Our view of luxury changes over time. What is standard and mundane to us was once the height of luxury. These five antique cars defined luxury in their day, and so are still darlings of car enthusiasts even today.
Chevrolet Bel Air
When the Bel Air debuted in 1950 it was the star of the Chevrolet lineup. The Bel Air was marked by its wide chrome strip of molding running from the rear fender to the rear bumper. Later models boasted more chrome added to the interior of the vehicle as well as a top-of-the-line steering wheel, full chrome horn ring, standardized carpeting and full wheel covers on the model.
Jaguar E-Type
On the release of the E-Type in 1961, Enzo Ferrari dubbed it the “most beautiful car ever made.” The Jaguar E-Type is now known as the most iconic sports car of all time, but in its own time, it redefined luxury. Its gorgeous appearance wasn’t the only thing making it a desirable car, its technical specs were revolutionary. The E-Type was one of the first car models to feature standard disc brakes, as well as a 256hp engine that could reach 150mph.
Lamborghini Miura
In the mid-60s, Ferruccio Lamborghini began his own sports car company in order to one-up Ferrari. The second car he produced came to be known as the world’s first “supercar,” the Lamborghini Miura. When the twin headlights were not activated, they recessed flush with the nose of the car to reduce drag and enhance aesthetics. The Miura was one of the first non-race cars to feature advanced mid-engine construction, making it a powerful car popular with celebrities like Frank Sinatra.
Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn
In the late 1950s, the Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn drophead was the height of luxury. The convertible was a car to be seen in. Very few of these full-sized luxury cars were produced, and even fewer were delivered to owners in America.
Ford Model T
While nowhere near the definition of luxury by today’s standards, owning a car in the early 1900s was about as luxurious as you could get. The car was much more affordable than other earlier automobiles, it still was a rare sight to see one driving through town.
Which of these antique cars would you most like to drive today? Let us know in the comments below.
