Luxury cars are the crème de la crème of automobiles. These cars lead the way when it comes to giving their occupants the highest levels of comfort, refinement, and technology that are sometimes combined with sporty performance. However, as much as we want these cars in our garages, they often come at a premium price that only the high rollers of society would dare to spend money on. That's why they are often viewed as a status symbol on four wheels.

Like many things, luxury cars have evolved as the bar continues to be raised over the years in further refining these plush performers. But still, not many of the current offerings have captured the charm and prestige to redefine the term "luxury" in making their mark in automotive history quite like these classic cars on our list.

10 Ferrari 250 GTO

ferrari-250-gto-1
via rm sothebys

Classic car collectors strive to own important pieces of automotive history. And if that involves one of the most important Ferrari cars, chances are they're willing to spend a ton of money — around $48 million to be exact. After all, Ferrari is arguably one of the greatest sports carmakers in the world,

Ferrari 250 GTO In Blue With White Striping
via Exclusive Car Registry

There were only 36 Ferrari 250 GTOs ever made to race in FIA's Group 3 Grand Touring category, making it such a rare commodity in auction sites. Furthermore, with its remarkable design and glorious V12 engine, the 250 GTO completely embodies the characteristics that made Ferrari an automotive icon.

RELATED : The Most Expensive Car Ever Sold: Everything You Should Know About The Ferrari 250 GTO

9 Jaguar E-Type

Jaguar E-Type
Via hagerty.co.uk

There's nothing quite like the Jaguar E-Type. Sleek and stunning from the inside out, this very car has been rumored to have been called by Enzo Ferrari himself as "the most beautiful car ever made".

Jaguar E-Type
hagerty.co.uk

The E-Type is one of those cars worthy to be called a thoroughbred with the grand tourer's combination of performance and luxury, making it perfect for doing high-speed, long-distance driving in style.

RELATED: Here's Why the E-Type Jaguar Belongs In An Art Museum

8 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing

Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing
Hagerty

Many people consider the Mercedes-Benz 300SL as "the world's first supercar". It held the record for being the fastest production car of its time, hitting 161 mph back in 1955.

The front of a silver 300SL Gullwing
mecum.com

Not only that, but the car was also an absolute marvel in terms of design and technology. Together with its gullwing doors, it was also the first car to have a mechanical direct fuel injection system.

RELATED: Mecum Auctions: 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing Owned By Prince Of Salm Salm

7 Aston Martin DB5

Aston Martin DB5 Grand Tourer
via AutoCar

Shaken, not stirred. The Aston Martin DB5 is a luxurious grand tourer with racing pedigree and some special features, but without a doubt, the car is best known for being the quintessential Bond car.

wsupercars.com

From the Sean Connery to the Daniel Craig era of Bond films, the car's timeless design and appeal go hand in hand with the British super spy's classy playboy image.

6 Toyota 2000GT

via motorauthority.com

The Toyota 2000GT gave us a glimpse of what the Japanese could do when they make luxurious grand tourers. Like the DB5, the 2000GT also had its turn as a Bond car.

1967-Toyota-2000GT-005-1440
via: wsupercars

It was just as exquisite as the other cars on this list, but according to a story in the June 2014 issue of Classic & Sports Car Magazine, the 2000GT was the only car "that feels like a sports car." To put things into context, that was from a head-to-head comparison with the Jaguar E-Type and a C3 Corvette.

5 Lotus Esprit

Lotus Esprit Turbo
Via Castle Sportscars

For your eyes only. This wedge-shaped lightweight midship sports car was one of the last few cars driven by the founder of Lotus cars and Formula One genius Colin Chapman.

lotus esprit s3 turbo white
Via Hagerty

More importantly, the Esprit was the car that saved the Lotus company back in the 80s due to its popularity as another Bond car, and also for its performance. According to Motorsport Magazine, the car could easily smoke a Ferrari 308 GTB.

4 Rolls-Royce Phantom IV

Rolls-Royce_Phantom_IV (motor1)
via motor1

The Rolls-Royce Phantom IV was made from 1950 to 1956. And during those years, only 18 were built. Not only that, but the car was also reserved for royalties, as back in its day, it was only sold to heads of state and the British Royal Family.

Rolls-Royce_Phantom_IV (wikiwand)
via wikiwand

It was the very first Rolls-Royce to serve as the official state limousine of Queen Elizabeth II, and lasted over 50 years in the Royal Mews. Today, the Phantom IV is also still selected for ceremonial use by the Spanish Royal Family, as the Spanish army still owns three examples of this royal car.

3 Mercedes-Benz 600 Grosser

Mercedes Benz 600 Grosser
Shannons.com.au

The imposing presence of the Mercedes-Benz 600 Grosser is almost "made for the endeavors of extremely bad people", according to GQ Magazine UK, as the car had notable owners that went down in history as madmen.

Mercedes Benz 600 Grosser - Rear View
Shannons.com.au

During its production run from 1963 to 1981, a total of 2,677 Grossers were made, and 41 of them came equipped from the factory with bulletproof panels.

2 Bentley Mulsanne

via ClassicCars.com

Here's a luxury car that's basically Buckingham Palace on wheels. The Bentley Mulsanne may have been designed to exude elegance, but it also packs a meaningful punch thanks to its massive turbocharged engine.

via Auto-Database

It has a 6.7-liter turbocharged V8 engine that produces 280 hp, and possesses uncommon quickness and handling that is not expected from a car that looks like a royal barge.

1 Chevrolet Corvette

Front 3/4 view of a red C1 Corvette
Classic Driver

It's always nice to look back and see the Corvette that started it all — the C1 convertible. Produced from 1953 to 1962, the car fitted right in the 60s muscle car wars with its fuel-injected 327 V8 engine producing 360 hp.

The rear of a later C1 Corvette
favcars.com

Furthermore, its timeless design combined with the striking red and white paintjob would still turn heads in the modern world, and even demands huge dollars in the automotive marketplace.