Hispano-Suiza H6©Wikipedia
The inline 6 in the 1920s-era Hispano-Suiza H6 was essentially half of the manufacturer’s V12 aircraft engine, which blew rivals Isotta Fraschini and Rolls-Royce away with its 134 hp, at a time when 80 horses was considered quick, and a ton
of torque to back it up. Plus, servo-assisted brakes brought the H6 to a tidy stop from any speed.
of torque to back it up. Plus, servo-assisted brakes brought the H6 to a tidy stop from any speed.
1967 Mercedes-Benz 600©Wikipedia
This iconic Merc model from 1967 was, at the time of its release, the “most expensive road-legal automobile in the world,” loaded with a high-tech (for its time) hydraulic air suspension system, a V8 making 300 hp (50 of which goes to run those hydraulics) that could cruise along at 160 km/h (100 mph) without breaking a sweat and look gorgeous doing it.
Imperial Southampton©Wikipedia
Imperial became its own division within Chrysler in the mid-’50s and built cars like the Southampton, with its iconic 1950s tailfin design that actually increased stability at speed. At the time, the Southampton boasted the largest production car engine, a V8 made from cast iron that made 325 hp. Power steering and brakes, and torsion-bar front suspension made for a smooth, fun driving experience.
Land Rover Range Rover SV Autobiography©Land Rover
Car and Driver calls the 2021 model “the most luxurious Range Rover yet”—pretty good for a car that used to be a farm wagon of sorts. The ultra-luxe Autobiography trim boasts a supercharged V8 engine and performance suspension, paddle-shifted eight-speed automatic transmission and a super-smooth ride. The red-and-black leather-and-wood interior looks and feels as expensive as it is.
Jaguar SS 2 ½ litre Saloon©Wikipedia
The first model to bear the Jaguar name, this four-door saloon (sedan) introduced in 1935 was an “extremely elegant touring car” with plenty of power for its time: 102 hp made by a new overhead-valve six-cylinder engine. Top speed: 138 km/h (86 mph)! Initially the Jaguar had a coach-built body framed from ash wood, but by 1938 the company had adopted an all-steel body.
Mercedes-Maybach S 600 Pullman© Daimler AG
Make no mistake: This is a limousine, and a very luxurious one at that. Popular with royalty and governments worldwide, the Pullman is powered by a twin-turbo V12 making 530 hp (which it needs, at 6.5 metres (21 feet) long). The Burmester sound system and ultra-luxe leather-wrapped interior will ensure you enjoy being chauffeured around, especially with segment-topping rear seat legroom.
1967 Lincoln Continental©Wikipedia
“One of America’s most distinguished automobiles,” according to Notorious Luxury, the 1960s Lincoln Continental convertible featured four “kissing” doors, a soft roof that folded away out of sight entirely, and classy “knife-blade” fenders. The car was known for its superior ride quality thanks to cutting-edge suspension and brake technology, and was as spacious as a sedan inside, with elegant leather seating.
Bentley Continental GT©James Lipman
The GT stands for “grand touring,” and this stunning Bentley lets you do it in spectacular luxury. Available with a V8 or W12 engine (the latter makes 626 horsepower!) for incredible yet effortless power, run through a dual-clutch automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The interior is as fancy as the $200K-plus price tag implies, wrapped in leather and real wood grain.
Bentley S2©Wikipedia
Bentley introduced the S2 in 1959 with a V8 engine, automatic transmission, and 25% more power than its predecessor. This engine design, known as the L-series, is still being used today, with refinements. With a singular focus on performance and driving pleasure, the S2 also included power steering and windows and a superior driver’s seat
Rolls-Royce Dawn©Rolls Royce
This spectacularly expensive convertible with a twin-turbo 6.6-litre V12 is both incredibly powerful and extremely refined, according to Top Gear. Based on the Wraith, the Rolls-Royce Dawn also possesses an elegant and roomy four-seat interior with rear-hinged rear doors and a fold-down roof that retracts in complete silence. If you can afford one, it’s an amazing experience.
