Whenever someone does a Top-XX list of things covering a long period of time, there’s bound to be some contention. And so it is here with GQ’s list of 50 stylish rides from the last 50 years.
There’s some obvious inclusions here – Jaguar E-Type, Aston Martin’s DB5 and DB9, Mercedes SL, Porsche 911 and the eternal Ferrari 308. But then there’s the Volvo Turbo Wagon and the Cadillac Allante, which IMHO look out of place in any top list except for perhaps top 10 cars you’d like to crush. OK, maybe not the Volvo.
The cars are sliced and diced into decades, with 10 representatives from each of the last five decades from the 60s until now.
Something I’d be interested to do a straw poll on – what’s your favourite decade from those represented?
Before you get to that, though, celebrate the Saab 900 appearing at slide #26 and looking like the epitome of the 1980s. It even earns a James Spader reference, which made me smile.
Make sure you click ‘next’ and check out #27 
And is it strange that this is the first time I’ve been on the GQ website, or that I’ve never ever read the magazine? So un-hip.
——
Thanks to Joe P for the link.
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{ 54 comments }
Wow…the inclussion of the Cadillac Allante (number 40) unfortunately totally discredits this list…..
I love that 900. I i could only choose one car for my garage with unlimited money….. that would be it.
I like the 60′s but I think they should toss the Buick Riviera and put in the Lamborghini Miura.
Not to mention the Audi A5/S5…
Toss the Riv and replace it with a ’66 Toronado. 425 cubic inch and front wheel drive
I think the Eighties were one of the last real creative years for the automotive industry. As a US customer we had a much more diverse market to pick and choose from. Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Peugeot, MG, and Renault were all available for the brave of heart. In addition, Saab went from the amazing 99 to the 900- my first Saab was a 1978 99.
It seemed that in the late eighties and all throughout the nineties the US market experienced a market-wide numbing effect that continues today. It’s unfortunate that all of the CEOs and top management in today’s automotive industry come from that time period and they just can’t seem to understand the value of individuality, character, and uniqueness. To coin the phrase- they subscribe to the Wall Street mentality of BIG returns and unequivocally discredit the Main Street mind set of small can be better.
Don’t forget Opel. The GT and Kadette Rally were pretty cool (late 70s I think). I forgot about Alfa, but we also had the Spider Veloce.
I cringed when you dissed the Volvo Wagon – but when I see it is a Volvo 740 they included – I must concur – that is a bit wrong. It never was quite “classic Volvo square” the way say the 240 or 140 was. The Volvo P1800 is most deserving. And the 900 is the perfect definition of Saab.
I’m hopeful when this list is done again in 50 years, that it includes the 2015 Saab 9-1.
Where are:
Studebaker (they started out with electric cars!)
Dodge Charger (very bold lines)?????
To me, the 900 is the car. If asked to describe what a car looks like, with no other qualifiers, that’s what I would draw. I guess this might have something to do with the fact that I grew up in them. My father always drove Saabs, and mostly 900s, as he worked for “the other Saab” and they had good deals on Saab leasing cars. He came home with a new Saab every other year or so. The interior quality of the 900 often left something to be desired (in my view), but the exterior design is simply flawless.
The old man is a disappointment to me, though. When he retired and couldn’t get leasing cars anymore, he went and bought himself a Mitsubishi of all things! Still, I can’t really blame him that much. I don’t drive a Saab myself either, there just isn’t one in my size. (I currently own a VW Golf.) I’m holding out for the 9-1!
To me, the 900 is the car. If asked to describe what a car looks like, with no other qualifiers, that’s what I would draw. I guess this might have something to do with the fact that I grew up in them. My father always drove Saabs, and mostly 900s, as he worked for “the other Saab” and they had good deals on Saab leasing cars. He came home with a new Saab every other year or so. The interior quality of the 900 often left something to be desired (in my view), but the exterior design is simply flawless.
The old man is a disappointment to me, though. When he retired and couldn’t get leasing cars anymore, he went and bought himself a Mitsubishi of all things! Still, I can’t really blame him that much. I don’t drive a Saab myself either, there just isn’t one in my size. (I currently own a VW Golf.) I’m holding out for the 9-1!
Porsche has it’s 911 and Saab had it’s 900, both icons. Unfortunately by the time Saab realized it had an icon, it had moved on.
missing the Pug 205 gti @ the noise of the audi and peugeot group b rally destroyers.
Steve mate, You have never read GQ? They sell it in Hobart you know- I bought my copy there!
