Greatest hardtop sports cars of all time are honored

LOS ANGELES -- It's an odd assortment -- from a 1948 Jaguar Custom "Black Pearl" to a 1991 Acura NSX -- but they have one thing in common: they've been deemed the most beautiful hardtop sports cars of all time.

A cocktail party launched the exhibition at the Petersen Automotive Museum here last week, with a few of the "celebrity curators" on hand to explain -- or defend -- their choices.

For instance, Jaguar designer Ian Callum chose a 1961 Aston Martin DB4 Zagato, which he called the best of Italian style and British engineering. He says he knew he'd get ribbed about the "British engineering" part, but heck, they were good cars.

And Motor Trend Editor-At-Large Angus McKenzie says the NSX, his choice, was the sports car that forced all others to improve. At the time, it was a sensation in terms of its handling, balance and all the things that make sports cars stand out.

The exhibition is being sponsored by Jaguar as a way of launching its new F-Type hardtop sports car. One is tucked away in the corner, as if trying to decide whether it can hold its own against the famous beauties around it.

"We are proud to be involved with an exhibit that celebrates game-changing coupes," said Jeff Curry, brand vice president for Jaguar, in a statement. "One of the great things about being a car lover is that we can all have our own point of view on what makes a sports coupe deserving to be part of the 'World's Greatest.'"

Besides the Aston and the NSX, the exhibition includes:

-- 1948 Jaguar Custom "Black Pearl" chosen by Metallica's James Hetfield.

-- 1954 Plymouth Explorer Concept chosen by film director and producer,

Francis Ford Coppola.

-- 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing chosen by world renowned car

collector, Bruce Meyer.

-- 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO chosen by Pink Floyd's Nick Mason.

-- 1963 Ferrari Berlinetta Lusso chosen by comedian and TV host, Adam

Carolla.

-- 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray chosen by Top Gear USA hosts: Tanner

Foust, Adam Ferrara and Rutledge Wood.

-- 1964 Porsche 356SC chosen by actor and race car driver, Patrick Dempsey.

-- 1967 Jaguar E-Type chosen by American racer and team owner, Bobby Rahal.

-- 1968 Ford GT40 Mark III chosen by Chief Creative Officer of Pixar and

Disney, John Lasseter.

-- 1974 Iso Grifo chosen by AC/DC's Brian Johnson.