Saturday 9th September 2023

Book review by Peter Barker

The Atlas of Car Design - The world’s most iconic cars

A sumptuous 568-page survey of the 65-plus most iconic cars made in the world to date (2023). Handsomely published by Phaidon with foreword and text by Jason Barlow with Guy Bird and an essay on the US car industry from Brett Berk, this book is the result of a great deal of work by an editorial team which included yours truly in a minor role.

Retro-Speed readers will be interested in the European and North American classics included in the list and the Atlas does not disappoint with listing of 399 cars and 118 cars respectively. Large colour images, most of them period photographs or illustrations, accompany each vehicle write-up and the result is a feast of enjoyment for readers interested in automotive design over the last 14 decades.

Predictable vehicles (Jaguar E-type, Chevrolet Corvette, Ford GT40 and many others) are, of course, beautifully covered but the cars that caught my eye were the less likely inclusions. Who would have thought that the Hillman Imp, Hindustan Ambassador, DAF 44 or Tatra 603 would make the cut? Then there are the downright oddities such as the Wikov 35 Kapka 'teardrop' car of 1935, or the Leycat Helica of 1913 which was pulled forward by a propellor mounted ahead of the radiator. Frontal impact with a pedestrian does not bear thinking about!


Whatever your favourite (or pet hate), it is likely to be listed in here somewhere. £100 is a steep price but your investment will be well rewarded by quality writing and some glorious imagery.

The Atlas of Car Design - The world’s most iconic cars
Written by Jason Barlow
ISBN 978 1 83866 599 9 (Black cover)
ISBN 978 1 83866 772 6 (Red cover)
Published by Phaidon Press Ltd
Price £100.00