Over the last century, the automobile has transformed from a novelty into a cultural cornerstone. While many cars came and went, a select few became icons that defined eras, inspired enthusiasts, and set new benchmarks for technology, design, and performance. These cars were not just transportation — they were statements of innovation and passion. Here are the 20 most iconic cars of the last 100 years, expanded with production numbers, horsepower, and current market values where available.
Ford Model T
Produced from 1908 to 1927, the Model T sold more than 15 million units. Powered by a 2.9 liter inline four making 20 horsepower, it could reach about 45 mph. Affordable and reliable, it democratized driving. Surviving examples today range from 15,000 to 35,000 dollars depending on condition.
Volkswagen Beetle
With over 21 million units produced between 1938 and 2003, the Beetle became the most popular rear engine car ever built. Its air cooled flat four produced between 25 and 50 horsepower, enough for about 70 mph. Clean classics now fetch 10,000 to 30,000 dollars, with early split window models reaching six figures.
Porsche 911
Since its debut in 1964, the 911 has been a constant in sports car culture. Early cars offered a 2.0 liter flat six with 130 horsepower, while modern versions exceed 600 horsepower. More than a million have been built. Early classics such as the 1973 Carrera RS can bring over 500,000 dollars, while modern GT models command strong premiums.
Chevrolet Corvette
America’s sports car debuted in 1953 with a six cylinder engine before adopting V8 power in 1955. Horsepower has ranged from 150 to over 755 in the C7 ZR1. More than 1.7 million Corvettes have been produced. A pristine 1967 L88 Corvette can exceed 3 million dollars at auction.
Mini Cooper (Classic)
Launched in 1959, the Mini revolutionized compact car design with its transverse engine and front wheel drive layout. Standard models produced about 34 horsepower, while Cooper S rally cars made around 75 horsepower. Over 5 million were built. Today, classic Coopers fetch 20,000 to 50,000 dollars, with rare race cars reaching 100,000 dollars or more.
Ferrari 250 GTO
The Ferrari 250 GTO of 1962 to 1964 is often regarded as the greatest Ferrari ever made. Its 3.0 liter V12 produced 300 horsepower, allowing 174 mph. Only 36 were built, making it incredibly rare. Values today exceed 50 million dollars, with one selling privately for 70 million.
Jeep Willys MB
The Willys MB was built for World War II, with around 640,000 produced. Its 2.2 liter four cylinder produced 60 horsepower, with a top speed of about 65 mph. It symbolized rugged reliability and spawned the Jeep brand. Restored versions today cost 25,000 to 50,000 dollars.
Chevrolet Camaro
Introduced in 1967 as Chevrolet’s answer to the Mustang, the Camaro offered engines ranging from a 140 horsepower six cylinder to a 375 horsepower V8 in the Z28. More than 5 million have been produced across six generations. Iconic 1969 Z28s now bring 70,000 to 125,000 dollars, with rare COPO models topping 300,000.
Ford Mustang
The original pony car debuted in 1964, with over 10 million sold to date. Early models offered 101 horsepower inline sixes to 271 horsepower V8s, while modern Shelby GT500s exceed 760 horsepower. A first year Mustang convertible in top condition can sell for 50,000 to 100,000 dollars, with Shelby GT350s commanding much more.
Mercedes Benz 300SL Gullwing
Built from 1954 to 1957, the 300SL Gullwing featured gullwing doors and a fuel injected straight six making 240 horsepower. With 1,400 coupes built, it is one of Mercedes’ most desirable cars. Today, values range from 1.3 to 2 million dollars depending on originality.
Toyota Corolla
Since 1966, more than 50 million Toyota Corollas have been sold, making it the world’s best selling nameplate. Early models had just 60 horsepower, while modern Corollas make over 150. Though not collectible in general, rare early Corollas and sporty AE86 models can fetch 20,000 to 50,000 dollars.
Lamborghini Miura
The Miura, built between 1966 and 1973, is widely considered the first supercar. Its mid mounted 3.9 liter V12 made up to 385 horsepower and delivered 170 mph. Just 764 were built. Today, Miuras are valued between 2 million and 4 million dollars.
Aston Martin DB5
Built from 1963 to 1965, the DB5 became famous as James Bond’s car in Goldfinger. Its 4.0 liter inline six produced 282 horsepower and 145 mph. Around 1,000 were built. Today, values range from 800,000 to 1.5 million dollars, with Bond associated cars fetching more.
Honda Civic
Since 1972, the Civic has been one of the most important compact cars in the world. Early versions offered about 50 horsepower, while modern performance variants like the Type R produce 315 horsepower. Over 27 million Civics have been sold. Classic 1990s Civic Type Rs now fetch 30,000 to 60,000 dollars.
Dodge Charger
The Charger debuted in 1966, with the second generation 1968 to 1970 becoming legendary thanks to big block V8s up to 425 horsepower. It became a Hollywood star in Bullitt and The Dukes of Hazzard. Restored 1969 Chargers with 426 Hemis can sell for 150,000 to 200,000 dollars.
Rolls Royce Phantom
Since 1925, the Phantom has been Rolls Royce’s flagship. Each generation has embodied luxury and craftsmanship. Early Phantoms had 7.7 liter sixes, while modern versions use V12s with over 550 horsepower. Collectors pay 100,000 dollars for early models, while new Phantoms cost over 450,000.
BMW 3 Series
Introduced in 1975, the BMW 3 Series became the gold standard for compact sports sedans. Early models offered around 110 horsepower, while today’s M3 variants exceed 500. More than 16 million have been sold. Classic E30 M3s now bring 60,000 to 120,000 dollars depending on condition.
Citroën DS
The Citroën DS stunned the public in 1955 with its futuristic looks and hydropneumatic suspension. With over 1.4 million sold, it became a symbol of French design and innovation. Horsepower ranged from 75 to 140. Today, well kept DS models sell for 30,000 to 70,000 dollars.
Tesla Model S
Launched in 2012, the Model S proved that electric cars could be practical and exciting. With dual motors producing up to 1,020 horsepower in the Plaid version, it can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in under 2 seconds. More than a million have been built. Used early cars start around 25,000 dollars, while new Plaid versions exceed 100,000.
Bugatti Veyron
Produced from 2005 to 2015, the Veyron redefined what a hypercar could be. Its quad turbo W16 engine made 1,001 horsepower, with later versions reaching 1,200. With a top speed of over 250 mph, it set records worldwide. Fewer than 500 were built, and values today range from 1.5 to 3 million dollars.
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Car loans are one of the most common ways people fund car purchases. Like any other kind of loan, car loans can have certain features that can be regarded as an advantage or a disadvantage to the borrower. Understanding all essential facts about car loans and how they work to ensure that you get the best deal for your financial situation is essential. Here are 25 shocking facts about car loans that most drivers don’t realize:
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