Regan's Top 20 Cars.
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Since a very young age, I've been a devoted "petrolhead," and my passion for cars traces back to my earliest memories. I fondly recall assisting my father in our garage, working on his 1946 Citroen Light 15. Those formative years were a hands-on education in the intricate world of automobiles, and they ignited a lifelong fascination. Together, my dad and I would attend motor shows, a tradition that still brings me immense joy whenever the opportunity arises.
As we celebrate Hamilton's Property Portfolio's 20th anniversary this year, I've been tasked with compiling a list of my favourite 20 cars of all time. It's a task that proved both captivating and daunting, for these automobiles each possess unique attributes that have left an indelible mark on my automotive journey.
Unlike some, my passion extends beyond the realm of sports cars, as for me, it transcends sheer speed; it's about the artistry and character of these machines. You'll quickly observe that American muscle cars don't feature on my list; instead, my favourites all exude the distinctively European style and flair I've come to cherish.
1 - Rolls Royce Phantom
Image Source: Caranddriver.com
This vehicle's sheer presence speaks for itself...
The Rolls-Royce Phantom is a luxurious flagship sedan produced by the British automaker Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. Known for its opulent design, handcrafted interior, and impressive performance, the Phantom symbolises automotive extravagance. It is available in various configurations, including a standard wheelbase and an extended wheelbase version, offering a range of personalised options for discerning buyers.
Under the hood, it typically features a powerful V12 engine, delivering smooth and effortless driving. At the same time, it's state-of-the-art technology and exquisite materials make it a pinnacle of automotive craftsmanship and luxury.
2 - Bentley Brooklands
Image Source: Pistonheads.com
Gracious, long, sleek looks in a limited edition package...
The Bentley Brooklands is a grand touring luxury coupe produced by the British automaker Bentley Motors. It was manufactured from 2008 to 2011. The Brooklands is known for its elegant design, powerful performance, and lavish interior, making it a symbol of opulence and exclusivity.
It typically features a potent V8 engine, offering a balance of refined cruising and spirited driving capabilities. With limited production numbers, the Bentley Brooklands is a rare and sought-after vehicle among luxury car enthusiasts.
3 - Mercedes-Maybach S650
Image Source: Topgear.com
Undisputed luxury at its very best, complete with a Champagne cooler in the back...
The Mercedes-Maybach S650 is the pinnacle of luxury within the Mercedes-Benz lineup. It's an ultra-luxurious sedan known for its opulent features and exceptional craftsmanship. The S650 is powered by a robust V12 engine, offering both energetic performance and a smooth, comfortable ride.
Its interior is a sanctuary of comfort, with top-tier materials, advanced technology, and an array of premium amenities, making it a preferred choice for those seeking the ultimate automotive extravagance.
4 - Ferrari F12
Image Source: Wsj.com
V12 roar and guts...
The Ferrari F12 is a high-performance sports car by the world's most renowned Italian automaker. It features a powerful V12 engine that delivers exhilarating acceleration and a thrilling driving experience. The F12 is known for its striking design, aerodynamic prowess, and cutting-edge technology, making it a true icon among supercars.
5 - Ferrari 430 Scuderia
Image Source: Topgear.com
V8 roar specifically designed for the track...
The Ferrari 430 Scuderia is a high-performance variant of the Ferrari F430 sports car. It's known for its lightweight design, enhanced aerodynamics, and a more powerful V8 engine, providing blistering acceleration and precise handling.
The Scuderia is built for driving enthusiasts seeking a track-focused experience and features advanced technologies, making it a formidable contender in the world of supercars.
6 - Aston Martin DBS
Image Source: Autoevolution.com
The best-sounding car of all time...
The Aston Martin DBS is a premium grand tourer produced by the British automaker Aston Martin. It's recognised for its sleek and sophisticated design, as well as its high-performance capabilities. The DBS boasts a robust V12 engine, delivering impressive power and speed.
