1. Ferrari 250 GTO (1962-1964)
   Volkswagen Karmann Ghia (1955–1974)
2. Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano (2006–Present)
   Bugatti Type 57 (1934–1940)

The Ferrari 250 GTO is undeniably one of Ferrari’s most iconic cars that they have ever manufactured. It was only produced from 1962 – 1964, and in total only 39 of them have ever been made.

1. Mercedes-Benz 540K (1935–1940)
   Nissan GT-R (2009–Present)
2. Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale (1967–1971)
   TVR Griffith 200 (1963–1964)

The Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale is not just well-known for its very curvy design. More importantly, it is famous for being the very first production car to have dihedral doors – more commonly known as butterfly doors.

1. Lotus Esprit (1993–2004)
   Chevrolet Corvette (1953-1962)
2. Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione (2007–2009)
   Jaguar XJ13 (1965)

The Jaguar XJ13 is distinctive for the fact that only one of them has ever been made and it has never actually been raced. While the car has no set value, the owners have reportedly declined an offer of £7 million.

1. Ford GT40 (1964–1969)
   Ferrari 275 (1964–1968)
2. Ferrari 330 P4 (1967)
   McLaren F1 (1992–1998)

This is another rare car - only three of them have ever been manufactured – over 50 years ago. They bear the signature “racecar red” and rounded curves of that era. Some replicas and hybrids (combination P3/P4) do exist.

1. Cadillac (1959)
   Jaguar E-Type (1961–1975)
2. Mercedes-Benz SSK (1928–1932)
   Lotus Evora (2009–Present)

The Jaguar E-Type is a British sports car that was really great to look and had a noticeable impact on future sports car designs. In fact, it was even referred to as “the most beautiful car ever made” by Enzo Ferrarri himself.

1. Mercedes-Benz 300SL "Gullwing" (1955–1957)
   Ferrari 360 Modena (1999–2005)
2. Chevrolet Camaro (1966–1969)
   Porsche 550 (1953–1956)

Initially, only 90 Porsche 550s were produced and this sports car experienced a short manufacturing window from 1953 – 1956. While the Porsche 550 is famous in its own right, it is undeniably most well known for being the car that James Dean was driving in his fatal car crash.

1. Aston Martin DB9 (2004–2011)
   Chevrolet Corvette (1963–1967)
2. TVR Griffith (1991–2002)
   Volvo P1800 (1961–1973)

Corvettes are still being produced today (currently seventh generation); however, the Sting Ray is quite possibly the most iconic design. While second-generation Corvettes were smaller and sleeker than their first generation counterparts, it also introduced new features like a fixed roof and a split rear window.

1. Lamborghini Miura (1966–1972)
   Aston Martin DB5 (1963–1965)
2. Ferrari 288 GTO (1984–1985)
   Jaguar C-Type (1951–1953)

At the time when it was first introduced, the Lamborghini Miura was the fastest production car ever made. Over 700 of these beauties have been made, and it is no secret that this specific car was designed with the key goal of competing with Ferrari.

1. Ford Boss 302 Mustang (1969–1970)
   Ferrari Dino (1968–1972)
2. BMW 507 (1956–1959)
   Porsche Carrera 2.7 RS (1973)

This vehicle had a unique style that wasn’t as flashy as the other Ferrari cars of the era. The Ferrari Dino was the company’s direct attempt at coming up with a relatively affordable sports car that still had the signature “luxury Ferrari” feel to it.

1. Noble M12 M400 (2004–2007)
   Chevrolet Corvette (1953-1962)
2. Ferrari 458 Italia (2010–Present)
   Mercedes-Benz 300SL "Gullwing" (1955–1957)

The Mercedes-Benz 300SL earned its additional nickname “Gullwing” simply because of the signature gull-wing styled doors that had become the focal point of its overall appearance. An open roadster version was also manufactured later on.

1. Ferrari 288 GTO (1984–1985)
   Jaguar XJS (1975–1996)
2. Alfa Romeo Spider (1966–1969)
   Mercury Coupe (1949–1951)

When most people think of classic Jaguar cars, the Jaguar XJS is most often the first thing that comes to their minds. This is due largely to the fact that the Jaguar XJS had a production lifespan that was over 20 years long, and over 100,000 of them were made.

1. Chevrolet Camaro (1966–1969)
   Dodge Viper (1990–2010)
2. AC Cobra (1961–1967)
   Nissan GT-R (2009–Present)

The first generation Chevrolet Camaro and the first generation Ford Mustang paved the road for modern-day muscle cars. In fact, the Chevrolet Camaro was one of the most classic cars and icons of the 1960s.

