Thread: Top 100 Cars of the Century

Had to pass this along - it is a very interesting read for sure.
- Jon Chapman
jnchapman@dupontregistry.com

In 1999, the duPont REGISTRY held a survey where it asked its subscribers and the visitors to its web site to pick the 10 best cars of the century. Using those opinions, along with the picks from a number of notable persons like Mario Andretti, Don Panoz, Carroll Shelby, and Reggie Jackson, it compiled a list of the Top 100 Cars of the Century and dedicated a special book to its cause (in a way it was the precursor to our annual editorial-based Exotic Car Buyers Guide). The book hit newsstands before the turn of the century and was a great success. Today we are going to take a look back at that list and reminisce on what cars were picked and why and compare it to how those cars would probably rank exactly 10 years later.

Taking the number one spot on our top 100 list was the Lamborghini Diablo. Unveiled in production trim in Monte Carlo in January 1990, the Diablo was in its ninth year and still being produced at the time the book was written. We praised the devil for its staggering 530 bhp from the 5.7-liter V-12 and 0-60 mph acceleration under 4 seconds. In the review we wrote Lamborghini is rumored to be working on the next generation supercar. Though its hard to believe, they will create an automobile that will surpass our number one car in speed, power, and aerodynamic style. Of course none of us knew the Lamborghini Murcielago was going to be so fast and so powerful and garnish as much admiration from the motoring public with its stout 580-hp 6.2-liter V-12 engine as it did. However, looking back, we cant help but think that if a Lamborghini were to make the top ten list, shouldnt it be the Lamborghini Countach? A model that has influenced the styling of all the companys cars for the past 40 years.

Continue our look back at the top 100 cars of the last 100 years.



Provided by duPont REGISTRY



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What? the 911 is only 9th? Seriously?

Interesting list.....
Vector W8 =YES

Vector M12 = No!! Megatech's version was oh so bad...

GTS made 3rd. . . I completely agree.

Nick

Also glad to see that the H1 made it to 16.

. . . and the GNX at 79.

Nick

69. 7 series

BOO YA... 69

i'm surprised the F50 made it higher than the F40.

The Mazda Miata should of made it honestly.

I agree with most of the list. #1 was got the ball rolling for me. It was the first car I saw when I kid that made me say I will have that car.