Cars aren’t just metal, rubber and petrol. They’re time capsules, cultural touchstones, engineering milestones and sometimes even family members.
Across more than a century of motoring, certain cars have earned legendary status—whether they dazzled on the big screen, conquered racetracks, shaped everyday life or represented the cutting edge of innovation.
Today, we’re taking a friendly but deeply informative road trip through the most iconic cars ever built, from Hollywood heroes to humble runarounds. Buckle up—this is a celebration of automotive greatness in all its forms.
Movie Cars: Star Cars of the Silver Screen
Film has a magical way of elevating a car from a lump of metal into an unforgettable character. Some cars became famous because of their looks, others because of their scenes, and a few because they practically stole the show.
Aston Martin DB5 – James Bond
No movie car list is complete without the Aston Martin DB5, the suave symbol of British elegance. Introduced in Goldfinger in 1964, the DB5 paired beautiful Italian-inspired styling with gentlemanly sophistication. Its silver paintwork became synonymous with espionage glamour, but what truly cemented its legend were the gadgets: ejector seats, machine guns behind the indicators, tyre slashers, smoke screens and revolving licence plates. The DB5 reappeared across later Bond films, proving that true design never ages. As an icon of both cinema and automotive history, the DB5 remains one of the most recognisable cars ever created.
DeLorean DMC-12 – Back to the Future
When it launched, the DeLorean was a commercial flop—but Hollywood turned it into a global superstar. Its stainless-steel body, gullwing doors and futuristic shape made it a perfect fit for time travel.
In Back to the Future, Doc Brown’s eccentric conversion of the car—with its flux capacitor and glowing coils—created a pop-culture icon. Even today, the DMC-12 is instantly associated with imagination, nostalgia and 80s sci-fi charm. Its fame is so enduring that electric reboot versions are being developed.
Ford Mustang GT 390 – Bullitt
Steve McQueen was already cool, but the Highland Green Ford Mustang in Bullitt elevated his legend. The film’s intense, groundbreaking car chase through the hills of San Francisco set a new benchmark for cinematic action. The stripped-back aesthetic—no flashy decals, just pure V8 muscle—cemented the Mustang as America’s favourite performance icon. The original Bullitt Mustang sold for millions, proving how cinema can immortalise a car forever.
Movie cars endure because they represent fantasy, freedom, adventure and emotion. They remind us that sometimes, a car can be the real star.
TV Cars: Cultural Icons From the Tellybox
Television has produced cars that entire generations grew up with — vehicles that became characters in their own right, appearing weekly in living rooms across the country.
The General Lee – The Dukes of Hazzard
This orange Dodge Charger isn’t subtle, and that’s exactly why it’s iconic. With its bold livery, rebel spirit and endless aerial stunts, the General Lee practically defined TV car action. It was loud, brash and unforgettable.
Del Boy’s Reliant Regal – Only Fools and Horses
Proof that icons don’t need horsepower. This three-wheeled van became a symbol of British humour, optimism and working-class charm. Even people who’ve never seen the show know the bright yellow Reliant and its “Trotters Independent Traders” logo.
These TV stars didn’t just entertain—they shaped culture, fashion, childhood memories and the idea that cars can have as much character as people.
Knight Rider’s KITT – Knight Rider
KITT wasn’t just a car—it was a personality. This AI-powered Pontiac Trans Am, voiced with dry wit and a sense of loyalty, introduced audiences to the idea of intelligent vehicles long before Tesla Autopilot existed. Its red scanning light remains one of TV’s most recognisable visual effects.
Race & Rally Cars: From Le Mans to Formula 1
Racing is where automotive innovation is forged under pressure. The world’s most successful race cars aren’t just fast—they reshape engineering.
Ferrari F2004
Considered by many the most dominant Formula 1 car in history, the F2004 helped Michael Schumacher secure his seventh championship. Its V10 engine produced a glorious scream, and its aerodynamic mastery created lap records that stood for years. Even today, its design influences F1 engineering.
Ford GT40
This Anglo-American icon was born out of rivalry. After Ferrari refused to sell its company to Ford, Henry Ford II vowed to beat Ferrari at Le Mans. The Ford GT40 did just that—and kept doing it, winning four consecutive times. With its low stance, mighty V8 and aerodynamic focus, it became the ultimate endurance racing legend.
Racing icons matter because they push boundaries, introducing innovations that eventually improve everyday cars.