1. Ford Thunderbird (1955–1957)
   Aston Martin DB5 (1963–1965)
2. Lotus Esprit (1993–2004)
   Aston Martin One-77 (2009–Present)

Most car enthusiasts will agree that the earlier models of the Lotus Esprit could be likened to an awkward teenager. However, once the series 4 model came onto the scene, it was undisputed that the Lotus Esprit had grown up and become the car that it was always meant to be.

1. BMW 507 (1956–1959)
   TVR Griffith (1991–2002)
2. Mercedes-Benz 540K (1935–1940)
   Volvo P1800 (1961–1973)

Compared to bigger names like Ferrari, less people mention the name TVR when they’re talking about sports cars. However, the TVR Griffith is an undeniable classic – sporting a more simplistic style than its competitors while still holding onto the luxury atmosphere.

1. Lotus Evora (2009–Present)
   Duesenberg Model J (1928–1937)
2. Cadillac (1959)
   Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione (2007–2009)

Although it almost missed the '50s entirely, the 1959 Cadillac is by far one of the most memorable cars of that era. It almost entirely encompasses the automotive trends of that decade.

1. Maserati 3500 GT (1957–1964)
   Ford GT40 (1964–1969)
2. Dodge Viper (1990–2010)
   Bugatti Type 57 (1934–1940)

The design of the Bugatti Type 57 is inextricably linked to our modern perceptions of automobiles of the previous decades. This is a style that has become synonymous with what people think of when someone talks about “old cars” or “World War II era” cars.

1. Jaguar XK (2006–2015)
   Jaguar C-Type (1951–1953)
2. Noble M12 M400 (2004–2007)
   Ferrari 458 Italia (2010–Present)

This is a relatively unknown name compared to big-name car manufacturers. The British made Noble M12 M400 was praised at the time for its raw power and superb handling. Its top speed - 187 mph (301 km/h) – is nothing to laugh at as well.

1. Dodge Viper (1990–2010)
   Lamborghini Diablo (1990–2001)
2. Ford Boss 302 Mustang (1969–1970)
   Ferrari 275 (1964–1968)

The Dodge Viper is what happens when a beefy muscular design is molded around the central idea of creating the perfect American sports car. The extended production lifespan of 20 years speaks for itself to show just how popular this car truly is to this day.

1. Ferrari 250 GTO (1962-1964)
   Ferrari Dino (1968–1972)
2. Porsche Carrera 2.7 RS (1973)
   Mercedes-Benz 540K (1935–1940)

The Mercedes-Benz 540K sports a classic automotive design that is as “in your face” and “out there” as you could expect. Not only was it more powerful than its predecessor, but it featured a far curvier and sleeker design as well.

1. Ford Boss 302 Mustang (1969–1970)
   TVR Griffith 200 (1963–1964)
2. Mercedes-Benz 300SL "Gullwing" (1955–1957)
   Volvo P1800 (1961–1973)

When you say “muscle car,” the response that most people are likely to give is “Mustang”. The Ford Boss 302 Mustang was Ford’s way of matching (and arguably surpassing) the challenge that the Chevrolet Camaro had presented.

1. Ferrari 458 Italia (2010–Present)
   Mercury Coupe (1949–1951)
2. Maserati 3500 GT (1957–1964)
   Ford GT40 (1964–1969)

The Ford GT40 may be visually stunning, but this American car was designed and created with one goal in mind – to defeat Ferrari at Le Mans. The Ford GT40 succeeded, becoming the first (and still the only) American car to win the race.

1. Jaguar XK (2006–2015)
   Aston Martin DB5 (1963–1965)
2. Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano (2006–Present)
   Hudson Hornet (1951–1954)

This British-made sports car truly has an iconic status. This is not only due to the Aston Martin DB5’s flashy style but also because of its appearance in the James Bond film "Goldfinger."

1. Duesenberg Model J (1928–1937)
   Mercedes-Benz SSK (1928–1932)
2. Lotus Evora (2009–Present)
   Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione (2007–2009)

The Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione is a modern sports car that makes sure that it not only looks the part but also it is powerful enough to earn its place as well. However, one issue that many experts have with the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione is the fact that the handling is relatively subpar.

1. Lamborghini Miura (1966–1972)
   AC Cobra (1961–1967)
2. Ford Thunderbird (1955–1957)
   Ferrari 288 GTO (1984–1985)

The AC Cobra debuted in the early '60s and quickly became a popular favorite among car aficionados everywhere. In fact, in the late '60s and the years that followed, the AC Cobra’s look was copied, imitated and referenced several times.

1. Aston Martin DB9 (2004–2011)
   Ferrari 275 (1964–1968)
2. Lamborghini Diablo (1990–2001)
   Mercedes-Benz 300SL "Gullwing" (1955–1957)

Do it big or don’t do it at all – that’s what comes to mind when you take in the Aston Martin DB9 in all of its stunning glory. While it didn’t stylistically redefine what a sports car should be, it took existing concepts and polished them – making them better as a result.

