TVR Griffith
TVR Griffith
I think someone mentioned it, but I don't remember seeing it . . .
Austin Healy 3000 (the big'un)
Also, another up-vote for the NSX.
In reply to Matt B:
The Big Healy is in there. That's a nicer pic though, I'll change it at the next edit.
We should get rid of some of the near duplicates to make room for truly unique cars.
The 288 GTO is essentially a variant of the 328.
The DB5 isn't needed with the better looking DB4 on the list, the newer Astons are also so similar that you could get rid of a couple and just use the Vantage to represent the line.
The two Shelby Cobras could be represented by a single entry
The Firebird and Camaro are just badge engineered twins.
The Mustang carried a basic styling theme throughout its life and probably doesn't need multiple entries.
I'd also cull some of the Ferrari 250 fleet. They are truly gorgeous cars, but if we're trying to survey all of automotive design we probably don't need more than a single good representative.
Agreed with fromeast2west - my biggest problem with the list is the near-duplicates. I may not agree that some should or should-not be on there from an aesthetic standpoint, but the duplicates don't need to be there from a purely functional one.
Jaguar Mark II
Jaguar Mark II
In reply to fromeast2west:
Good points. I can concede combining the entries of the cars that share multiple body panels (like I did with the Boxster/Cayman), but some of the ones you listed share literally no body panels at all, making them completely different designs, even if they have the same theme.
The Aston's and the 250's are probably the only ones that can be brought together, and the Firebird/Camaro.
How we go about removing duplicates depends on what we hope this list will be. If we simply want the 100 cars with the highest overall scores of some sort, then duplicate cars are fine. We might end up with 10 Ferrari 250s, half a dozen E Types, etc.
If what we want is the most comprehensive survey we can get of successful automotive design then our priority should be to highlight as diverse a group of cars as possible; and in that case cars that are largely similar, especially those from a single make, should be minimized.
We can debate how similar / different individual cars are, but if your argument for including a car is that it has some small detail that is different, or the molds for the body panels were different even though the overall style is the same, then that may be a sign.
I was trying to come up with a test we could use, or at least something to demonstrate the idea, and the best I've come up with so far is the 'Girlfriend/wife of a car guy' test (please modify as needed to suit your own gender and domestic arrangement).
I can spot most of the differences that the previous posters have pointed out. I would know a 328 from a 288 GTO instantly. My GF would know they are both Ferraris, and would probably even be able to spot them as 'Magnum PI' cars, but beyond that they would be the same. She can pick out Mustangs, and even noticed that a Saleen was a 'fancy' one at one point, but she'd never be able to tell you model years.
That is the level I think we should aim for. We can argue about what the best representative for any given style is, but if two or more cars are so essentially similar and recognizably related to each other than they don't make our list better. It doesn't say anything about the esthetic value of the individual cars, its what the car adds to the list.
So y'all decide. Do you want a list of 10 designs that were each altered over the years, or do you want a list of 100 different designs? All I ask, is that at the end of the process, one of each car is delivered to me for my personal collection, and that really doesn't seem like too much to expect.
I say keep the Astons and 250s seperate!
Also +1 on the Jag MKII.
Interesting debate fellas! I'll wait to do anything drastic so people have time to weigh in.
And oh yes, the Jag MkII is soooo going up.
Others going up: Ferrari 456, Saleen S7, Lambo Islero...
McLaren F1 (still don't know how to hotlink)
Bump for impending update...
List updated! I made the Ferrari 250's into SWB and LWB versions. I'm not sure if that will stay yet, but it did pare them from 4 entries to 2. The 275, 456, Lambo Islero, Jag MkII, and GT6 joined the list. I updated the pics for the Marc and the 32 Ford. Also note that I tried to acknowledge that we are lumping all of the bodystyles in (for example, 65-66 Mustang includes the Coupe, Convertible, and Fastback). That cleared up some of the list.
Talking points:
If you don't agree with a car, an ordering, or have a new car, please say so! The list is always open for editing!
The DINO Coupe/Spider probably should be combined, as they are the same car, no?
I've heard a few voices against the E-Type as #1, but none of those have offered up their #1 (except me).
My opinion is that the Ferrari 250 California or Bugatti Type 57 SC Atlantic should move to the top. The Bugatti should certainly be in the top 10. The Corvette should drop down towards around 20ish. I have a hard time seeing the AMX as a top 50 car too. I still vote the two Vipers should flip (I know someone else agreed with me). I still think Avanti deserves to be on the ugliest list. There is absolutely nothing good looking about that car. Also the 456 seriously. That is one of the ugliest Ferraris ever built.
The Ferrari 250 SWB can move up, sure! I have a harder time with the Bugatti, it's honestly not as pretty as the other classics above it (the seam on the back, the stubby nose, and the cross-eyes specifically). LOTS of votes for the Vette, I don't see it dropping much. AMX can drop a little more, but it trumps all the muscle cars under it already so we'd be doing some major re-shuffling. Avanti is certainly polarizing. I personally dis-like them. It may not last on here... Vipers can be swapped. And 456 ugly? Seriously? Hyundai copied it for the Tiburon, it can't be that bad!
Javelin wrote: And 456 ugly? Seriously?
From a side on view I find it very unattractive.
Well we need more nominations to replace it then! 
Here are a few more to argue over. 
Z32 300z (Do you know how hard it is to find a near stock picture on the internet?)
S2000
BMW 8 Series (No B pillar FTW!)
garaithon wrote: BMW 8 Series (No B pillar FTW!)
The 8-series is a good argument!
8-Series definitely needs up there! Actually, those were all pretty good nominations. Now, where to stick them...
Hm, this isn't really a race car, but only 18 were built:
1967-69 Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale
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