The term ‘shooting brake’ conjures images of classic style, practicality, and a touch of sporting flair. While the concept of the shooting brake has evolved over time, the spirit of this unique car genre has remained the same. Combining the cargo space of a wagon with the sleek design lines of a coupe, shooting brakes have carved out their own niche in automotive history. Here are the twelve best shooting brakes that have left an indelible mark on car enthusiasts all over the world.

1. Aston Martin DB5 Shooting Brake: Custom-ordered by company owner David Brown, this iconic shooting brake was a perfect blend of luxury and functionality, allowing for weekend getaways complete with luggage and even a hunting dog.

2. Ferrari FF: Introduced in 2011, the FF brought Ferrari into the realm of family-friendly vehicles without compromising on performance, thanks to its V12 engine and four-wheel drive system.

3. Volvo P1800 ES: Known as “Snow White’s Coffin” because of its distinctive rear glass hatch, the P1800 ES is a stylish and practical classic which has garnered a cult following.

4. Jensen GT: A British rarity from the 1970s that combined the sportiness of its predecessors with added carry space, making it a unique, if underrecognized, shooting brake.

5. Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake: Mercedes brought elegance into the modern era with this model, which balances svelte lines with respectable cargo volume and retains luxurious appointments throughout.

6. Reliant Scimitar GTE: A hit among British royals, including Princess Anne, this was one of the first cars to popularize the shooting brake design and lifestyle in the 1960s and 70s.

7. BMW Z3 M Coupe: Dubbed ‘the clown shoe’ due to its distinctive shape, this high-performance oddity has become highly sought after for its unique aesthetics and driving dynamics.

8. Audi RS2 Avant: Developed in collaboration with Porsche, this fast wagon paved the way for Audi’s RS lineage and remains an icon due to its performance credentials and rarity.

9. Chevrolet Nomad (1955-1957): An American take on the shooting brake theme that mixed utility with style during its brief production run in the mid-50s.

10. Lancia HPE (High Performance Estate): Based on the Beta coupe but extended into a practical wagon form while still maintaining Italian styling finesse and spirited handling characteristics.

11. Lotus Elite Type 75 & Eclat Excel Shootings Brakes: Hand-built British luxury sports cars that ooze exclusivity; their unique composite bodywork makes them stand out even today.

12. Sunbeam Alpine Estate: A lesser-known gem designed by coachbuilder Harold Radford, blending English charm with utility; it’s a rare sight that delights enthusiasts who know its significance.

From rare classics to modern marvels that embrace their sporting heritage while catering to lifestyle practicalities, these twelve best-of-time shooting brakes embody an automotive philosophy where utility meets beauty head-on. Each model holds a special place in history as not just cars but as cultural touchstones that continued to define what it means to drive with both style and purpose.