Vintage cars are among the most magnificent cars in the automotive world. They represent a bygone era, a time of extravagance and artistic flair. From the 1920s to the 1940s, there was an emphasis on car design that sets them apart from modern vehicles. Here are five fantastic vintage cars.
1938 Lagonda V12
Produced in 1938, the Lagonda V12 was a stunning motor with a long bonnet, stylish headlights and elegant curves. It featured a 4480 cc V12 engine and new chassis with independent torsion bar front suspension. Two modified V12s were entered for the 1939 24 Hours of Le Mans, finishing in third and fourth place.
1938 Mercedes-Benz W153
The Mercedes-Benz W153 first appeared to the public at the 1939 Berlin Motor Show. As a luxury vehicle, the car came with different body types, which included a ‘limousine’ sedan. The W153 was developed by Hans Gustav Rohr, head of the company’s Passenger Car Development Department. He used a similar wheelbase to the 1937 W143 version, but created an updated body and chassis.
1929 Alfa Romeo 6C 1750
The Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 was introduced in Rome and according to author Michael Frostick, “the 1750, and for that matter the 1500…must be among the finest ever made from the point of view of engineering and driver satisfaction.” It featured a powerful six-cylinder engine that could produce a top speed of 95 mph, an impressive feat for the time. The car’s specially designed chassis helped it move smoothly over uneven surfaces. The 1750 was so fast that it won every racing event it was entered into, including the Mille Miglia and Belgium Grand Prix.
1936 Rolls-Royce Phantom III
Considered the final big pre-WW2 Rolls-Royce, the Phantom III was introduced in 1936. It had the distinction of being the only Rolls-Royce with a V12 engine until the Silver Seraph came along in 1998. The car’s bulky appearance didn’t stop it from being fast, as it could reach 0 – 60 mph in 16.8 seconds.
1922 Lancia Lambda
The 1922 Lancia Lambda debuted at the Paris Motor Show and it was highly advanced for the time. Not only was it the first car to have a unitary body and independent suspension, it also possessed an excellent braking system. Due to these features, the Lambda is considered the first modern car. It had a massive influence on how cars were engineered, making it one of the most important vehicles in history.