Car Connoisseur

I’ve begun a list of revolutionary cars, cars that deserve applause for their desirability, popularizing new technology or advancing the art of the automobile. A few more will be added as time goes on, but for now, here are some that stand out:

Audi Quattro

This is the car that made all wheel drive in passenger cars popular. The British Jensen FF of the late 1960s was one of the first applications of the technology in a passenger vehicle, but Audi proved their mettle on the rally and touring car circuit. It eventually led to an unfair advantage ruling by the FIA (Federation Internationale De L’Automobile) and banned Audi from using the technology.

The street version of the Quattro first showed up on the auto show circuit in 1980 and competitors have been quick to attract to the technology. Even with the unintended acceleration scandal in the late 1980s in the U.S., Audi has gone on to sell almost two million Quattro vehicles in the 25 years since the technology’s inception.

Austin Mini

The car made famous by Mr. Bean and the original Italian Job had a production run from 1959 up until 2000. The original Mini was the brainchild of Sir Alec Issigonis. His creation was the first vehicle to feature a transverse mounted four cylinder engine driving the front wheels through half shafts. A revolutionary way of packaging a car’s mechanicals, it afforded a rather small car great interior space. John Cooper came along a few years later and started with performance modifications which transformed the average little compact car into a beast on the rally circuit. As we face rising fuel prices, the new MINI has become a hit in the U.S. and looks like it is here to stay.

BMW M6 (E24)

This is one of the most gorgeous cars BMW ever produced. Incidentally it also represents the peak of engineering and performance that German manufacturers offered into the late 1980s. The fact the E24 6 series coupe lasted in the BMW lineup virtually unchanged for 14 years affirms its classic status. The M6 was the culmination of the big coupe by BMW, originally introduced in 1976. As with every other M car by BMW, it took performance and dynamics to the next level, as well as offering a bit more exclusivity. Only 5,855 units were made from 1983 to 1989, and only in 1987 and 1988 was the M6 officially imported to the U.S. With the reintroduction of the 645Ci coupe, the value of these classic coupes will increase, especially for well preserved examples and the storied M6.

BMW Z8

Unfortunately, the BMW Z8 only existed for four model years, from 2000 to 2003. The impact of this vehicle was far greater than it’s meager production numbers suggest. A 5.0 liter V8 from the M5 sedan powers this roadster while capturing the essence of the classic BMW 507 roadster from the 1950s. It is few and far between that retro styling has been seamlessly melded with modern cues. A few hundred Z8s at the end of the model run were special edition Alpina versions which had larger wheels, an automatic transmission and individual throttles for each of the eight cylinders. While these roadsters still command a high price (upwards of $100,000 in some cases), if you can afford one, it’s worth every penny.

Citroën DS

Deceptive as this car’s styling may be, it was introduced to the public in 1955. No, I didn’t mean 1995. This car debuted in 1955. During the Eisenhower administration. Hard to believe, isn’t it? The flagship of the Citroen line at the time, this car was a revolutionary vehicle on several fronts.

The DS featured a hydropneumatic suspension system that gave the smoothest of rides over the roughest terrain and allowed the driver to control ride height and even change a tire without a jack. A semi automatic transmission and headlights that turned around corners were also a few of many interesting touches that graced this car. At the time, the styling was love it or hate it. However, time has shown that more cars have come to look like the DS than not.

1964-1967 Ford Mustang

The 1964 1/2 Ford Mustang created a new market segment and defined generations of pony cars to come. Steve McQueen immortalized it through a high speed, San Francisco car chase in the movie Bullitt. Numerous races have been won and the new generation Mustang that hit the streets last year clearly takes cues from the original. It is what it was, a cool car. My pick would be what you see above, a black ‘67 coupe with the classic 5 spoke chrome rims. Make sure you have some Steve Miller Band and Hendrix on the radio and you have the perfect conveyance to the club on Saturday nights.

Honda Accord

By including the Honda Accord on my list, I am referring to the first three generations of Accords, from 1976 to 1989. These are cars that redefined the mid-sized family sedan segment while popularizing the idea of a foreign manufacturer cranking out copies through an American factory. Superior engineering and quality drew thousands into Honda showrooms across the country, and consumers paid full sticker price just for the privilege to own one.

In 1981, Honda even introduced a Special Edition model which featured luxuries such as leather interior, power windows and alloy wheels. The SE versions continued for the ’83, ’85 and ’89 model years. These features seem average today, but this was back when even some cars didn’t have disc brakes or air conditioning. More importantly, the exact car pictured, a 1982 model, was the first foreign car my grandfather ever owned. This was after years of headaches and reliability issues he had with GM and Ford products. As their slogan stated at the time: “Honda. We Make It Simple.”