Why read GQ – simple and shallow on my part – women, cars, watches, man stuff, girls, kit, ad nauseum mate. Your BMW driving mate in Sydney probably reads it too…
You’ve never seen the GQ women? Yiu never brieflyran your eyes over the annual bikini -fest…
Oh man, Tasmania needs a shake up.
Yep the 900 flat front is great. Ferrari 250 GT Lusso Berlinetta is not bad either..2nd choice obviously
I especially agree with the following vehicles:
- All of the 60′s selections
- ’76-’96 Jaguar XJS
- ’80-’89 Rolls Silver Spirit
- ’80-’93 Saab 900
- Range Rover
- Acura NSX (I think what made this exoticar so unique is the fact that it was something totally unexpected from Acura)
- ’1999-’2005 BMW Z8 (Hard to believe it was a commercial flop, despite its price. Hard to believe the same manufacturer also came up with the M Coupe)
- ’99-Present Audi TT (I personally owned one of these, a Roadster with the top end 225 hp engine. What a riot!!!)
- ’02-Present Mini Cooper
- ’03-Present Aston Martin DB9 (Doesn’t scream for attention, but garners more than a Ferrari in a subtle way)
Disagree with the following vehicles:
- ’71-’73 Buick Riviera (barf)
- ’71-’73 Volvo P1800 (Now we know where that ugly rear window from the C30 comes from)
- ’81-’86 Alfa Romeo GTV 6
Delorean DMC-12 (barf)
- ’98-’02 BMW M Coupe (lazy design, where’s the inspiration?)
- ’03-Present BMW 645 Ci (The car with these worst proportions I’ve ever seen.)
- ’07-Present Ford Flex (The Jetsons meets Pacific Coast Highway)
Have to agree with you on the Audi A5/S5…not just because I’m taking delivery of an A5 Sport in three weeks…but they are a beautiful design overall.
Ordered mine, after I returned an ’08 9-5 SC Aero in December off lease. Wanted to buy that car, but now glad I didn’t, due to the USD$5k difference between what GMAC wanted for the car, and what they are currently selling for at dealers I’ve seen online. When that Audi lease expires, it
I especially agree with the following vehicles:
- All of the 60′s selections
- ’76-’96 Jaguar XJS
- ’80-’89 Rolls Silver Spirit
- ’80-’93 Saab 900
- Range Rover
- Acura NSX (I think what made this exoticar so unique is the fact that it was something totally unexpected from Acura)
- ’1999-’2005 BMW Z8 (Hard to believe it was a commercial flop, despite its price. Hard to believe the same manufacturer also came up with the M Coupe)
- ’99-Present Audi TT (I personally owned one of these, a Roadster with the top end 225 hp engine. What a riot!!!)
- ’02-Present Mini Cooper
- ’03-Present Aston Martin DB9 (Doesn’t scream for attention, but garners more than a Ferrari in a subtle way)
Disagree with the following vehicles:
- ’71-’73 Buick Riviera (barf)
- ’71-’73 Volvo P1800 (Now we know where that ugly rear window from the C30 comes from)
- ’81-’86 Alfa Romeo GTV 6
Delorean DMC-12 (barf)
- ’98-’02 BMW M Coupe (lazy design, where’s the inspiration?)
- ’03-Present BMW 645 Ci (The car with these worst proportions I’ve ever seen.)
- ’07-Present Ford Flex (The Jetsons meets Pacific Coast Highway)
Agreed with above — 1966 Toronado and Dodge Charger should be there, and Cadillac Allante is a miss.
Jag XKE could make the top five all-time, ditto BMW 3.0 CS. And you’ve got to give Volvo their props with the 1800.
I question the Allante, Infiniti FX and Nissan 300 ZX. All three are derivative, somewhat lacking in originality. Consider that during the same eras we had some great Corvettes that should easily bounce the Allante or the 300ZX, and leaving the Miata off the list is a puzzle.
Kudos for having the guts to include the ‘Cuda and the boattail Riviera. In a minor quibble, I’m surprised that nary a single Olds Cutlass (or Pontiac Grand Prix) made the list despite being a style leader for much of the 1970′s.
Vive la C900!!!
This is a US publication, the 205 (nor any Peugot that mattered, really) never really caught on here.
True, perspective across the borders is not a typical US asset. After all it’s the only contry calling their domestic sports competitions for “World” leagues/championship…
This is purely on a light note, no flame wars intended.
Darn typos…meant to say I DIS-agree with you about the Audi A5/S5.
