque’s 40th birthday.

The result was a 2-door, wild winged, supercar producing 352kWfrom a 2.9-lite twin-turbocharged V8 that powered from 0-100km/h in a little over 4.7 seconds and offered a top speed of 321km/h.

Those are impressive numbers, even by today’s standards, but that’s not why fans of the car love it so dearly. It’s the imposing design, iconic pop-up headlights which make it such an emblematic car of the time.

 

Renault 5 Turbo

Confused about seeing a Renault on this list? This isn’t your run of the mill hatchback. The Renault 5 Turbo was one of the first ‘Hot Hatches’ ever produced, built between 1980 to 1984, it was the fastest production car rolling out of France.

A boxy, aggressive body kit, once again designed by Marcello Gandini, ensured it turned heads. Meanwhile, the engine sits mid-mounted in the modified chassis, producing 118kW with a max torque of 221Nm through the rear wheels.

More important than its stats was its importance WRC, for which It was produced for homologation purposes and is representative of rallying through the 80’s and all that it was.

 

Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider

Alfa Romeo is oft referred to as the car enthusiast’s car. The marque for true petrol heads and collectors.  Few cars depict the Italian stylings and beauty like the Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider. Inside the unibody construction, saw an Alfa Romeo Twin Cam straight-four aluminium alloy engine capable of 46kW.

While it doesn’t sound like a lot, that power proved plenty for a car that weighed only 960kg, especially with the top down, rolling through the Italian hills.

 

 

 

BMW E30 M3

The first BMW M3, based on the E30 3 Series, went on to create a series of iconic cars from the marque.

Originally produced to meet homologation standards for Group A touring rules, the new car featured an aggressively designed front splitter, sill panels and a range of other aerodynamic changes.

Produced from 1986-91 BMW used its own S14 four-cylinder engine which produced 147kW and gave the model a 0-100km/h time of 6.7 seconds and a top speed of 235km/h. However, today the car is prized for its balanced weight distribution and ability to dart around a race track.

 

McLaren F1

Produced from 1992-1998 the McLaren F1 is the most modern car on this list. Designed by British manufacturer McLaren Cars, the supercar would go on to become the world’s fastest production car, reaching 386.4km/h – a record It would hold for the following 12 years.

The McLaren F1 shocked the car world with its mind-bending speed – which it achieved courtesy of a 6.0 litre 12-cylinder BMW engine producing 461kW. The car became a watershed moment, light-years ahead of the supercars that we now know so well.

 

Ford GT40

It could be argued that the American motoring industry of the 50s and 60s could lay claim to multiple spots on this list. While there are many great designs (think Thunderbird, Impala, Corvette and other muscle-car classics) none took on the greats of Europe like the Ford GT40.

Its David vs Goliath battle in the 24 Hours of Le Mans permanently etched this car’s story into automotive history.

Only 105 Ford GTs were produced with only 7 of the road car only Mk III cars built. This later model was powered by a 4.78-litre engine offering 228kW of power

 

 

Datsun 240Z

The Datsun 240Z, or Nissan Fairlady Z or Nissan S30 as It was known around the world, was produced from 1969-1978 and is one of the most influential sports cars to be born out of the Japanese market.

Designed to compete against the European sports cars, the Japanese marque aggressively priced its new car that offered sleek styling and modern engineering.

Inside its stylish coupe body – that borrows its design cues from the jaguar E-Type –  came a 96kW Datsun, 4-cylinder engine and proved a hit in overseas markets and sees its lineage of ‘Z’ cars continue through the Nissan brand to this day.

Bugatti Type 57S/SC

The cars in this list are framed by a level of mythology that runs deep into car culture. Like Rembrandt’s Storm on the Sea of Galilee, the mystique surrounding the Bugatti Type 57C Atlantic, in particular, La Voiture Noire (Jean Bugatti’s favourite car) and its disappearance, grabs car collectors’ attention.

Produced from 1834 to 1940, the French marque released a lowered version of its already popular 57C car. These went on to become some of the more iconic cars Bugatti produced. Only 43 lowered cars were produced and only two supercharged ‘SC’ cars were built with output at its maximum of 150kW. Today, the Atlantic Type 57s remain one of the world’s most collectable cars.

