In a shocking twist that has sent ripples through Genoa City, Summer Newman has made her explosive return, reigniting a fierce love triangle with Kyle Abbott and Clare Newman. As tensions flare, the fragile peace that Kyle and Clare have fought to maintain is on the brink of collapse.
Kyle, caught in a whirlwind of emotions, is torn between the comfort of his current relationship and the undeniable spark that Summer reignites within him. Despite his promises to Clare of a future together, Summer’s bold declaration that she will fight for her happiness complicates matters further. As he wrestles with his feelings, Kyle proposes a romantic getaway to Paris, hoping to mend the growing rift between him and Clare. But is this trip a genuine attempt to reconnect, or merely an escape from the mounting emotional turmoil?
Clare’s skepticism grows as she questions Kyle’s motives, wary of his past behavior. The allure of Paris is enticing, but the shadows of doubt loom large. Is Kyle truly committed to repairing their relationship, or is he masking deeper issues with superficial gestures?
With emotions running high, the future of Kyle and Clare’s relationship hangs in the balance. Will they navigate the chaos and emerge stronger, or will Summer’s return mark the beginning of the end for their love story? As secrets unravel and loyalties are tested, the drama promises to escalate to unprecedented heights.
The Pantheon of Automotive Perfection: A 2025 Expert’s Guide to the Most Beautiful Cars Ever Made
For a decade, I’ve had the privilege of immersing myself in the world of automobiles, not just as machines of transport, but as canvases where art, engineering, and raw emotion collide. In 2025, as the automotive landscape rapidly electrifies and digitalizes, it’s more crucial than ever to pause and appreciate the enduring masterpieces that have shaped our perception of beauty on four wheels. These aren’t just vehicles; they are investment-grade automobiles, touchstones of automotive design trends, and the very heart of the collector car market 2025.
Compiling a definitive list of the most beautiful cars of all time is, admittedly, a subjective exercise. Beauty truly is in the eye of the beholder, and the thousands of designs that have graced our roads present an embarrassment of riches. However, drawing on years of scrutinizing lines, understanding design philosophies, and tracking market valuations, my team and I have meticulously curated a selection of ten road-legal icons that transcend mere utility, embodying a timeless car design that continues to captivate. These are the vehicles that consistently emerge from the deepest dives into luxury automotive heritage, holding their ground as pinnacles of aesthetic achievement.
Prepare to journey through a gallery of automotive legends, each a testament to visionary design, and many now commanding significant classic car appreciation in today’s dynamic market.
Mazda RX-7 (FD Generation)
The Zenith of Flowing Form
When the third-generation Mazda RX-7, often affectionately known as the FD, burst onto the scene in 1992, it didn’t just turn heads – it redefined the very essence of a sports car silhouette. In an era where many Japanese performance machines were embracing sharper, more angular lines, the FD offered a sensuous, almost organic form. Its sweeping curves and low-slung profile embodied a primal elegance, creating a visual symphony of motion even at a standstill. The long hood, teardrop cabin, and beautifully integrated pop-up headlights whispered aerodynamics and speed without resorting to aggressive wings or vents. It was, and remains, a masterclass in understated aggression and pure, unadulterated sports car aesthetics.
From my perspective in 2025, the FD RX-7 is more than just a beautiful car; it’s a burgeoning JDM investment car. While its innovative 1.3-liter twin-turbo rotary engine, a marvel of engineering for its time, was not without its maintenance complexities, it contributed immensely to the car’s unique character. Today, well-maintained examples, particularly the coveted manual transmission variants, are seeing significant classic sports car value appreciation. Collectors are increasingly seeking out these high-performance classic cars not just for their stunning looks, but for the unique driving experience and their pivotal role in automotive history. Premium classic vehicle restoration projects for FDs are becoming common, as owners seek to preserve these iconic vehicle aesthetics for future generations, understanding their escalating exotic car valuation.
