Classic Cars – Top List of Ever Best Vintage Cars

In every era, different car manufacturing companies have introduced their latest models for car lovers and to compete with their rivals. Similarly, each era has some top-notch classic cars distinguishing their manufacturers from their competitors because of their unique features and specs.

The automobile industry has been one of the only industries that has been growing even during the time of war and economic recession.

For the last hundred years, there have been many top classic cars that have won the hearts of millions of car lovers. However, only a few classic cars could beat the others in terms of performance, styling, and overall driving experience.

Ultimate List of Old Classic Cars

Here we take a quick look at the list of classic cars and the top automobiles that have won the hearts of people and continue to do the same today.

1969 Maserati Ghibli 4.7

• Year: 1969
• Engine: 4.7L V8
• Front suspension: Double wishbone, coaxial dampers, coil springs
• Rear suspension: Single longitudinal torque arm, live axle on semi-elliptic springs
• Fuel tanks: Two independent 50L tanks

The Maserati name earns it plenty of clouts and is one of the best classic cars which used a tubular frame with a separate body. The front suspension used double wishbone type, coaxial dampers and coil springs, and an anti-roll bar.

At the rear, there were some outstanding features which includes a single longitudinal torque arm with a live axle on semi-elliptic springs, hydraulic dampers, and an anti-roll bar. Also, the magnesium wheels were standard. Whereas, the Maserati fitted the car with two independent 50 L fuel tanks, which could be filled through flaps.

1966 Chevrolet Camaro

• Year: 1966
• Engine: V8
• Models: SS, Z/28

The Chevrolet Camaro – Do-it-all American muscle to compete with the Ford’s Mustang. The Chevrolet Camaro is an absolute core American muscle car. The Camaro’s aggressive stance and powerful V8 engines soon turned it into an icon of rebellion on the road and freedom off it.

Offered in multiple trims, from the iconic SS to the Z/28 models, it delivered both performance as well as style to a generation of car enthusiasts. With a unique look and an even more distinctive roar coming out of its engine, it cemented its place in American pop culture. It earns the status as a classic for muscle car enthusiasts and collectors alike.

1957 Mercedes 300SL Gullwing

• Year: 1957
• Top speed: 263 km/h
• Engine: Direct fuel injection, boosting power by nearly 50%

The doors are of the Mercedes make it one of the coolest and most classic cars of all time. The fact that the 300SL was the fastest production car at the time, which is not an exaggeration.

The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL was the most classic car to restore by Mercedes-Benz. It has mechanical direct fuel injection, boosting power by almost 50%. Hence, it is capable of reaching a top speed of up to 263 km/h as well as the fastest production car of its time.

1960-Jaguar E-Type

• Year: 1960
• Top speed: 150 mph
• Construction: Monocoque
• Features: Disc brakes, rack-and-pinion steering, independent suspension

Jaguar E-type was introduced by North American Market and is called “the most beautiful car ever made” by Enzo Ferrari. The Jaguar E-Type claims 150 mph top speed and 0 to 60 mph acceleration. It also has monocoque construction as well as disc brakes. It also has rack-and-pinion steering plus, independent front and rear suspension.

1966 Shelby 427 Cobra

• Year: 1966
• Engine: 427-cubic-inch V8
• Superchargers: Two Paxton superchargers
• Notable feature: Lightweight British AC Ace body

Anything attached to Carroll Shelby’s name is immediately worth your time and is the best classic car to buy. Plus, the Cobras combined Ford V-8 engines and lightweight British AC Ace bodies. In order to create some of the wildest and most sought-after American cars ever. The Cobra’s top-line 427-cubic-inch V-8 comes with two Paxton superchargers, giving it the double power of any other.

1958 Chevrolet Impala

• Year: 1958
• Horsepower: 234 hp
• Notable design: Big tailfins

There is no other car that can beat the 1958 Chevrolet Impala in terms of design, styling, and performance. And therefore it takes the number one spot for sure. To date, this car is very much in demand by collectors and even by those who love to drive classic cars. Hence, it definitely fits to be first in the list of classic cars. Chevrolet Impala has different engine options for the buyers which can produce 234 horsepower. The big tailfins also became the distinctive style factor for the rich and famous.

1967 Ford Mustang

• Year: 1967
• Engine: Big Block
• Notable features: Elegant design and high performance

Considered as the best muscle car of that time, the 1967 Ford Mustang is definitely top of the list. The overall design of the car is just elegant and no matter how you drive it, this car is not going to let you down. Ford Mustang is a combination of style and power and therefore it received a phenomenal response. The Big Block engine in this car was the beast of this beauty and it could easily beat most of the vintage cars in the same era.