The DBS made its notable debut in the 2008 James Bond film "Quantum of Solace," where it starred as 007's car of choice, blistering through winding chicanes of the Riviera. Its appearance in the film showcased its exquisite styling and performance, solidifying its status as an iconic luxury sports car, both in the world of cinema and automotive enthusiasts.
7 - Mercedes AMG SLS Gullwing
Image Source: En.wikipedia.org
The most iconic Merc of all time reimagined from the 1954 original...
The Mercedes-AMG SLS Gullwing is a high-performance supercar that pays homage to the iconic Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing from the 1950s. It's renowned for its distinctive gullwing doors, a feature that sets it apart both visually and functionally.
The SLS AMG packs a potent naturally aspirated V8 engine, delivering exceptional power and speed, and it boasts a sleek, aerodynamic design, making it a captivating blend of classic styling and modern performance.
8 - Bugatti Veyron
Image Source: Evo.co.uk
The first, fastest, land-production car...
The Bugatti Veyron is a legendary hypercar renowned for its extraordinary speed and performance. It features a quad-turbocharged W16 engine, which generates an earth-shattering 978bhp, propelling it to a top speed of 412 km setting the record for production cars in its time.
The Veyron's striking design and meticulous engineering have made it an iconic symbol of automotive excellence, exclusivity, and sheer neck-breaking performance.
9 - Lamborghini Aventador
Image Source: Cars.co.za
Maybe this is my absolute favourite, the ineffable, undisputed top supercar of all time...
The Lamborghini Aventador is a high-performance supercar known for its striking and aggressive design. It's powered by a mighty V12 engine, providing blistering acceleration and a spine-tingling exhaust note. The Aventador offers a thrilling driving experience with sharp handling and a luxurious interior, making it a true standout in the world of exotic sports cars.
10 - Maclaren 720S
Image Source: Autocar.uk
Ridiculously fast with a unique design...
The McLaren 720S is a high-performance supercar that's celebrated for its exceptional speed and aerodynamic design. It's equipped with a potent twin-turbocharged V8 engine, delivering exhilarating acceleration and impressive handling dynamics. The 720S combines cutting-edge technology with sleek styling, making it a standout choice for those seeking a thrilling and luxurious driving experience.
11 - BMW M635csi
Image Source: Autoexpress.co.uk
The classic 1980s supercar...
The classic BMW M635CSi, also known as the E24 or the Original M6, is a legendary sports coupe produced in the 1980s. It's recognised for its striking shark-nose design and mesmerising performance.
The E24 is powered by a high-performance inline-six engine and features sports-tuned suspension and handling, providing a dynamic driving experience. It's often regarded as a symbol of BMW's commitment to blending luxury and sports car performance, and it remains a sought-after classic among automotive enthusiasts.
12 - Lotus Esprit Turbo
Image Source: Motorbisuit.com
This made a huge impression on me when it turned into an amphibious vehicle with Roger Moore's James Bond at the wheel...
Produced by British manufacturer Lotus Cars, the Esprit (es-pree) Turbo is a sports car born for stardom, gaining iconic status through its appearance in the 1977 James Bond film "The Spy Who Loved Me."
In Roger Moore's 2nd reprisal of the role of 007, the Esprit famously transforms into a submarine, an incredibly creative showcase of its adaptability and innovation. Beyond its cinematic fame, the Esprit is known for its sleek, wedge-shaped design and agile handling, making it a celebrated sports car among both movie and motoring enthusiasts.
13 - Aston Martin Lagonda
Image Source: Pistonheads.com
It's so ugly, it's beautiful...
The Aston Martin Lagonda is a luxury sedan known for its distinctive and, to some, peculiar design. Produced in the late 1970s and early 1980s, it features a long, angular body with sharp lines and unconventional styling elements that set it apart from traditional luxury sedans.
Despite its polarising appearance, the Lagonda embodies luxury and advanced technology, including a digital dashboard that was groundbreaking for its time. It remains a rare and unique symbol of automotive extravagance and innovation despite its somewhat alarming appearance.
14 & 15 - Mercedes 560 SEL and SEC
Image Sources: Therake.com; Topgear.com
Both classics from a bygone era...
