The 1960s changed how people thought about comfort and presence on the road: longer bonnets, softer suspensions, and new V6/V8 options made flagship models into status statements as much as transport. Whether cruising European boulevards or U.S. avenues, these cars reflected shifting tastes and engineering advances of the decade.
There are 40 1960s Luxury Cars, ranging from the 250 GTE to the XJ6. For each entry you’ll find below the fields Maker,Production years,Engine (L, kW) so you can quickly compare who built them, when they were made, and their engine size and power — all organized for easy scanning you’ll find below.
Which countries and manufacturers dominated luxury car production in the 1960s?
British, Italian, German, and American makers led the luxury segment, with firms like Rolls-Royce, Jaguar, Mercedes-Benz, and Cadillac shaping distinct approaches: British cars emphasized refinement and handling, Italians focused on bespoke coachwork, Germans on engineering precision, and Americans on power and comfort; smaller marques and coachbuilders also contributed notable models.
How precise are the production years and engine figures in the list?
The listed Production years and Engine (L, kW) reflect factory specifications and common historical records, but variations occur across markets and special editions; treat the table as a reliable starting point and consult marque registries or VIN-based records for exact build details.
1960s Luxury Cars
| Model | Maker | Production years | Engine (L, kW) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Silver Cloud | Rolls-Royce | 1955–1966 | 6.2 L, 128 kW |
| Silver Shadow | Rolls-Royce | 1965–1980 | 6.2 L, 149 kW |
| Phantom V | Rolls-Royce | 1959–1968 | 6.2 L, 150 kW |
| Phantom VI | Rolls-Royce | 1968–1990 | 6.75 L, 176 kW |
| S2 | Bentley | 1959–1962 | 6.2 L, 128 kW |
| S3 | Bentley | 1962–1965 | 6.2 L, 129 kW |
| T‑series | Bentley | 1965–1980 | 6.2 L, 149 kW |
| Continental S3 | Bentley | 1962–1965 | 6.2 L, 129 kW |
| 600 (W100) | Mercedes‑Benz | 1963–1981 | 6.3 L, 185 kW |
| 300SEL 6.3 | Mercedes‑Benz | 1968–1972 | 6.3 L, 186 kW |
| 300SE (W112) | Mercedes‑Benz | 1957–1962 | 3.0 L, 119 kW |
| Mark X | Jaguar | 1961–1970 | 3.8 L, 147 kW |
| XJ6 | Jaguar | 1968–1979 | 2.8 L, 110 kW |
| Sovereign | Daimler | 1966–1969 | 4.2 L, 147 kW |
| DB5 | Aston Martin | 1963–1965 | 4.0 L, 210 kW |
| DB6 | Aston Martin | 1965–1971 | 4.0 L, 210 kW |
| Rapide | Lagonda (Aston Martin) | 1961–1964 | 4.0 L, 162 kW |
| 250 GTE | Ferrari | 1960–1963 | 3.0 L, 179 kW |
| 330 GT | Ferrari | 1964–1967 | 4.0 L, 224 kW |
| 365 GT 2+2 | Ferrari | 1967–1971 | 4.4 L, 239 kW |
| 350 GT | Lamborghini | 1964–1966 | 3.5 L, 201 kW |
| 400 GT | Lamborghini | 1966–1968 | 4.0 L, 224 kW |
| Quattroporte I | Maserati | 1963–1969 | 4.7 L, 224 kW |
| Ghibli | Maserati | 1967–1973 | 4.7 L, 224 kW |
| IR 300 | Iso | 1962–1970 | 5.4 L, 224 kW |
| Flaminia | Lancia | 1957–1970 | 2.8 L, 104 kW |
| 2600 Berlina | Alfa Romeo | 1961–1968 | 2.6 L, 112 kW |
| DS | Citroën | 1955–1975 | 2.1 L, 74 kW |
| HK500 | Facel Vega | 1958–1961 | 6.3 L, 276 kW |
| Facel II | Facel Vega | 1962–1964 | 6.3 L, 276 kW |
| Interceptor | Jensen | 1966–1976 | 6.3 L, 224 kW |
| Continental (1961‑69) | Lincoln | 1961–1969 | 7.0 L, 254 kW |
| Eldorado | Cadillac | 1960–1969 | 7.0 L, 246 kW |
| Fleetwood | Cadillac | 1965–1969 | 7.7 L, 257 kW |
| Imperial | Chrysler | 1961–1973 | 7.2 L, 232 kW |
| Riviera | Buick | 1963–1968 | 6.6 L, 216 kW |
| Thunderbird | Ford | 1961–1966 | 6.4 L, 205 kW |
| Oldsmobile 98 | Oldsmobile | 1960–1969 | 6.5 L, 201 kW |
| Caprice | Chevrolet | 1965–1969 | 6.5 L, 206 kW |
| 502 | BMW | 1954–1962 | 3.2 L, 92 kW |
Images and Descriptions
Silver Cloud
A stately full-size British limousine renowned for sumptuous interiors, hand-built coachwork and a whisper-quiet V8. Positioned as ultra-luxury transport for elites; the Silver Cloud II/III symbolized postwar British prestige and bespoke craftsmanship.
