Some luxury cars are more than just vehicles—they’re icons that defined their era, capturing the style, innovation, and prestige of their time. In this list, we’re taking a look back at 22 retired luxury cars that set the standard for elegance and performance, leaving a lasting impact on the automotive world. These cars may no longer be in production, but their legacy continues to inspire and captivate car enthusiasts everywhere.
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1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing
The Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing earned legendary status with its groundbreaking design and gullwing doors, which were unlike anything seen before. Featuring a 3.0L straight-six engine with mechanical fuel injection, it delivered 215 horsepower and a top speed of 163 mph, making it the fastest production car of its time. Its sleek lines and innovative space-frame chassis cemented its legacy as both a design marvel and an engineering achievement.
1964 Aston Martin DB5
Known for its association with James Bond, the Aston Martin DB5 is synonymous with British luxury and elegance. Powered by a 4.0L inline-six engine, it offered a smooth yet powerful ride that matched its stunning design. With its refined interior and timeless appeal, the DB5 is one of the most iconic luxury cars of all time.
1961 Jaguar E-Type
Often hailed as one of the most beautiful cars ever made, the Jaguar E-Type combined high performance with unmatched style. Its 3.8L engine, later upgraded to 4.2L, allowed it to reach speeds of 150 mph. The E-Type’s sleek, aerodynamic design influenced sports car aesthetics for decades and established Jaguar as a leader in luxury automotive design.
1957 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham
The Cadillac Eldorado Brougham represented opulence and American automotive luxury in the late 1950s. Featuring air suspension, memory seats, and power accessories, it was as innovative as it was luxurious. With its unique stainless steel roof and extravagant styling, the Eldorado Brougham set the standard for luxury.
1971 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow
The Silver Shadow introduced a new era for Rolls-Royce, offering a blend of performance, luxury, and advanced technology. It featured a hydraulic self-leveling suspension system and a powerful V8 engine, ensuring a smooth, comfortable ride. Its elegant design and unmatched attention to detail made it a classic icon of British luxury.
1931 Duesenberg Model J
The Duesenberg Model J was one of the most luxurious and powerful cars of the early 20th century, often regarded as a status symbol for the elite. Powered by a 6.9L straight-eight engine, it delivered 265 horsepower, a remarkable figure for its time. Known for its extravagant styling and unmatched luxury, it remains a legend in automotive history.
1980 BMW M1
BMW’s M1 was the company’s first supercar, featuring a mid-engine layout and sleek Italian design by Giorgetto Giugiaro. Its 3.5L inline-six engine produced 273 horsepower, allowing it to reach speeds of 165 mph. The M1’s limited production and racing heritage made it an icon of 1980s luxury and performance.
1959 Cadillac Series 62 Convertible
The Cadillac Series 62 Convertible symbolized American post-war luxury, complete with iconic tailfins and lavish interiors. Its powerful V8 engine and smooth ride embodied Cadillac’s reputation for comfort and style. With its bold design and rich chrome accents, it became an enduring symbol of mid-century American luxury.
1973 Citroën SM
The Citroën SM combined French elegance with cutting-edge technology, including self-leveling suspension and a Maserati V6 engine. Its futuristic design and innovative engineering set it apart from other luxury cars of its time, making it a beloved classic among car enthusiasts and a true icon of French automotive history.
1963 Lincoln Continental Convertible
The Lincoln Continental Convertible is instantly recognizable for its iconic suicide doors and sleek, minimalist design. Known for its luxurious interiors and spaciousness, it became a symbol of American luxury. Its association with political figures and celebrities added to its iconic status in the 1960s.
1986 Porsche 959
The Porsche 959 was one of the most advanced sports cars of the 1980s, with a twin-turbocharged flat-six engine producing 444 horsepower. Its all-wheel-drive system and innovative suspension gave it exceptional performance on both road and track, solidifying its place as a high-tech icon in automotive history.
1992 Ferrari F40
The Ferrari F40 was built to celebrate Ferrari’s 40th anniversary, featuring a twin-turbocharged V8 engine producing 471 horsepower. Known for its raw, race-inspired design, it reached speeds over 200 mph. The F40’s aggressive styling and exhilarating performance made it an enduring symbol of Ferrari’s legacy.
1966 Alfa Romeo Spider
The Alfa Romeo Spider captured the essence of Italian sports car design with its sleek body and responsive handling. Its 1.6L engine delivered a spirited driving experience, and its elegant design made it a beloved icon. The Spider’s appearance in popular culture further cemented its legendary status.
1976 Aston Martin Lagonda
The Aston Martin Lagonda was an avant-garde luxury sedan known for its futuristic design and advanced electronics. Its wedge shape and luxurious interior made it a standout, while its high-tech digital dashboard was groundbreaking for its time. The Lagonda remains a symbol of daring design and luxury.
1998 McLaren F1
The McLaren F1 was a revolutionary supercar that set new standards in performance and design. Its central driving position and powerful 6.1L V12 engine allowed it to reach a top speed of 240 mph, making it the fastest car of its era. The F1’s exclusivity and engineering brilliance made it a luxury icon.
1972 Lamborghini Miura SV
Often considered the first supercar, the Lamborghini Miura SV featured a mid-engine layout and sleek styling. Powered by a V12 engine, it could reach 170 mph, pushing boundaries in both performance and design. Its exotic looks and pioneering engineering made it a true icon of luxury.
1987 Buick GNX
The Buick GNX was a high-performance version of the Grand National, featuring a turbocharged V6 engine with 276 horsepower. Its menacing black design and impressive speed for an American sedan made it an icon of the 1980s, celebrated by muscle car enthusiasts and collectors alike.
1936 Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic
The Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic is one of the most valuable and rarest cars in the world, with only a few ever built. Known for its distinctive, art-deco-inspired design and powerful supercharged engine, it represents the height of pre-war luxury and craftsmanship
1984 Ferrari 288 GTO
The Ferrari 288 GTO was originally designed for racing but became one of Ferrari’s most celebrated road cars. Its twin-turbocharged V8 engine produced 400 horsepower, and its lightweight construction made it extremely fast. The 288 GTO remains a classic icon in Ferrari’s lineup.
1954 Bentley R-Type Continental
The Bentley R-Type Continental was one of the fastest four-seaters of its time, featuring a streamlined design that influenced future Bentley models. Its powerful 4.9L inline-six engine and luxurious interior made it a preferred choice among wealthy buyers, symbolizing British luxury.
1970 Oldsmobile Toronado GT
The Oldsmobile Toronado GT was a luxurious front-wheel-drive coupe with a powerful V8 engine and unique styling. Known for its spacious, comfortable interior and innovative design, it stood out among American luxury cars and remains a celebrated model from Oldsmobile’s lineup.
1968 Iso Grifo
The Iso Grifo combined Italian design with American muscle, featuring a V8 engine from Chevrolet that delivered robust performance. Its stylish body and unique blend of power and elegance made it a standout among luxury sports cars, securing its place as a classic.
This article originally appeared in MyCarMakesNoise.
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