The most beautiful, most famous, iconic - part 1

We present legendary and unique cars, without which it is difficult to imagine the history of the automotive industry.

Benz's patent for the world's first car

car in fact, it is a mass and useful product. Most of the cars that drive on the roads around the world do not stand out in any way. For better or worse, they perform their most important function - a modern means of communication - and after some time they disappear from the market or are replaced by a newer generation. However, from time to time there are cars that turn out to be next milestones in automotive history, change course, put it down new standards of beauty or pushing technological boundaries. What makes them an icon? Sometimes stunning design and performance (like Ferrari 250 GTO or Lancia Stratos), unusual technical solutions (CitroënDS), motorsport success (Alfetta, Lancia Delta Integrale), sometimes unusual version (Subaru Impreza WRX STi), uniqueness (Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale ) and, finally, participation in famous films (James Bond's Aston Martin DB5).

With few exceptions legendary cars in our overview, we present in chronological order - from the first classic cars to more and more new classic. Years of issue are given in parentheses.

Benz Patent Car No. 1 (1886)

On July 3, 1886, on the Ringstrasse in Mannheim, Germany, he presented to the surprised public an unusual three-wheeled car with a volume of 980 cm3 and a power of 1,5 hp. The car had electric ignition and was controlled by a lever that turned the front wheel. The bench for the driver and passenger was mounted on a frame of bent steel pipes, and the bumps in the road were damped by springs and leaf springs placed under it.

Benz built the first car in history with money from the dowry of his wife Bertha, who, wanting to prove that her husband's construction had potential and was successful, boldly covered the 194-kilometer journey from Mannheim to Pforzheim in the first car.

Mercedes Simplex (1902)

This is the first Daimler car called Mercedes, named after the daughter of the Austrian businessman and diplomat Emil Jellink, who made a great contribution to the creation of this model. The Simplex was built by Wilhelm Maybach, who was working for Daimler at the time. The car was innovative in many ways: it was built on a stamped steel chassis rather than wood, ball bearings were used instead of plain bearings, an accelerator pedal replaced manual throttle control, a gearbox had four gears and a reverse gear. Also new was the fully mechanical valve control of the front 4-cylinder 3050 cc Bosch magneto engine.³which developed a power of 22 hp.

Curved dashboard of Oldsmobile (1901-07) and Ford T (1908-27)

We mention Curved Dash here to give credit - it's a model, not Ford Tit is generally considered to be the first mass-produced car to be assembled on a production line. However, it was undoubtedly Henry Ford who brought this innovative process to perfection.

The revolution began with the introduction of the Model T in 1908. This cheap, easy to assemble and repair, highly versatile and mass-produced car (it only took 90 minutes to assemble a complete car!), made the United States the first truly motorized country in the world.

Over 19 years of production, more than 15 million copies of this breakthrough car were made.

Bugatti Type 35 (1924-30)

This is one of the most famous racing cars of the interwar period. Version B with 8-cylinder in-line engine with a volume of 2,3 liters, with the help of a Roots compressor, he developed a power of 138 hp. The Type 35 is fitted with the first ever alloy wheels in automotive history. In the second half of the 20s, this beautiful classic car won more than a thousand races, incl. five years in a row he won the famous Targa Florio (1925-29) and had 17 wins in the Grand Prix series.

Juan Manuel Fangio driving a Mercedes W196

Alfa Romeo 158/159 (1938-51) and Mercedes-Benz W196 (1954-55)

She is also known for her beauty and title. Alfetta - Alfa Romeo racing carwhich was created before the Second World War, but was most successful after it. Driven by the likes of Nino Farina and Juan Manuel Fangio, the Alfetta, powered by a supercharged 1,5 159-litre with 425 hp, dominated F1's first two seasons.

Of the 54 Grand Prix races she has entered, she has won 47! Then came the era of the no less famous Mercedes car - W 196. Armed with many technological innovations (including a magnesium alloy body, independent suspension, an 8-cylinder in-line engine with direct injection, a desmodromic timing, i.e. one in which the opening and closing camshaft control valves) was unmatched in 1954-55.

Beetle - the first "car for the people"

Volkswagen Garbus (1938-2003)

One of the most famous cars in automotive history, the pop culture icon commonly known as the Beetle or Beetle due to its distinctive silhouette. It was built in the 30s by order of Adolf Hitler, who demanded a simple and cheap "people's car" (that's what its name means in German, and the first "Beetles" were sold simply as "Volkswagens"), but mass production began only in 1945 .