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Escape from the Ordinary

Ponant, the luxury cruise line known for its meticulously planned itineraries and high-end service, ups the ante on their upcoming European Journeys that promise an unrivalled exploration of the Mediterranean.

By Robb Report Team 19/02/2024

Not all cruises are created equally. Ponant, the luxury cruise line known for its meticulously planned itineraries and high-end service, ups the ante on their upcoming European Journeys that promise an unrivalled exploration of the Mediterranean. From the stunning Amalfi Coast to the pristine Greek Islands, the narrow Corinth Canal to the picturesque Dalmatian coast, historic Istanbul and beguiling Malaga, each destination is a unique adventure waiting to be unravelled. With Ponant, these aren’t just locations on a map; they’re experiences that come alive with the intimate knowledge and insight that their expert guides provide.

Ponant’s luxury cruises are renowned for their individuality, with no two journeys the same. This is not by chance. Itineraries are scrupulously designed to ensure that each passenger is left with a feeling of having embarked on a journey unlike any other.

Athens-Venise. Photograph by N.Matheus. ©PONANT

In 2025, their fleet will set sail for a combined 56 departures from March to October, exploring the dreamy locales of Greece and the Greek Islands, Malta, Italy (including Venice and Sicily), Croatia, France, Turkey, Spain and Portugal. These European Journeys offer an intimate encounter with the Mediterranean, its people and culture. As you cruise in luxury, you’ll dive deep into the heart of each destination, exploring historic sites, engaging with locals, sampling scrumptious cuisine and soaking in the vibrant atmospheres.

The company’s small, sustainable ships, which can accommodate from as few as 32 to 264 guests, have the exclusive ability to sail into ports inaccessible to larger cruise liners, affording privileged entry into some of the world’s most treasured alcoves. Picture sailing under London’s iconic Tower Bridge, crossing the Corinth Canal, or disembarking directly onto the sidewalk during ports of call in culturally rich cities like Lisbon, Barcelona, Nice and Venice, among others.

Photo by Tamar Sarkissian. ©PONANT

This singular closeness is further enriched by destination experts who unravel the tapestry of each locale’s history and traditions.

Onboard their luxurious ships, every guest is a VIP and treated to refined service and amenities akin to sailing on a private yacht. Whether at sea or ashore, their destination experts guarantee a fascinating experience, immersing you in the rich cultural and historical diversity of each region.

Indulge in the finest gastronomy at sea, inspired by none other than gastronomic virtuoso and Ponant partner, Alain Ducasse. Each voyage offers an expertly crafted dining experience, from a-la-carte meals with perfectly matched wines by the onboard Sommelier at dinner and lunch, to a French-inspired buffet breakfast, featuring all the favourite pastries, fresh bread and quality produce.

Chef Mickael Legrand. Photograph by NickRains. ©PONANT

For a more intimate discovery, consider Le Ponant, with its 16 high-class staterooms and suites—perfect for private charter—sailing eight exclusive routes between Greece and Croatia, offering guests unparalleled experiences both onboard and ashore. Ponant’s commitment to crafting unforgettable experiences extends beyond itineraries. Aboard their ships, the luxury is in every detail. Unwind in opulent cabins and suites, each offering private balconies and breathtaking views of the azure water and destinations beyond.

Ponant’s upcoming European Journeys are more than just cruises—they’re your passport to a world of cultural immersion, historical exploration, and unrivalled luxury. Don’t miss this opportunity to embark on the voyage of a lifetime: the Mediterranean is calling.

To book European 2025 sailings visit au.ponant.com; call 1300 737 178 (AU) or 0800 767 018 (NZ) or contact your preferred travel agent.

 

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Saint Laurent Just Opened a New Bookstore in Paris. Here’s a Look Inside.

The chic new outpost is located on the city’s arty Left Bank.

By Rachel Cormack 14/02/2024

Saint Laurent is taking over even more of Paris.

The French fashion house, which only just opened an epic new flagship on Champs-Élysées, has launched a chic new bookstore on the Left Bank. Located in the 7th arrondissement, Saint Laurent Babylone is a mecca of art, music, literature, and, of course, fashion.

