Aston Martin’s are probably best known as the car of choice for James Bond, but the automobile company has a phenomenal history that stretches far beyond the silver screen. The incredible DB5 that was first driven by James Bond in Goldfinger is not the only iconic car Aston Martin has managed to produce in the 105 yards of their existence.

The company is at a crossroad at the moment with game-changing cars like the first SUV from Aston, the Valkyrie supercar, and the brand-new Vantage on the horizon. However, instead of looking forward, let’s take a step back and revisit the greatest cars ever produced by Aston Martin.

Ulster

Although this wasn’t the first car produced by Aston Martin, the Ulster did manage to establish the company’s performance reputation. The Ulster was essentially a replica of the race car that went on to win the Ulster Tourist Trophy back in 1934. The four-cylinder, 1.5-litre engine produced 85 horsepower and managed to propel the Ulster to reach a top speed of around 100mph which was quite remarkable for its time.

DBR1

Apart from being one of the most beautiful cars ever produced by an automobile company, the DBR1 also gave Aston Martin its one and only win in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. In 1959, Roy Salvadori and Carroll Shelby drove the DBR1 during the famous French race and managed to win the tournament. Despite several attempts, Aston Martin hasn’t won it again since.

DB5

James Bond. There’s nothing more to say about this celebrity car. The DB5 will always be linked to 007. When the DB5 was driven by Sean Connery in the Goldfinger movie, he transformed the Aston Martin brand into a household name. The car itself was far more evolved than the DB4, but it’s the fame behind the DB5 that makes it one of the most iconic cars from Aston Martin to this day.

V8 Vantage

Don’t confuse this with the latest model from Aston Martin. The original Vantage V8 was the company’s attempt to produce a supercar from a tired model that was on sale for years. During 1977, the company decided to take the AM V8 and give it a significant boost where it eventually produced 375hp along with a top speed of around 170mph which was quite impressive for its time. The Vantage V8 also made it into a James Bond film, The Living Daylights.

DB7

This is undoubtedly the car that saved Aston Martin during the early 90’s. The car featured attractive styling which defined the company for 20 years. It came equipped with a V12 5.9-litre engine that was produced by Ford who owned both Jaguar and Aston at the time.

DB9

Aston Martin continued building the DB7 for more than 10 yards before they decided to replace it with the DB9. The DB9 was the car that defined the company during the early 2000’s and featured similar styling as the DB7 but with fewer connections to the Ford brand. The DB9 also created the basis for spinoff cars, such as the Virage and DBS.

There are some that are unaware that BMW initially manufactured aircraft engines back in 1913 before venturing into the automotive industry. It was only in 1929 when BMW first started developing cars. The team of engineers at BMW progressively developed their vehicles from Seven-based cars into luxury six-cylinder cars and by 1936 the company started producing the BMW 328 sports car. Automobiles, motorcycles, and aircraft engines were the primary products for BMW until WWII.

During the war, BMW concentrated heavily on aircraft production, while motorcycles were a second thought and the manufacturing of automobiles stopped altogether. By the end of 1930, BMW tried to introduce a brand-new front axle along with independent wheel suspension on both their models, including the BMW Wartburg DA3 and the BMW Dixi 3/15 DA4. However, accidents occurred on both models due to construction faults.

In 1931, BMW decided to hire Josef Ganz, a German engineer who was hired as a consultant to assist BMW is creating a brand-new model. Josef Ganz discussed the possibility of manufacturing a rear-engined prototype, but BMW wanted something more in the line of the previous Dixi model. It’s for this reason that Ganz started developing the BMW AM1 which was a small vehicle with rear-wheel drive and a front-mounted engine along with independent wheel suspension as well as swing-axles.

The Most Popular Cars From BMW

Those that pay close attention will notice that we didn’t include every single BMW vehicle that was ever manufactured. We are more focused on concept and performance cars, and therefore we decided to only include the cars that make us excited and those that made a breakthrough in the history of the automobile world. With that said, here is a list of the most significant performance BMW’s that had a significant impact throughout history.