Silver Shadow
A modernized Rolls with unitary construction and improved ride comfort, offering Rolls-level leather, wood and chauffeur appeal. Launched mid‑1960s, the Silver Shadow became an accessible Rolls for wealthy customers and set new standards in ride and refinement.
Phantom V
A heavyweight state limousine favored by heads of state and celebrities; coachbuilt bodies and opulent rear compartments defined its luxury. Notable for its rarity and association with royalty and VIPs in the 1960s.
Phantom VI
Hand‑built, long‑wheelbase Rolls produced from 1968; offered ultimate rear‑seat luxury, bespoke coachwork and British ceremonial presence. Carried on traditional Rolls‑Royce exclusivity into the late 1960s and beyond.
S2
Bentley’s 1960s V8 saloon blending quiet power with luxury appointments—wood veneers, Connolly leather and limousine-grade comfort. The S2 represented Bentley’s postwar repositioning as a maker of refined grand limousines.
S3
A subtle facelift over the S2 with quad headlights and updated interior trim; retained Bentley’s emphasis on comfort, long‑distance smoothness and bespoke coachbuilt bodies for wealthy clientele.
T‑series
Bentley’s luxury saloon for chauffeured and private owners, combining roomy interiors, hand‑finished trim and a strong V8. The T‑series bridged classic coachbuilding traditions with more modern construction techniques.
Continental S3
A high‑performance, coachbuilt Bentley Continental variant with faster gearing and elegant, handcrafted coupé or fastback bodies. Marketed as an ultra‑luxury grand tourer for wealthy drivers who wanted speed and refinement.
600 (W100)
Mercedes’ flagship “Grosser” limousine offering hydraulic luxury features, power windows, air suspension and cavernous rear compartments. A favourite of heads of state and celebrities; epitomized German engineering and opulence in the 1960s.
300SEL 6.3
A discreetly powerful luxury saloon combining flagship V8 performance with Mercedes comfort and leather trim. Launched as a halo model, it surprised the world with limousine‑level pace in a luxury sedan package.
300SE (W112)
An upscale Mercedes with air suspension, rich interior wood and leather, and a smooth straight‑six. In the early 1960s the 300SE was Mercedes’ boutique executive offering for diplomats and executives.
Mark X
A big, luxurious British saloon with advanced independent rear suspension, roomy interior and elegant coachwork. Marketed as Jaguar’s flagship luxury car, offering sporting heritage married to executive comfort.
XJ6
Jaguar’s new luxury saloon introduced in 1968 to replace earlier large Jaguars; combined refined twin‑cam engines, wood and leather interior and a composed ride. Became a defining British executive car of the era.
Sovereign
Badge‑engineered Daimler with Jaguar underpinnings, luxuriously trimmed with distinctive grille and traditional British coachwork cues. Positioned as a more conservative, chauffeur‑oriented luxury alternative in the late 1960s.
DB5
An elegant grand tourer famous for refined V12 performance, handbuilt leather interiors and dramatic styling. Marketed as a high‑luxury GT; achieved pop‑culture fame as James Bond’s car in the 1960s.
DB6
A longer‑wheelbase, more comfortable evolution of the DB5 with improved touring comfort, luggage space and refined appointments. Promoted as a luxury grand tourer for discerning drivers who valued both speed and comfort.
Rapide
A rare four‑door Aston Martin‑built luxury saloon offering V8 power, sumptuous trim and exclusive coachbuilt bodies. The Rapide was Aston Martin’s attempt at a true ultra‑luxury four‑seater in the early 1960s.
250 GTE
Ferrari’s first true 2+2 grand tourer combining Colombo V12 refinement with comfortable seating and luxurious appointments. Marketed to affluent buyers wanting Ferrari performance plus everyday usability and long‑distance refinement.
