We came down to this disparate selection of cars: a surprisingly eclectic mix of classics of the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s. They are the sort of machines that look good anywhere.

Selecting ten of the coolest motor cars for this feature was no easy task. There are so many variables and options that impact on what makes a particular car cool. For example, the way a car is used or presented is crucial. A concours red Porsche Speedster with chromed adornments is uptight and neurotic and therefore not cool. Whereas a shabby, slightly careworn example which is well used and in fine road-going condition is über-cool. A modern 4x4 is the choice of a WAG, but the original off-roader is unpretentious and perfectly fit for purpose and therefore cool.

When the Octane team had to set parameters for this feature the consensus was that the term ‘cool’ sprung out of the American jazz age, so the cars had to be post-war. The debate was whether pre-war cars could be defined as being cool but the feeling was that, while they can certainly be elegant, gorgeous, rakish or flamboyant, they predate the term cool. 

In the same way, pure racing cars are too hard edged and focused to be cool. They are tools to win races and that makes them aggressive, noisy and harsh. Cool cars aren’t trying quite so hard.

We came down to this disparate selection of cars: a surprisingly eclectic mix of classics of the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s. They are the sort of machines that look good anywhere. They can be used for the simple pleasure of driving, be it along boulevards, around twisting mountain roads, on historic rallies or even, in two cases, well and truly off-road. None is an out-and-out racing car but all attract the eye of the purist, because of their form or their function or a combination of both.

You might disagree with our selection here. But we are sure you will agree, like we do, that if you were tossed the keys to any one of these classic cars you would find it a pleasure to drive and it would add a frisson of excitement. It might even make you feel rather… cool.

Click here to start our top ten countdown, all the way to number one...

The feature originally appeared as part of The Cool Issue. To buy a copy, click here.