Gallery: We Say 'Be Mine' to These Valentine's Day Cars
Barry Hathaway012012-fiat-500-sport
It's Valentine's Day, and in honor of all the romance in the air, the editors over at Kelley Blue Book chose 10 cars that are "turn-ons" for drivers and passengers. It was a good list, but we wanted to expand on it and offer some of our own suggestions. After all, not everyone can afford a brand new R8 to entice members of the opposite sex, and we're pretty sure that most dates we've been on would've ended abruptly the moment a Ford Transit Connect entered the picture. So, without further ado, here are 15 cars that we think will get you in the mood for love -- or at least a long drive. __Above:__ 2012 Fiat 500 Sport ------------------- A smiling teddy bear holding a heart-shaped box of Russell Stovers isn't nearly as heartwarming as the adorable Cinquecento. With a stick shift and *rosso* paint, a drive in the Fiat 500 might be the best date you've ever had. *Photo: Fiat*
02mazda-mx-5
2011 Mazda MX-5 --------------- The attraction of the MX-5 isn't necessarily between driver and passenger, but between driver and car. Kelley Blue Book likens owning an MX-5 to a really good relationship; one without secrets, boredom or high repair costs. Considering the more physical aspects of a relationship, the MX-5 is sure good for a few laps around the track. *Photo: Mazda*
032011-jaguar-xkr-2
2011 Jaguar XKR --------------- Some people criticize Valentine's Day as a frivolous holiday, invented to drive sales of greeting cards and chocolates. Those people would also, if money were no object, still choose a well equipped Accord over the XKR, as the Jag is frivolity incarnate. For those who insist on buying their loved one Godiva chocolates by the case and diamond jewelry in the same quantity, may we suggest the XKR. It's got more horsepower than anyone needs, more tactile and sensory pleasures than the human mind can comprehend and more beauty than most works of art. *Photo: Jaguar*
GM042011-chevrolet-camaro-convertible
2011 Chevy Camaro Convertible ----------------------------- Kelley Blue Book says it's romantic to go for a trip with the top down, but we question the choice of car. Maybe the newest generation is different, but historically Camaros and wedding rings have been mutually exclusive. If you do decide to go for a ride in your Camaro with your girlfriend, just don't forget to call your wife and wish her a happy Valentine's Day. *Photo: Chevrolet*
Webb Bland052011-chrysler-300
2011 Chrysler 300 ----------------- Kelley Blue Book says the 300 is a throwback to borrowing Dad's sedan and heading to a drive-in movie. Since Chrysler glued Dad's old Hamilton tank watch to the dashboard, it's even more of an authentic experience. *Photo: Chrysler*
062011-subaru-outback
2011 Subaru Outback ------------------- Kelley Blue Book recommends the Outback for outdoorsy types who want to get away together. We say that with the kind of winter the East Coast and Midwest have been having this year, an all-wheel-drive Outback might be the only way to get out of the house. *Photo: [Ryan Frost](http://www.flickr.com/photos/ryanfrost/4472034144/sizes/l/in/photostream/)/Flickr*
07audi-r8-v10
2011 Audi R8 V10 ---------------- Kelley Blue Book says that if you spend time behind the wheel of an R8, "passion will lead to love." But sometimes, love remains unrequited. For all but a very privileged few, that will be the case for the ultra-exclusive Audi R8 V10. *Photo: Audi*
Ford08ford-transit-connect
2011 Ford Transit Connect ------------------------- The folks at Kelley Blue Book said the Transit Connect was ideal for a couple who might want to throw some kayaks in the back and go for an outdoorsy date. Yeah right. It's the same excuse we used to give our parents when we asked to borrow the Country Squire or the Volvo wagon with the back seats that folded down all the way. They never noticed that the kayaks stayed in the garage. *Photo: Ford*
Daimler AG, press department09mercedes-sls-63-amg
2011 Mercedes SLS 63 AMG ------------------------ We're going to recommend this car to anyone who is alone on Valentine's Day. If you can get your hands on one, chances are you're doing something right, living the kind of lifestyle that brings you into frequent contact with attractive single people. Remember that. Then hit the gas, and you're guaranteed to forget about any heartbreak you've ever had. *Photo: Mercedes*
10tesla-roadster
2011 Tesla Roadster ------------------- Kelley Blue Book editors say the Tesla Roadster is like a "low-maintenance supermodel." We'd have to agree that there's no better way to get your heart pounding than an all-electric jaunt from 0-60 -- and then some. *Photo: Jim Merithew/Wired*
112011-ariel-atom-3
2011 Ariel Atom 3 ----------------- They say you're more likely to fall in love with someone if you go through a harrowing experience together. If that's true, the Ariel Atom is a matchmaking land rocket with two seats. Take someone out for a day at the track and their adrenaline will be flowing, heart pounding and emotions running wild. We do, however, recommend that you save the romantic dinner until after the drive. *Photo: [Fisk Fisk](http://www.flickr.com/photos/fiskfisk/2497000567/)/Flickr*
121964-ford-econoline
1964 Ford Econoline ------------------- What could *possibly* go wrong here? If you're the sort of guy who drives a '64 Econoline -- and yes, we said guy -- at least you're putting all your cards on the table. Never mind that the table folds down from the wood-paneled wall to reveal a faded poster of Raquel Welch and hundreds of Polaroids that depict the front of your ex-girlfriend's house. You've got worn out indoor-outdoor carpeting in the back, and you're looking for the kind of woman who likes the fact you use the word "van" as a verb, preferably a woman who doesn't regularly read notices on the walls of post offices. Good luck, buddy -- you'll need it. *Photo: [Curtis Perry](1979 Vandura - http://www.flickr.com/photos/curtisperry/5379604590/sizes/l/in/photostream/)/Flickr*
13merkur-xr4ti
1988 Merkur XR4Ti ----------------- Stick with us on this one. The Merkur XR4Ti is the perfect first-date car. Ever been on a date where you're both a bit nervous, maybe a little shy, and are having a hard time coming up with things to talk about? That'll never happen if you pull up in a Merkur. It's an instant conversation starter. Just think of all the things you'll be able to talk about! You can go on for hours about how it isn't a Ford Taurus, how it was built in Germany and how Ford had to do a whole sales campaign about how the car's name is pronounced. If you're lucky, and nobody dies of boredom, on the second date you'll be saying, "You had me at, 'What the hell is a Merkur?'" *Photo: [Grant C.](http://www.flickr.com/photos/grant_subaru/3917678317)/Flickr*
141970-fiat-124
1970 Fiat 124 ------------- Every good relationship needs a good, funny story about how it got started. With the Fiat 124, it's nearly impossible not to have one. Whether it's a roadside breakdown, an unexpected rainstorm that proves just how useless the convertible top is or a romantic late-night ride home by the flicker of non-working headlights, you can ensure that your first date is one neither of you will ever forget. *Photo: [Drew Anywhere](http://www.flickr.com/photos/drew_anywhere/3895930698/)/Flickr*
AJ Mueller152011-jeep-wrangler-rubicon
2011 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon -------------------------- Picture this: You and your date are headed out on the beach with a picnic basket and champagne. There's a trail marked "Four Wheel Drive Vehicles Only," and you take it. After chocolate-covered strawberries, it's time to watch the sun setting on a secluded stretch of sand and water. And that's why you buy a Wrangler. *Photo: Chrysler*
