Best Italian Car (Mini Wins Best British Car)

[Scaff]

Don't believe anyone has nominated the Ferrari 250 GTO yet, shame on them. Considered to be the quintessential Ferrari model, the 250 GTO was built from 1962 - 64 and featured a 3.0 L V12 powerplant.

I was including the whole 250 range when I nominated this

Ferrari 250GT SWB
Quite simply one of the most stunning looking cars ever made, its looks, handling and speed are enough to qualify it for nomination.

On top of that it was a sucess in motorsport as well, but you also have to remember that Ferrari's model range before the 250 was in the doldrums. With the 250 Ferrari re-invented and re-discovered itself, one could argue the 250GT SWB is a large part of what made Ferrari the company we know today.

Regards

Scaff

 

[guska]

My Nomination

Lamborghini Diablo (1995)

 

[Jetboy.]

Gentlemen, I nominate the 1972 Ferriari 365 GTB4 Daytona because it is just absoutely one of the greatest vintage front-engined supercars ever made. I'm actually astonished that none of you posted this one up yet, or the vintage and/or 1992 Testarosas.

 

[ROAD_DOGG33J]

Ferrari F50

This is one of the best looking cars ever built. Ferrari also added great performance to make this the closest thing to an F1 car for the streets. Well...I'm sure that the performance came before the looks.

Ferrari 288

This is Ferrari's "first dive" into making supercars and led to the F40. The 288 GTO started production in 1984 and put out 400HP. It's top speed was 190 mph. The 288 Evoluzione was Ferrari's Group B car. It had 650hp, yet weighed only 2310 lbs. This made it possible for it to reach 125mph in 10 seconds and go up to 225mph.

Ferrari 430

Another great looking car from Ferrari, both in coupe and convertible form. I think this is the perfect display of a modern sports car. It's 196mph top speed nearly breaks the magic 200 barrier.

All three of these cars combine beauty with great performance.

 

[YSSMAN]

How did I know this was going to turn into a Ferrari-Lambo fest? Not that its a problem, as they are undoubtedly the most recogniseable cars from Italy. Keep her rolling, and I will get the Italian cars poll ready soon as well. You still have one more day to nominate for Italian cars, and one more date to vote for the British car as well, so do it if you haven't done so yet...

 

[neanderthal]

my nominations
definitely the fiat 500

also the alfa romeo GTV

and arguably the most beautiful sedan in the world, the 159 and its predecesor the 156 and all thier variants. actually, come to think of it, the 156 is basically the car that signals the turnaround at alfa. while its still a bit dodgy, it gets punters into the showrooms and makes people start thinking about alfa again coz its just so achingly beautiful.

detomaso mangusta

the alfa romeo guilia which was very aerodynamic even thogh it was boxy

 

[Scaff]

detomaso mangusta

The only thing DeTomaso's were 'best' at was being shot by Elvis. LOL

All joking aside they did look amazing, but best Italian car? Nope, couldn't agree with that.

Regards

Scaff

 

[FastEddie12]

The only thing DeTomaso's were 'best' at was being shot by Elvis. LOL

I reckon the best thing about that Mangusta was the name, which is Italian for Mongoose: an animal that eats Cobras for breakfast!

 

[Sting]

Ferrari 288 GTO

Good choice. I love to drive the 288 GTO on Outrun for the PSP.

 

[den brakke]

My nominations are:

The Lancia Delta Integrale For the most WRC titles ever (6 I believe)

The Alfa Romeo GTA because for such a small car it could take on way more powerful cars and became a racing legend.

And The Alfa Romeo 75 3.0 V6. It's the last rwd Alfa saloon and it has a transaxle gearbox with the rear brake discs just next to the differential like a formullacar. And offcourse the famous 3.0 V6. Maybe not one of the best italian cars but it's just that it's gonna be the first car I own. Well almost, mine is gonna be a 1.6 fourcilinder.

 

[McLaren]

When I see the F430 picture with the F50 and 288 GTO, it reminds me of exactly why I prefer older Ferraris. The lines of the 80's and 90's models were just gorgeous. Now, the lines are used to with all the new technology in them.

 

[Eric.]

Bugatti has to be French - the Italian-based brand used the French one's name and logo. The only real difference to the customer was that the vehicle was made in Italy - sort of like the Ford Windstar was made in Canada, but no-one would consider it a Canadian vehicle. Or the Subaru B9 Tribeca is made in hell and is in truth the spawn of satan.

Given that logic the Ford GT40 should be in the American thread.

 

[Dave A]

I agree with that, you can't really have one rule for one, but not for anoter, I thinnk since the GT40 has made it into the Britishpoll it should be down to where the car was built over the badge. Either way though I'm enjoying these threads.

 

[Tornado]

Well, since the Bugatti seemingly isn't eligible for anything, here is my nomination:
Cizeta-Moroder V16T

The best Lamborghini that Lamborghini never built. Not only was it just as fast as the Diablo, it had a far more "put together" feel, in that if you were over 6 ft. you could fit in it, and the drivetrain (ohh, the drivetrain) actually felt like it was in sync with the rest of the componentry. That, and it combined Lamborghini looks with Ferrari power, which is always good. Does it have a chance in hell in winning? No. But it should.

 

[YSSMAN]

Just a few things...

1) To the folks who have been nominating: It would make things a lot easier if you nominate ONE car instead of 3-6, etc. I'll let it go on this one, as final voting will decide the winner, but in the next one try to pick just one.

2) Technically I suppose the GT40 shouldn't have been included, but considering that the majority of work was done on it by Ford UK, I let it go.