1969 Corvette Sting Ray

• Year: 1969
• Engine: Big block V8
• Design: Iconic split rear window
• Notable features: Split rear suspension, disc brakes

This is definitely an iconic car and you can know it from the design of the car. It is among the best-designed classic cars. Therefore people are still looking for this beauty so that they can buy it and keep it. The 1969 Sting Ray coupe is something that you can get tempted with. It has the looks and the performance factor combined together. It has a split rear suspension, disc brakes, a big block engine, a split rear window, and side exhaust pipes. The car has been very popular and therefore you will see it in various Hollywood movies as well.

1948 Tucker

• Year: 1948
• Notable features: Rare and innovative design

Do you love to make people turn their head while you drive the streets? Well, that is exactly what 1948 Tucker can do. The car is a piece of art and innovation and it still remains one of the most sought-after cars. Designed by Preston Tucker and Alex Tremulis 1948, Tucker is hard to find. Therefore the price factor for this car will be high even if you find it. This car was not in lots and therefore you will only find selective people having 1948 Tucker and enjoying the innovative features that were out of the world at that time. One of the rare Classic Cars.

1964 Porsche 911

• Year: 1964
• Engine: Air-cooled rear-mounted
• Transmission: 5-speed manual
• Passenger capacity: 4 (rear seats less comfortable)

The 911 by Porsche is still very much in demand but 1964 Porsche 911 is something that you should have if you are crazy about your classic cars. When the car was launched in 1964 it had an air-cooled rear-mounted engine and five-speed manual transmission. Although it accommodates 4 passengers, the rear seats are not that comfortable but this car is a pleasure for the driver.

1953 Aston Martin DB2

• Year: 1953
• Engine: Larger dual overhead cam straight-6

Aston Martin is among the top car manufacturers in the world. In 1953 they came up with DB2 which remained one of the top classic cars ever made. This car has larger dual overhead cam straight 6 engine which was designed to provide more performance. The engine would add more horsepower to the performance. Therefore, it was the best car that racers would prefer at that time. However, the car remained in the production only for 3 years and therefore only limited models are available today.

1962 Maserati 3500

• Year: 1962
• Features: Power windows, leather seating, disc brakes
• Engine: Six-cylinder with four-speed transmission

The 1962 Maserati 3500 Classic Cars was almost like the re-invention of the 1957 model. But the company had done different changes to make sure the car will perform better and look great. The 1962 Maserati 3500 had more features like power windows, leather seating, disc brakes, a six-cylinder engine and a four-speed transmission which would take some speed.

1967 Volkswagen Beetle

• Year: 1967
• Notable improvements: New drivetrain and engine, improved electrical generator

The Beetle is definitely one of the best-designed cars in the world. And it still holds the attention of buyers & classic cars lover. However, it was the 1967 Beetle that had many improvements that made this classic car more popular than any other version. It has a new drive train and engine and an amazing electrical generator. It has several features that would make driving better for the drivers and adds to the performance of the car. see it in the Hollywood movie The Love Bug, as well.

1969 Camaro SS

• Year: 1969
• Notable features: Sporty aggressive look, powerful engine

This one fits in the list of classic cars that also known as muscle cars. Apart from Corvette StingRay, the 1969 Camaro SS had gained the reputation of being classic muscle cars. It has a sporty aggressive look with a powerful engine inside the hood that can produce a lot of horsepower and torque.

1977 First Generation Nissan Z-car (S30)

• Year: 1977
• Engine: 2.4-liter inline-six

The Nissan Z-car (S30) started life as a low-priced sports car that was designed to blend high-performance and an entry-level price. With its light, low-slung shape and inline-six engine, it provided one of the world’s most thrilling driving experiences for car enthusiasts.

It brought with it a racing pedigree and exciting handling that made the Z-car a worthy competitor on both street and track. It is still held in great esteem to this day as it represents the heyday of Japanese sportscars.

1975 Mercedes Benz 450

• Year: 1975
• Engine: 6.9-liter V8
• Horsepower: 286 hp

While most auto companies were trying to make their cars compact, Mercedes decided to go the other way and came up with the 1975 Mercedes Benz 450. It had a 6.9-liter engine that can produce 286 horsepower. This was undoubtedly the best classic car that Mercedes Benz could provide to the world audience.

Ultimate List of Best Classic Cars of 80’s

When it comes to the best cars of the 80’s the new generation may become confused and wonder. But, in the 80’s there are some outstanding cars. Those are still famous for their quality, performance, and style and has rule the world for several years.

Let’s find out best classic cars of the 80’s with their features and other details.

