The 50 Best Looking Formula 1 Cars: No. 5

Below is the conclusion of the 50 Best Looking Formula 1 Cars series. In this edition you will find cars No. 5-1. Be sure to check out the previous editions to find cars No. 50-6.

5. Maserati 4CL

It’s possible that no formula/grand prix racing car has had or will have, within this list at least, a longer racing career than the 4CL.

It first appeared in pre-Formula One Grand Prix motor racing, competing under the voiturette class, in 1939.

With the onset of World War II, this attractive racer remained dormant for a number of years. However, it was refurbished and re-branded the 4CLT when motor racing resumed post-war, and continued racing until 1951.

Used by factory and customer teams alike throughout its lifetime, the 4CL and 4CLT won 44 races in total, being particularly dominant throughout the ‘40s.

4. Ferrari 312T2

The 312T series were Ferrari’s choice of cars between 1975 and 1980, each and every one a good looking and highly capable racer; between them, the 312T,2,3,4, and 5 won a staggering 27 races from 90 starts.

But it was the 312T2, the car which propelled Ferrari to a Constructor’s championship in 1976, and Niki Lauda to the 1977 Driver’s championship, which can claim to be the best looking of the bunch.

3. Ferrari SF15-T

The Ferrari F14T wasn’t considered to be very attractive when it was unveiled early in 2014. But as the season passed by, the F14T’s look (a play on Ferrari’s owner’s name, FIAT?) grew on you.

Aesthetically, the SF15-T is an improvement on the F14T. But did I think it would make the list because of this? Not really.

Yet, like its predecessor, the car’s look has matured substantially over time; so much so that it not only made the list, I thought it worthy of being in the top five.

The SF15-T’s chassis design, topped with a coat of classic red, is the most stunning of those which grace the track today.

2. All American Racers Eagle MKI

At the beginning of all of this I stated that a car could be a lemon on track but still look good. This is no truer when speaking of the Eagle MKI.

The Eagle MKI was the result of Dan Gurney and Carrol Shelby’s plans to enter into the world of Grand Prix racing under the AAR name.

Upon making its debut at the 1966 Belgian Grand Prix, many complemented the Eagle MKI’s appearance. Its elegantly shaped chassis was coated in the darkest blue, accompanied by a single white stripe which ran from the car’s uncovered V12 to its distinct beaked radiator front.

Though the Eagle MKI managed a singular victory, overall it was a failure; retiring from the majority of the races it competed in between 1966 and 1969.

A lemon it was, but there’s no denying that the Eagle MKI is one of the most beautifully crafted Formula One racers of all time.

1. Red Bull RB10

The RB10 was something of an anomaly in 2014, it was a Formula One car which actually looked good.

But it wasn’t like the F14T or the VJM07, both of which a person may like or dislike immensely. No, the RB10 looked good, plain and simple.

In fact, when most of the 2014 models were being criticized for being too ‘ugly’, the RB10 flew under the radar. Too busy focussing on the bad/unusual, many failed to realize just how beautiful this car actually is.

Its livery is simple but complicated, immaculate and messy, yet succeeds in spite of these contradictions. From the charging bull to the tip of its yellow nose, the RB10’s chassis is definitely striking yet not at all jarring.

Though I’m sure many will disagree, I believe the Red Bull RB10 is the best looking Formula One car ever made.