330 GT
A sophisticated V12 grand tourer with comfortable rear seating, polished coachwork and luxurious leather interiors. Positioned as Ferrari’s comfortable long‑distance GT for wealthy owners who sought both speed and civilized travel.
365 GT 2+2
A larger Ferrari 2+2 offering roomy rear seats, refined V12 power and upscale trim. Marketed to affluent grand‑tourers who wanted exclusivity with full‑blown Italian luxury and performance.
350 GT
Lamborghini’s first production GT, combining hand‑built Italian coachwork with a smooth V12 and upscale interior touches. Marketed as an exclusive, high‑performance luxury grand tourer for wealthy collectors.
400 GT
A refined successor to the 350 GT, featuring a larger V12, improved comfort and more plush appointments. Reinforced Lamborghini’s position as a maker of exotic, ultra‑luxury GTs in the late 1960s.
Quattroporte I
One of the world’s first luxury four‑door grand tourers: a Maserati V8 in a spacious, hand‑finished sedan with performance and exclusivity. Marketed to wealthy buyers seeking sports‑car temperament in a limousine format.
Ghibli
A sleek two‑door grand tourer blending high performance, refined interiors and Italian style. Positioned as a luxury GT with sharp handling and a bespoke feel for affluent drivers in the late 1960s.
IR 300
An Italian luxury GT built on American V8 reliability with refined interiors, elegant coachwork and top‑level comfort. Marketed as a well‑appointed grand tourer that married transatlantic engineering to Italian style.
Flaminia
Lancia’s flagship saloon and coupé with attention to ride comfort, tailored coachbuilt bodies and refined V6 engines. In the 1960s the Flaminia was esteemed as Italy’s tasteful executive luxury car.
2600 Berlina
Alfa’s top‑line six‑cylinder saloon offering smooth power, upscale trim and a stately presence. Marketed as Alfa Romeo’s executive flagship for buyers seeking comfort combined with sporting engineering.
DS
Iconic French executive saloon known for hydropneumatic suspension, aerodynamic design and luxurious appointments. In the 1960s the DS was seen as a technologically advanced, comfortable and prestigious car for discerning buyers.
HK500
A rare French grand tourer built with American V8 power and lavish interiors; combined hand‑finished coachwork, leather and bespoke touches. The HK500 symbolised continental glamour and high‑end exclusivity in the early 1960s.
Facel II
A limited‑production ultra‑luxury coupé with powerful American V8s, sumptuous leather and striking styling. Marketed to wealthy international clientele seeking bespoke French luxury with American muscle.
Interceptor
A British grand tourer blending big‑block American V8 performance with comfortable leather interiors and distinctive styling. Positioned as a luxurious long‑distance GT for affluent owners in the late 1960s.
Continental (1961‑69)
Lincoln’s iconic four‑door personal and chauffeur luxury saloon with minimalist styling, vast rear seating comfort and powerful V8s. The 1960s Continental embodied American executive luxury and celebrity appeal.
Eldorado
Cadillac’s personal luxury flagship featuring plush interiors, chrome trim and powerful V8s. A status symbol in the 1960s, the Eldorado combined flamboyant American style with top‑level comfort.
Fleetwood
Cadillac’s long‑wheelbase luxury limousine offering extensive rear passenger space, premium materials and stately presence. Marketed to executives and formal chauffeur service markets for top‑tier American luxury.
Imperial
Chrysler’s standalone luxury marque in the 1960s, the Imperial offered distinctive styling, sumptuous interiors and advanced features. Positioned to compete with Cadillac and Lincoln for affluent buyers seeking exclusivity.
Riviera
Buick’s personal luxury coupe emphasizing style, comfort and a refined interior rather than outright sportiness. The Riviera became an American benchmark for near‑luxury personal coupes in the 1960s.
Thunderbird
Evolving into a personal luxury car in the early 1960s, the Thunderbird emphasized comfort, stylish appointments and distinctive design. It targeted upscale buyers wanting touring comfort with upscale trim.
Oldsmobile 98
Oldsmobile’s top‑line full‑size model offering plush interiors, power options and a smooth ride. Viewed as an upscale American family and executive car, occupying the luxury fringe of GM’s lineup.
Caprice
Introduced as Chevrolet’s top full‑size luxury option, the Caprice featured upgraded trim, sound insulation and powerful V8s. Marketed to buyers who wanted near‑luxury appointments within a mainstream brand.
502
BMW’s V8‑powered flagship saloon carried luxury intent into the early 1960s with a refined cabin, premium finish and a focus on executive comfort. Represented BMW’s pre‑New‑Class top‑end offering.