Talbot-Lago T150-C-SS ‘Teardrop’ by Figoni et Falaschi
Art Deco on Wheels: A Sculptural Masterpiece
Stepping back nearly a century, the 1937 Talbot-Lago T150-C-SS ‘Teardrop’ coachbuilt by Figoni et Falaschi isn’t merely a car; it’s a rolling sculpture, a high point of the Art Deco movement expressed in steel and glass. Known colloquially as the “Goutte d’Eau,” or “drop of water,” its name perfectly encapsulates its ethereal, aerodynamic form. Every line, every curve, flows seamlessly into the next, creating an uninterrupted visual poetry. The elongated fenders, the exquisitely tapered tail, and the dramatic, panoramic windshield converge into an aesthetic that is both luxurious and remarkably forward-thinking. It’s a breathtaking fusion of French elegance and aerodynamic efficiency, pushing boundaries in a way that remains awe-inspiring today.
In the 2025 luxury car market, the Teardrop occupies a rarefied stratum, far beyond mere transportation. It represents the pinnacle of automotive art investment. Examples of this rare beauty consistently achieve staggering sums at auction, cementing its status as perhaps the most visually captivating and valuable French car ever created. Its value isn’t just in its rarity (only a handful were built), but in its almost spiritual connection to pure design. Owners are not just acquiring a vehicle, but a piece of history, a work of art that defines ultra-luxury heritage vehicle status and sets benchmarks for exotic car valuation in the ultra-high-net-worth segment. This is where classic car appreciation reaches its absolute zenith.
Lancia Stratos HF
Purposeful Aggression: The Wedge Masterpiece
The Lancia Stratos, unveiled in 1973, ripped up the rulebook on what a rally car could be, and in doing so, created one of the most polarizing yet undeniably beautiful forms in automotive history. Designed primarily for the brutal world of rallying, its stark, purposeful wedge shape by Bertone’s Marcello Gandini was a radical departure. Short, wide, and impossibly low, the Stratos looks like it’s constantly lunging forward, an arrowhead poised for attack. Its wraparound windshield, truncated rear, and mid-mounted Ferrari Dino V6 engine all contributed to a raw, uncompromised aesthetic that screams performance and daring. There’s an undeniable purity in its design, a perfect marriage of form and function.
Looking at the Stratos in 2025, its legend only grows. As a rally homologation special, it dominated the World Rally Championship, etching its aggressive silhouette into the minds of enthusiasts globally. While notoriously cramped and challenging to drive on public roads (rear visibility was practically non-existent), these quirks only add to its mystique. Its iconic sports car collectible status means values remain exceptionally strong, with collectors willing to pay a premium for the chance to own a piece of rally history and Gandini’s bold vision. This is a high-performance classic car whose design directly reflects its groundbreaking purpose, solidifying its place in the pantheon of timeless car design.
Aston Martin DB9
Modern British Elegance: The V12 Grand Tourer
Selecting just one Aston Martin for a list of beautiful cars is akin to choosing a single star from the constellations – challenging, yet rewarding. For me, the Aston Martin DB9, launched in 2003, perfectly embodies the marque’s modern aesthetic philosophy. While its successors and predecessors each possess their charms, the DB9 struck an impeccable balance. It’s simultaneously muscular and graceful, assertive yet understated. The long hood, sweeping roofline, and tightly sculpted flanks converge to create an image of effortless power and sophisticated athleticism. It refined the brand’s design language, blending traditional British luxury with contemporary aggression, without ever becoming ostentatious. It’s an archetypal grand tourer, designed for elegant, high-speed journeys.
In the 2025 luxury car market, the DB9 holds particular significance. As a luxury grand tourer investment, it represents excellent value. Its naturally aspirated V12 engine – a dying breed in an electrified world – adds to its appeal as a premium pre-owned luxury car. While newer Astons have pushed the boundaries, the DB9’s aesthetic purity ensures its enduring desirability. It’s a testament to timeless car design, offering a driving experience and a visual presence that continues to impress, holding its own against more modern, technologically advanced rivals. Its consistent market presence ensures it remains a significant touchpoint in classic car appreciation discussions for modern classics.