Audi Quattro
When Audi introduced four-wheel drive to rallying in the early 80s, it changed motorsport forever. Suddenly, cars could accelerate harder, grip better and tackle unpredictable terrain with confidence. The Quattro dominated Group B rallying and sparked a revolution—modern performance cars still rely on this technology.
Supercars: Engineering Without Limits
Supercars are the automotive world’s purest expression of excess and innovation. They’re the stuff of childhood posters and adult daydreams.
Lamborghini Miura
Often called the first true supercar, the Miura’s rear-mid-engine layout redefined performance design. Its sleek silhouette, pop-up headlights and Italian charm made it a symbol of 60s glamour.
Bugatti Veyron
When Bugatti set out to build a 1,000-horsepower, 250+ mph road car, many thought it impossible. The Veyron proved otherwise. It forced the industry to rethink speed, aerodynamics and cooling, and became a technological masterpiece.
McLaren F1
Designed by Gordon Murray, the F1 remains legendary. A central driving position, gold-lined engine bay and naturally aspirated V12 allowed it to hit 240 mph—still extraordinary without turbocharging. It was crafted like a Swiss watch but performed like a rocket.
Supercars aren’t just toys—they inspire engineering breakthroughs felt across the industry.
Sports Cars: Weekend Heroes
Sports cars focus on fun, agility and connection. They might not dominate racetracks or cost six figures, but they deliver pure driving joy.
Porsche 911
With its rear-engine layout, unmistakable silhouette and constant refinement, the 911 is a testament to the power of evolution. It has balanced practicality, performance and prestige for six decades.
Mazda MX-5
Launched in 1989, the Mazda MX-5 revived the classic British roadster formula with Japanese reliability. Light, affordable and playful, it became the best-selling sports car of all time.
Its “Jinba Ittai” design philosophy—horse and rider as one—captures exactly why people love it.
Jaguar E-Type
When even Enzo Ferrari praises your beauty, you’ve achieved something special. The E-Type blended glamour and performance, making it a symbol of 60s Britain. Today, it’s still considered one of the greatest designs ever created.
Pioneering Cars: The Innovators
Some cars didn’t follow trends—they created them.
Thrust SSC
This jet-powered monster broke the sound barrier on land in 1997, a feat once thought impossible.
Toyota Prius
The Prius didn’t just launch hybrid technology—it normalised it. Its combination of petrol and electric power paved the way for modern EVs.
Ford Model T
Introduced assembly-line production, making cars affordable for the masses. The Ford Model T transformed society by giving ordinary families mobility.
People’s Cars: The Cars We Grew Up With
These cars didn’t need glamour—they became iconic by being loved.
Volkswagen Beetle
A symbol of simplicity and charm, with over 21 million built.
Ford Fiesta
For decades, the Ford Fiesta was Britain’s go-to small car. Reliable, efficient and perfect for learners and commuters.
Mini
Tiny, brilliant and designed to beat fuel shortages. It was as fun to drive as it was practical.
4×4 Cars: Built for Adventure
Whether facing muddy tracks or icy mornings, 4x4s have earned legendary reputations.
Land Rover Defender
Farmers, explorers, the military—you name it, the Defender has served them. Its go-anywhere ability is unmatched.
Jeep Wrangler
A direct descendant of the WWII Willys Jeep, the Wrangler is rugged, square and beloved by adventurers.
Toyota Land Cruiser
The Toyota Land Cruiser is known for reliability in the harshest environments—from deserts to mountains.
Budget and Everyday Cars: The Unsung Heroes
Not every icon has a roaring engine. These cars earned love by being dependable, affordable and always there when we needed them.
Vauxhall Corsa
Renowned for being perfect for new drivers, families, and commuters alike is the Vauxhall Corsa.
Nissan Qashqai
It was the Nissan Qashqai that kick-started the SUV-crossover boom and changed family motoring forever.
Toyota Corolla
Then finally, the Toyota Corolla quietly became the world’s best-selling car.
Final Thoughts
From Bond’s DB5 to your everyday Corsa, iconic cars come in all shapes and sizes. What they share is impact—on culture, on engineering, on the way we live and move.
At Stoneacre, we love celebrating the full spectrum of automotive greatness. Whether you’re chasing a dream car or looking for a dependable daily driver, your own future icon may be waiting on one of our forecourts.
