Most iconic cars in history

Cars have taken a starring role in many films and television series since the 1960s.

The scenes of fast car chases, explosions, and driving off into the sunset have spawned generations of people who dream about driving these iconic cars. Other cars have had such clever branding or have been written about so much, they have been elevated to legend status in popular culture. Here is Khaleej Times top ten iconic cars of all time.

10. Dodge Viper GTS

After countless appearances in television shows, movies and music videos, including Dawson’s Creek, Fast and Furious: Tokyo Drift and Red Hot Chilli Peppers video, the Dodge Viper GTS has become a sports car everyone recognizes. After the concept car received overwhelming attention in 1993, the car was released for public sales three years later.

9. 2003 Mini Cooper

Who didn’t want to be speeding around in this car with Charlize Theron in the remake of the Italian Job? The film showcased the car’s speed and agility, which made car enthusiasts everywhere fall back in love with the Mini.

8. 1982 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am

This modified Trans Am, which featured on television series Knight Rider as talking sidekick, helped cement drivers obsession with technology. Thanks to Navman and other gadgets, cars can now talk to their owners and sense movement. Only time will tell what’s next in automotive technology.

7. 1969 and 1970 Dodge Charger

Before the The Dukes of Hazzard the1969 Dodge Charger was just an affordable sporty looking car. The show's popularity increased interest in the car and the price soared. The show purchased hundreds of Chargers for stunts, as they usually destroyed at least one car per episode. The Dodge Charger was thrust into popular culture once more with the Fast and the Furious. The late Paul Walker’s character Brian O'Conner drove a 1970 Dodge Charger (with an enhanced engine, of course). The Dodge Charger will forever be associated with stunts and a need for speed.

6. Austin Martin

Austin Martin is a name that has become synonymous with elegance, class and international espionage thanks to the James Bond movie franchise. Our favourites include 2002 Aston Martin Vanquish (featured in Die Another Day) and the classic Aston Martin DB4.

5. Jaguar E type

The Jaguar E type, manufactured between 1961 and 1974, illicit scenes of driving with top down along majestic coast. This beautiful little car has been written about countless times, notably by The Daily Telegraph and Sports Car International. Car manufacturing heavy weight Enzo Ferrari called it 'The most beautiful car ever made' when it was first released.

4. 1979 Porsche 928

For a lot of young men, nothing beats the thought of driving your Dad’s expensive car too fast on the open road. Tom Cruise made us all want a Porsche in Risky Business. The 1979 Porsche 928 combined the handling of a sports car and the comfort sedan.

3. Lamborghini Miura

The Miura featured in everything from the original Italian Job to US sitcom Home Improvement. The car was made in 1966 and 1972 and is widely regarded as the brand that made high performance two-seater sports cars popular.

2. Rolls Royce

The brand Rolls Royce is all about luxury and wealth, mainly thanks to its price tag. The scandalous history behind the British car manufacturer is currently being immortalized on film by Martin Scorsese. The movie Silver Ghost is set for release in 2015. The modern Rolls Royce is renowned for its comfortable interiors and added bling.

1. Ferrari 250 GTO

1. Ferrari 250 GTO, manufactured in 1962 to 1964, has made appearances in Top Gear and is widely regarded as the father of the modern sports car. Enzo Ferrari set out to make the car an effort to compete with Porsche. The Ferrari 250 GTO is now the ultimate collector’s item, despite Ferrari skirting FIA regulations at the time.

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