Far more than 100,000 vehicles are manufactured every year. That means an almost unsurmountable number of cars have been created since the very first one. Despite there being so many cars out there in the world, only a few have made a huge impact. These cars had astonishing styling, unique motors, or breakout features society adopted over time. In fact, they were so special that we can refer to them as iconic vehicles. The following are 10 of those iconic models and what makes them so desirable.
1. Ford Mustang
The Ford Mustang is one of the most iconic vehicles of all time. It has broken records by being the longest-produced and best-selling vehicle the company has. The first Mustang came on the scene in 1964 and has gone through numerous engine upgrades, body changes, feature adjustments, etc.
A lot of the appeal of the Mustang is the powerful motor the manufacturer equipped it with. Some of the selections were so beefy that drivers were tempted to race. Insurance companies had high premiums for their coverage, and drivers were advised to keep the number to a reliable auto accident lawyer or vehicle accident attorney nearby just in case.
The vehicles were known for their high speeds, voluptuous bodies, and American muscle car engine growls. Nicknames for the Ford Mustang include Pony Car, Bullitt, Cobra, and Dark Horse. It’s a great car for automotive enthusiasts
2. DMC DeLorean
The DMC DeLorean is another one of those iconic vehicles that took the world by storm. The manufacturer only made it from 1981-1983, but it became highly popular because of its futuristic look and gull-wing style doors. Another thing that made the DeLorean take off was its use in the ‘Back to the Future’ movies. The model was used as sort of a time machine, and it caught the eyes and awes of everyone who watched the movie back then.
Though the DeLorean’s production was short-lived, it will still be remembered for years to come. Many models still remain on the road today, though they are scattered across various parts of the world. Current owners know where to shop for the special auto parts it needs.
3. AC Cobra
The AC Cobra is another car on the list of iconic vehicles. It was created by a British company for the first time in 1962 to as a Chevrolet Corvette competitor. It looked more like a luxury car than a sports car, but its performance handling was like a sports car. The vehicle had 440 to 550 horsepower and looked like something Austin Powers would drive. Many people seek these vehicles and keep them as collectors’ items because of their one-of-a-kind auto detailing.
4. Ford Thunderbird
The Ford Thunderbird is on the list of all-time iconic vehicles for its styling and class. The first one was manufactured in 1964 and was not labeled as sports car, although it had some sporty elements. It was produced as a competitor for Chevrolet’s Corvette but was marketed as an upscale automobile rather than a sports car. Go figure.
Many aspects of the Thunderbird made it a popular car and a collector’s item. Many models have convertible tops, which was a sign of prestige among car owners. It also had a design that looked highly futuristic in the 1960s. Collectors still own these models today and maintain them by letting auto repair specialists work on them.
5. Volkswagen Beetle
The Volkswagen Beetle is yet another one of the iconic vehicles that are still popular to this day. Its popularity comes from its small design and ‘buggish look.’ Beetles also became mascots of the Hippie movement and had entire movies and TV series dedicated to them. The ‘Herbie’ franchise TV shows were about a Volkswagen Beetle that had a mouth and a mind of its own. Furthermore, Beetles were also known for their rear-mounted batteries, which seems to get a little too hot in the trunk.Every Beetle owner definitely needed a good car insurance policy from a reputable auto insurance agency.
6. Aston Martin DB5
The Aston Martin DB85 is one of the most iconic vehicles of all times. It gained its popularity when it was introduced in the James Bond movies in the 1960s. That wasn’t the only reason this car was so iconic, though. Its manufacturer also designed it to compete with Ferrari vehicles.
Thus, it had plenty of horsepower and capability. However, this model was truly in a league of its own as it was way more classy than any sports car on the market. In fact, it looked so elegant that people often forgot it was a member of the sports car genre. It’s definitely something worth collecting, if for no other reason than to give owners the opportunity to say they have James Bond’s car. The only downside to owning on of these vehicles is that the auto repairs might be expensive.
7. Cadillac Escalade
Cadillac has a long history of putting out some of the most iconic vehicles on the market. There’s something distinct about caddies that make them majestic and eloquent. Many consumers would like to own one, but they know they most likely can’t afford it. The Escalade came on the scene in 1999 and gave SUV lovers a whole new option to explore. They received the same luxury and pleasing design as they saw on most Cadillacs, but now they had large and comfortable SUV options.
As if that wasn’t enough fascination for a lifetime, Cadillac released the Escalade pickup truck, taking the consumers by storm. Numerous celebrities went out and purchased these models, so they could enjoy living in the lap of luxury to the highest degree. It was the only truck of its kind, and it was perfect for people who didn’t like SUVs but loved pickups. A new Escalade can cost anywhere from $80,000 to well over $150,000, depending on the package and features. Escalade models are so unique that owners need to hire automotive locksmiths who can make advanced keys for them if they get into a situation.