The new outpost is a tribute to the connection that Yves Saint Laurent and partner Pierre Bergé had to the Rue Babylone, according to Women’s Wear Daily. (In 1970, the pair moved to a 6,500-square-foot duplex on the street.) It is also inspired by the house’s original ready-to-wear boutique, Saint Laurent Rive Guache, which opened in the 6th arrondissement in 1966.

The exposed concrete in contrasted by sleek marble accents. SAINT LAURENT

With a minimalist, art gallery-like aesthetic, the space is anchored by a hefty marble bench and large black shelves. The raw, textured concrete on the walls is juxtaposed by a soft blue and white rug, a wooden Pierre Jeanneret desk, and sleek Donald Judd stools.

The wares within Saint Laurent Babylone are the most important part, of course. Curated by Saint Laurent’s creative director Anthony Vaccarello, the collection includes everything from photos by British artist Rose Finn-Kelcey to books published by Saint Laurent itself. Some tomes on offer are so rare that white gloves are required for handling.

The store also offers an enviable selection of records that are no longer being pressed. Highlights include Sade’s Promise, Kate Bush’s Hounds of Love, and the debut studio album of electronic band Kraftwerk.

Other notable items on the shelves include Leica cameras, chocolates made in collaboration with pastry chef François Daubinet, prints by Juergen Teller, and brass skull sculptures. You’ll also find an assortment of YSL merch, including pens, lighters, and cups.

To top it off, Saint Laurent Babylone will double as an event space, hosting live music sessions, DJ sets, book readings, and author signings over the coming months.

Saint Laurent’s latest endeavor isn’t exactly surprising. With Vaccarello at the helm, the Kering-owned fashion house has entered new cultural realms. Only last year, the label established a film production company and debuted its first movie at Cannes.

The space is fitted with a Pierre Jeanneret desk and Donald Judd stools.
SAINT LAURENT

Perhaps Saint Laurent film reels and movie posters will soon be available at Babylone, too.

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The Best Watches at the Grammys, From Maluma’s Jacob & Co. to Jon Batiste’s Vacheron Constantin

Music’s biggest names sported some outstanding watches on Sunday evening.

By Rachel Mccormack 08/02/2024

Weird yet wonderful watches punctuated this year’s Grammys.

The woman of the moment, Taylor Swift, who made history by winning Album of the Year for an unprecedented fourth time, wore an unconventional Lorraine Schwartz choker watch to the annual awards ceremony on Sunday night. That was just the tip of the horological iceberg, though.

Colombian singer-songwriter Maluma elevated a classic Dolce & Gabbana suit with a dazzling Jacob & Co. Astronomia Tourbillon and a pair of custom, diamond-encrusted Bose earbuds, while American musician Jon Batiste topped off a stylish Versace ensemble with a sleek Vacheron Constantin Overseas Tourbillon. Not to be outdone, rapper Busta Rhymes busted out a rare Audemars Piguet Royal Oak for the occasion.

There was more understated wrist candy on display, too, such as Jack Antonoff’s Cartier Tank LC and Noah Kahan’s Panerai Luminor Quaranta BiTempo.

For the rest of the best watches we saw on the Grammys 2024 red carpet, read on.

Maluma: Jacob & Co. Astronomia Tourbillon

Maluma busted out some truly spectacular bling for this year’s Grammys. The Colombian singer-songwriter paired a classic Dolce & Gabbana suit with a dazzling Jacob & Co. Astronomia Tourbillon and a pair of custom, diamond-encrusted Bose earbuds. The sculptural wrist candy sees a four-arm movement floating in front of a breathtaking dial adorned with no less than 257 rubies. For added pizzaz, the lugs of the 18-karat rose-gold case are invisibly set with 80 baguette-cut white diamonds. Limited to just nine examples, the rarity is priced at $1.5 million.

Asake: Hublot Big Bang Essential Grey

Nigerian singer-songwriter Asake may not have won the Grammy for Best African Music Performance for “Amapiano,” but did wear a winning Hublot Big Bang at Sunday’s proceedings. Released in 2023, the Essential Grey model is made purely of titanium for a sleek, uniform feel. The 42 mm timepiece was limited to just 100 pieces and cost $37,000 a pop.

