07:23 24-11-2025

European fastback icons: from Bugatti Atlantic to Porsche 911

For years the fastback was tied to American classics, yet Europe is where the body style became an art form. On a continent where car design has always pursued purity of line and aerodynamics, a handful of shapes turned into outright legends. Experts at 32CARS.RU named the most beautiful European models.

The Bugatti Type 57 Atlantic remains a symbol of early aerodynamics. Its teardrop profile and delicate elegance made it one of the most beautiful cars of all time; only four examples survive. The Aston Martin DB5, crafted by Touring Superleggera, became the essence of grand touring: its flowing fastback profile is instantly recognizable, and the James Bond connection only deepened its iconic status.

Italy’s De Tomaso Mangusta brought sharper, more aggressive forms—Giorgetto Giugiaro drew an angular, urgent, almost predatory silhouette. By contrast, the Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona offered a poised harmony of a long nose and a rounded tail, a refined rethinking of the marque’s classic style.

Rounding out the selection is the Porsche 911—the most change-resistant fastback on the planet. Its silhouette has barely shifted since 1964, preserving the signature roofline and that unmistakable stance.

These five cars didn’t just set trends—they shaped the very idea of the European fastback and have remained a benchmark for decades.