Fiat 500 (Original Nuova 500)
Democratic Charm: Beauty in Simplicity
Some cars charm you with their audacity, others with their sheer elegance. The original Fiat Nuova 500, launched in 1957, charms with its undeniable cuteness, its democratic appeal, and its brilliant packaging. It’s proof that beauty doesn’t require extravagance. Designed by Dante Giacosa, this tiny city car was a masterpiece of minimalist design, solving the post-war mobility crisis with wit and style. Its rounded, friendly proportions, characteristic roofline, and cheerful demeanor created an instant connection. It wasn’t just a car; it was a character, a beloved member of millions of Italian (and global) families. Its beauty lies in its unpretentious, approachable, and utterly iconic form.
In 2025, the original Fiat 500 continues its reign as a classic city car icon. Its spirit lives on in its modern namesake, but the original holds a unique place in automotive design trends for its emphasis on utility wrapped in irresistible charm. It’s an affordable classic car investment for many, offering a tangible connection to a simpler time. The vibrant community of owners and restorers ensures its legacy, celebrating its engineering ingenuity (despite its modest power) and its cultural significance. The 500 embodies a form of iconic vehicle aesthetics that transcends performance, proving that true beauty can be found in the most accessible packages, inspiring compact car design even today.
BMW Z8
Retro-Futuristic Roadster: A Modern Legend
The BMW Z8, produced from 1998 to 2003, is a rare example of a retro design that arguably outshines its inspiration. Conceived as a modern homage to the legendary 1950s BMW 507, the Z8 managed to capture the essence of its predecessor while forging a distinct, contemporary identity. Its long hood, short rear deck, and classic roadster proportions were exquisitely rendered. The minimalist interior and perfectly proportioned exterior, devoid of unnecessary ornamentation, showcased a purity of line that felt both nostalgic and utterly modern. Henrik Fisker’s design was a triumph of execution, proving that a respectful nod to the past could create something profoundly new and beautiful.
As of 2025, the BMW Z8 has firmly cemented its status as a modern classic roadster. Its limited production run (around 5,700 units), coupled with its powerful 4.9-liter V8 engine shared with the E39 M5, ensures its place as an appreciating collector car. Its appearance as James Bond’s car in “The World Is Not Enough” only amplified its allure. Today, it’s a highly sought-after luxury sports car investment, with pristine examples fetching significant sums. The Z8 represents a high point for BMW design, a testament to the fact that thoughtful retro styling, when executed with precision and power, can lead to timeless car design and substantial classic car appreciation.
Peugeot 406 Coupe
Pininfarina’s Accessible Elegance: An Underrated Gem
Amongst the multi-million-dollar exotics and historical artifacts, the Peugeot 406 Coupe, launched in 1996, stands as a testament to the power of accessible beauty. Designed by the legendary Italian design house Pininfarina, it possesses an understated elegance that belies its relatively modest price tag. Its sleek, flowing lines, pillarless silhouette, and perfectly judged proportions gave it the gravitas of a much more expensive grand tourer. There’s a purity to its form, a restraint that allows its inherent grace to shine through. It’s a design that’s aged remarkably well, proving that automotive styling doesn’t need to shout to be heard.
From a 2025 vantage point, the 406 Coupe is a clear underrated classic coupe. For those seeking affordable entry-level classic cars with serious design credentials, it offers unparalleled value. It’s a compelling argument for future classic car contender status, especially as more enthusiasts discover its Pininfarina heritage. While perhaps not an investment-grade automobile in the same league as a Talbot-Lago, its enduring aesthetic appeal and relative affordability make it a fantastic way to own a piece of iconic vehicle aesthetics without breaking the bank. It epitomizes that French flair for understated luxury, enhanced by Italian design prowess.
Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale
Sensual Aerodynamics: The Supercar’s Genesis
If a single car could encapsulate the very essence of automotive sculpture, it might well be the 1967 Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale. Based on the Tipo 33 race car, Franco Scaglione’s road-going version is a breathtaking study in organic form and aerodynamic fluidity. Its impossibly low stance, butterfly doors, dramatically curved windshield, and voluptuous fenders create a visual feast. Every line seems to flow from the next, suggesting both speed and a raw, sensual beauty. It was one of the world’s first true supercars, a machine that looked like it had been molded by the wind itself. Its design wasn’t just beautiful; it was pioneering, setting a benchmark for exotic car aesthetics.