The author of the project, Ferdinand Porsche, was inspired by the Czechoslovakian Tatra T97 when drawing the body of the Beetle. The car uses an air-cooled four-cylinder boxer engine that originally had 25 hp. The bodywork changed little over the following decades, with only a few mechanical and electrical components upgraded. By 2003, 21 copies of this iconic car had been built.

Cisitalia 202 GT on display at MoMA

Cisitalia 202 GT (1948)

The beautiful Cisitalia 202 sports coupe was a breakthrough in automotive design, a model that marked a turning point between pre-war and post-war design. This is an example of the extraordinary skill of its designers from the Italian studio Pininfarina, who, based on research, drew a dynamic, proportional and timeless silhouette, devoid of superfluous edges, where every element, including fenders and headlights, is an integral part. body and does not violate its streamlined lines. The Cisitalia is the benchmark car for the Gran Turismo class. In 1972, she became the first representative of applied automotive art to be exhibited at the famous Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York.

Citroen 2CV (1948)

"" - thus Citroën CEO Pierre Boulanger commissioned his engineers to design a new car in the late 30s. And they fulfilled his demands literally.

Prototypes were built in 1939, but production did not start until 9 years later. The first version had all wheels with independent suspension and a 9 hp two-cylinder boxer air-cooled engine. and a working volume of 375 cm3. The 2CV, popularly known as the "ugly duckling", was not guilty of beauty and comfort, but was extremely practical and versatile, as well as cheap and easy to repair. It motorized France - over 5,1 million 2CVs were built in total.

Ford F-Series (1948)

Ford series F is the most popular car in the United States. For many years it has been at the top of the sales ratings, and the current, thirteenth generation is no different. This versatile SUV helped build America's economic powerhouse. They are used by ranchers, businessmen, police, state and federal agencies, we will find it on almost every street in the United States.

The famous Ford pickup comes in many versions and has undergone numerous metamorphoses over the following decades. The first version was equipped with in-line sixes and a V8 engine with up to 147 hp. Modern efka lovers can even buy a crazy variant like the F-150 Raptor, which is powered by a 3,5-liter twin-supercharged V6 engine with 456 hp. and 691 Nm of torque.

Volkswagen Transporter (since 1950)

The most iconic delivery truck in history, made famous by the hippies, for whom it was often a sort of mobile commune. Popular "Cucumber" is produced to this day, and the number of copies sold has long exceeded 10 million. However, the most famous and appreciated version is the first version, also known as Bulli (from the first letters of the words), built on the basis of the Beetle at the initiative of the Dutch importer Volkswagen. The car had a load capacity of 750 kg and was initially powered by a 25 hp engine. 1131 cm³.

Chevrolet Corvette (since 1953)

American response to Italian and British roadsters of the 50s. Invented by renowned GM designer Harley Earl, the Corvette C1 debuted in 1953. Unfortunately, a beautiful plastic body, mounted on a steel frame, was inserted into a weak 150-horsepower engine. Sales started only three years later, when a V-eight with a capacity of 265 hp was placed under the hood.

Most appreciated is the extremely original second generation (1963-67) in the Stingray version, designed by Harvey Mitchell. The body looks like a stingray, and the 63 models have a characteristic embossing that runs through the entire axis of the car and divides the rear window into two parts.

Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing (1954-63)

One of the greatest cars in automotive history. A technological and stylistic work of art. With distinctive upward-opening doors, along with roof fragments reminiscent of the wings of a flying bird (hence the name Gullwing, which means “gull wing”), it is unmistakable from any other sports car. It was based on the track version of the 300 1952 SL, designed by Robert Uhlenhout.

The 300 SL needed to be very light, so the bodyshell was made from tubular steel. Since they wrapped around the entire car, when working on the street version of the W198, the only solution was to use a swing door. The Gullwing was powered by a 3-litre six-cylinder in-line engine with Bosch's innovative 215 hp direct injection.

Citroen DS (1955-75)

The French called this car "déesse", that is, the goddess, and this is an extremely accurate term, because Citroen, first shown in 1955 at the Paris exhibition, made an unearthly impression. In fact, everything about it was unique: a space-smooth body designed by Flaminio Bertoni, with a characteristic almost slatted aluminum hood, beautiful oval headlights, rear turn signals hidden in pipes, fenders that partially cover the wheels, as well as innovative technologies such as hydropneumatic suspension for ethereal comfort or twin torsion bar headlights fitted since 1967 for cornering light.

Fiat 500 (1957-75)

How inW Garbus motorized Germany, 2CV France, so in Italy the Fiat 500 played a major role. The car had to be small to easily maneuver in the narrow and crowded streets of Italian cities, and cheap to become an alternative to popular scooters.