Mazda RX-7 (3rd generation)

Mazda unveiled the RX-8 in the middle of 2003 to much acclaim. It was a car for all seasons, could comfortably seat four, was quick on it’s feet and reasonably fast. However, it was the 3rd generation, two seat RX-7 that brought Mazda closest to the idea of a purebred sports car. A 255 horsepower twin rotor, twin turbo Wankel engine, space monocoque frame, use of lightweight materials and a suspension geared more for the track than the street broadcasted this car’s intentions.

Granted, the interior was cramped, the ride was harsh and at around $32,000 in 1993, it wasn’t exactly cheap. The RX-7 was pulled from the U.S. market in 1995 but soldiered on in the Japanese market until 2002. The 3rd generation RX-7 is still coveted by the import tuner market and unmolested examples still can fetch upwards of $20,000, given the right condition, mileage and history.

Mercedes-Benz 500E (1992-1994)

The car pictured above quite possibly is the best vehicle ever to roam the earth. The Mercedes-Benz 500E/E500 was a legend then, and is one now. In it’s short three year model run, 1,505 cars found their way to the United States. While it looks like an ordinary W124 E class, the similarity ends there. A lowered ride height and flared fenders begin to tell the story. This car was shipped back and forth during assembly between the Mercedes and Porsche factories, as Mercedes needed the extra assembly line capacity that their neighbors in Zuffenhausen could provide. A 5.0 liter V8 with 322 horsepower motivates this beast to a flat 6.0 second 0-60 mph run. It isn’t so much the speed as it is the way this car hustles down the road. Never have I driven a smoother yet unimpeachably controlled ride. I crested the top of a hill at around 75 mph and the car didn’t miss a beat.

On the third day, Jesus Christ rose again and promptly reached for the keys to his 500E. Everyone should have the opportunity to drive one of these, so they can experience just how religious power with control can be.

Mercedes-Benz CLK Cabriolet

Mercedes-Benz created an instant classic by continuing on with the four seat cabriolet theme in 1998 with the introduction of the CLK. Originally conceived with a 3.2 liter V6, this chassis has spawned V8 and AMG versions as well. With a restyle in 2004, the cabriolet continues on in a relatively unchallenged segment of the market, save for the more expensive and recently introduced BMW 645ci. However, the BMW is rather avant garde whereas the CLK offers up timeless seduction. Mercedes’ legendary Designo interior and exterior color options only add to the refined look and feel of this vehicle. Buy one now, if you can, for it’s one of the most rock solid new car investments you can make.

Mercedes-Benz SL (R107 chassis)

The Mercedes R107 SL was manufactured from 1972 to 1989, making it one of the longest production cycles in Mercedes-Benz history. Along with a lengthy production run, this particular Mercedes defined a generation. It was the car to be seen in anywhere from Madison Avenue to Rodeo Drive. It starred in a number of classic flicks from Beverly Hills Cop to Casino. Both men and women alike lusted after it. It was the ultimate status symbol of its time. The R107 was even produced in coupe form for about a decade as the SLC. Mercedes even campaigned a 500 SLC on the World Rally Circuit. A wide range of six cylinder and V8 engines found their home in this roadster and these SL models are still easy to find in the used marketplace in great condition with low mileage. They have been treasured by their owners and will be for years to come.

Porsche 911

As you have seen, the 911 has already made two of my other lists. We must be dealing with an important car here. Maybe nostalgia has a role to play in it for me. At the young age of 15 I was allowed to drive a 1984 911 Carerra owned by a friend of my dad’s. It was ice blue with champagne colored BBS rims. It forever changed my outlook on what a car is capable of. Not to mention the stares it garnered on the street.

If it wasn’t for the Volkswagen Beetle, this car wouldn’t exist. The original Porsche, the 356, was mostly based on modified Beetle mechanicals. The 911 took things a step further at its introduction in 1963 with two more cylinders, more interior room and upgraded suspension. Since 1963, there has been a constant evolution of the breed, from four wheel drive models, to revolutionary turbocharged engines, from targa tops to Speedster models. The 911 has worn many hats and pleased many drivers the world over. This is a timeless vehicle.

Volkswagen Beetle

One of the best selling vehicles of all time, the original Volkswagen Beetle finally went out of production on June 30, 2003 at the VW factory in Puebla, Mexico. The very last Beetle is pictured above. Originally called the Kdf Wagen (German for Kraft durch Freude, or strength through joy), the Beetle was envisioned by Adolf Hitler and Ferdinand Porsche before World War II as a car meant to mobilize Germany.

After Germany’s defeat, the Beetle transported British and American troops around the occupied territories. Eventually, the little car started coming across the pond and won the hearts of many Americans from the 1950s to the end of the 1970s. A low price, economy and simple, durable engineering were the Beetle’s hallmarks. Every baby boomer seems to have one story or another about an experience with this icon.