Audi Quattro Coupe (1981-1992)

• Year: 1981
• Engine: 2.1L 5-cylinder turbocharged
• Top speed: 220 km/h
• Notable features: 4-wheel drive

The Audi Quattro coupe is one of the best and most popular classic cars of the 80’s by the German automaker Audi. The car was 4 wheel drive while that time the 4WD was not common. The Audi Quattro Coupe had 5 seats, six inch forged alloy wheels and was equipped with a powerful2.1L 5 cylinder. It also has turbocharged air cooled engine with a top speed of 220 km/h and a 2,144cc displacement. Later on in 1988 the engine is replaced with a V8 engine with automatic transmission.

Ferrari 250 GTO (1962 – 1964)

• Year: 1962
• Production: 36 units
• Notable sale: Sold for $70 million

The 1963 Ferrari 250 GTO holds an unparalleled status in the automotive world as it is a legendary classic car. It is one of the rarest and most valuable classical Ferraris among several classic cars. Only 36 units of this vehicle were produced. The 250 GTO was created to compete in the FIA’s Group 3 Grand Touring Car category for homologation purposes. It is majorly celebrated for its breathtaking design along with its remarkable racing powers. It features an iconic shark-like nose and smooth curves . The 250 GTO dominated the tracks during its era and continues to appeal car enthusiasts as a symbol of Ferrari’s racing heritage and timeless elegance. It was sold for whooping 70 million USD that made it the 2nd most expensive car ever sold in the world.

Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupé (1955 – 1957)

• Year: 1955
• Production: 2 units
• Engine: 3.0-liter inline-eight
• Top speed: 180 mph
• Notable sale: Sold for $142 million

The 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupé is a symbol of engineering excellence of automotive history. Rudolf Uhlenhaut, the head of Mercedes-Benz’s racing department, crafted this masterpiece his guidance. It is a priceless gem with only two units ever built. It is one of the most valuable and sought-after classic cars. The Coupé races with a potent 3.0-liter inline-eight engine reaching up to 180 mph of speed.

The design and exceptional performance of Coupé makes it an iconic symbol of the golden age of motorsports. One of the Uhlenhaut Coupé cars has been preserved by Mercedes-Benz. It has been displayed at its corporate museum in Bad Cannstatt. The other one was sold in May 2022 to a private collector for 142 million USD. This price was the highest that has ever been paid for a car. Either at private sale or public auction, this sale surpassed the previous record of 75 million USD for a Ferrari 250 GTO.

1967 Pontiac Firebird

• Year: 1967
• Engine options: Includes Ram Air engine

The Pontiac Firebird quickly became a formidable force in the pony car race, with aggressive styling and an array of heavy-hitting engines. The Firebird embodied the essence of the 1960s with its characteristic split grille and long hood.

Pontiac’s introduction of the Ram Air engine option added a performance that earned the hefty muscle car a loyal following. Now the aesthetic, classic styling is cherished among collectors, and the thrill behind the wheel has remained.

1976 Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham

• Year: 1976
• Engine: 500-cubic-inch V8

The Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham is American luxury defined and represents the hedonism and decadence of the 1970s. The Brougham featured a large, leather interior, rich wood accents and was built for comfort and prestige. With its big V8, it delivered a smooth, powerful ride that was classic “land yacht” feel.

One of the few of its kind, the Brougham is both a reminder of new car luxury at the time as well as a nostalgic look back at the golden age of automotive design.

1949 Rolls-Royce Dawn Drophead

• Year: 1949
• Engine: 4.5-liter inline-six

What also draws more than a few sets of eyeballs is a Rolls-Royce Dawn Drophead – an eternal symbol of British luxury and sophistication. Dawn’s design embodies the essence of classic automotive in post-war Britain with its timeless coachwork and a funky twist on an Old-World style.

The inline-six under the hood provides a smooth driving experience, and it combines performance and luxury quite harmoniously. Each example is a highly sought-after collectable, as only a handful were made. The sleek lines of The Dawn and its convertible are straight from the Glamour era, often associated with the elite of society.

1908 Ford Model T

• Year: 1908
• Engine: 2.9-liter four-cylinder

Often dubbed as the car that put America on wheels, the “Ford Model T”. The mass production of the automobile, a method created by Henry Ford, made automobile ownership possible for the average person.

The Model T was a solid, simple car powered by a four-cylinder engine. The plain but practical needs of drivers from the early 1900s are embodied in the car’s storied roots based on its high-mounted engine and simple body. Today, it isn’t just a car, but a major part of automotive history.

