Nothing conveys dignity and class on the road quite like classic, antique automobiles. You don’t have to be a collector or auto buff to appreciate their vintage beauty and heady nostalgia. Step into the golden age of automobiles with a selection of classic cars, spanning the pre- to post-war eras, from when battery-powered models were close to a century away and gentlemen still opened the car door for a lady.
1. 1896 Salvesen Steam Cart
Not so much a car as a locomotive that can be driven on the street, this quirky vehicle was invented by a member of a wealthy Scottish family who earned their riches from shipping and transport. Powered by a coal-fired boiler, this pioneer Victorian steam carriage has two rows of bench seats facing each other.
A 1896 Salvesen Steam Cart at the Regent Street Motor Show in London, UK, in 2017. andrewrabbott/CC BY-SA 4.0
Onlookers inspect a 1896 Salvesen Steam Cart at the Regent Street Motor Show in London, UK, in 2017. andrewrabbott/CC BY-SA 4.0
2. 1900 Peugeot Type 26
Just 419 Type 26s were manufactured—representing the quaint tail-end of Peugeot’s tradition of using the chain-drive mechanism in its automobiles. Production began in 1899 and continued for three years until engineering moved on. A reminder of turn-of-the-century excitement about emerging motor-driven vehicles, the Type 26 is much beloved amongst collectors.
A Peugeot Type 26. Public Domain
3. 1906-1927 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost
Perhaps the most famous luxury car in history, the Silver Ghost belongs to an exclusive clique of the longest-running single cars ever produced (the Ford Model T, British Mini, and VW Beetle are others). Named for its smooth, quiet running, it is remarkable to think such a reliable, steadfast vehicle was on the road at a time when horse-drawn carriages were still the norm.
A 1913 Rolls Royce Silver Ghost on display at The Elegance at Hershey. Michael G McKinne/Shutterstock
A Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost on display at The Elegance at Hershey in Boadilla del Monte, Madrid, Spain. FernandoV/Shutterstock
4. 1915 Oakland Model 37 Speedster
An early Detroit sports car created by one of the founders of General Motors, the royally elegant design of the 37 Speedster typically comprised a dove grey and black color scheme, beautiful nickel trim, rich red leather upholstery, and distinguished black canvas top.
A 1915 Oakland Model 37 Speedster. Vauxford/CC BY-SA 4.0
A similar 1914 Oakland Model 36 Touring. (Michael Barera/CC BY-SA 4.0)
Advertisers boasted of the Oakland’s lightness of line and weight, noting its “[h]igh speed Oakland-Northway motor—responsive, silent, smooth-running, giving a quick and easy ‘pickup’ that makes it seem like a thing ALIVE.”
5. 1919 Hispano-Suiza H6 Cabriolet
A true show-stopper, the Hispano-Suiza H6 held great cachet. So much so that the luxury continental tourer was King Alfonso of Spain’s car of choice, and a 1925 novel, “The Man in the Hispano,” was named after it. Technically advanced for its time, it caused a sensation due to its light, rigid chassis and four-wheel braking system.
A Hispano-Suiza H6 Cabriolet in Schwetzingen, Germany. George Stamatis/Shutterstock
A Hispano-Suiza H6 Cabriolet in Coimbatore, India. (SnapMeUp/CC BY-SA 4.0)
A 1928 Hispano Suiza H6B Cabrio. nemor2/CC BY 2.0
6. 1936 Marendaz Special 13/70hp Sports Tourer
You could be forgiven for thinking Marendaz was an Italian or Spanish manufacturer, but it was in fact birthed by Englishman Captain Donald Marcus Kelway Marendaz. A former pilot, Marendaz built his cars using power units he cleverly designed himself. Ultra-rare—only around 80-120 “Marendaz Specials” were ever made—the 13/70hp Sports Tourer won out on thoroughbred, Bentley-esque looks and rally capability.
A Marendaz Special 13/70hp Sports Tourer. Buch-t/CC BY-SA 3.0 DE
A Marendaz Special 13/70hp Sports Tourer. Lars-Göran Lindgren Sweden/CC BY-SA 3.0
7. 1936 Lancia Astura Fourth Series Cabriolet
A favorite with Italian dignitaries—including Mussolini, who used one as his government car—the Astura was sleek, expensive, and more than a little flamboyant. This exquisite automobile was produced by Lancia during the fashionable Art Deco era, and fewer than 3,000 were built. The Fourth Series, with its long wheelbase, is considered by some to be one of the most beautiful cars ever made.
A Lancia Astura Fourth Series Cabriolet. Thesupermat/CC BY-SA 3.0
A Lancia Astura Fourth Series Cabriolet. Michael G McKinne/Shutterstock
8. 1936 Horch 830 BL convertible
If ever a car could convey the style and elegance of the age, it’s this spectacular convertible from German manufacturer Horch. Charles de Gaulle’s automobile of choice, the 1936 Horch 830 BL was as luxurious inside as it was out. Astute marketers, the firm’s executives incorporated art into advertising to boost desirability.
A 1936 Horch 830 BL convertible at the Bundeswehr Military History Museum, Dresden. Stephencdickson/CC BY-SA 4.0
A 1936 Horch 830 BL convertible at the Military History Museum in Dresden. Alizada Studios/Shutterstock
A Horch 830 BL Cabriolet in Bad Bentheim Burg, Germany. Martin V/CC BY-SA 4.0
The French president’s actual car is to be found on display at Dresden’s Military History Museum. Today, the German manufacturer has evolved to become Audi.
9. 1939 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 S Touring Cabriolet
A perfect example of Italian refinement, the coveted 6C 2500 was powered by a 2.5 liter, 6-cylinder engine. One of the priciest cars of its time, the 2500 featured in The Godfather movie in 1972 and was driven by stars such as Rita Hayworth and Prince Ali Khan. Production stopped with the arrival of World War II, though a few hundred were built between 1940 and 1045.
A 1939 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 Cabriolet. Thesupermat/CC BY-SA 3.0
A 1942 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 S Cabriolet Touring in Mille Miglia, Italy. ermess/Shutterstock
10. 1946 Delahaye 135 MS Cabriolet
Unlike some of his contemporaries, Swiss car builder Hermann Graber refrained from using an abundance of chrome and fittings. His less-is-more approach paid off, bestowing the Delahaye 135 MS with a sophisticated, clean exterior. Not merely elegant in looks but sporty too, Graber’s masterstroke became known as the “Coupe des Alpes” due to its Alpine Rally success.
A 1938 Delahaye 135 MS Cabriolet at the Edsel and Eleanor Ford House, near Detroit, Michigan. Steve Lagreca/Shutterstock
A 1946 Delahaye 135 MS Cabriolet in Boadilla del Monte, Madrid, Spain. FernandoV/Shutterstock
A Delahaye 135 MS Cabriolet. Ben Pruchnie via Getty Images
A 1946 Delahaye 135 MS Cabriolet in Boadilla del Monte, Madrid, Spain. FernandoV/Shutterstock
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