Our definition of the coolest cars will vary widely from person to person. The concept of “cool” is entirely based on opinion, but there are some universal aspects of automobiles that have, and always will, stand out from the rest. Price, design, and specifications all play into what makes a car cool for each individual.
That’s not to say that a car has to be incredibly rare, expensive, and fast to be considered cool. Exotic cars are just as eligible as classics or sports cars. The nice thing about such a opinionated concept is that everyone can weigh in with their own thoughts on what makes a car cool. With a full understanding of this, we’ve compiled a list that is based on our own preferences, in addition to a need for a varied selection.
We want you to see a car on this list that makes your jaw drop, regardless of your personal preference when it comes to automobiles. Classics, supercars, sleek beasts of speed, we’ve got it all here for your enjoyment. Keep in mind that this is in no particular order. Let’s dive in!
Our List of the Coolest Automobiles
1 – The Mercedes-Benz 300SL
You’re looking at the missing link ladies and gentlemen. This was the first time that a classic car became something more than the sum of its parts. Notice the “gull wing” doors that fold upward. When this was manufactured in 1955 it was a quantum leap forward for power and design.
When it was released, this bad-boy packed the first-ever consumer fuel-injection and it was the fastest top speed in the world at the time. The concept here was a race car for the streets of the city and simultaneously the birth of the supercar. Truly that alone, combined with the retro-futuristic look earns it a place on our list.
2 – The Jaguar XJ13
Rarity can certainly account for the cool factor of a car. How about this for rare: there is only one Jaguar XJ13 in the whole world. The car was created to race in the Le Mans in 1965 but it never raced. This sleek prototype has never been appraised, but an offer of 7 million euros was made in 1996 which was turned down.
The designers of the vehicle took the development quite seriously, but the company’s dedication to the project waned as time went on. When the company merged with BMC in 1966, Ford developed the 7.0 liter GT40 which made the XJ13 obsolete before it was even completed.
They tested the prototype at MIRA and Silverstone and it was discovered that additional resources would be needed before it could compete with its contemporaries. This led the company to put the prototype into storage without another one ever being made. If you think rarity makes something cool, this is about as awesome as it gets.
3 – The 2015 Porsche 911 GTS
The latest run of Porsche 911 models showcase a sleek and beautiful design that the manufacturer is known for. Porsche has always been a manufacturer that commands respect and with their latest run of automobiles, it’s clear that they are still at the top of their game.
At $114,200 for the starting price, it’s up there but not quite as high as other cars on the market. With options for additional power and a convertible option, there’s truly something for everyone with this car. Did we mention it also includes a 7-speed manual transmission?
Oh yes, and the top speed with all the bells and whistles added in gives it 430 horsepower and a top speed of 190 mph. No one has ever passed a Porsche on the road and not nodded in approval, so these latest models most certainly make our list.
4 – The Lamborghini Murcielago
Just look at this masterpiece of craftsmanship and you’ll have an idea as to why we chose it for this list. This sports car was produced by the Italian manufacturer between 2001 and 2010. This model was first introduced in North American as a coupe in 2002. Prior to that it was released as a coupe in 2001 over in Europe.
It was Lamborghini’s first new design in eleven years and the first model they produced after being bought out by their now German parents company Audi which is in turn owned by Volkswagen. This car was styled by Belgian Luc Donckerwolke who was the manufacturers head of design from 1998 to 2005.
Lamborghini has a history of naming their cars after stars in the competitive sport of bullfighting. The Murcielago is named for a fighting bull that survived 24 sword strokes in a fight with Rafael “El Lagartijo” Molina Sanchez in 1879. Because the bull fought with conviction and willpower, the matador decided to spare its life, which was a very rare honor.
I think it’s fair to say that any car that looks this cool and happens to be named after one of the toughest fighting bulls in history is allowed to make it onto our list.
5 – The 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO
The retro style on display here is complimented by the sleek and undeniably beautiful design of the chassis. This fantastic specimen easily makes our list of the coolest cars on the look alone. It was developed in 1962 for homologation into the FIA’s Group Grand Touring Car category.
Some interesting facts about the name:
- The number represents the displacement in cubic centimeters between each of the engine’s cylinders
- The “GTO” stands for “Gran Turismo Omologato” or “Gran Touring Homologated.”
When it was first released, the car was a cool $18,000 in the United States. Here’s a kicker though: any sales had to be personally approved by Enzo Ferrari himself and his North American dealer, Luigi Chinetti. There were a total of 39 250 GTOs produced between 1962 and 1964.
In 2004 Sports Car International placed it in their list of the Top Sports Cars of the 1960’s in the number eight spot. It was also nominated as one of the top sports cars of all time. Another magazine, Motor Trend Classic also placed the Ferrari 250 GTO number one on their list of the “Greatest Ferraris of all time.”
These automobiles showcase how far we have truly come over the years. There are plenty of awesome cars out there, but these ones are our personal favorites. Thanks for reading!
