In a shocking twist that has fans of The Young and the Restless on edge, speculation is mounting that the iconic character Victor Newman may be nearing his exit from the beloved soap opera after more than four decades. The beloved patriarch, portrayed by legendary actor Eric Braden, has been the heart and soul of Genoa City, but recent story developments have left viewers fearing the worst.
As the drama unfolds, Victor is gearing up for a fierce showdown with Kane, played by Billy Flynn. Despite the tension, Victor’s resilience remains unwavering. With Nikki by his side and a family that rallies behind him, the mustache is poised to confront whatever challenges lie ahead.
While the alarm bells are ringing for fans, it appears that Victor Newman is not going anywhere just yet. However, the emotional intensity of recent episodes has left many wondering if this beloved character’s time is truly running out. Will Genoa City be able to survive without its iconic patriarch? Only time will tell. Stay tuned for updates as this story develops, and let us know your thoughts in the comments.
The Pantheon of Automotive Design: 10 Timeless Machines Defining True Aesthetic Excellence
For a decade, I’ve navigated the intricate currents of the automotive world, witnessing trends wax and wane, technologies emerge and recede. Yet, one constant remains: the profound human appreciation for beauty, especially when sculpted into steel and glass. While cars often serve as mere utilitarian conveyances, the truly great ones transcend function to become rolling sculptures, testaments to audacious design and engineering prowess. They are the intersection where art, passion, and mechanics converge, leaving an indelible mark on our collective consciousness.
Curating a list of the “most beautiful cars of all time” is, inherently, a subjective endeavor, fraught with passionate debate and inevitable omissions. With countless masterpieces emerging from design studios over more than a century, narrowing it down to just ten feels like an injustice to the myriad other stunning creations. However, my journey through countless auction blocks, concours d’elegance, and specialist workshops has refined my eye for the cars that not only captify at first glance but also possess an enduring aesthetic resonance, proving their worth as investment-grade vehicles and prestigious automotive art.
As we accelerate into 2025, the conversation around classic cars isn’t just about nostalgia; it’s about discerning value, appreciating heritage, and understanding the future trajectory of these mechanical marvels. From luxury vintage sports cars to iconic grand tourers, these selections aren’t just pretty faces. They represent pinnacles of design that continue to command respect, drive market trends, and embody the very essence of automotive perfection. They are the dream machines that define true aesthetic excellence, chosen for their purity of form, innovative spirit, and lasting impact on design principles.
Here are the ten vehicles that, from my expert vantage point, stand as the undisputed titans of automotive beauty:
Mazda RX-7 (FD Generation)
Date: 1992-2002
Engine: 1.3L Twin-Turbo Rotary
The third-generation Mazda RX-7 isn’t merely a sports car; it’s a fluid sculpture, a masterclass in organic design that still mesmerizes over three decades later. Launched at the cusp of the ’90s, the FD-chassis RX-7 instantly distinguished itself with lines that seemed less penned by human hand and more sculpted by the wind itself. Its wide, low stance, sensuous curves, and perfectly integrated pop-up headlights created an aesthetic harmony that few Japanese sports cars of its era, or any era, have matched. There’s an undeniable purity to its shape, a purposeful sensuality that speaks to its high-performance spirit without resorting to aggressive angles or superfluous adornments.
From an expert perspective in 2025, the FD RX-7’s appeal as a collector’s item and valuable classic sports car continues to surge. The unique Wankel rotary engine, while requiring specialist care, adds to its mystique and separates it from the piston-driven crowd. Its perfectly balanced chassis and communicative steering made it a driver’s car par excellence, a fact that resonates deeply with discerning enthusiasts today. Furthermore, its clean design has aged remarkably well, standing out amidst the often-overwrought styling of modern vehicles. As genuine, well-maintained examples become increasingly scarce, the FD RX-7 represents not just a beautiful car, but a shrewd automotive investment for those seeking a piece of JDM perfection with timeless appeal. Its status as an iconic Japanese sports car is firmly cemented.
