5 Top Auto Designers Pick Their Favorite Old-School Cars

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5 Top Auto Designers Pick Their Favorite Old-School Cars

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This post originally appeared on Details.com. Keep reading to see car experts' surprising automotive obsessions-and how much the vehicles cost today.

1. Renault 4 (1961-1992)

renault 4

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THE EXPERT: Adrian van Hooydonk
Head of design, BMW Group

THE ENDORSEMENT: "I used to own one. It's a fairly boxy thing, but I appreciated it for that."

THE BACKSTORY: Introduced in 1961, the 4L, as it's also known, embodied the kind of versatility taken for granted by RAV4 and Escape drivers as one of the first economical, durable hatchbacks.

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THE COST: They're rarely seen in North America, but excellent European examples range from $3,000 to $5,000-expect to pay an equal amount in shipping, however. Also make sure you're getting the left-hand-drive French "La Quatrelle" version, not a U.K. model.

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2. Buick Riviera (1965)

buick riviera

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THE EXPERT: Ian Callum
Design director, Jaguar

THE ENDORSEMENT: "It was a very beautiful, very singular design. One of [GM styling icon] Bill Mitchell's best. There was something almost Italian about it."

THE BACKSTORY: Known simply as The Riv by cultists, this model represents the car's high-water mark for design-it came with distinctive clamshell headlamp covers and cleaner body lines.

THE COST:It's $18,000 for a model in decent shape, with the top-line Gran Sports commanding more than $50,000 at recent auctions.

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3. BMW 3.0 CSL (1972-1975)

bmw csl

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THE EXPERT: Martin Davis
Design manager, General Motors

THE ENDORSEMENT: "It has great structure and proportion. It feels like the car's body hangs off that distinctive tapered shape, which is masterfully executed."

THE BACKSTORY: The CSL was based on the already trim, elegant CS and is regarded by many collectors as the most beautiful Beemer of all time. Mid-century American modernist Alexander Calder lent his aura to the brand, putting his brush to a CSL race car in 1975.

THE COST:A prime 1973 street model recently went for $70,000.

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4. Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale (1967)

Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale

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THE EXPERT: Filippo Perini
Design director, Lamborghini

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THE ENDORSEMENT: "It was a car that was never quite celebrated. Designed by Franco Scaglione, it remains for me one of the most beautiful sports cars ever."

THE BACKSTORY: The most expensive car in the world when it debuted in 1967, this 230-horsepower beast weighed just 1,500 pounds. Despite a bold design, the exorbitant cost doomed it to commercial failure, and fewer than 20 were made.

THE COST: A fortune-if you can find it. A prime 33 Stradale will fetch well more than $3 million at auction.

5. Smart Fortwo (1998-2013)

smart fortwo disco

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THE EXPERT: Max Wolff
Design director, Lincoln

THE ENDORSEMENT: "Its industrial-design aesthetic was an attempt to redefine the small car."

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THE BACKSTORY: Designed by Mercedes-Benz parent Daimler with input from watchmaker Swatch, this tiny two-seater is known for its interchangeable, boldly colored body panels.

THE COST:Little-changed since the car's debut in 1998; a new model will cost you around $13,000.

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