Rolls-Royce Phantom V©Wikipedia
Just 516 of these ultra-luxe touring cars (limousines, really) were built in the 1960s, and they weren’t fast (despite possessing a V8 engine). Intended for dignitaries, the Phantom V progresses best when going just slightly faster than walking. Queen Elizabeth II and John Lennon both rode in one of these elegant beauties, which had “roomy and opulent” rear seats.
Rolls-Royce 40/50 (aka Silver Ghost)©Wikipedia
Introduced in 1906, the 40/50 was hand-built until 1926, with a quiet, smooth inline 6 engine that Rolls-Royce continually improved. Bodywork was all custom, of course. The “Silver Ghost” label comes from the name given to chassis No. 13, constructed in 1907, and so beloved that it stuck. This is widely considered to be the most famous car ever made.
French automaker Facel’s stunning late 1950s/early 1960s Vega Excellence sedan was utterly luxurious and generously proportioned, at nearly 5.5 metres (17.5 feet) long, with four doors, soft leather seats, aircraft-style gauges, hand-painted wood grain and chrome finishes, and standard power windows. More than a pretty face, the Excellence made a top speed of 225 km/h (140 mph), powered by a 360-hp Chrysler “wedge” V8 engine.
Isotta Fraschini Tipo 8
Italian carmaker Isotta Fraschini began producing their Tipo 8 in 1919, and until World War II continued creating variations on this eight-cylinder engine that initially made about 100 horsepower (unbelievably quick for its time) and later up to 120. Hollywood elites loved the Tipo 8, whose chassis could be customized with a body built by Carrozzeria Castagna or Cesare Sala.
Love BMWs but want something even faster, classier, sportier, and more rarefied? The Alpina B7is a high-performance variant of a 7 Series: the car is built by BMW and then sent to Alpinato be refined with touches like Lavalina leather seats, a hand-stitched steering wheel, aerodynamic aids and a fancier exhaust system. And did we mention the 600 hp?Audi S8
©AudiCar and Driver says the Audi S8 is aimed at “speed freaks with a penchant for comfort and luxury.” A twin-turbo V8 and luxurious, yet subtle exterior make this car a bit of a sleeper. Top speed is 250 km/h (155 mph), and an active suspension makes it a blast to take around corners. Plus, it has massage seats (front AND rear, if you like)
Zipping ahead to the 1950s, Cadillac was still riding high, and the ’57 Eldorado Brougham four-door hardtop sedan was the highest of high style, including ‘30s-style rear-hinged rear doors, a brushed stainless-steel roof, quad headlights, and “power everything.” Just 704 “Eldo Bros” were ever built, as they were incredibly expensive to manufacture and sold for over $13,000
Cadillac V16 (aka Sixteen)
With its 16 cylinders arranged in two straight rows of eight, this 1930s-era Cadillac was the first to employ hydraulic valve adjustment, allowing it to run smoothly. As with many cars of this era, coachwork companies created bodies to ride on the V16 chassis. One of the most famous is Fleetwood’s Madam X design, with silver inlaid panels and a low roof.
Declared the best car of the 1920s by Hagerty, the Model J was a status-symbol vehicle introduced in 1928 (just before the Great Depression) and embraced by “blue-blooded aristocrats and Hollywood elites” for more than 10 years. Its straight-eight engine made 265 hp (matched by a Jaguar E-Type 30 years later) and its body could be customized to the owner’s liking.
Bugatti Type 41 Royale
A car intended for royalty, originally designed in 1926. Company founder Ettore Bugatti “went all in” on his masterpiece, fitting it with an inline eight-cylinder engine that made 300 horsepower and could go up to 200 kilometres per hour (125 miles per hour). Its stunning dancing elephant hood ornament was designed by Bugatti’s brother. Just six were ever produced, and all still exist today, mainly in museums.
The best luxury cars ever made
While most of us get by with a car that’s good enough for everyday life, some cars are worthy of an extended fantasy sequence. What if you won the lottery and could have any car you desired? To help fuel your daydreams, we’ve rounded up 20 of the best luxury cars ever made.
.jpg)
0 Comments