A Christmas idea? The greatest road car models

Designed for the road yet often existing only in dreams, these collectible sports cars encapsulate the evolution of automotive design from the 1930s through the 1990s. Wishing you Happy Holidays, with the hope that many of you can gift yourselves one of these iconic models.

Wishing you Happy Holidays, with the hope that many of you can gift yourselves one of these iconic models… in scale of course!

Bugatti 57SC Atlantic 1938

The masterpiece of Jean Bugatti, the young and talented son of Ettore. Unveiled at the Paris Salon in 1933, it was produced in numerous versions, including a racing variant that won the 24 Hours of Le Mans and is what many consider the most astonishing car ever built. The 57SC Atlantic, of which only four were made, was inspired by the future.

Lancia Aurelia B52 PF200 C Spider 1952

At the 1952 Turin Motor Show, Pinin Farina unveiled a car that at first glance could be mistaken for the famous American Sabre F-86 fighter jet. The Lancia B52 was launched at a time when Lancia had high ambitions, as evidenced by the D24s that would later triumph in the Carrera Panamericana. The B52 was a limited-run masterpiece, with only six units produced, three in Spider and three in Coupe variants.

Alfa Romeo B.A.T. 1953

In 1953, in the wake of the new stylistic trends set by jet aircraft, the design genius Franco Scaglione created three unique Alfa Romeo models for Nuccio Bertone. The styling of these three cars focused on the extreme pursuit of aerodynamic benefits. To understand the significance of these models in automotive history, consider that they were sold in New York by Sotheby's at an auction dedicated to modern and contemporary art, underscoring their status as automotive masterpieces.

Chevrolet Corvette C1 1953

The desire for innovation in those years wasn't just a European phenomenon. In America, General Motors decided to introduce a ground-breaking sports car: the Corvette, an enduring legend that continues to this day. Among the many Corvette models built since its launch, we have chosen the first, the C1, which stands out for its pioneering design and lasting impact.

Porsche 356 Speedster 1954

The spark of genius: After designing the Beetle, Ferdinand Porsche, alongside his son Ferry, believed that Volkswagen's mechanics could lend themselves to a sporty and captivating Porsche interpretation. Following the 356 coupe models, the small Speedster emerged as the pinnacle of this vision, embodying the essence of Porsche's innovative spirit.

Ferrari 250 California Spider 1962

By 1962, the Americans had fallen hopelessly in love with the extraordinary cars known as Ferraris. The renowned V12 engines, called the 250, were incorporated into an open-top version built by Pininfarina. But that wasn't all: Sergio Scaglietti, in Modena, inspired by the lightness and simplicity of the racing models that were his specialty, created the California model. This limited-edition masterpiece was produced with both aluminium and steel bodywork, becoming a coveted collector's item.

Lamborghini Countach 1971

Among design geniuses, Marcello Gandini was perhaps the most innovative of all. After the magnificent Miura, he approached the design of the subsequent model with a clean slate, proposing a car so low and balanced in shape that it elicited the exclamation "Countach!" – a Piedmontese term for "astonishing" or "extraordinary". This spontaneous reaction was so fitting that it became the official name of the model.

McLaren F1 1993

When transitioning from single-seater race cars to road sports cars, McLaren naturally gravitated towards a central driving position. However, selling a car for a driver alone was somewhat impractical, leading Gordon Murray to devise a three-seater configuration, with the driver's seat at the centre and two passenger seats slightly behind. Initially met with modest enthusiasm, the McLaren F1 is now a sensation at international auctions and its value has soared. Its limited production run has only added to its rarity and desirability.