36 Oldest Car Brands And Their Legendary Cars
Some car brands have been around so long, they practically have their own section in the history books.
I once sat in a 1910 Buick, feeling like I’d traveled back in time – no airbags, no power steering, just raw engineering and a surprising amount of comfort for something over a century old.
These iconic brands didn’t just build cars; they shaped the future of the automotive world.
Whether it’s the timeless luxury of Rolls-Royce or the rugged durability of Ford, the cars that came out of these companies are still legendary, each one telling a unique story of innovation, style, and endurance.
1. Peugeot – Type 3
Back in 1891, Peugeot decided that bicycles were just too slow. Enter the Type 3, a vehicle that made horse-drawn carriages look outdated. It didn’t have Bluetooth, but it did have a certain je ne sais quoi.
The Type 3 was the first car sold to the public in France, marking the beginning of Peugeot’s illustrious journey in the automotive industry.
Its elegant design and innovative engineering set the stage for Peugeot’s future innovations.
2. Mercedes-Benz – 300SL Gullwing
The 300SL Gullwing is what dreams are made of. Its gullwing doors aren’t just for show; they scream innovation.
Born in the 1950s, this beauty was the fastest production car of its time. With a fuel-injected engine and a top speed of 160 mph, the 300SL was a game-changer.
It’s not just a car, it’s a masterpiece of engineering and design. The gullwing doors became a symbol of Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to innovation and luxury.
3. Renault – 5 Turbo
The Renault 5 Turbo was a hot hatch with rally heritage that oozed character. Developed for motorsport, it was a compact car with rear-wheel drive and a turbocharged engine that packed a punch.
With its flared arches, aggressive stance, and snazzy design, it was more than just a car; it was a symbol of French performance.
It’s a pocket rocket that proves small cars can pack big thrills and still look cool while doing it.
4. Fiat – 124 Spider
Ever felt the sun on your face while cruising down the Amalfi Coast? The Fiat 124 Spider is your ticket to that dolce vita. Introduced in 1966, this Italian charmer combined amazing design with affordable fun.
With a sporty engine and timeless looks, the 124 Spider captured the spirit of open-top motoring. It’s not just a car; it’s a lifestyle.
The Spider became a symbol of Italian automotive excellence, offering a taste of la dolce vita to drivers worldwide.
5. Opel – GT
The Opel GT, often compared to the Corvette for its refined, curvy lines, made a statement with its compact, roadster charm. Launched in 1968, this German sports car was powered by a punchy 1.9-liter engine.
The GT’s pop-up headlights and bold design made it an instant classic.
Despite its short production run, the Opel GT remains an underappreciated gem, showing that even a smaller sports car can deliver style, speed, and a touch of elegance.
6. Tatra – T87
The Tatra T87 stands out not just for its aerodynamics but for its unconventional look.
Produced from the late 1940s to the early 1950s, this Czechoslovakian classic featured a streamlined, futuristic design that was ahead of its time.
Powered by a rear-mounted V8 engine, the T87 was as fast as it was innovative.
Its distinctive design—complete with a teardrop shape—turned heads, and it’s remembered as one of the most iconic cars to emerge from post-war Europe.
7. Skoda – 110R Coupe
The Skoda 110R Coupe is the quintessential Czech sports car. Produced in the early 1970s, this rear-engine coupe combined good looks with spirited performance.
Its simple yet stylish design made it a favorite among car enthusiasts, and its surprisingly nimble handling kept it a beloved classic in Eastern Europe.
The 110R’s reliability and unique charm have made it one of Skoda’s most revered models, a small car that gave big thrills without the price tag.
8. Ford – Model T
Henry Ford’s Model T didn’t just put America on wheels; it put the world on wheels. Launched in 1908, it was the first car made affordable for the masses.
With its sturdy build and innovative assembly line production, the Model T was a game-changer. It revolutionized transportation and paved the way for modern manufacturing.
The Model T was a symbol of innovation and accessibility, making car ownership a reality for millions.
9. Cadillac – Eldorado
The Cadillac Eldorado is an icon of American luxury. Launched in 1953, this front-wheel-drive cruiser revolutionized the automotive world with its refined lines and elegant features.
It redefined the American luxury car, combining cutting-edge technology with unmatched comfort.
Over the years, the Eldorado’s bold design, powerful V8 engine, and status as a symbol of success made it a benchmark in luxury cars, paving the way for future American performance and style.
10. Buick – GNX
The Buick GNX is a muscle car legend. Developed in the late ‘80s, it was an upgrade to the already powerful Grand National.
With a turbocharged V6 engine and incredible, understated design, the GNX was an unexpected powerhouse that took on some of the best in performance cars.
With its performance numbers that could rival more expensive sports cars, the GNX earned its place in the pantheon of American muscle, turning heads while staying low-key.
11. Oldsmobile – 442
The Oldsmobile 442 is the muscle car that made you feel like a rock star. Introduced in the 1960s, it combined raw power with refined styling.
