10 Cars You Need To Drive Before You Die

1964 Ford Thunderbolt

Specially built to go fast in a straight line, the Thunderbolt was built on a Ford Fairlane chassis with extensive modifications such as 427 cid V-8, conservatively rated at 425 hp (600 hp is more like it). That meant aluminium or fibre-glass everywhere and no heat, visors, arm-rests, or mirrors. Nothing extra to slow the going fast. And go fast it did, clocking a quarter mile time of 11.61 seconds at 124 mph.

Bugatti Veyron EB 16.4

With the world record for top speed by a production car at 267 mph, the Veyron is an engineering marvel. Built by Volkswagen’s Bugatti Automobiles from 2005 through 2014, the Veyron is powered by a 16-cylinder engine with quad turbochargers that produces over 1000 hp and requires no less than 10 cooling radiators. All this power comes at a lofty price with the Veyron retailing for nearly £1 million.

Ferrari F40

The last Ferrari personally approved by none other than Enzo himself would have to make the cut, right? Produced from 1987 to 1992, the F40 was arguably the most extreme exotic of its day with one car magazine referring to it as a “legal drug.” Hyperbole aside, the F40 was the fastest and most expensive Ferrari ever with a top speed that crested 200 mph and a sticker price of about £300,000.

Aston Martin DB5

Without question, the DB5 is the most iconic and recognized of Commander James Bond’s automobiles. And unless your pockets are extraordinarily deep, you most likely won’t find a DB5 with an ejection seat or champagne cooler. But you will find a 282 hp motor, leather seating, along with unlimited style and elegance.

1963 Chevrolet Corvette Split Window

Heralding a new design for the Corvette, the ‘63 Stingray continues to be one of the most desired and collectible Corvettes of all time. While the new Stingray was lighter than the previous year’s model, power still came from a small block 327 cid that, in top fuel injected form, made 360 hp.

1967 Ferrari 275 GTB

Memphis: I’ve been in L.A. for three months now. I have money, I have taste. But I’m not on anybody’s A list and Saturday night is the loneliest night of the week for me.
Roger the Car Salesman: Well, a Ferrari would certainly change that.
Memphis: Perhaps. Mmmm. But, you know, this is the one. Yes, yes, yes…I saw three of these parked outside the local Starbucks this morning, which tells me one thing. There’s too many self indulgent wieners in this city with too much bloody money! Now, if I was driving a 1967 275 GTB 4-cam…
Roger the Car Salesman: You would not be a self-indulgent wiener, sir….You’d be a connoisseur.

Now, we aren’t prone to quoting Gone in 60 Seconds too often. But when it comes to this particular Ferrari, no other words are needed.

Original Shelby GT350

While we are on the subject of the legendary tuner, we would also seek to try an original GT350. Taking a fastback Mustang, Shelby worked his magic to create a roadworthy version of a race car. And while the standard GT350 was a tough competitor, the addition of the race-ready option (£1,000) added even more racing parts including the awesome vented rear plexiglass window. Handsomely finished in standard white with optional blue racing stripes.

Porsche 911 Turbo S

Trying to identify the most desirable year and model of the Porsche 911 is pointless, there are tons of them. So we’re going with the new 911 Turbo S. Blending the signature 911 style with modern design and aerodynamics produces a 911 capable of sub 3 second 0-60 times. And seeing as the overall look of the 911 hasn’t changed dramatically since 1963, you’re virtually assured continued desirability.

Bentley Continental GT

Sure, we like to go fast, but sometimes you need luxury too. Fortunately, the Continental GT shows us that luxury and performance can co-exist. Interiors crafted of the finest leathers and wood veneers pair ever so nicely with the twin turbocharged 12-cylinder engine. And since the Continental GT is mass-produced, it’s less expensive than other coach-built Bentleys.

1955 Mercedes Benz 300SL

Who doesn’t love the gullwing doors on the 300SL? But why does it have those doors? Aesthetics aside, the gullwing doors were used as the superleggera style chassis did not make room for traditional open out doors. So they opened up. Interestingly enough, the ‘55 300SL was the first vehicle with a form of direct fuel injection. This particular model sold for over £1,500,000 at auction.

How many of these have you had the pleasure of driving? If you have any car needs, then you know who to contact as we would be pleased to help you. Please feel free to call us at 01204 53 43 33.