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We thought the McLaren F1 and Fiat Multipla were special when they came up with three-across seating. Only Matra's gorgeous little sportster showed this idea about 30 years ago.
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There is simply no more sensational a means of arriving than in a Maserati Quattroporte. All the heart and soul of a classically revvy Italian V8 with the understated decoration of an Ian Schrager hotel.
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It may have been a rip-off of the Lotus Elan, but it has been on sale since 1989 and has single-handedly re-ignited the now crowded roadster market. That it's still among the best of those is testament to its excellence.
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The RX-7 sports car debuted in MkI form in 1968, and it remained in production (through three generations) until 2002, becoming the most successful rotary-engined car in history - so far. Last model before RX-8 successor is heroically good to drive.
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The ultimate road-going supercar with details such as 24-carat gold lining the engine bay (it's a very good heat reflector, apparently). Thoroughly usable with three-seat layout, but also does 241mph. Breathtaking, and there'll never be another.
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Revolutionary small-car-with-big-car-space and an innovative double-floor design pioneered new packaging and safety technology.
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The S-Class has been nominated more times by more people for 'the best car in the world' tag than we care to remember. And even now, what self-respecting dictator, warlord or underworld Mr Big would be without one?
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This was the world's first supercar. Even if it's best remembered for its very cool gullwing doors, it's still an astounding road car, developed from a hugely successful racer.
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The most chic two-door roadster of its day (1963-67), the 113-series SL was a design landmark. Still looks as beautiful and elegant as ever.
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This was the ultimate statement of power and style in the 1930s. The 'K' stands for Kompressor, or supercharger in English, which gave this car performance unheard of in the day.
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Effectively a brand-new classic, there are few better ways to take a jaunt to a picnic than behind the wheel of a classic Morgan with a throbby V8 up front.
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One of the most successful new car launches of the decade, the new MINI manages that neat trick of being both a must-have fashion accessory yet also being an excellent car to drive.
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Mitsubishi's rally-replicas have been getting better and faster with each new generation. The current Evo VIII is the king of them all with stupefying speed and superb handling. There is a quicker way across North Yorkshire, though. It's called a Harrier jump jet.
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A national treasure, and with independent front suspension and monocoque construction, it was quite innovative when launched in 1948. Some 1.6million were sold and the Moggie remains a popular classic.
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