The queen of The Bold and the Beautiful is officially back — and she’s not wasting a second reclaiming her crown. After months away on maternity leave, Jacqueline MacInnes Wood has made her long-awaited return as Steffy Forrester, and fans are losing their minds over her fiery comeback.
Steffy’s Dramatic Homecoming
Steffy returned to Los Angeles ready to reunite with her husband Finn (Tanner Novlan) and their children, Hayes and Kelly. But peace in the Forrester household didn’t last long. Within minutes of her return, Finn dropped a bombshell — Luna (Lisa Yamada) was alive.
The revelation was a gut punch. Not only had Steffy believed Luna was dead, but she also learned that Finn’s mother, Li (Naomi Matsuda), was the one who secretly saved Luna and let everyone think she was gone.
“Queen Steffy” Unleashes Fury
Fueled by betrayal, Steffy stormed straight to the prison to confront Luna herself. What followed was the kind of explosive soap confrontation The Bold and the Beautiful fans live for.
Steffy let Luna have it, calling her “disgusting” and slamming a table mid-argument — a moment that instantly went viral on social media. Fans flooded X (formerly Twitter) with praise for Jacqueline MacInnes Wood’s powerhouse performance.
One fan tweeted: “Steffy coming in HOT. Love it! #BoldandBeautiful.” Another added: “When Steffy hit that table, I was like YES, mother! JMW is unmatched.”
The episode quickly had #BoldandBeautiful trending, with one viewer joking, “Live look at Steffy driving to the jail,” alongside a meme of a speeding car.
Steffy vs. Luna: The Showdown Fans Wanted
For months, fans speculated how Luna’s shocking survival would impact the Forrester family. Monday’s episode gave them their answer — in a blistering face-off that reminded everyone why Steffy remains one of the most commanding figures in daytime drama.
As one fan put it: “I’ve called out Steffy for things in the past, but damn if I’m not on her team today. JMW returned in style!”
Another viewer predicted that Steffy’s vow to keep Luna behind bars all but guarantees her eventual escape. “That’s the confirmation Luna will be free soon — when Steffy said she’d make sure she stays in prison. You know chaos is coming.”
Jacqueline MacInnes Wood Returns After Maternity Leave
Wood, who recently welcomed her fifth son, marked her first appearance back on screen after maternity leave. The actress shared a heartwarming photo of her newborn before filming resumed, earning praise for balancing motherhood with her thriving career.
Her return comes just in time for November sweeps, traditionally one of the most dramatic months in soap television. With Luna back in play and Steffy ready for war, the tension between the Forresters, Finnegans, and Nozawas is about to reach explosive new heights.
What’s Next for Steffy?
As The Bold and the Beautiful barrels toward sweeps season, fans can expect Steffy to continue her crusade against Luna — but some are wondering if Finn’s loyalty will waver under pressure. With Li’s secrets unraveling and Luna’s freedom hanging in the balance, Steffy’s fight for her family may come at a heavy cost.
One thing’s for sure: Jacqueline MacInnes Wood is back — and Steffy is coming in hotter than ever.
Iconic Automotive Art: 10 Masterpieces That Define Timeless Design for 2025
As a veteran of the automotive industry with a decade dedicated to dissecting design, tracking market trends, and advising on luxury vehicle investments, I’ve witnessed countless fleeting fads and enduring legends. Cars, at their core, are tools for transit. Yet, at their zenith, they transcend utility, transforming into profound artistic expressions. In 2025, as the landscape of personal transportation rapidly evolves, the appreciation for truly exceptional design has never been sharper. These aren’t just vehicles; they are iconic car designs that continue to captivate, influence, and often command impressive figures in the classic car market.
The beauty of a car is, of course, a deeply subjective affair. Tastes evolve, cultural contexts shift, and what one generation hails as groundbreaking, another might merely view as quaint. However, there are certain machines that achieve a near-universal reverence, their lines, proportions, and presence speaking a language understood by enthusiasts and casual observers alike. My aim here isn’t to present an exhaustive, definitive decree, but rather to share an expert-curated selection – road-legal models whose aesthetic brilliance has stood the test of time, proving their worth as both collectible supercars and premium automotive design benchmarks. These are the vehicles that, even today, in an era dominated by electrification and autonomous aspirations, hold a special place in the pantheon of automotive greatness, often seen as investment-grade classic cars.
