Top 10 Legendary and Coolest Cars That Changed Automotive History

What makes a car «cool»? There's hardly a single answer. For some, it’s the deafening roar of a V12 and mind–bending acceleration. For others, it’s the timeless elegance of classic lines. And for some, it’s the boldness of futuristic design and advanced technology. The concept of «coolness» isn’t found in dry technical specifications but in the emotions a car evokes. It’s about charisma, uniqueness, and the story behind it.
In our list, we have gathered cars that go beyond the ordinary. Here you will find legendary models from the past, modern badass cars, and even the coolest electric cars that prove the future is already here. We are not trying to find the one true answer to the question, «what is the coolest car in the world», but rather to show you a gallery of engineering and design masterpieces, each of which, in its own way, deserves the title of one of the coolest cars in history.
What Makes a Car «Cool»
A car's «coolness» is a complex cocktail of many ingredients. It is born at the intersection of design, technology, emotion, and cultural influence. Here are the main components that turn a machine into a legend:
- Emotion and the «Wow» Factor. A truly cool car elicits an instant response. It makes heads turn on the street, people want to take pictures of it, and they dream about it. It could be the predatory gaze of its headlights, the aggressive sound of its exhaust, or simply the incredible aesthetics of its bodywork.
- Unique Design. This is not just about beauty, but also about courage. Cars that broke the mold and looked like visitors from the future have gone down in history forever. «Gull–wing» doors, tandem seating, or a body made of unpainted carbon fiber–such details create a unique image.
- History, Cinema, and Motorsport. Many cars have become iconic due to their connection with famous personalities, racing victories, or roles in films. The Aston Martin DB5 is James Bond, the Ford Mustang is Steve McQueen in «Bullitt», and the Lancia Stratos is a rally legend.
- Speed and Technology. Sometimes, «coolness» is about pure superiority. The ability to accelerate to 100 km/h (62 mph) faster than you can say its name, or the presence of technologies that were decades ahead of their time, commands genuine respect.
- Rarity and Exclusivity. A limited production run transforms a car from a simple means of transportation into a collector's item. Knowing that only a few dozen, or even a handful, of such cars exist in the world adds a special aura to them.
Top 10 Coolest Cars in the World
Our list is a subjective but balanced attempt to bring together icons of the automotive world from different eras and classes. Each of these cars has a unique character and has earned its place in history.
Model | Years of Production | Engine / Power | 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) |
Lamborghini Countach | 1974–1990 | V12 / 375–455 hp | ~5.4 s |
McLaren F1 | 1992–1998 | V12 / 627 hp | 3.2 s |
Ferrari F40 | 1987–1992 | V8 Twin–Turbo / 478 hp | 4.1 s |
Porsche 911 (964) Turbo | 1990–1994 | H6 Turbo / 320–385 hp | ~4.8 s |
Bugatti Veyron | 2005–2015 | W16 Quad–Turbo / 1001 hp | 2.5 s |
Ford GT40 | 1964–1969 | V8 / 306–485 hp | ~5.3 s |
DeLorean DMC–12 | 1981–1983 | V6 / 132 hp | 10.5 s |
Koenigsegg Agera RS | 2015–2018 | V8 Twin–Turbo / 1176 hp | 2.8 s |
Lancia Stratos HF | 1973–1978 | V6 / 190 hp | ~6.0 s |
Mercedes–Benz G–Class 4x4² | 2015–2018 | V8 Twin–Turbo / 422 hp | 7.4 s |
1. Lamborghini Countach LP400 (1974)
- Manufacturer: Lamborghini (Italy)
- Specs: V12, 4.0L, 375 hp, acceleration ~5.4 s.
- What makes it cool: The Countach is an automotive masterpiece and, simultaneously, the poster from an 80s kid's bedroom wall. The wedge–shaped design by Marcello Gandini, the scissor doors, and the deafening roar of the V12 made it a symbol of an entire era. It was uncomfortable, impractical, with terrible visibility, but none of that mattered. It was pure, unadulterated drama on wheels.
2. McLaren F1 (1992)
- Manufacturer: McLaren Cars (UK)
- Specs: V12 (BMW), 6.1L, 627 hp, acceleration 3.2 s.
- What makes it cool: A brilliant creation by Gordon Murray. The central driving position, like in a Formula 1 car, an engine bay lined with gold foil for better heat reflection, and the status of the world's fastest production car, which it held for over a decade. The F1 is engineering perfection in its purest form.
3. Ferrari F40 (1987)
- Manufacturer: Ferrari (Italy)
- Specs: V8 Twin–Turbo, 2.9L, 478 hp, acceleration 4.1 s.
- What makes it cool: The last car created under the personal supervision of Enzo Ferrari. The F40 was an uncompromising race car for the road. No electronic aids, no sound insulation, no audio system. Just the driver, the engine, and the road. Its twin–turbo V8 didn't just accelerate the car; it exploded with power, demanding the pilot's full skill.
4. Porsche 911 (964) Turbo (1990)
- Manufacturer: Porsche (Germany)
- Specs: H6 Turbo, 3.3L, 320 hp, acceleration ~4.8 s.
- What makes it cool: It earned the nickname «Widowmaker» for its wild and unpredictable character. The immense power from the turbo engine was delivered to the rear wheels abruptly and without warning, especially in a corner. Driving it at the limit was a true art. That's why it's loved–it's one of the most honest and demanding cars in history.
