5 Most Iconic Vintage Cars

|THE DEN|

Car culture keeps evolving all around the world but some cars just leave a mark. These cars from the 60s have left more than a mark on the Automotive Industry. These legendary machines have always had a fanbase and if you can get your hands on any one of these masterpieces today, there’s nothing you can do better!

Fiat 124 Spider

Fiat's 124 Sport Spider is a convertible sports automobile was produced from 1966 until 1985. The monocoque, front-engine, rear-drive Sport Spider, designed by and constructed at the Italian carrozzeria Pininfarina factory, made its premiere at the Turin Auto Show in November 1966 with styling by Tom Tjaarda. This might not be the most aerodynamic or breath- taking convertible of its time but it sure is timeless.

Later, Fiat renamed the automobile the Spider 2000. (1979-1982). After FIAT abandoned the model, Pininfarina continued to produce it under its own brand for three more years, from August 1982 to 1985, as Pininfarina Spider Azzurra for the North American market and Pininfarina Spidereuropa for the European market.

We adore Fiat's wonderful 124 sports vehicles because they combine practicality with fun. The car's priorities are clear: it's practical first and exciting only if you enjoy well-executed functionality. That, in fact, should be the definition of a fuel- efficient vehicle. It operates with the same precision as sports vehicles, yet it falls short of their sophisticated personality by a hair.

It was a blast to drive, and Fiat's outstanding twin-cam engines contributed to a fantastic performance. The Fiat 124 Spider debuted at the same time as Alfa Romeo's legendary sports vehicle of the same name. Both were based on their saloon and coupe versions, with the Fiat being based on the angular but technologically advanced 124, albeit shorter by 5.5 inches. This cars’ performance was unrivalled.

Initially, the Fiat featured a 1.4-liter engine with 93 horsepower and a four-speed transmission. Exports to the United States began in 1968, and in 1970, the automobile was modified to BS1 spec, which had a longer stroke 1608cc engine that produced 104bhp and higher torque. To make the most of that revving, happy engine, a close ratio five-speed gearbox was now standard issue.

Comparisons to the MGB are unavoidable, and the Fiat feels significantly more modern and dynamic now, as one would expect given its mechanical specifications. It's not so much because of the Italian's overall performance, which is fairly on par with the MG (0-60 12 seconds for the 1.6, for example), but rather because of the Latin lumps' penchant for revving their cylinder heads to the limit. It's a similar tale in terms of handling, thanks to a clever chassis. This was without a doubt one of the most iconic automobiles ever produced.

Austin-Healey 3000

The Austin-Healey 3000 is a British sports automobile that was manufactured between 1959 and 1967. It is the most well- known vehicle of the "huge Healey" series. Jensen Motors built the car's bodywork, and the cars were manufactured at BMC's MG Works in Abingdon with the company's other MG models.

The automobile evolved from an open sports car to a sports convertible during its manufacturing run, albeit with a child- carrying 2+2 option. 91.5 percent of all Austin-Healey 3000 automobiles were exported in 1963, with the majority going to North America. The 3-litre 3000 was a highly successful car that won its class in several European rallies during its prime and is still raced by enthusiasts in historic car competitions today.

The 1961 3000 MkII debuts on market, but it's more of a tweak to keep American purchasers happy than a radical advancement of the preceding model. There are triple 1 1/4in SU carbs, as well as a redesigned grille, a reworked bonnet air intake, and new badging. However, as attractive as they were, these would be phased out within a year because they were too difficult to tune for many owners; instead, a pair of SUs would be installed.

The Austin-Healey 3000 was introduced on July 1, 1959, with a 3-litre BMC C-Series engine to replace the 100-6's 2.6-litre engine and front-wheel disc brakes. It would hit 60 mph in 11 seconds and 100 mph in 31 seconds, according to the manufacturers.

The testers remarked that keeping proper tyre pressures was crucial to handling; even a 3psi change made all the difference – though this was on crossplies, of course! The new 3000, on the other hand, received a big thumbs up for its robust brakes, outstanding performance, and nearly perfect suspension setup.

The Austin Healey 3000 is the most well-known of the 'large' Healey vehicles, and it is a British marque. Jensen Motors created the slimline bodywork, which was then constructed at the BMC Abingdon plant. Yes, in the United Kingdom. The automobile was designed and assembled in the United Kingdom. So, this might undoubtedly be one of Britain's most iconic automobiles.

Porsche 356

The Porsche 356 is a sports automobile that was first manufactured by Porsche Konstruktionen GesmbH in Austria (1948–1949), and then by Dr. Ing. h. c. F. Porsche GmbH in Germany (1950–1965). It was Porsche's first mass-produced vehicle. It played a huge role in designing and giving inspiration to future Porsche cars apart from being a great car by itself.

The 356 is a two-door, rear-engine, rear-wheel drive, lightweight and nimble-handling car available in both hardtop coupé and open variants. During the years of production, engineering advances continued, contributing to the car's success and appeal in motorsports. Porsche began production at Gmünd, Austria, in 1948, with roughly 50 cars made. Only about half of the original 76,000 that were ever produced are still surviving.