Here’s my refined perspective on 10 of the most stunning cars ever crafted, each a testament to the intersection of engineering prowess and artistic vision, and their enduring relevance in 2025.
Mazda RX-7 (FD)
Date: 1992-2002
Engine: 1.3-liter twin-turbo rotary, 239-276 hp
Why it Endures: The third-generation Mazda RX-7, known by its chassis code FD, is a masterclass in organic, flowing design, a true pinnacle of Japanese sports car aesthetics. Launched in the early 90s, the FD was a deliberate push upmarket for Mazda, showcasing a level of sophistication rarely seen in mass-produced sports cars. Its lines don’t merely curve; they sculpt the air, creating a visual harmony that feels both aerodynamic and deeply sensual.
The FD’s design eschewed sharp angles for a more natural, almost liquid form, a stark contrast to some of its contemporaries. This pursuit of purity in design, combined with its innovative yet famously complex 1.3-liter sequential twin-turbo rotary engine, cemented its legend. While rotary maintenance can be a consideration for prospective buyers in 2025, the FD’s relatively light curb weight (around 2,800 lbs) and balanced chassis made it a joy to drive. Today, it’s a bona fide collector’s item, with well-maintained, low-mileage manual examples commanding escalating values, making it a compelling candidate for automotive investment within the Japanese performance sector. Its timeless silhouette continues to inspire modern designs, proving that exceptional form is truly eternal.
Talbot-Lago T150-C-SS ‘Teardrop’
Date: 1937-1939
Engine: 4.0-liter inline-six, 140 hp
Why it Endures: To gaze upon a Talbot-Lago T150-C-SS ‘Teardrop’ is to witness automotive art distilled to its purest, most breathtaking form. In the late 1930s, French coachbuilders like Figoni & Falaschi elevated car bodies to sculptural masterpieces, and the ‘Goutte d’Eau’ (drop of water) is arguably their most iconic creation. This car doesn’t merely resemble nature; it embodies the fluidity and elegance of a water droplet in motion.
Built on Talbot-Lago’s advanced T150-C-SS chassis, only a handful of these bespoke bodies were crafted. Each panel flows seamlessly into the next, culminating in a tapered rear that visually defies gravity. This level of craftsmanship is virtually impossible to replicate today, making each surviving example an irreplaceable piece of automotive heritage. In 2022, one such example fetched a staggering $13.4 million at auction, setting a record for French cars. In 2025, these ultra-rare machines remain at the absolute pinnacle of luxury classic car collecting, representing not just vehicles, but mobile sculptures that tell a story of unparalleled pre-war opulence and artistry. They are the ultimate investment vehicles for discerning connoisseurs.
Lancia Stratos
Date: 1973-1978
Engine: 2.4-liter Ferrari Dino V6, 190 hp
Why it Endures: The Lancia Stratos is a defiant wedge of pure aggression and unparalleled purpose. Born from the singular goal of dominating the World Rally Championship, its radical Bertone design by Marcello Gandini wasn’t merely beautiful; it was brutally effective. This is a car where form and function merge into an indelible statement, a testament to the fact that performance car aesthetics can be profoundly beautiful.
With its impossibly low, wide stance, wraparound windshield, and mid-mounted Ferrari Dino V6 engine, the Stratos looks like it drove straight out of a sci-fi movie. Its compact dimensions and incredible agility made it a rallying legend, securing three consecutive WRC titles. Lancia built just 492 roadgoing versions to homologate the racer, ensuring its exclusivity from day one. While its cockpit was notoriously cramped and visibility limited, these quirks only add to its mystique. Today, the Stratos is not just a rally icon but a highly sought-after vintage supercar, its distinctive silhouette instantly recognizable. In 2025, owning a Stratos is a clear declaration of automotive passion and a significant investment opportunity, with values consistently appreciating for these rare and influential machines.
Aston Martin DB9
Date: 2003-2016
Engine: 5.9-liter V12, 450-510 hp
Why it Endures: Aston Martin’s design language, particularly in the early 21st century, is synonymous with elegant power, and the DB9 stands out as an exquisite embodiment of this philosophy. While Aston has produced a lineage of stunning vehicles, the DB9, to my eye, achieves a near-perfect balance of muscularity and organic fluidity, defining the modern luxury grand tourer.