The name 500 comes from a two-cylinder air-cooled gasoline engine with a capacity of less than 500cc.³. Over 18 years of production, about 3,5 million copies were made. It was succeeded by the Model 126 (which motorized Poland) and the Cinquecento, and in 2007, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Model 500, a modern version of the classic protoplast was shown.

Mini Cooper S - winner of the 1964 Monte Carlo Rally.

Mini (since 1959)

Icon of the 60s. In 1959, a group of British designers led by Alec Issigonis proved that small and cheap cars "for the people" could be successfully equipped with a front engine. Just insert it crosswise. The specific design of the suspension with rubber bands instead of leaf springs, wide-spaced wheels and a quick-acting steering system gave the Mini driver incredible driving pleasure. Neat and agile british dwarf was successful in the market and gained a lot of loyal fans.

The car came in a wide variety of body styles, but the most iconic were the sports cars co-designed with John Cooper, especially the Cooper S that won the Monte Carlo Rally in 1964, 1965 and 1967.

James Bond (Sean Connery) and DB5

Aston Martin DB4 (1958-63) and DB5 (1963-65)

The DB5 is a beautiful classic GT and the most famous James Bond car., who accompanied him in seven films from the adventure series "Agent 007". We first saw it on screen a year after it premiered in the 1964 film Goldfinger. The DB5 is essentially a modified version of the DB4. The biggest difference between them is in the engine - its displacement has been increased from 3700 cc.³ up to 4000 cm³. Despite the fact that the DB5 weighs about 1,5 tons, it has a power of 282 hp, which allows it to reach speeds of up to 225 km/h. The body was created in an Italian design office.

Jaguar E-Type (1961-75)

This unusual car, characterized by today's shocking proportions (more than half the length of the car is occupied by the hood), was designed by Malcolm Sayer. There are many references to the elliptical shape in the light, noble lines of the E-Type, and even the large bulge on the hood, the so-called "Powerbulge", which was necessary to accommodate a powerful engine, does not spoil the ideal silhouette.

Enzo Ferrari called it "the most beautiful car ever built." However, not only the design determined the success of this model. The E-Type also impressed with its outstanding performance. Equipped with a 6-liter 3,8-cylinder in-line engine with 265 hp, it accelerated to “hundreds” in less than 7 seconds and today is one of the most appreciated classics in automotive history.

AC / Shelby Cobra (1962-68)

Cobra is a stunning collaboration between the British company AC Cars and renowned American designer Carroll Shelby, who modified the 8-liter Ford V4,2 engine (later 4,7 liters) for this beautiful roadster with about 300 hp. This made it possible to accelerate this car, which weighed less than a ton, to a speed of 265 km / h. The differential and disc brakes were from the Jaguar E-Type.

The Cobra has been most successful overseas, where it is known as the Shelby Cobra. In 1964, the GT version won the 24 Hours of Le Mans. In 1965, an upgraded variant of the Cobra 427 was introduced, with an aluminum body and a powerful 8 cc V6989 engine.³ and 425 hp

The most beautiful Ferrari is the 250 GTO

Ferrari 250 GTO (1962-64)

In fact, every Ferrari model can be attributed to a group of iconic cars, but even among this noble group, the 250 GTO shines with a stronger radiance. In two years, only 36 units of this model were assembled and today it is one of the most expensive cars in the world - its cost exceeds $ 70 million.

250 GTO was the Italian answer to the Jaguar E-Type. Basically, it's a road-cleared racing model. Equipped with a 3-liter V12 engine with 300 hp, it accelerated to hundreds in 5,6 seconds. The unique design of this car is the result of the work of three designers: Giotto Bizzarrini, Mauro Forghieri and Sergio Scaglietti. To become its owner, it was not enough to be a millionaire - each potential buyer had to be personally approved by Enzo Ferrari himself.

Alpine A110 (1963-74)

It was based on the popular Renault R8 sedan. First of all, engines were transplanted from it, but thoroughly modified by the engineers of Alpine, a company founded in 1955 by the famous designer Jean Redele. Under the hood of the car there were four-cylinder in-line engines with a volume of 0,9 to 1,6 liters. in 140 seconds, and accelerated to 110 km / h. With its tubular frame, sleek fiberglass bodywork, double wishbone front suspension and engine behind the rear axle, it became one of the best rally cars of its era.

The oldest Porsche 911 after a bulkhead

Porsche 911 (since 1964)

к car legend and perhaps the most recognizable sports car in the world. The technology used in the 911 has undergone many modifications in its 56 years of production, but its timeless appearance has changed little. Sleek curves, distinctive round headlights, a steeply sloping rear end, a short wheelbase and superb steering for incredible traction and agility, and of course the 6-cylinder boxer engine at the rear are the DNA of this sports classic.

