Iconic Historic Sedans
Discover the sedans that have not only set benchmarks in the automobile industry but have also carved a niche in the hearts of car enthusiasts across generations. These vehicles are treasured for their impact on automotive design, technology, and performance.
1. BMW E39 M5
You'll find that the BMW E39 M5, first unveiled in 1998, set a new standard for sport sedans with its blend of luxury and performance. Praised for its responsive handling and powerful V8 engine, this M5 variation became the epitome of what a sports sedan should be. Regaled for the heritage it carries, drivers adore its balance between a comfortable daily drive and being a track-ready car.
2. Lexus LS400
When your conversation shifts to luxury and reliability, the Lexus LS400 from 1989 stands out. Launched by Toyota's luxury division to rival established European manufacturers, it came with a whisper-quiet V8 and unparalleled build quality. It's historic because it disrupted the luxury sedan market, offering affordability without compromising on opulence.
3. Ford Lotus Cortina
Delving into the Ford Lotus Cortina, introduced in 1963, you find a car that merges Ford's practicality with Lotus's racing pedigree. Best known for its success in touring car championships, the Lotus Cortina boasted a twin-cam engine and significant suspension upgrades, making it beloved among racers and classic car enthusiasts.
4. Datsun 510
The Datsun 510, or as it's fondly called "the poor man's BMW," debuted in 1967 and quickly gained traction for its affordability and engineering. Its overhead-cam engine and independent suspension were praised, making it a favorite among those looking to get into motorsport without breaking the bank.
5. Alfa Romeo Giulia Super
Introduced in 1962, the Alfa Romeo Giulia Super brought Italian style and performance to the everyday driver. Its dual-overhead cam engine and disc brakes made it both a joy to ride and to drive. It's cherished for its racing heritage and as an icon of Italian automotive design.
6. W124 Mercedes-Benz 500E
The W124 Mercedes-Benz 500E, crafted with help from Porsche in 1990, embodied a discreet but powerful sedan. Its hand-built quality and 322 hp V8 engine made it a sleeper hit amongst executive cars. Trademark to Mercedes-Benz, it delivered luxury with a thrilling rush of power.
7. W126 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Your luxury car expectations may have been defined by the W126 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, first introduced in 1979. As a technological marvel of its time with features like ABS and airbags, it redefined what premium sedans could offer. Owners lauded its supreme comfort and second-to-none cruising experience.
8. Jaguar MK 2
The Jaguar MK 2, which graced the roads in 1959, captivated enthusiasts with its elegant design and impressive performance. Iconic for its role in '60s British culture, it shone with a powerful six-cylinder engine and a luxurious interior that made it a favorite among the elite and criminals alike.
9. Saab 9000 Aero
The Saab 9000 Aero, released in 1993, might surprise you with its turbocharged performance and quirky features. As the epitome of Saab's innovation, it's best known for its functional design, safety, and being a sleeper performance car that could outpace some of the more well-known sports cars of its time.
10. Ford Taurus SHO
When Ford released the Taurus SHO in 1989, it was more than a family sedan. The SHO, standing for Super High Output, featured a Yamaha-engineered V6, making it a performance car in disguise. It was significant for showing the world that American sedans could combine performance with practicality. After being discontinued in 1999, the SHO made its return with the 2010 model year and lasted until the entire Taurus lineup came to an end in 2019.
11. Chevrolet Impala SS
The Chevrolet Impala SS resurrected in 1994, brought back the magic of the muscle era with a modern twist. Known for its rear-wheel-drive configuration and a Corvette-inspired V8, this Impala SS carried the legacy of its nameplate with pride, offering muscle car enthusiasts a taste of the past with the comforts of the present.
12. BMW 3 Series
The BMW 3 Series has been synonymous with the term 'sports sedan' since it hit the streets in 1975. Celebrated for its engineering, rear-wheel drive, and spirited driving dynamics, the 3 Series set the bar for what a compact executive car should be, offering a perfect blend of performance and everyday usability.
13. Dodge Charger
Introduced in 1966, the Dodge Charger quickly became a symbol of American muscle. Its historic significance lies in its powerful engines and dramatic styling. The Charger is a car meant to be seen and heard, embodying the raw spirit of American automotive culture that drivers continue to love.
14. Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry, brought to the market in 1982, might seem like a humble family car, yet it's historically significant for defining reliability and affordability in the sedan segment. Known for its longevity and ease of maintenance, the Camry has been a dependable choice for millions globally and reigns supreme as the single most popular sedan in the world year after year.
15. Toyota Prius
The Toyota Prius made history in 1997 as the world's first mass-produced hybrid car. Its significance comes from bringing hybrid technology to the masses and starting a global conversation on fuel efficiency and eco-friendly motoring. Drivers appreciate the Prius for its low running costs and contribution to environmental consciousness.
16. Audi S8
Introduced in 1996, the Audi S8 brought the excitement of a performance car to the full-size luxury sedan market. With its advanced all-wheel-drive system and refined V8, the S8 is best known for combining luxury with spirited performance in a way few other sedans could match at the time.
17. Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing
Cadillac's CT5-V Blackwing, released in 2021, carries the torch of high-performance American luxury sedans. It's loved for its supercharged V8 engine and driver-focused dynamics, showcasing Cadillac's ability to produce a top-tier performance sedan that rivals the best from Europe. Few cars on the road today can keep up with the performance, looks, comfort, and overall versatility of the Blackwing.
18. Tesla Model S
Tesla's Model S, launched in 2012, broke new ground as a fully electric sedan without compromising luxury or performance. It's historic for paving the way for electric vehicles in the mainstream, beloved for its futuristic features and impressive range that allowed it to stand toe-to-toe with gas-powered competitors. When it comes to not only modern cars but the future of the automatic industry, the Tesla Model S is arguably the most important innovation that the industry has seen in recent decades. The future is looking bright.
As you explore the rich heritage and enduring legacies of these iconic historic sedans, you can appreciate the diversity and innovation that have propelled the automotive industry forward. Each model holds a unique place in the tapestry of car culture and remains a cherished chapter in the history of sedans.