8. Toyota RAV4
The Toyota RAV 4 is another little popular SUV. It’s a mid-sized SUV, which means it’s perfect for smaller people who don’t appreciate the bulk a full-size SUV has on it. The RAV 4 also has smooth handling and good pickup and was very stable and secure. Most owners never had a bad experience and never needed to contact an auto accident attorney because of an incident in the vehicle. Part of its popularity comes from simply existing during the rise of the nation’s love for SUV vehicles. Many consumers were pleased with this all-wheel-drive performance and its peppy motor. The older model has also had exterior choices that were fun, too.
9. Dodge Viper
The Dodge Viper was an amazing sports car the company developed in 1991. One of the early versions of the Viper was used as one of the pace cars in the Indy 500. Dodge partnered with Lamborghini a few years later and created a version of it with a V10 engine. That in itself made the vehicle highly popular. The Viper went through a multitude of renovations and redesigns and has always had an eye-catching exterior and a lot under the hood. In fact, it’s so popular that auto towing truck drivers want to tow them just so they can get an up-close-and-personal look at one. This vehicle now goes down in history as one of the iconic vehicles people will talk about for ages.
10. Range Rover
Lastly, the Range Rover is one of the iconic vehicles in the SUV sector. The Range Rover entered the scene in 1970 and is still being produced today in large quantities. It’s a Jaguar model, and it has advanced capabilities just like many other Jaguar models. It’s also one of the largest and heaviest SUV models of them all.
The Land Rover isn’t your ordinary SUV. It has a plethora of features under its hood, including a motor that produces 400 to 555 horsepower, depending on the trim. Consumers can expect to spend up to $120,000 for one of these models. A car detailing service is necessary for those who want to partake in performing proper upkeep.
Other Notable Vehicles
The previous list of iconic cars is beyond impressive. However, we want to mention some additional vehicle that are either current icons or will become one at a later date. These are some more impressive models to consider.
Lamborghini Countach
The Lamborghini Countach was in production from 1974-1990. Its most popular models were the ones from the 80s, but they definitely earned their right to be loved by many. Some Countach models had V12 engines and were capable of pushing out more than 400hp and moving at a top speed of 300 mph. That was impressive in that era.
Countach’s also had highly futuristic styling that not many people had seen back then. That with the mixture of the cherry red exterior color options, and a new craze began. The Countach was featured in the ‘Cannonball Run’ movies and was used during the racing scenes. Its movie debut increased its popularity, and that’s why it remains one of the iconic vehicles to this day.
The Dodge Charger
Hellcat models will probably get on the iconic vehicles list at some point in time. The models have consistently gained popularity because of their ever-increasing spec and capabilities. The current Hellcat model has a 6.4-liter HEMI V8 and is capable of putting out up to 807 horsepower.
A Charger Hellcat was also featured on social media as a man proceeded to go on a 55-minute highway chase at top speed and the most precise display of ‘excellent driving’ ever. The clip showed the police helicopter trying to keep up with the Hellcat. The regular vehicle had already gotten smoked and left behind.
The Charger is not only a high-performing vehicle, but its design awakens muscle car lovers. It’s a model that displays all the best parts of a muscle car, including the little Hellcat emblem. The Challenger Hellcat model should probably be on this list as well, so we’ll include it without saying much. The Challenger is much longer, while the Charger is shorter and more visually appealing to some car enthusiasts.
Chevrolet Camaro
The Chevy Camaro should perhaps be on the list of iconic vehicles. After all, Track and Record recorded it as one of the top 10 best vehicles in the world back in 1971. It’s another car that has had a dozen remodels and experiments over the years. Chevy even produced a four-cylinder Berlinetta model back in 1984. Some of them had nice exteriors and pretty gold coloring, but one fact remained the same: A four-cylinder does not make a good sports car. The model quickly lost popularity and was not reintroduced to the Camaro lineup.
Modern Camaros are very visually appealing and can touch the hearts of muscle car enthusiasts around the nation. Modern models can also cost up to $70,000, and consumers have a few options for trims. Modern versions of this vehicle have about 455 horsepower, but their hot bodies make up for it tenfold.
Chevrolet Corvette
Many consumers refer to the Chevrolet Camaro as the ‘poor man’s Corvette. That’s because it doesn’t cost as much as Corvette does, but it doesn’t have the same spec either. Chevy Corvettes hit the scene in 1953 and have gone through a many changes as the other models in its class. Current models can get up to 670 horsepower, and they have the styling everyone loves to see in Chevy muscle cars.
Everyone has their own definition of the term ‘iconic.’ The first list of cars has something unique about them that caused the entire world to pay attention to them. The second list of cars are just suggestions. No matter what you, I, Or anyone else believes about iconic vehicles, we can agree that they’re all fabulous. Some have just made it to icon status while others have not.
Now you have a full list of 10 iconic vehicles and a few notable cars. You may or may not agree with the list, but it will at least motivate you to think about which cars are most memorable to you. Maybe one day you’ll even be lucky enough to own one!