Among the numerous versions of the Porsche 911 that have been produced so far, there are several real gems that are the greatest desire of car lovers. This includes the 911R, Carrera RS 2.7, GT2 RS, GT3 and all versions with Turbo and S symbols.

Ford GT40 (1964-69)

This legendary driver was born to beat Ferrari at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Apparently, when Enzo Ferrari did not agree to a merger with Ford in a not very elegant way, Henry Ford II decided at all costs to hit the noses of the Italians from Maranello, whose cars dominated the racetracks in the 50s and 60s.

Ford GT40 Mk II during the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1966.

The first versions of the GT40 did not live up to expectations, but when Carroll Shelby and Ken Miles joined the project, a stylistic and engineering masterpiece was finally created: the GT40 MkII. Equipped with a powerful 7-liter V8 engine with almost 500 hp. and a speed of 320 km / h, he beat out the competition at the 24 1966 Hours of Le Mans, taking the entire podium. Drivers behind the wheel of the GT40 have also won three seasons in a row. A total of 105 copies of this supercar were built.

Ford Mustang (since 1964) and other American muscle cars

An icon of the American automotive industry. When the post-war baby boom generation entered adulthood in the early 60s, there was no car on the market that matched their needs and dreams. A car that would symbolize freedom, unbridled strength and vitality.

Dodge Challenger z born 1970

Ford was the first to fill this gap by introducing Mustanga, which looked great, was fast and at the same time relatively cheap for its features and capabilities. The manufacturer predicted that in the first year of sales there will be about 100 thousand buyers. Mustangs, meanwhile, were sold four times as many. The most valued are the beautiful ones from the beginning of production, made famous by the cult movie Bullitt, Shelby Mustang GT350 and GT500, Boss 302 and 429 and Mach I models.

1978 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am

Ford's competition quickly responded with equally successful (and today equally iconic) cars—Chevrolet introduced the Camaro in 1966, the Dodge in 1970, the Challenger, the Plymouth Barracuda, the Pontiac Firebird. In the case of the latter, the biggest legend was the second generation in the Trans Am version (1970-81). The typical features of the genre and pony kings have always been the same: a wide body, two doors, an upturned short rear end and a long hood, necessarily hiding an eight-cylinder V-twin engine with a capacity of at least 4 liters.

Alfa Romeo Spider Duo (1966-93)

The shapes of this spider, drawn by Battista Pininfarina, are timeless, so it is not surprising that the car was produced for 27 years almost unchanged. Initially, however new alpha was coolly received, and the angular-round ends of the case were associated among Italians with cuttlefish bone, hence the nickname "osso di sepia" (today these versions are the most expensive at the beginning of production).

Fortunately, another nickname - Duetto - was remembered more strongly in history. Of the several drive options available on the Duetto, the most successful is the 1750 hp 115 engine, which responds quickly to every addition of gas and sounds great.

Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale (1967-1971)

Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale It was based on the Tipo 33 tracked model. It was the first road-going Alfa with an engine between the cab and the rear axle. This filigree specimen is less than 4 m long, weighs only 700 kg and is exactly 99 cm high! That is why the 2-liter engine, completely made of aluminum-magnesium alloy, having as many as 8 cylinders in a V-shaped system and a power of 230 hp, easily accelerates them to 260 km / h, and a “hundred” is reached in 5,5 seconds.

The beautifully designed, extremely aerodynamic and slender body is the work of Franco Scaglione. Since the car was very low, it used an unusual butterfly door to make it easier to get in. At the time of its release, it was the most expensive car in the world, and with just 18 bodies and 13 complete cars, today the Stradale 33 is almost priceless.

Mazda Cosmo v NSU Ro 80 (1967-77)

These two cars have become classics not because of their looks (although you might like them), but because of the innovative technology behind their hoods. This is the rotary Wankel engine, which first appeared in the Cosmo and then in the Ro 80. Compared to traditional engines, the Wankel engine was smaller, lighter, simpler in design and impressed with its work culture and performance. With a volume of less than one liter, Mazda got 128 km, and NSU 115 km. Unfortunately, the Wankel was able to break down after 50. km (problems with sealing) and burned a large amount of fuel.

Despite the fact that the R0 80 was a very innovative car at that time (except for the Wankel it had disc brakes on all wheels, a semi-automatic gearbox, independent suspension, crumple zones, original wedge styling), only 37 copies of this car were sold. Mazda Cosmo is even rarer - only 398 copies were built by hand.

In the next part of the story of automotive legends, we will recall the classics of the 70s, 80s and 90s of the XNUMXth century, as well as the most famous cars of the last two decades.

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