From that list I can’t choose any decade.
In all decades you find very classy cars and really ugly cars at the same time.
Thanks for posting that!!! Wow – that was a trip down memory lane. And what’s with the Allante bashing?! Ok, FWD, but my Dad tried to import one back in the early 90s… And speaking of my Dad, here is the cars from the list that he owned when they were new or nearly-new:
6 Austin Healey
9 Jaguar E-Type
13 Triumph TR6
17 BMW 3.0 CS (bought for my grandparents!)
26 Saab 900
27 Alfa GTV
32 Volvo Turbo Wagon
I was a boy when we had the GTV – but I still remember the rust! It broke my Dad’s heart!! To this day, he still gives out about the E-Type and refers to it as that ‘heap of scrap’. He also nearly bought an SL in 1971 but instead bought the then new Triumph Stag, another ‘heap of scrap’. He regrets never owning a Porsche. He put his name down for a Boxster when they came out, only to cancel at the last minute and bought the C70 T5. And yes, you guessed it, another ‘heap of scrap’… He pretty much hates all cars these days though, can’t blame him either. He drives a Lincoln Towncar when in the US – pretty much says it all.
Too many Audis/BMWs on that list for my liking.
Eggs,
A U.S. publication? Which edition is definitive then? Because its the european edition that has editorial based here.
Am not trying to score points or make an anti-US point, not at all, just intrigued to know if the US edition is as sassy as the Uk/ Euro edition?
“Buick Riviera “Boattail” (1971-73)
We’re not sure what inspired the Riv’s radically bifurcated backside, but it made it the wildest looking luxury ride of its day. Park it next to the Camrys and Malibus at your local mall and weep, Glenn Beck-like, for an America whose best days are behind her.”
Classic! Funny, and also rather sad. I’m not a Buick guy at all, but those old Rivieras are indeed striking when seen in the metal.
While I love the Miata and it is one of the best drivers cars it does unfortunately have the stigmata of being a girls/ Middle aged mens car. Remember this list is of “stylish cars.” And btw were is Spyker on this list?
Eggs, I’d put in an argument against the Infiniti FX lacking in originality. While it’s by far not my cup of tea, it’s design and performance characteristics were rather revolutionary. It was arguably the first real crossover.
They got that one right. When I was growing up my neighbor was a successful land developer in his early 30s. The guy raced Formula Fords for fun and had his pilot’s license. He first had a 99 Turbo followed by one of the first SPGs (1985or 1986?) As a kid that made Saab aspirational for me. There was just something so damn cool about that weird looking, blazing fast Swede.
I’d drive an Allante. I know from being a young guy when they were in showrooms, their boxey, extra-wide look was enticingly aggressive. I understand they were underpowered compared to the competition, but I never, never, never see them on the road anymore. It would be guaranteed to turn some heads (and not accompanied with sneers).
Is there some non-US backlash on these for some reason? Were they positioned to compete against euro luxury sport cars and this disgusted you or something?
Totally disagree, the Allante was as hot as a Mercedes SL roadster until people figured out that the tops leaked like crazy and the electronics were a nightmare.
“While I love the Miata and it is one of the best drivers cars it does unfortunately have the stigmata of being a girls/ Middle aged mens car”
Frankly, this is a stigma that Saab also needs to fight against in the U.S. (less so than Miata, however).
Chris, I actually saw an Allante the other day at the Athletic Club, I wish I knew who’s it was. In the sea of Camrys, Audi A-4s and Volvo wagons it certainly stood out. Looked brand new and certainly gave me a bit of nostaligia for the 80s.
They should have put the SPG version in the magazine.
)
Ford Flex! Stylish?! A gussied up dog t*rd has more style! And as for that Allante, what a joke like almost every single American designed car from the 80s-90s. Gotta love the original Mustang and that ‘vette Stingray from the 60s though.
I actually scrolled through the list and saw the Alfa GTV6 made the cut as well. As a kid the Alfa and the Saab were the 2 cars I most wanted. My mom and dad did the Acura thing when they first came out in 1985 but the Alfa and Saab were so much cooler. I finally got my parents into a 2006 9-3 convertible so all is forgiven.
Well, to my knowledge, only in baseball is it the “world” series, and I think that we rightfully own that one.
NBA Finals
Super Bowl (again, we pretty much own American Football, so world champions could be thrown in there in informal settings)
Stanley Cup Finals
Just one.
I think GQ is originally a U.S. pub, but I could be mistaken.
