In 1975, the Jaguar XJ-S was released as a replacement for the iconic E-type. Buyers, however, were a little confused by a car that was set up as a Grand Touring model when it was replacing a classic English sports car.
While the XJ-S might not be a nimble road racer, it is a brilliant grand tourer. It has light power-assisted steering, high gearing, and huge fuel tanks to accommodate the thirst of its V12 engine.
This car drives and handles like a peaceful dream. It's acceleration won't win you any races, but it will pull you steadily along to a top speed of around 150mph. If you're looking for unique styling and a luxurious-feeling ride, this might just be the car for you.
Drawbacks include heavy GVW (around 4,000lbs), poor gas mileage, and expensive maintenance costs.
--Gary Blonder
1988 Lamborghini Countach 5000 QV
The Lamborghini Countach, originally designed by Marcello Gandini while at Bertone, made its first appearance at the Geneva motor show in 1971, and went into production in 1974.
Its iconic scissor doors and wedge-shaped front end serve to highlight the seemingly geometrically impossible greenhouse. The Countach is a study in automotive impracticality, but its over-the-top bravado the most appealing feature. The sound of the engine starting up and revving is enough to stir the loins of anything with a pulse.
This mid-engine V12 car is challenging to drive. It has a very heavy clutch that is prone to slippage, and turning the steering wheel feels a bit like opening a hatch on a battle ship.
To say this car is "mercurial" is an understatement. The engine tends to overheat when the AC is turned on, and the windows barely even open. It temperamental nature can be attributed to race-car technology fitted into a street-legal car.
This also means that many of its parts are either hard or near-impossible to find. If you're considering this supercar classic, make sure you're willing to sacrifice some of the dimensions in your wallet in return for unmatched style and performance that will absolutely thrill you.
--Gary Blonder
1957 Chrysler 300-C
These early 300s ranked as America’s most powerful cars, and they won NASCAR championships in ’55 and ’56. The 300 line launched in 1955 with the C-300, and then altered the nomenclature to 300B in ’56, advancing the letters annually through L in 1965.
This 300-C boasts a 392 cubic-inch Hemi V-8 with 375 HP and over 400 ft-lb of torque. This behemoth is a perfect example of American muscle from that era.
Big enough to carry your whole family and stylish enough to evoke a nostalgic era, the 300-C is a perfect mix of power and polish.