Don't confuse this post with the ubiquitous "10 Favorite Cars" or "Cars for My Dream Garage" discussion. Those lists pertain to cars one might want to possess, but this list is merely a tally of cars I think any automotive enthusiast would benefit from driving.
The idea here is that, even if a given type of car doesn't float your personal boat, your understanding of automotive history, as well as the current automotive universe, will benefit from seat time in these 10 cars. In a perfect world you wouldn't just drive these cars around the block once, or even to a local car cruise. You'd live with them for at least 24 hours to really get an understanding of what they're about. And you don't always have to drive these exact models to glean automotive wisdom, so I'll try to list alternatives where appropriate.
And yes, when I say "He" in the title above I mean any automotive enthusiast, regardless of gender.
Now, on to the list:
1. 1932-1934 Ford V8: This was the first mass-produced car to offer a V8 engine, and represents the beginning of truly accessible automotive performance for the everyman. Although the V8 was offered in several variants it was the combination of price and power that make it important.
2. 1938-2003 Volkswagen Beetle: Meant to get the German people mobile at minimal cost, the Beetle was unique in that if offered both rear drive and a rear engine. It could maintain autobahn speeds (it had to if it was going to succeed in Germany) and was actually fun to drive, too. Still is.
3. 1944-Present Jeep CJ/Wrangler: As the world's first serious off-road vehicle you have to drive a CJ/Wrangler at least once in your life. There's nothing like looking at an "insurmountable" surface -- and then surmounting it in this iconic Jeep. Alternatives: Land Rover Series I or II.
4. 1948-1990 Citroen 2CV: Yup, you have a 42-year time span form which to pick, as this car was one of the most innovative yet functional and affordable cars of the 20th Century, and it saw minimal design changes in that time because it was already incredibly advanced its first year out.
5. 1959-2000 Mini: Another innovative design, this one packaged the engine and drivetrain up front, giving the car plenty of room for passengers despite its tiny overall size. A hugely influential car that, like all the others on this list, is also fun to drive and deserves to be experienced first hand.
6. 1959 Cadillac Eldorado: As ostentatious as any vehicle of the period, the '59 Cadillac represents the peak of the "dream cars" era. You don't really drive these cars, you just sort of guide them around. Alternatives: any Chrysler Imperial or Lincoln Continental of the era.
7. 1963-1997 Porsche 911: Air-cooled rear engine and rear-wheel drive (much like the Beetle), the 911 is probably the most iconic sports car ever made. The rear-weight bias makes them tricky to drive at the limit, but oh so rewarding if you get it right. Alternatives: 1998-present 911.
8. 1968 Plymouth Hemi Road Runner: Big, powerful V8 in a (relatively) light vehicle. It was the recipe of the muscle car era and it did wonders for straightline performance stats. Don't try to stop or turn, as you'll only be disappointed. Alternatives: any big-block AMC, GM, Ford or Mopar muscle car.
9. 1975-1985 Ferrari 308: First mainstream mid-engine sports car to take full advantage of mass centralization. Like the 911, a mid-engine car can be tricky if you get it wrong, but unrivaled in performance and driving engagement if you get it right. Alternatives: any mid-engine Ferrari, Lamborghini or a Ford GT.
10. 1990-Present Mazda Miata: Everyone knows the Miata is an incredibly fun car to drive, but it's all talk until you drive it yourself. Looking at the performance specs one might dismiss the roadster as just a casual convertible or even (gasp!) a simple chick car. True enthusiasts know better.
Those are my 10. What'd I miss?
By carguy622
on September 7, 2010
06:47 AM
Of these, I've only driven a Miata. I've got a lot of work to do!
By 7driver
on September 7, 2010
07:04 AM
"9. 1975-1985 Ferrari 308: First mainstream mid-engine sports car to take full advantage of mass centralization."
What makes the 308 first versus the Fiat X1/9, Porsche 914 or Ferrari Dino?
By vwblues
on September 7, 2010
08:03 AM
I've only driven 1 of these too (VW Bug), but I also have plenty of wheel time behind a 66 Bonneville Convt and can't imagine the Eldo being anymore of a lang yacht then that thing (in a good way of course). I would jump at the chance to drive any one of these though.
By ahightower
on September 7, 2010
09:48 AM
I'd offer the RX7 or RX8 as an alternative to the Miata. It may not be a roadster but it has the light weight, RWD, and perfect gearbox going for it.
By blackadder5639
on September 7, 2010
12:30 PM
I haven't driven any of these before! Although I should be able to test-drive a Miata the next time I visit a Mazda dealership....
I'm surprised the list has not BMWs..... especially the original 2002 or the E30 M3.
By srlracing
on September 7, 2010
01:31 PM
9. 1975-1985 Ferrari 308: What about the Porsche 914?
Also, Karl you forgot to put an Alfa on the list!!!
By yankeez
on September 9, 2010
08:32 AM
I dunno, I think my life will be pretty complete if I never drive the Citroen. Having lived in Europe for 5 years I saw plenty of those (even rode in a couple) - I know they have legions of fans and they did have some interesting features... but bottom line is they're just too quirky and downright ugly for me to even take the least bit seriously.