John Legend: Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Selfwinding

Multihyphenate John Legend wore a legendary Audemars Piguet with silky Saint Laurent on Sunday evening. The self-winding Royal Oak in question features a 34 mm black ceramic case, a black grande tapisserie dial, and striking pink gold accents. The watchmaker’s signature is also displayed in gold under the sapphire crystal. The piece will set you back $81,000.

Jon Batiste: Vacheron Constantin Overseas Tourbillon

American musician Jon Batiste received four nominations but no wins at this year’s Grammys. The “Butterfly” singer can take solace in the fact that he looked ultra-sharp in Versace and Vacheron Constantin. A tribute to the spirit of travel, the Overseas Tourbillon features a 42.5 mm white-gold case, a bezel set with 60 baguette-cut diamonds, and a blue dial featuring a dazzling tourbillon cage inspired by the Maltese cross. Price upon request, naturally.

Fireboy DML: Cartier Santos

Fireboy DML’s outfit was straight fire on Sunday night. The Nigerian singer paired an MCM wool jacket with a Van Cleef & Arpels bracelet, several iced-out rings, and a sleek Cartier Santos. The timepiece features a steel case, a graduated blue dial with steel sword-shaped hands, and a seven-sided crown with synthetic faceted blue spinel.

Noah Kahan: Panerai Luminor Quaranta BiTempo

Best New Artist nominee Noah Kahan wore one of Panerai’s best new watches to Sunday’s festivities. The Luminor Quaranta BiTempo features a 40 mm polished steel case and a black dial with luminous numerals and hour markers, a date display at 3 o’clock, and a small seconds subdial at 9 o’clock. The timepiece can be yours for $14,000.

Busta Rhymes: Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore

Legendary rapper Busta Rhymes busted out a chic Audemars Piguet for this year’s Grammys. The Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph in question is distinguished by a 42 mm rose-gold case and a matching pink méga tapisserie dial with an outer flange for the tachymeter scale. The face is fitted with three black subdials, large black numerals, and a black date display at 3 o’clock. You can expect to pay around $61,200 for the chronograph on the secondary market.

Jack Antonoff: Cartier Tank Louis Cartier

Producer of the year Jack Antonoff took to the red carpet with a stylish Cartier on his wrist. The Tank Louis Cartier in question appears to be a large 33.7 mm example that features an 18-carat rose-gold case, a silvered dial with black Roman numerals and blued steel hands, a beaded crown set with a sapphire cabochon, and a brown alligator strap. It’ll set you back $19,900.

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This 44-Foot Carbon-Fiber Speedboat Can Rocket to 177 KMPH

The new Mayla GT is available with a range of different powertrains, too.

By Rachel Cormack 03/02/2024

We knew the Mayla GT would be one of the most exciting boats at Boot Düsseldorf, but a deep dive into the specs shows it could be downright revolutionary.

The brainchild of German start-up Mayla, the 44-footer brings you the blistering performance of a speedboat and the luxe amenities of a motor yacht in one neat carbon-fiber package.

Inspired by the go-fast boats of the 1970s and ‘80s, the GT sports an angular, retro-futuristic body and the sleek lines of a rocket ship. Tipping the scales at just 4500 kilograms, the lightweight design features a deep-V hull with twin transversal steps and patented Petestep deflectors that help it slice through the waves with ease. In fact, Mayla says the deflectors decrease energy usage by up to 35 percent while ensuring a more efficient planing.

The range-topping GT can reach 185 kph. MAYLA

The GT is also capable of soaring at breakneck speeds, with the option of a gas, diesel, electric, or hybrid powertrain. The range-topping GTR-R model packs dual gas-powered engines that can churn out 3,100 hp for a top speed of more than 100 knots (185 kph). At the other, more sustainable end of the spectrum, the E-GT is fitted with an electric powertrain that can produce 2,200 horses for a max speed of 50 knots. The hybrid E-GTR pairs that same electric powertrain with a 294 kilowatt diesel engine for a top speed of 60 knots (111 km/h/69 mph). (The GT in the water at Boot sported two entry-level V8s good for 650 hp and a top speed of over 70 knots.)