The U.S. edition is a lot tamer than the other countries’ – they actually sell British GQ and maybe some others at the big bookstores here, more for the even more scantily clad ladies than the US version, I think, than the international perspective.
A bit off topic, but I saw this at dealer. Damn it looks good
[IMG]http://i989.photobucket.com/albums/af15/pvruud/06022010.jpg[/IMG]
and my favorite color too!
Good points sir! Some car companies try to tout the “uniqueness” of their cars, but underneath the superficial bling these cars are usually quite ordinary in every way. Saabs like the classic 900 are truly unique because Saab set out to address specific functional and engineering objectives to make a better product, and succeeded!
And that is what they need to do now. Saab needs to be the leader in innovation today as well and I don’t mean with pointless luxuries.
Is that a TX packaged 9-3?
Yeah, sure is a sexy vehicle that.
Saabdude, I second your motion. I, too, have a pair of SPG’s in my collection and I would not trade them for any other car! The SPG is an absolutely great car and a blast to drive!
. . . and Stanley (Lord Stanley) was the Governor-General (King’s or Queen’s stand-in, head of state) of Canada.
Anyone else notice the 900 Turbo in the photo has red interior (with the jumbo rear headrests) like a 1979-80 model, the wheels from a 1980-81 model, but the bumpers from an 1984-86, and the side trim from 1983?
I wonder if this is a reconstructed museum car from Saab, rather than a file photo from 1980.
Beautiful car, though.
Yes, a TX package..
Indeed, that is a stock 1981 Turbo pictured.
I can’t believe I’m saying this because of my extreme hate for the brand, but I get why they chose the Allante. At the time, Cadillacs were upgraded pontiacs. When the Allante showed up, it was so radically different from other Cadillacs, and so directly aimed at the Mercedes SL, that you had to hand it to them, they showed some vigor.
That said, I’ll take the SL.
Great list althought there’s lots to argue about.
Eggs – FWIW, I know there’s a lot of history in the World Series and all but for the rest of the world, its pretty funny to see a domestic US competition called the World Series. Regardless of how good the American teams are, its just a little over-claiming. We have the only Australian Rules football competition of significance (funny that….) but its not the world series. (though it is the greatest game in the entire universe – SW)
It also tends to reinforce the stereotype of America as an insular nation and thats a shame.
Anyway, back to the cars. Great to see the Volvos in there and the 900 looks timeless. What a shape. I would propose that the XC70 Volvo or Subaru Outback were the pioneer cross overs – Infinity were very late in the game and quite a forgettable vehicle in my view. The ML or X5 had more impact.
Wait… the Ford Flex makes the list and not the 9-3 SportCombi…..
sad beyond words.
Wait… the Ford Flex makes the list and not the 9-3 SportCombi…..
sad beyond words.
If I remember the Turbine TRX wheels usually featured on the 5 door. Didn’t the 3 door usually come with Incas?
Nobody’s mentioned the Jaguar XJ-S yet. What’s wrong with you people?
Eggs, PT, others…
There was a time that Major League Baseball did represent more than one country. Perhaps that has something to do with the title of “World Series” (of baseball)?
I don’t know, as I’m not a big baseball fan, but I think it should be mentioned.
Then again, the stereotype that America is an insular nation comes from something… and it sure isn’t our incessant insistence on looking beyond our borders to see what’s going on around us. (I think it’s too bad, really.)
Anyway, I was glad to see the BMW 3-series on the list as well, not that I care too much what GQ has to say about these things… or anything for that matter. You see, I’ve never even picked up an issue.
~Peter
’93 9000 Aero.
I hope you never regret when you go to a new model of SAAB from your 1990′s. Just to note that on the 9-3, 2003, the timing chain is the size of a bicycle chain. Not so with the SAAB 900′s which is a chain that is a real chain and also to note that on my 9-3 I have Opel parts that may in fact not last as long. Water pump failure at 110,00 miles and so labor intensive to change, it boggles the mind. As labor intensive as the Timing chain guides and tensioners which broke with just barily an audible noise to catch it in time to save the motor on my 9-3. Not so also on the 900. Plus I had been rear ended twice with my 900 with no scratches to the car. I hate to tell you what my 9-3 would have looked like. When you buy your 9-1, make sure at least the parts are 100% SAAB. Hopefully they will be by then or at least SAAB would make the right choice in what they put in having no one else leaning on them to use some back door part.
That’s what I thought too, but my knowledge is only US-specification models. Regardless, I’m glad I’m not the only anorak to notice these things!
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