1. Porsche 550 (1953–1956)
   Jaguar XJS (1975–1996)
2. BMW 507 (1956–1959)
   TVR Griffith 200 (1963–1964)

When it came onto the scene in 1956, the BMW 507 wasn’t very popular at the time. In fact, some might even argue that it was a failure.

1. Chevrolet Corvette (1963–1967)
   Cadillac (1959)
2. Ferrari 288 GTO (1984–1985)
   Hudson Hornet (1951–1954)

The Ferrari 288 GTO’s top speed of 189 mph meant that it was the fastest production car ever created, at the time. While some critics hate the overly angular look of the Ferrari 288 GTO, other car lovers appreciate the style and consider it a perfect fit for the 1980s.

1. Ferrari 330 P4 (1967)
   McLaren F1 (1992–1998)
2. Ford GT40 (1964–1969)
   Maserati 3500 GT (1957–1964)

So much has been said about the McLaren F1 since its creation that it is quite possibly one of the most talked about sports cars ever. It frequently tops many “best sports cars” lists, and for at least a decade, it was unrivaled in terms of performance.

1. Mercedes-Benz SSK (1928–1932)
   Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione (2007–2009)
2. Bugatti Type 57 (1934–1940)
   Nissan GT-R (2009–Present)

A classic car at its core, the Mercedes-Benz SSK showcased a sleek luxury design that was accentuated by meaningful functionality. Sadly, many Mercedes-Benz SSKs have been lost to history and only a few have survived to this day.

1. Jaguar XJ13 (1965)
   Chevrolet Camaro (1966–1969)
2. Duesenberg Model J (1928–1937)
   Aston Martin One-77 (2009–Present)

With so many notable European cars coming onto the market at the time, the Duesenberg Model J was America’s way of showing that they were a force to be reckoned with as well. In fact, the Duesenberg Model J is the most powerful prewar American car.

1. AC Cobra (1961–1967)
   Volvo P1800 (1961–1973)
2. Chevrolet Corvette (1963–1967)
   Alfa Romeo Spider (1966–1969)

A Volvo sports car? Yep, the Volvo P1800 was an undeniable success when it came out in 1961, however, it still had to work hard to overcome the negative reception of its predecessor – the Volvo P1900.

1. Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale (1967–1971)
   Lotus Esprit (1993–2004)
2. Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano (2006–Present)
   Volkswagen Karmann Ghia (1955–1974)

Riding high off of the success of their Beetle, Volkswagen then turned their attention toward newer projects. The Volkswagen Karmann Ghia is one such project that tried to bridge the gap between new stylistic designs and familiar aesthetics – especially since its design was based on the aforementioned Beetle model.

1. Jaguar E-Type (1961–1975)
   Ferrari 250 GTO (1962-1964)
2. Ferrari 360 Modena (1999–2005)
   Mercury Coupe (1949–1951)

Released right at the turn of the century, this modern sports car has a distinct look that can be seen in most sports cars today. While it may be a bit too rounded for some fans, it is still an iconic favorite of many aficionados.

1. Dodge Viper (1990–2010)
   Ferrari Dino (1968–1972)
2. Porsche Carrera 2.7 RS (1973)
   Nissan GT-R (2009–Present)

Since its introduction, the Nissan GT-R has been trumping competitors left and right when it comes to not only performance but also because of its attractive appearance. It is also noted for being relatively more affordably priced than many of its competitors.

1. Jaguar C-Type (1951–1953)
   Chevrolet Corvette (1953-1962)
2. Jaguar XJS (1975–1996)
   BMW 507 (1956–1959)

The first generation Corvette is a stunning masterpiece that also exemplified the power of American engineering at the time. The car enjoyed a production lifespan of almost a decade and set the stage for future Corvettes.

1. Noble M12 M400 (2004–2007)
   Ferrari 330 P4 (1967)
2. Aston Martin DB9 (2004–2011)
   Alfa Romeo Spider (1966–1969)

The Alfa Romeo Spider blends significant power and sporty style into a small but bold framework. This 1960s car is famous for being featured in the popular romantic film “The Graduate”.

1. Jaguar XK (2006–2015)
   TVR Griffith (1991–2002)
2. Ford Boss 302 Mustang (1969–1970)
   Ferrari 360 Modena (1999–2005)

Designed in the same manner as its predecessors, when the 2006 Jaguar XK was released it showcased elegance and beauty on a bulky frame. Aspects of the car’s design were pulled from the 1961 Jaguar E-Type.

1. Jaguar E-Type (1961–1975)
   Porsche 550 (1953–1956)
2. Lamborghini Diablo (1990–2001
   Volkswagen Karmann Ghia (1955–1974)

For quite a lot of people, this is exactly what comes to mind when they think of Lamborghinis. The early 1990s were dominated by the Lamborghini Diablo, and even when the late '90s rolled around, and more and more competitors were entering the market, the Diablo still remained extremely popular.