Talbot-Lago T150-C-SS ‘Goutte d’Eau’ (Teardrop)
Date: 1937-1939
Engine: 4.0L Straight-Six
To gaze upon the Talbot-Lago T150 ‘Teardrop’ is to witness automotive art at its most ethereal. Conceived by the visionary coachbuilders Figoni et Falaschi, this automobile is less a car and more a liquid form frozen in time. The French “Goutte d’Eau,” or “drop of water,” perfectly encapsulates its flowing, aerodynamic silhouette – a perfect fusion of Art Deco extravagance and natural elegance. Every curve, every transition, every fender line contributes to a visual symphony of unparalleled grace. It’s an intoxicating blend of audacity and sophistication, demonstrating the boundless creativity of pre-war European coachbuilding.
In 2025, the Teardrop remains arguably the most exquisite example of its era, a true benchmark for ultra-luxury vintage vehicles and concours-winning classics. Its astronomical values at auction – with prime examples fetching tens of millions – underscore its undisputed status as a priceless automotive masterpiece. These are not merely cars; they are historical artifacts, design benchmarks that showcase a period where automotive bodywork was truly an artisan’s craft. Owning a Teardrop is akin to curating a piece of museum-quality sculpture, making it the ultimate investment for elite collectors who prioritize peerless beauty and heritage. Its enduring design influence echoes in various forms, making it a pivotal piece of automotive design history.
Lancia Stratos HF
Date: 1973-1978
Engine: 2.4L Ferrari Dino V6
The Lancia Stratos HF is a defiant statement in automotive design – a pure, unadulterated wedge of aggression and purpose. Born for the brutal world of rally, its styling is a direct reflection of its singular mission. Designed by Marcello Gandini at Bertone, the Stratos is incredibly compact, wide, and low, with a wraparound windshield and an almost non-existent rear deck, giving it an unmistakable, futuristic presence that was decades ahead of its time. Its beauty lies not in flowing elegance, but in its uncompromising, functional brutalism; every line serves a purpose, every proportion screams performance.
Even in 2025, the Stratos remains an outlier, a high-performance classic that commands immense respect from both design aficionados and rally enthusiasts. Its undeniable success on the world rally stages only amplified its legendary status. While its cabin ergonomics were famously challenging, those who understand its lineage recognize that such sacrifices were part of its raw, visceral appeal. With only 492 roadgoing versions ever produced, the Stratos is an exceedingly rare and sought-after exotic collector’s item. Its values continue to climb, solidifying its position as a significant investment-grade sports car for those who covet a true icon of automotive engineering and radical design. It’s a testament to how purity of function can evolve into breathtaking form, a true rally legend and design icon.
Aston Martin DB9
Date: 2004-2016
Engine: 5.9L V12
Aston Martin has long been synonymous with understated elegance, and the DB9, penned by Henrik Fisker and Ian Callum, is arguably one of its most perfectly resolved expressions. While various Aston models share a common aesthetic language, the DB9 strikes a sublime balance between muscularity and grace. Its flowing bonnet, sculpted flanks, and iconic grille create an unmistakably sophisticated profile that is both powerful and inherently refined. It avoids any hint of ostentation, instead exuding a quiet confidence and timeless appeal that defines the quintessential British grand tourer.
As we move through 2025, the DB9 continues to represent exceptional value within the luxury classic car market. While newer Aston Martins embrace more aggressive styling, the DB9’s organic lines and perfectly proportioned form ensure its enduring appeal. The glorious V12 engine provides an auditory and visceral experience that is rapidly becoming a relic in an increasingly electrified world, making these naturally aspirated powerhouses all the more desirable. For those seeking an accessible entry into prestigious automotive ownership and a vehicle that exemplifies timeless luxury aesthetics, the DB9 offers an unparalleled blend of performance, comfort, and breathtaking beauty. It’s an investment-worthy grand tourer that promises both driving pleasure and enduring admiration.
