8. Aston Martin DB4
Considered the precursor to James Bond’s famous getaway vehicle, the Aston Martin DB4 stands as an iconic symbol of automotive excellence. According to Hagerty, “The DB4 is a true thoroughbred, always composed and never rattled. I wouldn’t think twice about embarking on a cross-country journey in one. It’s no surprise that James Bond favored its derivative, the DB5.” Given their scarcity, aspiring drivers may find their best chance to experience the thrill of driving a DB4 by befriending a collector.
Here’s the provided information presented in a table format:
Overview
| Manufacturer | Aston Martin |
| Production | 1958–1963 |
| 1,204 produced | |
| – 1,129 DB4 | |
| – 56 DB4 GT | |
| – 19 DB4 GT Zagato | |
| Designer | Federico Formenti at Carrozzeria Touring |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Grand tourer |
| Body style | – 2+2 coupé |
| – 2-seat coupé | |
| – 2+2 drophead | |
| Layout | Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive |
| Related | DB4 GT Zagato, Lagonda Rapide |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | – DOHC Straight six |
| – 3670 cc | |
| – 240 bhp @ 5000 rpm | |
| – 240 lbs-ft @ 4200 rpm | |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 98 in (2,489 mm) |
| Length | 177 in (4,496 mm) |
| Width | 66 in (1,676 mm) |
| Height | 52.5 in (1,334 mm) |
| Kerb weight | 1308 kg (2883 lb) |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Aston Martin DB Mark III |
| Successor | Aston Martin DB5 |
9. BMW 3.0 CSL
If you’ve ever dreamed of tearing up the racetrack, this is the car to seek out. When BMW arrived in America in 1975, it brought along a quartet of models, including the 3.0 CSL coupe. Piloted by racing legends such as Brian Redman, Sam Posey, and Hans Stuck, this car clinched victory at the 12 Hours of Sebring race that year and triumphed at Daytona the following year. These victories solidified BMW’s reputation for performance in the United States. Beyond its racing pedigree, the 3.0 CSL also introduced numerous technologies that would become staples in later BMW models, including its pioneering four-valve six-cylinder engine and early anti-lock braking system. BMW enthusiasts can experience the thrill of driving this iconic vehicle at the BMW Classic Center in Munich.
Here’s the provided information presented in a table format:
Overview
| Production | 1968-1975 |
| Assembly | Germany: Rheine (Karmann) |
| Designer | Wilhelm Hofmeister |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Grand tourer |
| Body style | Coupé |
| Layout | Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 2.5-3.2 L M30 I6 |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,624 mm (103.3 in) |
| Length | 4,660 mm (183.5 in) |
| Width | 1,670 mm (65.7 in) |
| Height | 1,370 mm (53.9 in) |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | BMW 2000C / 2000CS |
| Successor | BMW 6 Series (E24) |