Episode list

BMW started out as a builder of aircraft engines, then motorcycles and finally cars. Its aircraft engines set speed records in the '30's and its sports cars were stylish, elegant and fast. Today, it's clear that this company has carved out a place among the builders of unique and fast vehicles that many say deserve to be called, "The Ultimate Driving Machines."

One of the most legendary sports cars ever created - Porsche - has become the worldwide benchmark of sports car performance and styling. No matter where they're driven, all Porsches share a common legacy of automotive innovation. A legacy that began with the company's namesake, Dr. Ferdinand Porsche, in the early days of the 20th Century.

Explorers have always sought out the extremes on earth. They seek that which has never been done, whether to climb the tallest mountain or to walk where no one has ever been before. This is Land Rover's territory and for over 50 years these rugged vehicles have helped to peel away the mysteries of our planet.

This unique car company needed an exceptional name and Jaguar Cars Limited found one in the name of a wild breed of jungle cats. In 1961 they introduced a car that was as exotic as their name - the E-Type Jaguar. It became a vibrant symbol of the Swinging Sixties.

Chevrolet's fiberglass two seater was the first, mass- produced, American sports car, but it almost shifted itself right out of production. . But over the years, the Corvette has evolved from a cute looking roadster to the menacing Sting Ray and now to one of the world's sleekest, sexiest and fastest high-tech sports cars.

While tinkering in their German workshops, Carl Benz and Gottlieb Daimler gave the world the first automobiles powered by an internal combustion engine. Over one hundred years later the company bearing their name is still considered to be among the most innovative automobile manufacturers in the world.

It is an icon, a symbol of excellence, a symbol of empire. As we trace the storied development of the company founded by Henry Royce and Charles Stewart Rolls, we'll see how Rolls-Royce Motorcars grew to represent the best in the world.

It is an icon, a symbol of excellence, a symbol of empire. As we trace the storied development of the company founded by Henry Royce and Charles Stewart Rolls, we'll see how Rolls-Royce Motorcars grew to represent the best in the world.

Enzo Ferrari's greatest desire was to become a racecar driver. Through sheer dint of character he succeeded and eventually gave birth to the most formidable racing machines ever produced. We'll follow the incredible story of Enzo Ferrari and his company into the present and see his namesake car, the Ferrari Enzo.

One of Henry Ford's early suppliers, Henry Leland, took over from Ford and turned his first company into one that would symbolize the best of America. Many people were building their own unreliable cars. Leland was convinced there was a better way. He borrowed and applied manufacturing techniques from Colt Firearms to his cars. His cars then earned the title of the "Standard of the World."

One of the most popular British marques of all time, the venerable Mini, first appeared in 1959. It was the "everyman's" car. A car that could be taken out to drive in a rally. Used to commute, court your sweetheart or fitted with a truck bed and turned into a service vehicle. It was a scrappy, fun car and it gained fans around the world. It seemed to have a personality. But like many British car companies, it was bogged down in a larger company that was imploding. Just before it went under BMW came to the rescue. After pouring in millions of Deutschmarks to revive the Mini, the revived car landed on the world stage with a bang. It became a movie star and a cult favorite. This is a car that refused to die.

The Jeep was drafted in World War II and soon became the American soldier's best friend. The unusual looking vehicle was used as a combat car, postal carrier, snowplow and ambulance.

The VW "Beetle" was the longest running automotive phenomenon in the world. Conceived in the 1930's, the last Beetle of the original design rolled off the assembly line in Mexico City in 2003. This confirmed its position as the best selling car in the history of the automobile. The new version has become a cult favorite and is part of the company that sprang from this simple idea for a car for the German masses. The first "Beetle" was designed by, Dr. Ferdinand Porsche. Originally, it was part of Adolf Hitler's plan for a People's car. Although it's endured over 78,000 modifications, its basic design remained the same. The original "Beetle" was made in more countries than any other car, including the United States, Africa, Mexico and Britain. The "Beetle" is one of the world's best examples of great engineering and exceptional design.

Long before Dustin Hoffman discovered it in "The Graduate" a nascent, Neapolitan entrepreneur, Nicola Romeo had taken over this fledgling auto company and turned it into a racing and sports car legend.