Fiat 500 (Original Nuova 500)
Date: 1957-1975
Engine: 0.5L – 0.6L Twin-Cylinder
Beauty doesn’t always have to be about grandiosity or exorbitant price tags. Sometimes, it manifests in pure, unadulterated charm and intelligent design. The original Fiat Nuova 500 is a perfect embodiment of this principle. Designed by Dante Giacosa, it’s an absolute masterpiece of minimalist, functional, and utterly delightful design. Its compact, rounded form, friendly face, and clever packaging exude an infectious personality that has captivated generations. It proves that a car can be small, affordable, and incredibly beautiful all at once. It’s a testament to the power of design to uplift the everyday.
In 2025, the Nuova 500’s status as a beloved classic city car is unwavering. Its cultural impact, particularly in Italy, is immeasurable, and its global appeal as a symbol of post-war optimism and clever engineering continues to grow. These charming little vehicles represent an affordable classic car investment, offering immense joy per dollar. While not a performance machine, its engineering brilliance in providing mass mobility within a tiny footprint is an often-overlooked aspect of its beauty. As urban mobility solutions evolve, the original Fiat 500 serves as a nostalgic reminder of ingenious, human-centric design, making it an enduring and highly sought-after piece of automotive heritage.
BMW Z8
Date: 2000-2003
Engine: 4.9L V8 (S62)
The BMW Z8 is a triumph of retro-futurism, a brilliant homage to the legendary 507 that, in many ways, surpasses its muse in aesthetic execution. Penned by Henrik Fisker, the Z8 seamlessly blends classic proportions with modern aggression and exquisite detailing. Its long hood, short rear deck, and clean, uncluttered flanks create an incredibly elegant yet muscular roadster profile. The kidney grille and side vents are perfectly integrated, referencing BMW’s heritage without being overtly kitsch. It’s a design that feels both nostalgic and utterly contemporary, a rare feat.
As an expert, I’ve watched the Z8’s trajectory keenly in 2025, and its status as a highly desirable investment-grade roadster is beyond dispute. Powered by the magnificent S62 V8 engine from the E39 M5, it delivers both prodigious performance and a sensational soundtrack. Limited production numbers (around 5,700 units globally) contribute significantly to its scarcity and escalating values. The Z8 is more than just a beautiful car; it’s a meticulously engineered luxury collector vehicle that provides a sophisticated driving experience with classic German precision. Its blend of timeless aesthetics, potent power, and rarity makes it an undeniable force in the prestigious classic car market.
Peugeot 406 Coupe
Date: 1996-2004
Engine: Various, including 3.0L V6
Sometimes, true beauty emerges from unexpected places. The Peugeot 406 Coupe, designed by Pininfarina, is one such revelation. While based on a humble front-wheel-drive sedan, its transformation into a sleek, elegant two-door coupe is nothing short of miraculous. Its lines are pure, graceful, and utterly devoid of excess. The long, sloping roofline, understated grille, and perfectly integrated taillights create an aesthetic that is both sophisticated and accessibly beautiful. It possesses a quiet confidence, an effortless charm that often defines the best of Italian automotive design, even when applied to a French marque.
In 2025, the 406 Coupe stands out as an incredibly undervalued classic car and a testament to Pininfarina’s masterful touch. While not an exotic supercar, its enduring elegance and comfortable cruising capabilities make it a superb choice for entry-level classic car collectors or those simply seeking a remarkably handsome daily driver. Its relatively modest price point, compared to its design pedigree, makes it an intelligent automotive design investment for those with an eye for understated class. The 406 Coupe proves that you don’t need a massive budget to acquire a car with genuinely timeless aesthetic appeal, offering a piece of refined European automotive heritage.
Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale
Date: 1967-1969
Engine: 2.0L V8
If automotive design can be considered haute couture, then the Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale is its most exclusive, breathtaking garment. A direct descendant of Alfa Romeo’s Tipo 33 race car, this street-legal variant is pure, unadulterated passion rendered in metal. Designed by Franco Scaglione, its butterfly doors, dramatically curved windshield, and voluptuous, low-slung body create an almost alien beauty. It’s sensuous, aggressive, and utterly captivating, a blend of sculptural elegance and raw, uncompromising performance. Its aesthetic is so unique, so daring, that it immediately establishes itself as a benchmark for supercar design.