Chevrolet Camaro IROC-Z (1985-1992)

• Year: 1981
• Engine: 3.0L V6
• Horsepower: 190 hp
• Fuel efficiency: 19 mpg city / 24 mpg highway

It is the third generation of the Chevrolet Camaro that has a fast high-speed V8 carburetor or electronic engine control system, 5001cc displacement, and 61-liter fuel capacity. It had an ability to produce 215 horsepower and with a 5-speed manual and 4-speed automatic transmission. The look of the Chevrolet Camaro is very sweet and attractive because of sweet colors and five-spoke stunning 16-inch wheels. The car received an improvement in the form of a TPI equipped small block 5.7-liter engine in 1987. Additional to its look and performance, the Chevrolet Camaro IROCz had sensible safety features and easy handling.

Nissan 300zx (1984-1996)

• Year: 1984
• Engine: 3.0L V6
• Horsepower: 200 hp

The Nissan 300zx replaced the 280zx by Nissan and has a more advanced and powerful 3.0L V6 engine. It can deliver 200 horsepower with a 5 speed manual transmission and 3 and 4 speed automatic transmission. In 1986, the company made certain stunning and sophisticated changes to the car and made it more demanding and fascinating. The Nissan 300z was a bit expensive as compared to other models. It was sold at a base price of $18,400 and a special edition of the $25,999 at the 50th anniversary of the company.

Porsche 944 (1982-1991)

• Year: 1982
• Engine: 2.5L inline 4-cylinder
• Horsepower: 147 hp (up to 217 hp turbocharged)

It had a 2.5 liter inline 4 cylinder 8 valve engine, with stroke and bore of 3.11 inches and 3.94 inches respectively. The engine is able to deliver 147hp at 5,800rpm and 140 lb ft of torque at 3,000 RPM. The same engine when modified to Turbocharged can deliver a 217hp at 5,800rpm and a 243 lb ft torque at 3,500rpm. The look and chassis of the Porsche 944 was more like the previous model Porsche 924.

Mercedes Benz 190E (1984-1993)

• Year: 1982
• Engine: 2.5L inline 4-cylinder
• Horsepower: 147 hp (up to 217 hp turbocharged)

Mercedes Benz has a good reputation in the car manufacturing industry. The company has given lots of outstanding creations in the industry. However, the only hitch to the brand is it’s out of reach prices. In the 80’s the company introduced a classic car named Mercedes Benz 190E. The car has two types of engines within the period of its popularity. It has camshaft 2.0L engine with a power of producing 89Kw and 175 Nm and a camshaft overhead 6 cylinder 2.6L engine with an increased production of 121Kw and 225 Nm. Initially the car had an automatic 4 speed manual transmission but later on an installation of 5 speed manual transmission was made.

Toyota Cressida (1981-1992)

• Year: 1981
• Engine: 3.0L V6
• Horsepower: 190 hp
• Fuel efficiency: 19 mpg city / 24 mpg highway

It was basically a mid-size family sedan with almost the same chassis like other Toyota cars. These include Toyota Cresta, Toyota Mark II and Toyota Chaser. The Model enjoyed its four generations and is one of the best all time classic cars. The Toyota Cressida has a powerful 3.0L V6 engine with an ability to produce 190 horsepower. It comes with a fuel efficiency of 19mpg city and 24mpg highway. The Cressida has a 4 speed automatic transmission with cruise control and anti-lock brakes as optional.

Mazda RX-7 (1986-1992)

• Year: 1981
• Engine: 3.0L V6
• Horsepower: 190 hp
• Fuel efficiency: 19 mpg city / 24 mpg highway

Mazda RX-7 was a rear wheel drive sport car from the house of popular car manufacturing company Mazda. It has a 2.8 liter SOHC aspirate and turbocharge model with an ability of producing 146hp at 6,500rpm. It also has 183hp at 6,500rpm and 138 lb ft of torque and 183 lb ft of torque at 3,500rpm respectively. There were five speed automatic and five speed manual transmission for the convenience of the driver.

Hyundai Excel (1986-1989)

• Year: 1981
• Engine: 3.0L V6
• Horsepower: 190 hp
• Fuel efficiency: 19 mpg city / 24 mpg highway

The Hyundai Excel has three other names that are new for lots of people including Hyundai Presto, Hyundai Pony and Mitsubishi Precis. The car has in line four cylinder engine with 5 speed manual transmission. The car was basically a five seat and was a front wheel drive. The engine was able to produce 82Ps at 5500rpm and a torque of 124 Nm at 3000rpm.