Unveiled in 2003, the DB9 replaced the outgoing DB7 and refined Aston Martin’s already stellar aesthetic. Its proportions are impeccable: a long bonnet housing the sonorous 5.9-liter V12 engine, a gracefully raked windshield, and a taut, athletic rear end. The surfacing is sublime, with subtle curves and sharp creases working in harmony to create a sense of restrained power. It’s a design that ages with remarkable grace, avoiding the fleeting trends of its era. Unlike some of its more aggressively styled counterparts, the DB9 prioritizes an understated elegance that speaks volumes. In 2025, the DB9 has transitioned comfortably into modern classic status, offering a compelling blend of breathtaking V12 performance, handcrafted luxury, and timeless British design. It represents an accessible entry point into premium classic cars compared to older Aston models, yet still promises significant appreciation for discerning buyers.
Fiat 500 (Nuova)
Date: 1957-1975
Engine: 0.48-0.6-liter two-cylinder, 21-38 hp
Why it Endures: Beauty isn’t exclusively the domain of exotic supercars or bespoke coachbuilds. The original Fiat 500, or Nuova 500, proves that profound aesthetic appeal can also stem from charming simplicity and democratic design. This diminutive city car, launched in 1957, became a symbol of post-war Italian ingenuity and mobility for the masses.
The Nuova 500’s appeal is undeniable. Its compact, rounded form, friendly face, and clever packaging exude an irresistible charm. It’s a car that elicits smiles wherever it goes. While never designed for speed or luxury, its sheer approachability and the freedom it offered to millions made it a powerful cultural icon. Its design ethos was about making personal transportation accessible and enjoyable, a philosophy beautifully expressed through its form. The 500’s enduring legacy is evident in its nearly two-decade production run and its inspiration for the immensely successful modern Fiat 500. In 2025, the original 500 is a beloved affordable classic car, a testament to how intelligent, approachable design can achieve timeless status. Its vibrant community and relative ease of ownership make it a perfect entry point for enthusiasts seeking vintage car appreciation without the supercar price tag.
BMW Z8
Date: 1999-2003
Engine: 4.9-liter V8, 400 hp
Why it Endures: The BMW Z8 is a remarkable exercise in retro-futurism done right. Designed by Henrik Fisker, it was a conscious homage to the iconic BMW 507 of the 1950s, but it didn’t merely copy; it reimagined. The Z8 takes the essence of the 507’s elegant roadster proportions and infuses them with modern athleticism and technological prowess, creating a design that many argue surpasses its inspiration.
Unveiled in 1999, the Z8 captivated with its sculpted lines, long hood, short rear deck, and distinct side vents. Its aluminum space-frame chassis and the potent 4.9-liter S62 V8 engine, borrowed from the legendary E39 M5, ensured performance matched its stunning looks. The interior was equally bespoke, a minimalist blend of classic gauges and modern materials. Limited to just around 5,700 units globally and offered exclusively in left-hand drive, the Z8 was always destined for exclusivity. In 2025, the BMW Z8 is firmly entrenched as an exclusive roadster and a serious collector’s dream car. Its blend of stunning design, raw performance, and rarity has made it a consistently appreciating asset, proving that well-executed neo-retro design can be a very smart automotive investment.
Peugeot 406 Coupe
Date: 1996-2004
Engine: Various, including 3.0-liter V6, 194 hp
Why it Endures: The Peugeot 406 Coupe, styled by Pininfarina, is a shining example of accessible elegance and understated European class. While some cars on this list command seven-figure sums, the 406 Coupe proves that exceptional design can be surprisingly attainable. It’s a design that whispers sophistication rather than shouts.
Launched in 1996, the 406 Coupe transcended its humble 406 sedan origins, emerging as a sleek, lithe, and beautifully proportioned four-seat coupe. Its lines are remarkably clean, flowing effortlessly from nose to tail without a single jarring angle. Pininfarina, the legendary Italian design house, imbued it with an almost Ferrari-esque grace, leading to persistent (though ultimately untrue) rumors that it was an unused design for an entry-level Maranello offering. Regardless of its origin story, the 406 Coupe offers an incredible aesthetic return for its modest current market value. In 2025, this undervalued classic is a compelling proposition for enthusiasts seeking a genuinely beautiful car that won’t break the bank. It represents the pinnacle of French automotive design legacy and a future classic whose inherent beauty is ripe for appreciation.
Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale
Date: 1967-1969
Engine: 2.0-liter V8, 230 hp
Why it Endures: The Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale isn’t just a car; it’s a piece of kinetic sculpture, a pure distillation of racing DNA translated into a street-legal form. Often cited as one of the most beautiful cars ever made, its extreme rarity and breathtaking design place it in a league of its own, defining the essence of the vintage supercar market.
Based on the Tipo 33 race car, the Stradale was never intended for mass production; a mere 18 units were ever built for the road. Its Franco Scaglione design is a masterclass in organic flow and sensual curves, highlighted by its distinctive butterfly doors and incredibly low, wide stance. Every surface seems to stretch and flex, echoing the muscularity of an athlete. Beneath its seductive skin lay a sophisticated 2.0-liter V8, making it one of the world’s first true supercars. When launched in 1967, it was the most expensive car in the world, a testament to its bespoke craftsmanship and advanced engineering. In 2025, the 33 Stradale is an undisputed multi-million dollar asset, a grail for the most exclusive collectors. It transcends mere transportation, existing as a foundational piece of automotive design innovation and an utterly peerless example of passion and artistry.
Citroën DS
Date: 1955-1975
Engine: Various, including 1.9-liter four-cylinder, 75 hp
Why it Endures: When the Citroën DS debuted at the Paris Motor Show in 1955, it didn’t just turn heads; it redefined what a car could be. Its revolutionary design, both inside and out, was so far ahead of its time that it still looks remarkably futuristic today. It is, arguably, one of the most important design paradigm shifts in automotive history.
From its aerodynamically sculpted body, penned by Flaminio Bertoni, to its innovative hydropneumatic suspension that delivered an unparalleled “magic carpet ride,” the DS was a technological marvel. Disc brakes, directional headlights, and a single-spoke steering wheel were just some of the features that cemented its reputation for avant-garde engineering and French innovation. Beyond its mechanical brilliance, the DS is simply stunning to behold. Its elegant, elongated profile, covered rear wheels, and panoramic glasshouse create an aesthetic that is both dramatic and functional. It was practical family transport, a presidential limousine, and a work of art all rolled into one. In 2025, the Citroën DS remains a beloved classic car, celebrated for its groundbreaking design and engineering. Its influence echoes through modern vehicle concepts, and well-preserved examples are gaining traction as smart automotive investments for their historical significance and enduring visual appeal.
Chevrolet Corvette (C2 ‘Sting Ray’)
Date: 1963-1967
Engine: Various, including 7.0-liter V8, 360-435 hp
Why it Endures: The C2 Chevrolet Corvette, famously dubbed the ‘Sting Ray,’ is the quintessential expression of American automotive beauty and brawn. Its design, inspired by nature and aviation alike, captured the zeitgeist of 1960s America and remains a powerful visual statement today, cementing its place as a coveted American classic.
Launched in 1963, the C2 was a radical departure from its predecessor. Its iconic “coke-bottle” flanks, pointed nose, hidden headlamps, and boat-tail rear (especially the split-window coupe of ’63, said to be inspired by the Bugatti Atlantique) created an aggressive yet elegant profile. It looked fast standing still. This design was the brainchild of Bill Mitchell and Larry Shinoda, giving the Corvette a distinct identity that resonated deeply. Under the fiberglass skin lay a range of powerful V8 engines, from the “small block” 5.4-liter to the monstrous “big block” 7.0-liter, offering exhilarating performance to match its dynamic looks. In 2025, the C2 Sting Ray is highly sought after in the performance car market. Its aggressive yet refined lines, coupled with its powerful American V8s, make it a cornerstone of classic car appreciation. Pristine examples, especially those with desirable engine options and the rare split-window design, command significant values, solidifying its status as a robust automotive asset.
These ten vehicles, each from a different era and with a unique design philosophy, collectively illustrate the enduring power of automotive artistry. They are not merely modes of transport but tangible expressions of human creativity, innovation, and passion. As we navigate the complexities of 2025’s evolving automotive landscape, these masterpieces serve as powerful reminders of what truly timeless design looks like, and why certain machines will always hold their allure.
What automotive designs do you believe deserve a spot on this list, or which of these resonate most deeply with you? Share your thoughts and join the conversation as we continue to explore the magnificent world of iconic car aesthetics and their significance in the modern era. Your next luxury vehicle investment or dream car could be among them.
