Usurping the traditional role of art, cars – like movies and music – are collaborative creations, projecting a collective yearning and an aesthetic proposition to the world. With a multitude of distinct styles, mechanics, and silhouettes present in the automotive industry, high-end motors are not the only desirable builds available. In fact, when ranked amongst the top ten most Insta-worthy rides, most classic series’ knock their limited edition counterparts, right out of the park.
Range Rover
Ranking effortlessly at number one, is a British brand of four-wheel drive vehicles, comprising solely upmarket luxury SUV cars. Having received a 1951 Royal Warrant by King George VI and a Queen’s Award for Enterprise in 2001, Land Rover is a highly esteemed household name, with outstanding contributions to international trade. Loved from the time of its inception with powerful owners like Winston Churchill, the Beckhams and the Kardashians, Range Rovers showcase a uniquely, compelling appeal, up till this day.
Land Rover
Originally dubbed the Land Rover Ninety, this British four-wheel drive, off-road vehicle developed in the 1980s from the original Land Rover series, was launched at the Amsterdam Motor Show in April 1948. Characterized by its rugged versatility, the Defender is revered for its sturdy, steel ladder chassis and an aluminium alloy bodywork. With an estimated two million units over a continuous production period of 67 years, the Defender had amassed an impenetrable reputation for seamlessly conquering rough terrain and dangerous roads.
Mini Cooper
Tiny, endearing and stylish beyond compare, the British automotive marque founded in 1969, and owned by German automotive company BMW since 2000, is revered for their varied range of miniature cars. Considered one of the most iconic cars of the 1960s and the second most influential car of the 20th Century, Mini Cooper is renowned for their space-saving front-wheel-drive layout, which has since influenced generations of car-makers.
Ferrari California
A considerably younger version of the Porsche 911, the Ferrari California is a grand touring sports car with a two-door 2+2 hard top convertible, powered by a front-mid mounted, rear wheel drive, naturally aspirated 4.3 litre V8 engine. Significantly powerful and impressive, the 2008 Ferrari California is anything but conservative.
Ford Mustang
Currently in its sixth generation, the Mustang has earned its title as the fifth-best selling Ford car nameplate, and the poster-vehicle of the ‘pony’ automobile segment. Developed to be a highly styled line of sporty coupes and convertibles derived from existing models, the early Mustang was characterised by its rear-wheel drive system, and distinctive long-hood-and-short-deck proportion. Encompassing the full beauty and brutishness of American culture on wheels, the Ford Mustang is a classic which will forever grace the automobile industry’s top ten builds.
Nissan GT-R
Amidst the hushed whispers of a possible R36 hybrid monster in 2023, the original Nissan GT-R series from 2007, was an immediate success. This high-performance sports car and grand tourer was a direct successor, though no longer part of the range, to the Skyline GT-R. Triumphing on both road and track, the Nissan GT-R’s immense popularity had earned it multiple exclusive rereleases, including, the Black Edition and NISMO N-Attack.
Jeep
Showcasing everything from military vehicles to modern, tricked-out cruisers on the Las Vegas strip, this world acclaimed American range of sport utility vehicles has garnered unyielding support and adoration over the course of its existence. Arguably the most diverse automaker in the game, Jeep supplies both crossovers and fully off-road worthy SUVs, pickup trucks, miniature vans and other roadsters. Most revered for its series of compact and mid-size four-wheel drive off-road SUVs, the Jeep Wrangler closely takes after its World War II predecessor, making it a direct descendant of the original military model. Despite the minute differences of each model, brand-enthusiasts can always expect Jeep’s consistent solid axles and an open top design, making it synonymous with adventure.
Porsche 911
Eighth on this list but fifth in a 1999 poll for ‘International Car of the Century’, the Porsche 911 is a two-door, 2+2 high performance rear-engined sports car, introduced in September 1964 by Porsche AG of Stuttgart, Germany. Maintaining its basic concept, despite continuous development, the Porsche 911 is one of the oldest sports coupé nameplates still in production with over one million manufactured, as of May 2017.
Audi R8
A dream car for many, the Lamborghini Gallardo platform-inspired, mid-engine sports car by Audi is revered for its 2-seater layout which utilize the brand’s trademark quattro permanent all-wheel drive system. Initially introduced in 2006, the first-ever Audi R8 appeared at the 2003 International Geneva Motor Show and the 2003 Frankfurt International Motor Show, before being launched on the market in September 2006. As the first production car with LED headlamps, the R8 has featured in innumerable blockbuster trilogies including, Iron Man, Fifty Shades, as well as, Fast and Furious.
VW Beetle
Introduced by Volkswagen in 1997, this two-door, rear-engine, compact car is regarded a ‘people’s car’, presenting the perfect family vehicle which accommodates up to five occupants. Conceptualised by the leader of Nazi Germany, Adolf Hitler, the Beetle is a highly functional and simplistic build, and has since catapulted in its popularity and advancements. With a mechanical shift toward both a front-engine placement, and front-wheel drive, the Beetle currently features separate fenders, vestigial running boards, sloping headlamps, large round taillights, and a high rounded roofline. It is also available in a multitude of designs including an exclusive Malibu Barbie theme, alongside other convertible alternatives.