In 2025, the 33 Stradale remains one of the rarest and most valuable automobiles ever conceived, with only 18 units built. Its scarcity, combined with its groundbreaking design and race-bred pedigree, places it firmly in the multi-million dollar investment category. This is not just a car; it’s a tangible piece of automotive lore, a testament to an era when design and engineering were pushed to their absolute limits without compromise. For the ultra-elite collector of prestigious automobiles, the 33 Stradale represents the zenith of automotive artistry and a peerless addition to any portfolio of investment-grade vehicles. Its influence on subsequent supercar aesthetics is undeniable, solidifying its place as a pioneering exotic car.
Citroën DS
Date: 1955-1975
Engine: Various, including 1.9L – 2.3L Four-Cylinder
The Citroën DS didn’t just break the mold; it shattered it and redefined what a car could be. Unveiled at the 1955 Paris Motor Show, its aerodynamic, futuristic form was so radical, so utterly unlike anything else on the road, that it caused a sensation. Designed by Flaminio Bertoni and André Lefèbvre, the DS was a rolling sculpture of functionality and unparalleled elegance. Its long, tapered body, covered wheels, and single-spoke steering wheel were just the beginning of its innovations, which included hydropneumatic suspension and disc brakes. Its beauty is derived from its audacious vision and groundbreaking engineering.
Even in 2025, the DS remains a fascinating study in design and engineering. Its timeless aesthetic continues to inspire, and its legendary ride quality is still held up as a benchmark. As a classic French luxury car, the DS holds a special place in the hearts of enthusiasts and collectors. Its status as an icon of automotive innovation and design ensures its ongoing desirability. While not reaching the astronomical figures of supercars, well-preserved examples are gaining significant traction as collectible vehicles, representing a shrewd investment in automotive heritage. The DS is proof that true beauty can be found in visionary, practical design that dares to defy convention. It is the epitome of avant-garde automotive design.
Chevrolet Corvette (C2 ‘Sting Ray’)
Date: 1963-1967
Engine: Various, including 5.4L – 7.0L V8
The C2 Chevrolet Corvette, affectionately known as the ‘Sting Ray,’ is the definitive statement of American automotive beauty and power. Designed by Larry Shinoda and Peter Brock under the guidance of Bill Mitchell, the C2 perfectly captures the essence of a predatory marine creature – sleek, powerful, and utterly captivating. Its distinctive split-rear window (for 1963 only), crisp body creases, hidden headlights, and iconic “coke bottle” waistline create a profile that is both aggressive and incredibly elegant. It’s a design that embodies the dynamism and optimism of 1960s America.
In 2025, the C2 Sting Ray continues to be a cornerstone of the American classic car market. Its raw V8 power, distinctive fiberglass body, and unmistakable presence make it a highly coveted investment-grade muscle car. Particularly rare or high-performance variants, such as those with the legendary ‘big block’ 427 engines, command premium prices at auction, making them prime collector vehicles. The C2’s enduring popularity stems not just from its performance, but from its undeniable aesthetic appeal, which has made it an iconic American sports car. For those seeking a powerful blend of style, performance, and historical significance, the C2 Corvette is an essential and valuable classic car acquisition.
These ten machines, each a testament to a unique design philosophy and engineering prowess, underscore the enduring power of automotive aesthetics. They are more than just modes of transport; they are cultural touchstones, technological benchmarks, and, above all, works of art that continue to inspire and ignite passion.
What are your thoughts on this curated list? Do you agree with these titans of timeless design, or do you have a personal favorite that you believe deserves a place in this pantheon? The world of luxury classic cars and investment-grade vehicles is a vibrant ecosystem of passion and expertise. Share your insights, join the conversation, and perhaps even discover your next dream car acquisition with us. We’re always here to guide you through the exciting journey of prestigious automotive ownership.
