1963 Aston Martin DB5

Had not a certain James Bond turned the DB5 into the most famous car in the world, this DB4 evolution might have gone largely unnoticed; originally, it was just going to be called the DB4 Series 6. However, Goldfinger and Thunderball made stars of both the car and its maker. Four litres of potent power – 282bhp as standard, 314bhp for the Vantage – and long, lean looks meant that the legend was largely justified though. Disc brakes were now on each wheel, and all but the very earliest cars had five gears. Less entertaining were the autos. Licenced to thrill.

Information from Octane Magazine.