Iconic Cars of the Roaring ’20s

When you think of the 1920s, what comes to mind? For many car lovers, it’s the sense of luxury and swagger that defined the era—thanks to classics like those in The Great Gatsby. Flashy, bold, and unapologetically stylish, these cars were the ultimate symbols of success and status. Fast forward to today, and driving a pre-war classic is still one of the best ways to make a memorable entrance. You can’t deny the impact of cars like the Duesenberg Model J, with its smooth lines and unmatched elegance, or the Packard Twin Six, a true powerhouse that commanded attention on the road. Collectors across the U.S. are always on the lookout for ways to restore these timeless classics. So, here’s our updated list of the most iconic cars from the roaring ’20s.

Prewar cars that define the 1920s

Auburn Boattail Speedster

First things first, let’s talk about one of the most stunning machines to come out of the 1920s: the Auburn Boattail Speedster. The design is what truly stands out, especially that boattail rear end—it’s pure automotive art.

It gives the car an aerodynamic vibe that makes it look like it’s always in motion, even when it’s parked. It’s sleek, it’s sexy, and it has that perfect 1920s charm.

When the Auburn Automobile Company debuted this beauty in 1928, they knew exactly what they were doing—this wasn’t just about getting from point A to point B, it was about the experience of driving.

Under the hood? You’re looking at either a V8 or a straight-eight engine, cranking out some serious horsepower and pushing this car past 100 mph—yeah, for the ’20s, that was fast.

Not only do you have one of the most beautiful roadsters ever built, but it’s packing some serious performance to match.

Bentley Speed Six Blue Train

This car’s story begins in 1930, when Bentley’s owner, Woolf Barnato, was challenged by a French magazine to beat the luxury Blue Train’s speed from London to the French Riviera.

It was a bold race against time and a train, but Barnato and his team accepted the challenge. The result? He took the win with flying colors, cementing the Speed Six’s place in history.

Under the hood, the Bentley Speed Six was no slouch. It boasted a 6.5-liter inline-six engine that churned out 200 horsepower—an impressive figure for the time, and more than enough to beat the Blue Train’s timetable.

That power was paired with a lightweight, racing-inspired chassis that made the Speed Six a formidable machine on both long-distance roads and high-speed runs.

Packard Twin Six

The Packard Twin Six holds a special place in automotive history as one of the first production cars to feature a V12 engine, a revolutionary development that set a new benchmark for luxury and performance.

At the heart of the Twin Six was its engine—a 60-degree, 12-cylinder powerhouse that produced 84 horsepower. This was a considerable leap forward from the traditional 4- or 6-cylinder engines that dominated the automotive market at the time.

The V12 configuration allowed for a smoother and more refined driving experience, with less vibration and a quieter engine than its competitors, something that made it stand out in a growing luxury car market.

But refined performance wasn’t the only things that made the Packard Twin Six stand out. The car earned a reputation for its reliability, a trait that became a hallmark of the Packard brand.

Discerning buyers, particularly those in the upper echelons of society, appreciated the fact that they could depend on their Packard for everyday use, as well as for more leisurely excursions.

Stutz Bearcat

The Bearcat was America’s answer to those European sports cars, but with an attitude. The Bearcat’s low, wide frame screams “I’m built for the road”, making it, in our opinion, one of the most iconic cars of the roaring ’20s.

Forget the fancy chrome details and intricate woodwork you’d find on luxury cars of the time—this car was minimalist and aggressive. It was a beast that wasn’t afraid to let you know it meant business. Every curve, every line on the body was purposefully designed to cut through the air, making it an absolute joy to drive.

A potent inline-8 engine that pushed out over 80 horsepower, which at the time was pretty solid. The car was lightweight, which meant it wasn’t just fast in a straight line—it could handle too. Tight corners, sharp turns, the Bearcat glued to the road.

Now, you might think the Bearcat was just for racers, but it wasn’t just about track performance. This car found a home in the garages of the well-off too. The wealthy weren’t just interested in a car that made them look good—they wanted something with grit and spirit. The Bearcat gave them both.

Iconic Cars of the Roaring ’20s: Top Pick

Duesenberg Model J

Arguably the most iconic car of the 1920s, the Duesenberg Model J represented everything that was grand about the Roaring Twenties.

Introduced in 1928, the Duesenberg Model J was the product of two visionary men, Frederick and August Duesenberg, whose goal was to build the finest automobile the world had ever seen. And that’s exactly what they did.

Powered by a straight-eight engine, the Model J’s 265 horsepower was revolutionary for the time, making it one of the most powerful production cars in the world. It could go from 0 to 60 mph in just 10 seconds—lightning speed for an era where many cars still struggled to reach 50 mph.

But the performance was only part of the allure. The Model J was a masterpiece of craftsmanship, with every car custom-built to the owner’s exact specifications. Whether you wanted a sleek roadster, a luxurious town car, or a sporty convertible, Duesenberg’s in-house coachbuilders worked with clients to create bespoke body designs tailored to their tastes.

The attention to detail was meticulous: the car featured luxurious leather interiors, polished wood trim, and chrome accents that gleamed like jewels. For the ultra-wealthy, the Model J was the definition of sophistication.

Famous owners of the Model J included Hollywood icons like Clark Gable, politicians such as J.P. Morgan, and industrial giants like Errett Lobban Cord (the man behind the brand). It was the car of choice for anyone who wanted to make an impression, and its appearance in The Great Gatsby further cemented its place in pop culture as the ultimate symbol of success and excess.

Which of these pre-war cars is your favorite? Drop a comment below and share your enthusiasm with the Headlights community!