The GT is suitable for more than just high-speed jaunts, of course. The multipurpose cockpit, which can accommodate up to eight passengers, features a sundeck with sliding loungers, a wet bar and BBQ, and a foldaway dining table for alfresco entertaining. Further toward the stern, a beach club sits atop a garage with an electric transom door.

The garage has an electric transom door. MAYLA

The GT is even fit for overnight stays. Below deck lies a cabin with a double bed, sofa, wardrobe, vanity, and en suite. You can also expect a high-tech entertainment system with TVs and premium audio.

As for price, the GT with the entry-level powertrain will cost between $2.7 million and $2.9, depending on the final configuration. (You can fine-tune the layout, hull color, and interiors, naturally.) Interested buyers can set up a sea trial with Mayla, with test-drives set to begin this spring in Europe.

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Red Centre

First Nations artist Shaun Daniel Allen joins forces with Chopard to create a timepiece inspired by the Australian landscape.

By Horacio Silva 29/01/2024

Shaun Daniel Allen does not look like your typical collaborator on a prestige watch. For one, Shal, as he prefers to be known (“There are many Shauns but only one Shal,” he explains), is more heavily tattooed than your average roadie. His youthful appearance, bad-boy ink and all, belies his 38 years and leads to a disconnect. 

He recounts being recognised on the street recently by a journalist, who, unable to remember his name, shouted out, “Chopard!” “I was with a friend,” Shal says, holding court in his apartment in Sydney’s inner city, “and he’s, like, ‘What the hell? Does that happen to you often?’”

Perhaps because of his body art, he reasons, “People don’t put me and Chopard together.” It’s not hard to understand the confusion, Shal adds; even he was taken aback when Chopard reached out to him about a potential collaboration a little more than a year ago. “When I first went in to see them, I was, like, I don’t know if I’m your guy. I’m not used to being in those rooms and having those conversations.”

He’ll have to adapt quickly to his new reality. Last month Chopard released Shal’s interpretation of the Swiss brand’s storied Alpine Eagle model, which in itself was a redo of the St. Moritz, the first watch creation by Karl-Friedrich Scheufele (now Co-President of Chopard) in the late 1970s. 

Previewed at Sydney’s About Time watch fair in September, to not insignificant interest, and officially known as the Alpine Eagle Sunburnt, the exclusive timepiece—issued in a limited edition of 20—arrives as a stainless steel 41 mm with a 60-hour power reserve and a burnt red dial that brings to mind the searing Outback sun. Its see-through caseback features one of Shal’s artworks painted on sapphire glass.

When the reputable Swiss luxury brand approached Shal, they already had the red dial—a nod to the rich ochre hues of the Australian soil at different times of the day and gradated so that the shades become darker around the edges—locked in as a lure for Australian customers.

Shal was charged with designing an artful caseback and collectible hand-painted sustainable wooden case. After presenting a handful of paintings, each with his signature abstract motifs that pertain to indigenous emblems, tattoos and music, both parties landed on a serpentine image that evoked the coursing of rivers. “I have been painting a lot of water in this last body of work and the image we chose refers to the rivers at home,” he says, alluding to formative years spent at his grandfather’s, just outside of Casino.

It says a lot about Chopard, Shal points out, that they wanted to donate to a charity of his choosing. “Like everything else on this project,” he explains, “they were open to listening and taking new ideas on board and it actually felt like a collaboration, like they weren’t steering me into any corner.”

In another nice touch, a portion of the proceeds from sales of the watch will go to funding programs of the Ngunya Jarjum Aboriginal Corporation—an organisation, established in 1995 by Bundjalung elders, whose work Shal saw firsthand after the 2022 eastern Australia flood disasters ravaged their area. “Seeing Ngunya Jarjum suffer from the floods,” he says, “and knowing how much they do for the community on Bundjalung Country was heartbreaking. I want to see Bundjalung families thriving and supported.”

So what’s it been like for this booster of Australian waterways to be swimming in the luxury end of the pool? “I’ve done a few things with brands,” he offers, referring to the Louis Vuitton project earlier this year at an art gallery in Brisbane, “but nothing on this scale. It’s definitely fancier than I’m used to but I’m not complaining.” Neither are watch aficionados.

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