The 50s and 60s: The golden age of GT cars

After the war, speed and luxury became the stuff of dreams for car enthusiasts, thanks to the reports by an exuberant media.  GTs (grand tourers) combine power, aesthetics and luxury.  They are often driven by celebrities as a status symbol, thanks to extensive media coverage. 

Some of these GT cars are often entered in famous car races, particularly endurance and rally races, or are sophisticated versions of these racing cars.  Although these GT cars only account for a small share of the world car market, their public appeal makes them a major focus for the industry’s development, particularly in technological terms.

The Geneva International Motor Show has become a key event for GT manufacturers. Held at the start of the year and located at the heart of Europe, it is particularly well placed to present the world premieres of their new models.

The Classics Gallery illustrates this golden age of GT cars with thirteen models, ten of which are to make their world premiere in Geneva.  Particular attention is paid to Jaguar, Ferrari and Porsche, whose unique chassis-prototypes, presented in Geneva as world premieres at the time, make their return to Geneva:

• 1961, the Jaguar E-Type 9600 HP, the very first prototype
• 1964, the Porsche 901, nicknamed Quick Blue, the oldest surviving prototype of the 911 
• 1964, the Ferrari 500 Superfast, the first prototype, chassis 5951