A modified 1120 cc 4-cylinder air-cooled Volkswagen engine with a single Solex carburetor provided power for the automobile. The output power of the air-cooled engine was increased from 25 horsepower to 35-40 horsepower by increasing the compression ratio and widening the intake and exhaust valves.

The perforated headliner and the ultra-comfy springing system in the seats, like in recent Porsches, feel top-of-the-line, and the details are gorgeous. The 356 was not only attractive to the sight, but it was also incredibly comfortable, and you did have a fantastic time in it. Unlike today, everything was laid out so simply and the simplicity of use was so high.

The 356's rear-mounted, air-cooled boxer engine and torsion- bar suspension are both Beetle-derived, and early models borrowed a few additional Beetle components as well. The 356 received A, B, and C improvements during its life, with power increasing from 40 to 95 horsepower.

Many automobile aficionados consider the Porsche 356 to be one of the best sports cars ever built. Ferdinand Porsche, the son of the Porsche company's founder, believed that driving a compact car with more power would be more fun than driving a large car with more power, which is the basis of the Porsche 356 and was undoubtedly the recipe for success.

Ferrari 250 GTO

It's always a big deal when a Ferrari 250 GTO goes up for auction. It's not only one of the most coveted sports cars in history, but it's also one of the most difficult to come by. Only 36 were made, all between 1962 and 1964, and collectors can account for them all.

The automobile had no name when it originally appeared. However, Ferrari employees began referring to it as "Il Mostro," or "the monster," because to its unusual appearance. Surprisingly, the vehicle was not designed from scratch. Instead, it was built primarily from pre-existing components. The chassis was taken directly from the 250 GT SWB, but the front-mounted engine was repositioned lower and more midship, bringing the cockpit closer to the driver.

The engine was the proven 3.0-liter V-12 from the Le Mans- winning Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa, which had given Ferrari a reputation for refinement and triumph more than any other. "All we wanted to do was develop a regular engine, only one would be exceptional." Enzo once claimed off this powertrain.

Ferrari 250 GTO—250 for each of the 12 cylinders' cubic- centimeter displacement, GT for gran turismo, and O for omolagato, the Italian word for homologation. Six Weber carburetors producing around 300 horsepower, a new five- speed transmission replacing the four Ferrari had been used for years, and a peak speed of around 175 mph. Since Karl Benz produced the first one in 1896, the GTO has become the single most sought automobile ever manufactured, nearly 60 years after the inaugural shakedown at Monza.

The reaction of members of the racing press when they first saw the new Ferrari was negative. Because of its peculiar nose, one reporter dubbed it "the anteater." Although the prototype was awkward, one thing was clear: it was speedy. Powerful, easy to drive, and deafeningly loud.

A GTO reportedly sold for $35 million in May 2012. The Italian courts declared in the summer of 2020 that the Ferrari 250 GTO was in reality a work of art, making it illegal to copy or imitate it. The automobile is a testament to how outstanding engineering and handiwork can change the course of history.

Mercedes SL 300 Gullwing

The 300SL is a masterpiece in terms of automobile sculpture. It stands out brilliantly from all the clichés of postwar style, even the much-plagiarized Italian school, with its "gullwing" doors and its unique Teutonic interpretation of hippie, organic forms. In a tight race, the 300SL may take first position in terms of elegance and then clobber all rivals.

The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL is a two-seat sports automobile that Mercedes-Benz produced as a gullwinged coupe (1954–1957) and a roadster (1957–1963). It was based on the company's W194 racer from 1952, which used mechanical direct fuel injection, which increased the output of the three-liter overhead camshaft straight-six engine by over 50%. It was a sports car racing champion and the quickest production car of its day, capable of attaining speeds of up to 263 km/h.

The 300SL is the embodiment of prophecy. It's a trend-setter, a style-setter, and a design concept that will undoubtedly have a long-term impact on the global automobile industry. And aesthetics is the least of the 300SL's industry-shocking features. The 300SL was the first car to use gasoline fuel injection (FI), which gave the internal combustion engine a new lease on life and likely put off the introduction of gas turbines for years.

You know you're in a 300SL when you're sat in one. You've been nearly encased. You should feel like you're a part of the vehicle. The visibility is excellent. A large tachometer and a large speedometer are located directly ahead and just below eye level. There are other other instruments and controls to learn, and they require some time.

The torque of the small 3.0-liter engine is incredible, and it's difficult to understand where it comes from until you realise that the injection system is constantly pouring gasoline into the cylinders at a rate that carburetors can't equal. With the usual rear-axle ratio, fourth gear provides smooth, consistent acceleration from 15 to 140 mph! It's more than capable of dealing with city traffic and even hauling steep slopes. Third fits practically all requirements for ferocious acceleration and quick hill-climbing.

The unique spaceframe was a lightweight framework with exceptional rigidity, weighing only 50 kilos. The sole disadvantage was that it was incompatible with standard doors due to the greater height at the sills. The invention of upswinging "Gullwing" doors by Mercedes-Benz engineers solved this difficulty. Making it into the modern-day icon that it is.