The 1960s produced some amazing vehicular designs. Many of the most impressive designs were provoked by a resurgence in the motor racing scene. The emergence of international off-road rally events forced companies to squeeze performance out of the most pedestrian-looking designs. The great golden age of the Le Mans 24-hour race inspired American and European car manufacturers in their quest to create performance monsters. The aesthetics of the era, as well as the performance requirements, contributed towards a wonderful motoring decade. Sleek aerodynamic lines and sophisticated interiors were all the rage in the swinging 60s. Here are some of the most desirable cars to have emerged from the era.
The BMC (Austin and Morris) Mini
Sir Alec Issigonis designed the BMC Mini in response to the oil crisis western nations faced after the disastrous military intervention in the Middle East over the ownership of the Suez Canal. He incorporated space and weight-saving features into his new car, including the first mass-produced front-wheel drive mechanism. He cut out components wherever possible and designed the vehicle around a unibody frame. Necessity is the mother of all inventions, and the resulting vehicle is now recognized as an all-time classic. The mini may have been powered by a tiny engine, but it was no slouch. Rally teams famously gutted the vehicles and produced race-winning models.
Chevrolet Corvette Stingray
The Stingray perfectly encapsulates the spirit of the 1960s American muscle car. It was powered by a mighty 300 hp V8 and constructed of lightweight materials. Most importantly, the Stingray just looked good. Today, Stingrays have a place in American automotive cultural history and the price tag to match. If you need help moving your vehicle, it is worth contacting a trusted vehicle shipping company that is experienced in the transportation of rare and valuable items. Stingrays might have been performance-oriented machines, but they were not particularly reliable.
Lamborghini Miura
The 1967 Lamborghini Miura was arguably the world’s first production supercar. It featured a unique rear-mounted engine that allowed the car to be designed with a relatively short wheelbase. Producing 345 BHP, the Miura could reach 174 miles per hour – making it the fastest production car around. It kicked off a race among European car manufacturers to produce the ultimate performance vehicle for the consumer market. Without the Miura, we would not have any of the classic Ferrari, Maclaren, or Porsche supercars that followed in its lead, so we’ve got a lot to thank it for.
Jaguar E Type
The perfectly aerodynamic body shape of the jaguar E Type is instantly recognizable. The low hum of its inline engine might be one of the most satisfying noises ever heard. The E Type was a top-of-the-range sports vehicle designed with performance in mind. This focus on performance in the design stage led to the creation of an area-ruled body by head Jaguar Aerodynamicist Malcolm Sayer. Many a playboy roared down the rarified roads of the home counties in these elegant beasts.
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