-----

The Top Five Nominations Thus Far:

1st: Fiat 500 (four nominations)
1st (tie): Ferrari 250 (four nominations)
2nd: Ferrari 288 (three nominations)
2nd (tie): Pagani Zonda (three nominations)
3rd: Lancia Integrale (two nominations)
3rd (tie): Alfa Romeo Giulia (two nominations)
3rd (tie) Ferrari F40 (two nominations)

It has been a close one thus far, as there are so many great choises. Keep her rolling kids, and we will move on to the final voting thread, and then the real debates can begin.

 

[Slicks]

My nominations:

The Ferrari 365 GTS-4. Stunning looks, the V12 howl, and a soft top.

The Alfa Romeo GTV. Again, good looks that were unique to its' class and time, but with a track record, too.


The Miura. The styling wouldn't be matched for years to come, and although somewhat unreliable, it upped the ante between Lamborghini and Ferrari.


The Ferrari 250 SWB California. Nominated for the same reasons as the 365 GTB. This model by Alex Kustov, known for his ItalianHorses model website.

The Maserati Ghibli. Sporting a FR layout and a 330 HP V8, it outsold its' Ferrari and Lamborghini competitors when it debuted. Styling by Giugiaro.

 

[Eric.]

Bandwidth thief! ^

 

[Jetboy.]

But, I have to give props on another 365 nominee. :tup:

 

[1X83Z]

But I'm going to have to agree with M5power (for probably the first time! ) and TheCracker and nominate the F40.

Ah, the F40 unites all. Fred (PunkRock) who hates Ferraris and doesn't want anything to do with any Ferrari product considers the F40 a spectacular automobile, despite his hatred.

Anyway, your statement isn't accurate - we both agree that the Peugeot 406 is a spectacularly-styled vehicle, though who could disagree!?

It has been a close one thus far, as there are so many great choises. Keep her rolling kids, and we will move on to the final voting thread, and then the real debates can begin.

What!?! The next step is the big poll with ALL the nominations. You have to do that next, period -
because there are people in this thread who would not nominate vehicles that have already been nominated, and therefore those vehicles wouldn't make the final cut, even if they deserve it. Think about it. No-one is going to get on you for making too many threads on these topics - I promise - the real error here would be making too few. Big poll next!

The Ferrari 365 GTS-4. Stunning looks, the V12 howl, and a soft top.

It's spectacular - check it out; this one is the real deal:

I saw it about a month ago, in Aspen.

 

[daan]

3rd (tie) Ferrari F40 (two nominations)

The F40 has 3 nominations so far. M5Power, TheCracker and me.

Ah, the F40 unites all. Fred (PunkRock) who hates Ferraris and doesn't want anything to do with any Ferrari product considers the F40 a spectacular automobile, despite his hatred.

Anyway, your statement isn't accurate - we both agree that the Peugeot 406 is a spectacularly-styled vehicle, though who could disagree!?

Ah, I definitely can't argue with that either. What's the world coming to?

Slicks - I've edited out your bandwidth stealing pictures.

 

[Jay]

I am another on the F40 boat, seen a few in action on our classic road rallys, I love it.

 

[YSSMAN]

AND THUS IT IS:

The origional Mini is offically the "Best British Car"!!!

I'll give another day or so for noms for "Best Italian Car," and yes M5Power, I'll put all of them in the list.

 

[1X83Z]

I'll give another day or so for noms for "Best Italian Car," and yes M5Power, I'll put all of them in the list.

Yaay! I thank you and B9 Tribeca will give you leniency from being eaten for one calendar week.

By the way, re your signature - in case you don't get in to the Did You See Anything Good Today, amongst a zillion other cars I caught this one this evening:

 

[YSSMAN]

Mmmm, purdy....

 

[niky]

Hmm... Let's throw a Monkey in? I nominate the Pagani Zonda. I'd have asked for the Lancia Stratos or another Alfa, but one of each is enough already.

 

[Crash]

Anyways, back on topic.

My nomination would be for the pre-war Alfa Romeo 6C-1750

One of the most important cars in an undisputedly important company, the car was quick, handled well, and looked great. The engine of this car was designed by the legendary Vittorio Jano, who eventually went on to design the engines of the successful Alfa 8C cars. This car was available with a supercharger and in its later years with a dual overhead cam engine. This car is arguably one of the fathers of GT cars, quick and handling well, while still comfortable for the driver. This car had racing heritage too; it won three Mille Miglia races, the 1930 Tourist Trophy and loads of other races. The later famous Alfa 8C cars used the same concept as the Alfa 6C, to great results. Remember too, Enzo Ferrari raced with Alfa Romeo during this time period, and we all know what he eventually did. It might be the one of the oldest cars to be nominated, but it's one of those greatest cars, even today.

 

[Poverty]

bump, so looks like the mini is going to win.

 

[ROAD_DOGG33J]

It did win, the poll was closed a while ago.

 

[Keef]

Okay, I know I'm a little late and we're on the Italianos now, but the GT40 was British? Hmph. Must have missed something, there, somewhere. How long was I asleep? It only felt like a couple hours.

 

[exigeracer]

M5 - you won't nominate the 456?

I'd happily vote for most Ferraris or Lambos, but my vote is for the F40 - for purity of concept, simplicity and the ability to sum up everything its manufacturer stood for. It's everything a supercar should be.

Last time I checked, Ferrari stood largely for swank value, the leather, the chrome accents and so on. Last time I checked, the F40 had none of these.

I'm also going to be going with either Stratos, Zonda, Giulia or F40, I'll have to wait and see...