Citroen DS

God this is so gorgeous. I could look at it every minute of the day,and still not get enough. I am so in love with this car. If only I had the funds, to buy a good example and look after it. For me, black with red leather; perfect.

Porsche 928S4

This is probably my 2nd favourite car of all time. I lusted after this so much as a schoolboy. The shape is just stunning. I especially like the front lights, the curved door opening, the complex rear pillar structure, the…..just everything. I often see a dark blue 928S parked about 3 miles from my house, and stop to look at it. I still can’t take it all in before I have to move on. It’s just so perfect. I occasionally fantasise and search through the classifieds for one. Then I stop myself. A 928 equals big bucks in running costs. Leaving aside petrol and insurance, the thing which really scares the pants of me is if (or rather, when) something goes wrong. Maybe I should buy one which looks good but doesn’t drive. Then I could get the benefit of its everlasting beauty without incurring the costs. Beautiful 928……I don’t think there is an equivalent today.

Rover SD1

This is definitely a strange choice, but I think it has tremendous presence. Maybe my judgement is clouded by my childhood recollections. I don’t have many happy memories from the 70’s decade, but when I think back to that turquoise blue 2300, it’s still a pleasure. I was going through puberty at the time, my hormones were mixed up and girls were unattainable, strange and surprisingly (to a 10 year old) desirable. Then the Rover SD1 came along and here was a beauty which I could understand even though it was similarly unattainable. I just loved everything about it.

Peugeot 406 Coupe

Ahhh…the 406 coupe. So beautiful and graceful. How did Peugeot manage this when the 406 saloon was just ordinary and the 407 Coupe is vulgar, obscene, and heavy handed-ugly. They didn’t. The bought the design from Pininfarina after Fiat rejected (!) it for the Fiat Coupe. For anyone unaware, Pininfarina do the design of most Ferrari road cars. And this heritage can be seen in the profile.

The coupe is so gorgeous; I especially love the front and the rear pillars. The only part which could so obviously be improved upon, are the rear lights. It’s just crying out for Ferrari-esque 4 round rear lights. Maybe the rear lights were Peugeots bit. Anyway, since the rest of the design is so perfect, I can forgive the rear. Especially since this is the one car on this list which I can buy. And I will.

Ford Focus (Mark1)

The whole design is just right, which is a world apart from its predecessor. It has a rare combination of being roomy and practical with being great looking from any angle. And it hasn’t aged. It was always going to be a hard act to follow, which the awkward looking MarkII Focus doesn’t quite manage.

Citroen C6

This is the only contemporary car on the list. I like the long, low, feline stance. I love the rear window; its concave shape is a real Citroen tradition. And unlike many Citroens of the past, it’s unlikely to start rusting and looking shabby. I buy old Citroens, and this one will definitely find its way onto my drive. I’m just waiting 6 years so that someone else can take the hit on depreciation.

Mercedes 500SL (R129)

Maybe this is a strange choice. This was really stunning when it was introduced. Now, 25 years later, it’s still beautiful albeit with less visual impact. I was in two minds whether or not to include this. But I think its appeal has already bottomed out and is now on the rise. In 10 years time, if I see one I might well be stunned.

Porsche 924 Carerra GT

The 924 was a puny car. It had the right lines, the right detail but the femininity just didn’t suit it. Time for a steroid injection, enter the Carerra GT. The Carerra added flared wheel arches, deeper front and rear rubber spoilers, and a bonnet scoop to feed the intercooler for the new turbo. These made it a masculine shape without damaging the looks and beauty of the 924. The Carrera GT was a limited edition, replaced by a slightly watered down 924 Turbo.

Final Words

Looking through the list, its strikes me that they are all good to drive cars (yes, even the Rover in its time). And, apart from the Rover and possibly the Peugeot 406 Coupe, they are all technologically innovative and interesting. Maybe my liking for these other qualities is overlooking cars which are complete dogs but visually stunning? I can’t think of any but the above question surely points towards some 70’s Italian car. If you know of such a car, or you have a list of beautiful cars, click on the Have Your Say link and share it with us.

I have added more pictures (and larger pictures) to one of my two blogs. Look at them here: Proqul-Amistad blog: pictures

Update

I have changed my opinion about the Porsche 928. No, it still is probably my second favourite car or all time with sex-on-wheels beauty. Now I have come to learn that the 928 can be affordable and everyday transport. Obviously you have to buy a good one and not skimp on it's upkeep, but it won't break the bank. I have had this change-of-heart by subscribing to 928.org website and reading 928 owners' issues via group email. Now I am even looking into the possibility of buying one myself!

Return to Amistad Home.

This article is sponsored by Proqul Ozone store who supply the Ozonology Sanitisation service.

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