1934 BMW 315/1

1962 BMW 3200 CS

1965 BMW 1800 TI/SA

1965 BMW 2000 CS

1973 BMW 2002 Turbo

1973 BMW 3.0 CSL

1978 BMW 320 Turbo Group 5

1986 BMW 750iL

1991 BMW Nazca M12

1993 BMW Nazca C2 Spider

1999 BMW Z9 Concept

2000 BMW Z8

2001 BMW Z3 M Roadster

2003 BMW M3 CSL

2009 BMW M3 GTR

2012 BMW i8 Concept Spyder

BMW Race Cars

BMW also boasts with an exceptionally rich motorsport history in both motorcycles and cars. In motorsports, BMW has managed to complete and win several categories, including Touring car racing, Sportscar racing, Formula Two, and Formula One. The most popular racing lump is probably the BMW M10 engine block which started out as a 1,500cc with 4 cylinders at only 75hp during 1961.

It managed to win touring car races as it later developed more than 300 hp during 1970 and was eventually upgraded to produce 1,400 hp in Formula Two during 1986. This engine is world-renowned as one of the most powerful engines in Formula One history as well. Other impressive engineering displays include the BMW S70/2 engine incorporated in the McLaren F1, setting the world record for the fastest production car back in 1998.

“When I see an Alfa Romeo drive by, I raise my hat.” – Henry Ford

The quote by Henry Ford summarizes the profound work and impact this Italian automaker has on the world. With over 100 years of creating history, Alfa Romeo started their incredible journey as a French company situated in Italy in 1910 and worked hard to establish their legacy by forming a strong racing heritage with countless wins which also led to the discovery of a young racer known as Enzo Ferrari.

Alfa Romeo has achieved an arsenal of wins, including German Touring Car Championship, World Sportscar Championship. Several Grand Prix, Le Mans, the Mille Miglia during 1928, and the World’s Best Motor Race, just to mention a few. The quote by Henry Ford also demonstrates the craftmanship that went into every Alfa Romeo, creating pure works of art, such as the 1965 GTA, the 1962 original Guilia, and the 1924 P2.

Being as flamboyant as an Italian can be, Alfa Romeo managed to pour their heart and soul into every single creation and placed focus on aesthetics and ensuring that their everyday models, including the Bretta, 156, and 155, were absolutely jaw-dropping. Alfa Romeos are also renowned for their questionable reliability and quirks, but we honestly don’t care. They’re elegant, graceful, and undeniably beautiful.

The Legends

What is an automotive icon? Can it be an aesthetically pleasing car that blows your mind? It is the performance which defines an era? How about a rich racing history? In the case of Alfa Romeo, they possess legendary cars from each group. The most iconic Alfa Romeo cars are essentially the ones that managed to change history for the better. In modern history, this includes cars like the C4, 8C, 156, Brera, GTA, and the Guilia. All of them commercial success that managed to grow the company even further. Going back several decades, cars like the Disco Volante, Duetto, 6C1750, Turbolare Zagato, Stradale, P3, 8C2900, and Alfetta all bring back phenomenal memories of this amazing Italian brand when it defined Italian style and sexy design.

Race Cars

Alfa Romeo has successfully competed in several different categories when it comes to motorsport, such as sportscar racing, rallies, touring car racing, Formula One, and Grand Prix motor racing. The company has competed both as an engine supplier and constructor. In 1913, Alfa Romeo made its first race car. Three years after the inception of A.L.F.A, the 6 litre straight 4 engine with 60 HP. The company established a good name in motorsport rather quickly, winning multiple championships across various categories. Some of the most iconic race cars included the 1936 Tipo C 8C-35, 1968 T33/2 ‘Le Mans’, 1970 GTAm, and the 1969 T33/2 Spyder.

Concept Cars

Alfa Romeo is certainly not afraid to let soul and aesthetics take over either. The company is truly passionate about creating a beautiful flow of body sheet to get your attention. Simply take a look at the range of prototypes produces over the last few years to get a real sense of the company. For instance, the 1969 Iguana Concept, the 2013 Disco Volante, or the 2006 Diva Concept.

Acura is considered a luxury vehicle marque that derives from Honda, a world-class Japanese automaker. The car brand was initially launched in Canada and the United States in March 1986, marketing high-performance, performance, and luxury vehicles. In 1991, it was introduced to Hong Kong, in 2004 to Mexico, in 2006 to China, in 2014 to Russia, and in 2016 to Kuwait. The car brand also sold extremely well in Ukraine. In 2008, Honda wanted to introduce the Acura car brand to the Japanese domestic market, but it was unfortunately delayed due to several economic reasons which was later withheld after the financial crisis in 2008.