5. Bugatti Veyron (2005)
- Manufacturer: Bugatti (France/Germany)
- Specs: W16 Quad–Turbo, 8.0L, 1001 hp, acceleration 2.5 s.
- What makes it cool: The Veyron pushed the boundaries of what was possible. It was a cool supercar and, at the same time, an engineering project of incredible complexity. The goal was one: to create a car that could break the 400 km/h (250 mph) barrier yet be comfortable enough to drive to the opera. Ten radiators, a titanium exhaust system, and tires designed specifically for it–the Veyron was an engineering marvel.
6. Ford GT40 (1964)
- Manufacturer: Ford (USA/UK)
- Specs: V8, 4.7L, ~385 hp, acceleration ~5.3 s.
- What makes it cool: This car was created with one purpose–to beat Ferrari at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. And it did, four times in a row (1966–1969). The GT40 is a symbol of American audacity and perseverance, the story of the rivalry between Henry Ford II and Enzo Ferrari, embodied in metal. Its height was only 40 inches (102 cm), hence the name.
7. DeLorean DMC–12 (1981)
- Manufacturer: DeLorean Motor Company (Northern Ireland)
- Specs: V6, 2.85L, 132 hp, acceleration 10.5 s.
- What makes it cool: On its own, the DeLorean was slow, not very reliable, and a commercial failure. But thanks to the «Back to the Future» trilogy, it became one of the most recognizable cars in the world. The unpainted stainless–steel body and gull–wing doors made it an icon, and its status as a «time machine» forever secured its place on the list of the coolest cars.
8. Koenigsegg Agera RS (2015)
- Manufacturer: Koenigsegg (Sweden)
- Specs: V8 Twin–Turbo, 5.0L, 1176 hp, acceleration 2.8 s.
- What makes it cool: In 2017, the Agera RS set the world speed record for a production car, reaching 447.19 km/h (277.87 mph) on a public highway in Nevada. Every element of this hypercar, from its carbon fiber monocoque to its unique triplex suspension, is a work of engineering art created by a small Swedish company that challenged the giants.
9. Lancia Stratos HF (1973)
- Manufacturer: Lancia (Italy)
- Specs: V6 (from Ferrari Dino), 2.4L, 190 hp, acceleration ~6.0 s.
- What makes it cool: The world's first car designed from the ground up for rallying. Its short wheelbase, wedge–shaped body by Bertone, and Ferrari engine made it unbeatable on the rally stages of the 70s. The panoramic windshield, resembling a helmet visor, gave the drivers maximum visibility. The Stratos looked and drove like a fighter jet.
10. Mercedes–Benz G–Class 4x4² (2015)
- Manufacturer: Mercedes–Benz (Austria/Germany)
- Specs: V8 Twin–Turbo, 4.0L, 422 hp, acceleration 7.4 s.
- What makes it cool: This is the «G–Wagen» on steroids. Portal axles, a massive ground clearance of 450 mm (17.7 inches), and giant wheels make it look like a monster truck. It can ford water a meter deep and climb slopes where most other SUVs would fail. It is absolute off–road dominance packaged in a luxury body.
Coolest electric cars
The era of electric cars has spawned new heroes. They prove that «coolness» isn't necessarily tied to the smell of gasoline and the roar of an ICE.
Tesla Cybertruck
Its stainless–steel design looks like it rolled off the pages of a science fiction novel. It is the most discussed and controversial car of the last decade.
Rimac Nevera
A Croatian hypercar with 1,914 hp that shatters acceleration records set by gasoline cars. It is a predator that proves the total superiority of electric technology in terms of dynamics.
Porsche Taycan
The first all–electric Porsche that retains the brand's DNA. It's not only incredibly fast but also handles superbly, delivering true driving pleasure.
Lotus Evija
A British hypercar that focuses on lightness and aerodynamics. Its design with huge through–tunnels at the rear is not only beautiful but also functional.
Lucid Air Sapphire
A luxury sedan with three motors producing a combined output of over 1,200 hp. It accelerates to 100 km/h faster than many hypercars while remaining a comfortable and practical daily driver.
Rare and Limited Badass Cars
Sometimes, «coolness» is defined by exclusivity. These badass cars were produced in extremely small numbers, and seeing one on the road is a rare treat.
Model | Production | Power | Feature |
Ferrari Monza SP1/SP2 | 499 units | 810 hp | Barchetta with no roof or windshield |
Pagani Zonda Cinque | 5 coupes, 5 roadsters | 678 hp | Carbon–titanium body, a work of art |
Dodge Challenger Demon | 3,300 units | 840 hp | A street–legal drag racer |
Hennessey Venom F5 | 24 units | 1,817 hp | Contender for the world's fastest car title |
Mercedes–AMG One | 275 units | 1,063 hp | A Formula 1 engine for the road |
Conclusion
So, what makes a car cool? As we've seen, there's no universal recipe. Each of the models presented has its own. It could be a high–tech design, engineering perfection, sporting victories, a role in a cult film, or just insane power. The coolest cars are those that evoke strong emotions and leave a mark on history.
Ultimately, when answering the question, «what is the coolest car in the world», every car enthusiast will name their own model. And that, too, is part of the magic of the automotive world. Explore our catalog to find a car that will be «cool» just for you and will provide unforgettable experiences on your trips around Cyprus.