With a high-performance V8 engine and aggressive design, the 442 was the embodiment of the muscle car era.
This car wasn’t just about speed; it was about making a statement. The 442 showed that performance and sophistication could go hand in hand.
12. Packard – Twin Six
Packard’s Twin Six was the car that defined luxury in the roaring twenties. With its V12 engine, it was as smooth as a jazz melody.
The Twin Six set the standard for automotive opulence and performance. This car wasn’t just about getting from A to B; it was about making an entrance.
The Twin Six’s blend of power and luxury made it a favorite among the elite.
13. Chevrolet – Corvette Stingray
The Chevrolet Corvette Stingray is America’s most iconic sports car. First introduced in the 1960s, the Stingray offered a perfect blend of power, handling, and style.
With its fiberglass body, low stance, and V8 engine, it became the car that defined American performance.
It’s been a symbol of automotive engineering excellence for decades, with each new iteration offering something unique while staying true to its roots.
The Stingray remains the pinnacle of American automotive design.
14. Rolls-Royce – Phantom I
The Rolls-Royce Phantom I is the car that whispers luxury in every line. Introduced in the 1920s, it was the choice of royalty and dignitaries.
With a silent engine and exquisite craftsmanship, the Phantom I was the pinnacle of refinement. It wasn’t just about luxury; it was about creating an experience.
The Phantom I set the standard for what a luxury automobile should be.
15. Bentley – Blower Bentley
The Bentley Blower is a racing icon that helped establish Bentley’s reputation for high-performance cars. Introduced in the late 1920s, this supercharged beast was built to take on the best in motorsport.
Its distinctive blower (supercharger) protruded from the engine bay, making a statement both visually and in terms of performance.
Known for its raw power and refined luxury, the Blower Bentley became synonymous with British elegance and speed, paving the way for future Bentley performance legends.
16. Aston Martin – DB5
The Aston Martin DB5 is the car that turned heads and stole hearts. With its elegant design and powerful engine, it became an instant classic when it debuted in the 1960s.
But it was its starring role in a certain spy franchise that made it a legend. The DB5 wasn’t just a car; it was a symbol of British style and sophistication.
It captured the essence of elegance and performance, leaving a lasting legacy.
17. Alfa Romeo – Giulia Sprint GTA
The Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint GTA is an Italian masterpiece that mixed beauty with performance.
Launched in the 1960s, the Sprint GTA was built for racing and street use alike, with a lightweight design and a powerful engine that delivered thrills.
Its sharp styling, coupled with exceptional handling, made it an icon on and off the track.
Whether on the winding roads of Italy or the racetrack, the Giulia Sprint GTA proved that Alfa Romeo could do both style and speed effortlessly.
18. Lancia – Stratos
The Lancia Stratos is the rally car that rewrote the rulebook. With its distinctive wedge shape and powerful engine, it dominated the rally scene in the 1970s.
The Stratos wasn’t just about winning; it was about pushing the limits of what a car could do. This car was a symbol of Lancia’s innovative spirit and competitive edge.
19. Citroën – DS
The Citroën DS is one of the most innovative cars ever built. Released in the 1950s, it introduced futuristic features like hydropneumatic suspension, which provided a smooth, floaty ride.
Its unique design, with futuristic curves and eye-catching details, was ahead of its time.
The DS set the standard for luxury cars and revolutionized automotive technology, becoming a favorite among car enthusiasts and even French presidents.
To this day, the Citroën DS remains a symbol of automotive design ingenuity.
20. Bugatti – Type 35
The Bugatti Type 35 is one of the most legendary race cars of all time. With its amazing, lightweight design and powerful engine, the Type 35 dominated motorsports in the 1920s.
This iconic car earned over 1,000 wins, cementing Bugatti’s place in racing history. Known for its precision engineering and beauty, the Type 35 is considered a masterpiece of early automotive design.
Even today, the Bugatti Type 35 remains a benchmark for speed, luxury, and racing excellence.
21. Dodge – Charger R/T
The Dodge Charger R/T is the muscle car that growled its way into the hearts of enthusiasts. With its powerful V8 engine and aggressive styling, it was a force to be reckoned with in the late 1960s.
The Charger R/T wasn’t just about power; it was about attitude and presence. This car became a symbol of American muscle and automotive passion.
22. Nash – Ambassador
The Nash Ambassador is the car that brought comfort and innovation to the masses. Introduced in the 1930s, it was one of the first cars to offer air conditioning.
The Ambassador wasn’t just about luxury; it was about pioneering new technology.
This car was a testament to Nash’s commitment to innovation and providing a premium experience for everyday drivers.
23. Hudson – Hornet
The Hudson Hornet is the car that left its mark on the racing world. With its ‘step-down’ design and powerful engine, it dominated the NASCAR scene in the early 1950s.
The Hornet wasn’t just about speed; it was about innovation and engineering excellence. This car was a symbol of Hudson’s dedication to performance and competitive spirit.