In 2025, the 33 Stradale is beyond rare – it’s mythological. With only 18 units ever produced, it is the definition of an ultra-rare supercar investment. Its historic performance vehicle status, combined with its unparalleled beauty, ensures its place among the most valuable cars ever created. When one comes up for sale, it generates immense buzz, defining the very top tier of exotic car valuation. It’s a visceral expression of automotive art and engineering at its most uncompromised, and for serious collectors, it represents the ultimate acquisition in terms of investment-grade automobiles. It’s a masterpiece that showcases how subjective beauty can coexist with objective rarity and astronomical value.
Citroën DS
Avant-Garde Icon: The Goddess of Innovation
The Citroën DS, revealed at the 1955 Paris Motor Show, didn’t just turn heads; it fundamentally redefined what a car could be. Its name, “Déesse” (Goddess), was no exaggeration. Designed by Flaminio Bertoni and André Lefèbvre, its aerodynamic, futuristic silhouette was unlike anything seen before – a sleek, low-slung form with an almost spaceship-like quality. But its beauty wasn’t just skin-deep. Underneath lay groundbreaking hydropneumatic suspension, power steering, and disc brakes, marrying revolutionary engineering with avant-garde aesthetics. It was a perfect blend of practicality, comfort, and arresting visual design.
In 2025, the DS remains one of the most significant and innovative classic car designs of all time. Its enduring influence on automotive engineering and aesthetics is undeniable. As a design icon collectible, it continues to command respect and admiration, its unique ride quality and futuristic features still captivating. For those interested in luxury classic sedans that pushed the boundaries, the DS stands alone. It demonstrates that beauty can be found not just in traditional sports cars, but in vehicles that bravely forge new paths, cementing its place as an essential piece of automotive heritage. Its appeal crosses generations, inspiring conversations on timeless car design and engineering prowess.
Chevrolet Corvette C2 ‘Sting Ray’
American Muscle, Sculpted Grace: The Iconic Sting Ray
When the second-generation Chevrolet Corvette, the ‘Sting Ray’ (C2), burst onto the scene in 1963, it married raw American power with sophisticated, almost European-inspired styling. Bill Mitchell and Larry Shinoda’s design was a revelation: the famous ‘coke bottle’ waistline, the sharp, creased fender lines, and the distinctive split rear window (for the first year only) created a powerful yet elegant statement. It evoked the grace of its namesake marine creature, flowing from an aggressive snout to a taut, muscular tail. It was, and remains, the quintessential American sports car, embodying freedom, speed, and undeniable curb appeal.
As we look at the C2 ‘Sting Ray’ in 2025, its status as an American muscle car investment is stronger than ever. It’s a true iconic sports car collectible, deeply embedded in American culture. The powerful V8 engines, ranging from small-block to big-block legends, combined with its stunning fiberglass bodywork, made it attainable and desirable. Today, meticulously restored examples, especially those with rare engine configurations, are highly prized. The Corvette restoration market is robust, reflecting the car’s enduring popularity and its significant high-performance classic vehicle value. The C2 ‘Sting Ray’ is a shining example of how iconic vehicle aesthetics can become woven into a nation’s identity, representing both power and unparalleled visual appeal.
As an expert who has spent a decade dissecting the nuances of automotive design, it’s clear that these ten vehicles represent more than just beautiful machines. They are monuments to human ingenuity, passion, and artistic vision. They stand as benchmarks, continuously influencing automotive design trends and shaping the future of the luxury car market. Their classic car appreciation isn’t just about financial return; it’s about honoring the legacy of craftsmanship and visionary aesthetics.
What’s your ultimate automotive masterpiece? Which design resonates most deeply with your sense of beauty? Dive into the conversation, explore the rich history of these incredible machines, and keep the passion for exceptional design alive. The world of investment-grade automobiles and timeless car design awaits your exploration.