Chevrolet Corvette (1984-1996)

• Year: 1984
• Engine: 5.7L V8
• Horsepower: 205 hp
• Transmission: 4-speed manual / 3-speed automatic

The two seat sport car by the American Manufacturing company has a powerful 5.7L 16 valve engine. It comes with a production of 205hp in 4,300rpm with 290 lb ft torque. The unique feature of the car was its 4 speed manual transmission with an automatic three gear overdrive.

Ford Thunderbird (1983-1988)

• Year: 1983
• Engine: 3.8L V6
• Horsepower: 112 hp
• Top speed: 183 km/h
• Fuel consumption: 21 mpg city / 29 mpg highway

The Ford Thunderbird was two door rear wheel drive coupe with 3.8L V6 engine and a productive power of 112hp at 4000rmp and 175lb ft of torque. The top speed of the car was 183 km/h with a fuel consumption of 21mpg city and 29mpg highway.

1981 DMC DeLorean

• Year: 1981
• Engine: 2.85-liter V6
• Notable features: Gullwing doors

The stainless-steel body, space-age styled DMC DeLorean is one of the most recognizable automotive icons ever. The DeLorean, with its iconic gullwing doors, and distinctive looks, was a product of the 1980s. The car was somewhat more art than an automotive statement, having gained its popularity thanks to the “Back to the Future” trilogy.

Despite its low production numbers, DeLorean’s flop-free ingenuity had captured the auto devotee’s imagination. Today it signifies the bold vision of John DeLorean and a distinctive chapter in automotive history.

1986 Porsche 959

• Year: 1986
• Engine: Twin-turbocharged flat-six
• Production: 337 units

The Porsche 959 is a technological wonder, as well as a flex unit for ingenuity. The 959 was built to homologate it for Group B rally racing, powered by a twin-turbocharged flat-six engine. It was equipped with an advanced all-wheel-drive system that dashed on and off dirt but also a caption for the road.

Only limited units were manufactured, which created demand among collectors for a vehicle combining speed, luxury and futuristic technology. The 959 is still a standard for high-performance automobiles and is a grail car.

1982 Ford Sierra

• Year: 1982
• Engine options: Range from four-cylinder to sporty options

With the 1982 Sierra, Ford ushered in a new age in design and engineering. It was characterized by a much more aerodynamic shape straying from the predecessors of aerodynamic cars. It was available with a versatile line of engines, from fuel-sipping four-cylinders to more sporty options, making the Sierra perfect for many different drivers.

With its unique styling and dependable ability, the car was a fixture of the European market across the 1980s. Forty years on, the Sierra is fondly remembered by enthusiasts as a landmark family car.

1984 Ferrari Testarossa

• Year: 1984
• Engine: Mid-mounted 4.9-liter flat-12

The Ferrari Testarossa represents the apex of Italian automotive design and performance. The wild side air intakes, as well as a low-slung profile, evoke the 1980s supercar vibe. Equipped with a mid-mounted flat-12, the Testarossa served up thrilling performance with equal parts speed and handling, helping it achieve legendary status as a performance car. The car’s beauty, power, and exclusivity promise it a lasting history in the automotive culture.

Definition of a Classic Car

There is no specific definition of what makes a car a classic. As it can vary depending on individual preferences and the automotive community’s consensus. However, several factors contribute to a car’s classic status, including:

1. Age: Classic cars are generally at least 20 years old. However, some enthusiasts may refer to cars as classics even if they are younger. But they have significant historical or cultural importance.
2. Design: Classic cars often feature unique and iconic designs that define their era. They may exhibit distinctive styling cues, such as sweeping lines, chrome accents, tail fins, or other characteristics that set them apart from modern vehicles.
3. Rarity: Classic cars are typically rare or limited in production, which increases their desirability and value. Limited production numbers can be due to various reasons, such as exclusivity, low demand at the time of production, or the passage of time.
4. Historical Significance: Some classic cars have historical importance due to their association with significant events, influential figures, or technological advancements.
5. Condition: The condition of a classic car plays a crucial role in determining its value. Well-preserved or fully restored examples are highly sought after and command higher prices.

Take Away

Classic cars are vintage automobiles that are typically at least 20 years old and hold historical, cultural, or aesthetic value. These vehicles sort after by collectors, enthusiasts, and car lovers due to their unique design, craftsmanship, and historical significance. There these are also among the pricy ones for elites to afford.

Classic cars encompass a wide range of makes and models from various countries. Some popular classic cars include the Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Corvette, Volkswagen Beetle, Porsche 911, Jaguar E-Type, Mercedes-Benz 300SL, and many others.

The classic car market continues to thrive, with enthusiasts participating in car shows, auctions, and restoration projects to preserve and enjoy these automotive treasures.