Integra and Legend

The Acura brand was developed around the same time as rivals Toyota and Nissan created their Lexus and Infiniti premium cars. In 1986, after a decade of extensive research, Honda decided to open 60 new dealerships across North America to support the automobile division of Acura. The brand initially released tow models, including the compact class Integra and the executive class Legend, available as a three-door and five-door hatchback.

NSX

In 1990, almost five years after the release of the Integra and Legend, Acura decided to introduce the NSX, a real-wheel-drive, midship V6 powered sportscar. It was considered the first Japanese car that could compete against Porsche and Ferrari. The NSX basically served as an image car for both Acura and Honda brands. The NSX was also the first all-aluminium car in the world and was considered an “Everyday Supercar” due to its reliability, quality, and ease of use.

MDX, RSX, CL, TL

At the start of 2000, Acura celebrated a rebirth by introducing several redesigned models. The 1999 Acura 3.2 TL was the first of these models which was essentially an upscale sedan. The MDX was another refreshed Acura that was launched in early 2000, an extremely popular SUV which was based on the Odyssey minivan from Honda. In 2001, Acura launched a new coupe which was branded the RSX. It was basically a replacement for the Integra. Unfortunately, the RSX was taken out of the line-up at Acura in 2006.

ZDX, MDX, RDX, RLX, TLX, ILX

In 2007, Acura managed to re-introduce the TL Type-S. In 2009, Acura launched the all-new TSX and TL models along with the mid-year model upgrade on the RL. All 3 of these vehicles made their introduction in 2008. In 2011, Acura planned to redesign the RL and also announced the introduction of the ZDX, a brand-new luxury model. The ZDX was the first car created in the Acura design studio situated in Southern California.

In 2012, Acura created the new ILX model which is heavily based on the Honda Civic. The car manufacturer also reinvented another model in the same year, known as the RDX concept. In 2013, Acura presented a 2014 MDX concept which was released shortly thereafter. Acura basically keeps all their car names the same and simply reinvents the models with better designs and features.

If cars tell you all about the person who drives them, then Mercedes-Benz should be thought off as a character personality extension. It runs the gamut from luxurious sedans to mind-blowing race cars to understatedly elegant cars that kick ass once a capable driver takes the wheel.

1957 300 SL Gullwing W1981

If you ever wondered how to outclass a couple of really hot girls in a red Lamborghini Countach, then “Cannonball Run II” released in 1984 have the answer, a Silver 1957 300 SL Gullwing W1981.

1990 420SEL

It’s undoubtedly the car of choice for Hollywood film directors and in Sin City, Marv steels a 1990 420 SEL off the priest saying the keys tells the padre was at the wheel of a Mercedes. Real life drivers call it a luxury class car that is built strong with a V8 engine that ensured decent acceleration and a smooth start. With a long wheelbase, it handles tight corners as if you are riding on a cloud.

600 Pullman W100

Formerly used for German Government guests, the 600 Pullman W100 Mercedes is a high-end luxury limousine that also gives heads of state a ride in style in the film “The Last King of Scotland” in 2006. It’s important to have such a car especially when it is prepared bulletproof, Forest Whitaker explained during his role as the most feared and hated dictator in the world, Idi Amin.

2017 Mercedes-AMG GLE43

Whether you’re a movie star or just an adventure lover, the AGG GLE43 shows that an SUV can be performance orientated and with its impressive performance specs everyone wants to get behind the wheel of this Merc.

2018 Mercedes-AMG GT R

Perfect for showing off your style when it comes to performance is the June released, a sleek sports car with an AMG Speedshift pared with a 4.0-litre V8 Biturbo engine that allows this Merc to reach from – to 60 mph in just over 3 seconds.

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Luxury and Class meet Performance as the Mercedes-Benz E-Class outshines all completion in numerous ways. A fan-favourite as drivers get to customize this sedan to their liking and this spacious sedan can come in Piedmont Green, Dakota Brown, Obsidian Black and even Polar White to name only a few options.

Merc of the Future 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS

Combining the versatility and comfort of a sedan with the feel and driving style of a coupe the brand-new Merc 2019 CLS offers an arching waistline, flat side window lines, sleek coupe stylings, and low greenhouse, along with less sharp lines and edges.

Mercedes-Benz feels that Justice League is the perfect partner to highlight its fascinating brand, Wonder Woman should be driving the E-Class Cabriolet and who better than Batman would be inclined to drive the AMG Vision Gran Turismo Mercedes-Benz.