GQ broke this list into decades.  And thanks to the Corvette Stingray, Austin Healy, Aston Martin DB5, and the Jaguar XKE… the 60s wins this contest in a walk.  It’s not even close.

The 70s can hold their own, the 90s had the stunning BMW z8 .   The 2000s saw some resurgence of curves.  As for the 80s… let’s all pretend the entire decade didn’t exist.

GQ gets it mainly right, but there are a few exceptions.  For example:  Not one but TWO Buick Riviera’s make the list.  One of which, a lovely baby-sh#t brown, launches the slide show and will make most of us cringe in our seats.  The Volvo Turbo  Wagon shows up, as does it’s 21st century second cousin once removed, the ugly as all get out Ford Flex.

The final addition that might cause you to recoil is the BMW M Coupe.

Brother?

God has the Duck billed Platypus, Bavarian Motor Works has the M Coupe.

Much credit to GQ for a fine and fun slide show.  What’s a list without some debate right?  As long as they didn’t inclued the Pontiac Aztec… it’s a thumbs up from us.

Uh… Why?

Why after making this, this, and this… did Aston Martin feel like they had to make what they’re calling “the new luxury commuter concept car.”  Somehow, someway they’ve got to be making money off this.  But at $32,000… wouldn’t you want a vehicle that’s got a little more get up and go?

And more importantly… I just can’t see Daniel Craig as James Bond using a Cygnet to do this in the next Bond film:

Well… Maybe.  If Jason Bourne can do the following with a mini, I wouldn’t doubt the producers try and shoehorn in a Cynget appearance in the next installment of the 007 franchise.

Check out the Jalopnik Guys Breaking down the Cynget

Not everyone can spend $300k on an Aston Martin DBS.  Okay,  nobody can spend that kind of money.  But just look at it —>
There’s a reason why Daniel Craig drove, and subsequently wrecked, a couple of those in the last two Bond movies.  But 300K is asking quite a bit.  Come to think of it, a lot of us can’t really drop $30K on something like a brand new Nissan Maxima.

So to keep things in the affordable yet still dependable range, we’ll stick to used cars that have around 40,000 miles on them.  These autos might be pre-owned, but they wouldn’t be too out of place if 007 got behind the wheel.  They’ll obviously have to be a sports car, but meat on their bones is a must.  No Miatas or Minis.  Curves are also a requirement, and they’ll have to look like they’d have a chance on an Italian mountain road outrunning gun wielding bad guys.

2004 Mazda RX-8 – $14,900

Don’t let the Kelly Blue Book Value of over $15,000 fool you.  These are our there, for a steal.  The rotary engine scares off a lot of people, but those who take the leap will quickly become fans.  Some cars purr, this one whirrs.  The engine sound is unique, and although it lacks in off the line torque it makes up in superior handling, and dynamite second to none styling.  This car will make people who don’t care about cars fall in love with it.

Pros – Pinup model-like exterior styling curves, interior styling, suicide doors that give access to sweet back seat, and handling that’s so good it could beat numerous luxury coups in a slalom.

Cons - Ugly gas mileage in the city, potentially needy repair costs, designed to burn a bit of oil so you have to check and top off often.

2003 Nissan Z – $17,685

The Datsun Z will forever have a legion of fans that will put up with its ridiculous upkeep requirements.  I was very close to purchasing one for myself, until I called around to a couple of my mechanic friends who said in no uncertain terms: Z-cars are money pits.  When Nissan brought back the Z-car they were able to put all of the great styling and responsive performance together in a dependable package.  Unfortunately, the styling seems just a touch too 1999 and anime-inspired, but  that’s probably getting a bit picky.  Yes it’s a bit more than $15,000… but with the car dealers trying to move every unit they can, I’m sure you can get a deal.

Pros - Powerful, no real signs of it being fussy, legendary Z-Car name
Cons - Exterior styling looks a little too futuristic, rumor has it the interior disappoints, suspension is a little rough, not as much fun to drive as the RX-8

2005 Chrysler Crossfire – $14,600

Despite the fact that the big three American Automakers are imploding as we speak, they haven’t stunk it up in every attempt over the years.  Remember Dailmer-Chrysler?  The Benz Chrysler Partnership?  Right.  This is the Mercedes Benz SLK’s second cousin.

Pros - Kinda sorta American made (it was made in Germany, but hey… it’s Chrysler right?),  impressive styling for coming from Chrysler, looks thick in the right places, interior is solid, engine performance also solid
Cons - Way too aggressive Roof+Door accent lines,  They were once listed on Overstock.com because they sold so poorly, they don’t make them anymore.

Bottom Line – If you’re making the jump from your old beater to something a little more nice… might as well get a car that’s a blast to drive.  Because for around $15,000 you could either get one of these three, or… a decidedly more bland 2005 Toyota Camry.  Ooooh it comes in white.  Yay.

This car even looks amazing destroyed.  The Suit looks incredible even though it’s filthy.  I think something can be taken from this, even though the scene was never intended to make you think much past: “That was sweet!”

Some 007 die-hards and luxury car freaks have criticized the writers for having Daniel Craig’s James Bond destroy two Aston Martins in his first two movies.  I say more power to the writer and the character.

What’s more annoying and disappointing than a guy who has a nice suit but continuously frets about getting a spot on it?  Or the guy who obviously loves his nice car, but spends three hours every Saturday washing and waxing it by hand? Don’t hesitate to have some fun in what you’ve worked hard to get.  And don’t spend too much time or money making sure whatever it is you’ve got is spotless, washed and waxed, and overprotected.

Because if you don’t use it, it’s useless.  So go ahead.  Get that car shot up and the suit torn to pieces in the process. 

Or… something along those lines.

It’s no secret that I’m a big fan of Aston Martin.  The design of their automobiles is flawless.  And to throw a 4-door sedan onto the market, which looks just as good if not BETTER than their coupes… now that’s something.

I’ll never be able to afford one in my life.  Hell, I’ll probably never SEE one in my life.  But, it’s something to take a gander at, soak up, and then try and emulate on a smaller much more affordable level… or at least use it to set an example and avoid its complete opposite in the style department.

For a complete gallery, click here.

Aston Martin is claiming that their new One-77 cannot be beat in the style department.  And it’s no slouch performance wise either.  It has a V-12 for heaven’s sake.

But back to the style for just a second.
For me, here’s the bottom line:  It has too many lines.

Of course it’s a beautiful car.  And of course I’m being picky.  But there are just a lot of lines.  The scoops on the side, the cuts in the front (which I’m sure are functional) and the big friggin’ grill.  It’s all reminiscent of Mike Shanahan’s forehead.

It’s the luxury car equivalent of wearing a pinestripe suit, striped shirt, and striped tie.  Can it be done?  Sure.  Can it be done well?  Hard to do.  Aston Martin does an amazing job with all the lines.  On a scale of 1-10 it’s a 9.75.  But the most beautiful car ever? Not quite.  And in my opinion, the One-77 gets beat out by something Aston Martin already has on the street:

The Aston Martin DBS.  An all out 10.