24. Studebaker – Avanti
The Studebaker Avanti was a radical departure from traditional American car designs. Released in the 1960s, the Avanti was a sports coupe with a fiberglass body, aerodynamics, and a supercharged V8 engine.
It was an innovative vehicle for its time, offering both speed and luxury.
Although its production was limited, the Avanti remains a standout in automotive history, representing a bold attempt to create something truly unique in a sea of traditional muscle cars.
25. Chrysler – 300C
The Chrysler 300C is the car that redefined American luxury. With its bold design and powerful HEMI engine, it was a statement of style and performance.
Introduced in the mid-2000s, the 300C wasn’t just about looks; it was about making an impression. This car became a symbol of Chrysler’s dedication to luxury and innovation.
26. Mazda – RX-7
The Mazda RX-7 is one of the most beloved rotary-engine cars in history. Released in the 1970s, this compact sports car quickly earned a reputation for its lightness, handling, and distinctive engine.
The RX-7 was a car that didn’t just stand out because of its design—it was a true driver’s car.
The rotary engine’s unique sound and feel, combined with its agile performance, made the RX-7 an instant classic that still attracts enthusiasts today.
27. Toyota – 2000GT
The Toyota 2000GT is the car that proved Japan could build a world-class sports car. With its incredible design and performance capabilities, it captured the world’s attention in the late 1960s.
The 2000GT wasn’t just about speed; it was about redefining what a Japanese car could be. This car was a symbol of Toyota’s ambition and excellence.
28. Honda – NSX
The Honda NSX is Japan’s answer to exotic sports cars like the Ferrari 328. Introduced in the late ‘80s, the NSX set the bar for reliability and precision engineering in the world of performance cars.
With a lightweight chassis, a high-revving V6 engine, and advanced technology, it quickly became a favorite among driving purists.
Its blend of everyday usability with supercar-level performance and handling makes the NSX one of the most groundbreaking cars of its era.
29. Nissan – Skyline GT-R
The Nissan Skyline GT-R is the car that became a legend on the streets and the track. With its powerful engine and advanced technology, it was a force to be reckoned with.
The Skyline GT-R wasn’t just about performance; it was about creating a legacy. This car was a symbol of Nissan’s commitment to pushing the limits of automotive performance.
30. Subaru – WRX STI
The Subaru WRX STI is a rally icon that’s just as capable on the streets as it is on the dirt.
Launched in the early 2000s, this high-performance variant of the WRX brought aggressive styling and all-wheel drive performance to the forefront.
Known for its turbocharged flat-four engine and exceptional handling, the WRX STI is a car designed for enthusiasts who love precision driving.
Whether on winding backroads or at the track, the WRX STI is all about delivering thrills.
31. Mitsubishi – Lancer Evolution
The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution is the car that turned everyday driving into an adrenaline rush. With its turbocharged engine and all-wheel-drive system, it was a rally legend.
The Lancer Evolution wasn’t just about speed; it was about agility and control. This car was a symbol of Mitsubishi’s commitment to performance and innovation.
32. Isuzu – Piazza
The Isuzu Piazza may not be as widely known, but it’s a quirky, stylish gem that deserves attention.
Produced in the mid-1980s, this compact sports coupe featured a sleek, wedge-shaped design and was powered by a turbocharged engine.
It was marketed as a performance car, offering agile handling and a distinctive look that set it apart from other cars of the era.
Though it was short-lived, the Piazza remains a unique and collectible car for those seeking something different.
33. DAF – 66 Marathon
The DAF 66 Marathon is the car that put the Dutch on the racing map. With its unique Variomatic transmission and compact design, it was a favorite in rally competitions.
The Marathon wasn’t just about winning; it was about innovation. This car was a testament to DAF’s commitment to engineering excellence and competitive spirit.
34. Volvo – P1800
The Volvo P1800 is the car that made safety sexy. With its sleek design and reliable performance, it captured hearts in the 1960s.
The P1800 wasn’t just about looks; it was about longevity and dependability.
This car was a testament to Volvo’s commitment to quality and style, proving that safety and elegance could go hand in hand.
35. Saab – 900 Turbo
The Saab 900 Turbo is the quirky Swedish icon that made turbocharging cool in the 1980s. With its distinctive design, hatchback versatility, and front-wheel drive, it was a standout in a sea of sedans.
Powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, the 900 Turbo combined performance with practicality, making it a car that appealed to both driving enthusiasts and families.
Its boxy yet elegant design, coupled with exceptional build quality, has made the Saab 900 Turbo a beloved classic.
36. BMW – 507
The BMW 507 is a car that perfectly blends elegance with performance. Produced in the late 1950s, this roadster was designed to compete with the likes of the Mercedes-Benz 300SL.
With its stylish curves and V8 engine, the 507 became one of BMW’s most iconic cars. Though production was limited, its timeless design and sophisticated engineering have made it a highly sought-after classic.
The BMW 507 set the standard for luxury sports cars, and its legacy endures today.