They say the car you drive is an extension of your personality. This can mean various things. For instance, if you're a middle-aged man with life-threatening health issues, maybe an old American classic car that everyone regrets buying ought to suit you. Perhaps you're a wealthy, one-in-a-million person that gets underappreciated by his peers... we'd recommend splurging on an old-school semi-affordable V12 Ferrari 599.

Sure, those instances might be incredibly specific, but the saying does carry some truth to it. Caring parents typically drive reliable SUVs of some sort, flamboyant businessmen luxury cars or Italian sports cars, and adventurous individuals a Jeep or two. That said, there is still one genre of people we have yet to address – the gentlemen.

This niche group is well-mannered, always dresses stylishly, and knows how to take care of themselves. More often than not, they're well-off and determined. So, to fit their lifestyle, they need to drive a car that oozes class and luxury without overstepping the cocky threshold. And most importantly, they need to be versatile, fast, and powerful. Here are a few timeless classic cars and modern masterpieces fit for a gentleman.

10 Aston Martin DB9

Aston Martin DB9 - Front Quarter
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Do we even need to explain this one? Aston Martins are synonymous with gentlemen, just ask mister Bond himself. Out of all the Astons ever created, we have to award the most sophisticated award to the DB9, or perhaps the DBS.

Exterior-wise, the Aston Martin DB9 still looks brand new, and under the hood, it still packs a decent punch. Initially, the DB9 had a 449-hp naturally-aspirated V12 engine, but as time went on, it grew more powerful. The DBS' V12 engine churned out a whopping 510 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque.

9 BMW E24 6-Series

BMW M635i - Front
Via Mecum Auctions

Newer doesn't always mean better, and that's exactly the case with the E24 BMW 6-Series. Nicknamed the Sharknose, the E24 6-Series embodied exactly what a self-confident gentleman does: Handsome features like a chiseled jawline, a muscular, yet proportionate body, and a raspy voice.

There were many different models of the E24 available, but our favorite remains the 635CSi. This particular Beemer housed a naturally-aspirated straight six with 215 hp and 229 lb-ft of torque. And yes, that's indeed the glorious-sounding M30 engine everyone goes on about to this day.

8 Mercedes-Benz W221 S-Class

Mercedes-Benz W221 S63 AMG
Cars & Bids

If you want a proper luxury car, there is almost no better choice than a Mercedes-Benz S-Class. There is one issue that stares you head-on though, which generation is best? Albeit personal preference, usually, our go-to S-Class generation is the W221.

On top of it being a borderline limousine on the inside, its exterior styling had the perfect balance of German elegance and brute strength. We think W221 S-Classes finished in black are some of the coolest-looking luxury cars ever made.

7 Jaguar E-Type

Electrogenic Jaguar E-Type
Via Electrogenic

Apart from the aforementioned Aston Martin DB9, there is one other British-built sports car that triumphs over all others, the Jaguar E-Type. Its vocal point, the elongated hood, and its thin, meticulously crafted body lines all contribute to its eccentric, yet refined persona.

Underneath its hood was of course no ordinary being either. Powering the Jaguar E-Type was either a 265-hp 3.8-liter inline-six, a 261-hp 4.2-liter inline-six, or a 272-hp 5.3-liter V12. Out of the bunch, we'd choose the six-cylinder engines since they appeared in the Series 1 E-Type, also known as the best-generation E-Type.

Related: These Are The 10 Most Underrated Cars Of The 1960s

6 Porsche 911

1994 Porsche 911 Turbo S 3.6
Via The Drive

Generally speaking, race cars aren't very sophisticated, and don't belong in a gentleman's driveway. That is unless it's a Porsche. Since the early days of the 911, this German sports car would only be in the hands of the most important figures in the world.

While the show-off millionaires drove around in their Ferraris and Lamborghinis, the true gentlemen pulled up to the country club in their Porsche 911. Best of all, it doesn't matter how old or new your 911 is, it's a timeless piece of automotive brilliance.

5 Alfa Romeo 105

Alfa Romeo 105
Via: Classic Trader

Alfa Romeos are a special breed of car. They're not indestructible, and an Alfa will most likely not even be the fastest car in your city, but all Alfa Romeos have this uncanny sense of youth to them. And by this, we don't mean they're immature... they're young-spirited.

This is especially the case with the 105. See, the Alfa Romeo 105 inhabited a puny four-cylinder engine, but its stunning, simplistic design and daring driving demeanor made it one hell of a sports car. All of that without sacrificing an ounce of maturity.

Related: These Are The 10 Most Beautiful Alfa Romeos Ever

4 Rolls-Royce Corniche

Rolls-Royce Corniche
Silverstone Auctions

Typically owned by rich knobheads, Rolls-Royce cars aren't necessarily the go-to choice for gentlemen drivers. But with all rules, there are a handful of exceptions too. In regard to Rolls-Royce, you need something completely different from their current lineup.

In this case, it's the Rolls-Royce Corniche. This was a drop-top Rolls powered by a 6.75-liter V8 engine. Albeit not the fastest thing in the Rolls fleet, it's certainly one of the most unique-looking ones that won't make you look like an inglorious bastard... cough, cough, Phantom.

Related: 10 Pre-2000s Luxury Cars That Will Run Forever

3 Bentley Continental GT

Bentley Continental GT Speed Front Quarter Viridian
Bentley

If the Aston Martin DB9 was a tad too slow for you, you can always opt-out for something like this, the Bentley Continental GT. These British grand tourers, no matter the generation, sport monstrous V8 or W12 powertrains.

The modern-day Continental GT has up to 626 hp at its disposal thanks to its turbocharged 6.0-liter W12 motor. In the real world, this means the Continental GT can run past 200 mph...

2 Audi RS6

Grey 2023 Audi RS6 Avant
Via Audi

Gentlemen aren't solely bachelors, no. Some of them have families to take care of, and in such an instance, you need a car that can accommodate all the family members, but not at the expense of looking dashing, or being slow. The answer; the Audi RS6 Avant.

This station wagon is one of the best daily drivers money can buy, and since a 4.0-liter twin-turbo nest underneath the C8 RS6's hood, it's a proper sleeper. 0-60 mph happens in just over 3 seconds thanks to its 592 hp and Quattro all-wheel-drive system.

1 Land Rover Defender 90

1997 Land Rover Defender 90 front third quarter view
Via: Bring a Trailer

We already hear you screaming at your screen, "but why an SUV?!" Hold your horses, the Land Rover Defender 90 – especially classic ones – is everything but boring. The Defender 90's unique two-door design makes it stand out from everything else on the road, and that's not even to mention its timeless block-styling, or its gargantuan road presence.

Built for the free-spirited individual who wants to travel the world, the Defender 90 was never meant to go fast in a straight line or turn heads everywhere. The Defender 90's only goal was to take you from point A to B, no matter the route... ultra-determined if you will.

Sources: Ultimate Specs