Though everyone has their own personal favorite and you could debate about it for ages, there are some cars that are just undeniably iconic. For their stunning good looks, incredible performance, and worldwide popularity, these are five of the most famous cars in history.
Ford Model T
This one’s a throwback but few cars are as impactful as the Ford Model T. The Model T was one of the greatest innovations of the early 19th century because unlike other vehicles, it was affordable for average Americans. It also marked a shift in the world of automotive manufacturing as this car was the first to be mass produced on assembly lines. From 1908 to 1927, Ford sold 15 million Model Ts. Up until the introduction of the Beetle in 1972, the Model T was the most sold car in history.
Volkswagen Beetle
We've all seen one of these cruising down the road: it’s the super popular VW Beetle. The Beetle hit the car market in 1938 and was intended to get more drivers onto Germany’s newly built Autobahn. To that end, the Beetle was designed to perform well and look good while also being cheap to purchase and maintain. With 65 years on the car market and over 21 million units sold, the Volkswagen Beetle is one of the most successful cars ever made.
Bugatti Veyron
Aside from its sleek design and big price tag, the Bugatti Veyron is famous for being one of the first hypercars to hit the market. With a W16 quad-turbocharged engine, 10 radiators, and an incredible 1,001 horsepower, the Veyron is an automotive innovation that still hasn’t met its match. Capable of reaching a top speed of 431 kph (268 mph), this is one of the fastest street-legal cars in the world. Although the Bugatti Veyron was discontinued in 2015, its perfect blend of style, function, and power has solidified its place in the history books.
Aston Martin DB5
Having achieved fame on the big screen as James Bond’s hotrod, the Aston Martin DB5 is one of the most famous cars in the world. With its appealing shape, leather trim, and powerful engine the DB5 was instantly popular with consumers. Yet, despite how beloved this car was, it had a short run on the production line. From 1963 to 1965, Aston Martin only made 1,059 DB5s. For the combination of rarity and acclaim, the Aston Martin DB5 is one of history’s most unforgettable cars.
Ferrari F40
With its good looks and powerful V8 twin-turbo engine, the Ferrari F40 was a hit the moment it sped onto the scene. At the time of its production in 1987, it was the fastest and most expensive car ever designed. Aside from its stellar performance, the F40 is famous for being the last car that Enzo Ferrari personally approved before passing control of the company to Luca di Montezemolo. Reaching a top speed of nearly 321 kph (199mph), the Ferrari F40 was an exhilarating ride on and off the racetrack. For its innovative design and ability to contend with the best supercars, the Ferrari F40 is undoubtedly one of the most famous cars in history.
