Like a good watch dial, an instrument display can become an icon of design. Whether it be the delicate black and white units fitted to classic race cars or the latest ultra-HD screens that can be customized, dials are a crucial part of any car.
A lot of people, including enthusiasts, can overlook the importance of an instrument display but they are a crucial part of the enjoyment of a car. They are the sole thing that informs you of your speed, fuel consumption, revs, and critical engine readings. A good instrument display can enhance a driver's car, which is why we're counting down the best instrument displays of all time.
10 Lexus LFA
The Lexus LFA was introduced in 2010 as the brand's first supercar, coming with a V10 engine that produced 552 bhp and a 0-60 mph time of 3.7 seconds. As such, its credentials were already high and it was a very exclusive vehicle as it was so luxurious. The instrument display was just as exclusive as it was incredibly detailed.
The instrument display was minimalist but also very high-tech, making it a great digital dial that showed how quick the LFA was. It's also well known that a digital unit was required because the engine was too quick for a conventional dial to keep up, revving to an insane 9,000 rpm.
9 McLaren Senna
The McLaren Senna was launched in 2018, and it was an instant hit among enthusiasts. The top speed of the car is 208 mph, which is incredibly impressive, but the car came with the extreme price tag of $1 million. Nonetheless, the Senna is fantastic to drive and it is a brilliant car.
The instrument display reflects what driving mode the car is in, whether it's comfort, sport, or track. When in track mode, the display folds away into a Slim Display Mode which shows only the essential information, which helps the driver concentrate more with the idea that this can improve driver engagement and decrease lap times.
8 Ferrari 458 Speciale
The Ferrari 458 Speciale is a fun car that is also incredibly fast. The V8 engine outputs 597 bhp which helps the car achieve 202 mph at top speed. Coming with amazing handling too, many drivers love the 458 Speciale. The instrument display is another reason why many enjoy the Speciale 458 too, as it is the perfect embodiment of modern Ferrari sports cars.
What makes this instrument dial so iconic is the way it blends new and old. The large central rev-counter—a cornerstone of modern Ferrari supercars—is still evident but both sides are configurable screens for various readouts helping a driver choose what they need to know when driving.
7 Audi Quattro 20V
The Audi Quattro itself is an iconic car that really cemented the legacy of the Audi brand. The car had an AWD drive system and the turbocharger was a fantastic part of the car, enhancing Audi's rallying success. Despite not having an overly exciting interior, the instrument display is incredibly cool.
The 1984 version of the Quattro came with a digital dashboard, and despite not being the first LCD, it certainly revolutionized the style and really reflected the '80s style of the Audi. The large speed reading, cool rev-counter, and stunning orange glow are fantastic and iconic of Audi.
6 Porsche 911 Turbo (930)
Launched in 1975, the Porsche 911 Turbo (930) was a very interesting sports car. When it was launched, the car was the fastest car in Germany, going 162 mph at top speed. Generally, the car had great performance levels too, despite problems with turbo lag under acceleration. The 911 came with an iconic instrument display too, making it all the more interesting.
The iconic 5 dials were used in the 930 Turbo, and this design has remained a center-point of the Porsche 911 ever since. Pretty much any 911 is under consideration for boasting the best instrument display of all time, yet there’s something so simple about the 930 series. Not to mention the way it is clearly designed for a keen driver with the central re-counter, making it so iconic.
5 Ferrari 250 Lusso
The Ferrari 250 Series are an amazing group of models launched by the brand and the 250 Lusso is an incredibly recognizable classic. The vehicle came with a V12 engine and the luxuriousness and refined nature of the car made it all the more desirable. Inside the car, the instrument dial was no different, and it reflected how stylish the 250 Lusso was.
The Veglia Borletti instrument binnacles were exceptionally stylish, and the simple designs on the Lusso made the dials easy for the driver to read, while also appearing timeless and elegant. As such, the instrument display is attractive to many and will be forever remembered.
4 Subaru XT-6
The Subaru XT-6 came with a turbocharged engine which produced 145 bhp and was the top model in the XT range. The suspension was redesigned to help the larger engine in the car and to make it more comfortable. And while it was a very odd-looking '80s coupe, the instrument display looked cool and advanced for the period.
The simple LCD display was incredibly advanced for the era, and even included a novel rev and boost dial that was designed to look like a road. Without a doubt, fans of early arcade racers will love the XT display. The large speed reading also helps drivers see their speed easier too.
3 Pagani Zonda F
The Pagani Zonda F is a brilliant supercar. It came with a 7.0-liter AMG V12 engine which produced 594 bhp and allowed the car to go 214 mph at top speed. With a limited production of 25, the car is incredibly rare and those who could buy one are a part of an elite group.
The Roadster F version also brought 641 hp, which is definitely outstanding considering the power output of the original F. Considering the innovations and technological astuteness of the Zonda F, it is no surprise that the instrument display reflects a similar style.
The instrument display is busy but is very driver-oriented. It's a clear exercise in Italian excess with plenty of milled aluminum and bare carbon fiber on display. The speedometer is right in the center of the display too, perfect for attempting to reach its top speed.
2 1965 Pontiac GTO
The first generation of the Pontiac GTO was released in 1963, and the car was very influential in terms of design and driving. When the Tempest models came by, there were further improvements and restyling done to the car. One area in which this occurred was the instrument display, where the dashboard design was also changed too.
The tachometer and fuel gauge were more visible in the 1965 version of the GTO, making it much easier for the driver to see. There was also an option for a rally gauge cluster, which definitely reflected the performance capabilities of the car.
1 1959 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz
The 1959 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz was a part of the fourth generation Eldorado. Coming with 345 bhp, the car was big on power and big on style and size too. It was a great car that continues to fetch for high values for sellers today.
One of the 1950's most iconic cars had to have an equally impressive set of dials. Look past the elegant chrome and sculptured gear lever and a driver is met with a horizontal speedometer. It may not be the most effective way to read speed, but it is fantastic from a design perspective and is unmistakably from a '50s Cadillac.