1. Hudson Hornet (1951–1954)
   Mercedes-Benz 540K (1935–1940)
2. Jaguar XJ13 (1965)
   McLaren F1 (1992–1998)

While it may not look the part today, the Hudson Hornet actually has some history with NASCAR. In 1951, Herb Thomas won the Southern 500 in a Hudson Hornet – nicknamed the No. 92 Fabulous Hudson Hornet.

1. Aston Martin DB5 (1963–1965)
   Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale (1967–1971)
2. Ford Thunderbird (1955–1957)
   Lamborghini Miura (1966–1972)

Ford needed to compete with other industry professionals like Chevrolet on equal footing and so the Ford Thunderbird was designed, developed, and became a working prototype in just a year. The result is what is now considered to be one of the most iconic cars of the 1950s.

1. Aston Martin DB9 (2004–2011)
   Maserati 3500 GT (1957–1964)
2. Chevrolet Corvette (1953-1962)
   TVR Griffith (1991–2002)

In 1957, Maserati had their first successful attempt at the GT market with the remarkable Maserati 3500 GT. Their previous racing success, coupled with the triumph of the 3500 GT, set Maserati up for easy success for decades to come.

1. Bugatti Type 57 (1934–1940)
   Mercedes-Benz SSK (1928–1932)
2. Jaguar XJ13 (1965)
   Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano (2006–Present)

The Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano is well known for being one of the fastest production Ferraris ever made. While its design may look somewhat dated compared to newer cars on the market, the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano is still popular enough to be in production after over 10 years.

1. Hudson Hornet (1951–1954)
   Ferrari 360 Modena (1999–2005)
2. Jaguar C-Type (1951–1953)
   McLaren F1 (1992–1998)

The "C" stands for "competition." Fittingly, this meaning goes with the fact that the Jaguar C-Type is a racing sports car through and through. Only 53 of this lightweight masterpiece were manufactured and 43 of those were sold to private owners.

1. Jaguar XJS (1975–1996)
   Noble M12 M400 (2004–2007)
2. Lamborghini Miura (1966–1972)
   Ferrari 275 (1964–1968)

The Ferrari 275 is constantly praised for its appealing looks and design. However, what is not talked about as much is the fact that the Ferrari 275 serves as a bridge of sorts between two eras of Ferrari design, since after the Ferrari 275, the company adopted angular design choices.

1. Lotus Esprit (1993–2004)
   Aston Martin One-77 (2009–Present)
2. Jaguar XK (2006–2015)
   Jaguar E-Type (1961–1975)

If you’ve got $2 million lying around, then the strong and classy Aston Martin One-77 can definitely be yours. The Aston Martin One-77 isn’t just a beauty to look at, it also has a beastly V-12 engine that is hard to match.

1. Porsche Carrera 2.7 RS (1973)
   Cadillac (1959)
2. Volkswagen Karmann Ghia (1955–1974)
   Ferrari 330 P4 (1967)

The look of the Porsche Carrera 2.7 RS is what virtually everybody loves about the famous 911 design. At the time, the two biggest draws for the Porsche Carrera 2.7 RS were its telepathic steering and the impressive 210-hp engine.

1. Ford Thunderbird (1955–1957)
   TVR Griffith 200 (1963–1964)
2. Aston Martin One-77 (2009–Present)
   Chevrolet Corvette (1963–1967)

Many car manufacturers wanted to have the fastest thing on the road, and TVR was no different. The TVR Griffith 200 was an impressive speed demon, however, critics also stated that it had noticeable handling issues and was somewhat unreliable as well.

1. Ferrari 458 Italia (2010–Present)
   Lamborghini Diablo (1990–2001)
2. Ferrari Dino (1968–1972)
   Ferrari 250 GTO (1962-1964)

Representing the modern Ferrari in both concept and execution, the Ferrari 458 Italia exudes an atmosphere of both luxury and speed. The signature stylistic design of the Ferrari 458 Italia is so prominent that virtually anyone could recognize it for what it is at a glance.

1. AC Cobra (1961–1967)
   Lotus Evora (2009–Present)
2. Alfa Romeo Spider (1966–1969)
   Porsche 550 (1953–1956)

Unlike other luxury sports cars on the market today, the Lotus Evora goes for a more muted approach when it comes to design choices. However, under all of that is a beast that can match the performance of many of its competitors today.

1. Duesenberg Model J (1928–1937)
   Chevrolet Camaro (1966–1969)
2. Mercury Coupe (1949–1951)
   Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale (1967–1971)

As what everyone thinks of when the topic of “hot-rods” comes up, the Mercury Coupe bridged the '40s and '50s in style. It is also notable for being the first postwar Mercury car that was placed on the market.