The Mercedes-Benz 560 SEC is a classic luxury coupe produced in the late 1980s. It is part of the W126 series, known for its timeless design and advanced features. The 560 SEC is powered by a potent V8 engine, delivering power and refinement. With its elegant lines, sumptuous interior, and advanced technology for its time, the 560 SEC epitomises the luxury and sophistication that Mercedes-Benz is known for.
The 560 SEL, on the other hand, is a flagship luxury sedan from the same W126 series as the 560 SEC. It stands out for its spacious rear cabin, offering ample legroom and comfort to rear passengers. The "SEL" in its name denotes a long-wheelbase version, emphasising its focus on providing a premium and comfortable chauffeur-driven experience.
Like the 560 SEC, it is powered by a robust V8 engine, ensuring a refined and powerful driving experience. The 560 SEL represents the pinnacle of luxury and prestige in the Mercedes-Benz lineup during its era.
16 - BMW 760Li
Image Source: Iol.co.za
BMW's flagship limousine...
The BMW 760Li is a luxury sedan that exemplifies the pinnacle of BMW's automotive craftsmanship and engineering. It is part of the BMW 7 Series, known for its opulent features, cutting-edge technology, and limousine-styled appearance. The 760Li is typically powered by a vivacious V12 engine, delivering immeasurable performance with a silky-smooth ride.
It offers a sumptuous interior with premium materials and advanced infotainment systems, ensuring both driver and passengers experience unparalleled comfort and luxury. With its blend of high-performance capabilities and refined elegance, the BMW 760Li stands as a symbol of luxury and sophistication in the automotive world.
17 - Pagani Zonda
Image Source: Supercars.net
Eye-watering performance...
The Pagani Zonda is an extraordinary Italian hypercar designed by Horacio Pagani, an Argentinian-Italian automotive enthusiast. Known for its remarkable craftsmanship and exceptional performance, the Zonda quickly captured the hearts of automotive connoisseurs and became a symbol of luxury and speed. Its stunning aesthetics, carbon fibre construction, and meticulous attention to detail make it an actual work of art on wheels.
One unique aspect of the Pagani Zonda is its exclusivity. Only a limited number of Zondas were ever produced, with variations such as the Zonda F, Zonda Roadster, and Zonda Cinque, among others. This rarity adds to its allure, making it a coveted collector's item and a dream car for those who appreciate the fusion of art and engineering that defines the Pagani Zonda.
18 - Audi RS6
Image Source: Carscoop.com
The sensible family man's supercar, looks can be deceiving...
The Audi RS6 is a high-performance sports sedan, and Avante is celebrated for its thrilling driving capabilities and practicality. With a robust V8 engine, Quattro all-wheel drive, and dynamic suspension, it offers exhilarating speed and precise handling.
What sets it apart is its ability to combine supercar-like performance with ample interior space, making it a sensible choice for family-oriented enthusiasts who seek both excitement and practicality in one package. Imagine being able to drop a Porsche 911 with kids in tow! (Not recommended)
19 - Range Rover P530SV
Image Source: Carexpert.com.au
A lounge on wheels...
The Range Rover P530 SV is a high-performance variant of the Range Rover SUV. It is known for its powerful 5.0-litre supercharged V8 engine, delivering exceptional acceleration and off-road capabilities. The P530 SV combines the luxury and versatility of the Range Rover with enhanced performance, making it a prestigious and thrilling choice for those seeking a blend of luxury and power.
20 - Jaguar 2009 XJR
Image Source: Carbuzz.com
British style at its best...
The 2009 Jaguar XJR, often hailed as THE classic Jaguar (other than the E-Type), is a luxury sports sedan that embodies elegance and performance. It has a supercharged V8 engine, providing powerful acceleration and a sporty driving experience.
With its sleek design, premium interior, and advanced technology, the XJR represents Jaguar's commitment to combining luxury with dynamic performance. This classic Jaguar model continues to be celebrated for its timeless design and refined performance characteristics.
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Author: Regan Harris