Classic car collectors have an eye for historical, collectible, museum-grade vintage cars that have made their mark on the world. Not only is it the quality of the vehicle itself that matters, but the craftsmanship, artistry, design, engineering, and ingenuity that went into making cars that have made their mark on history.
A classic car can serve as a window into another time, era, and a whole other way of life. Several big names have truly changed the game for classic car enthusiasts when honing in on your classic car collection.
Keep reading to explore the most highly-coveted classic automobiles among collectors.
Top 10 Classic Cars
Top names, including Ford, Dodge, BMW, Volvo, Rolls-Royce, Pontiac, Honda, Chrysler, Cadillac, Bugatti, Audi, Mercedes-Benz, Chevy, Porsche, and Toyota, are some of the many classic cars manufacturers that have remained fan-favorites among collectors for decades. Some collectors may be more drawn to classic cars with different criteria such as year, manufacturer, vehicle type, appearance, and condition.
1. 1963 Chevrolet Corvette
The iconic Chevrolet Corvette C2 Sting Ray was first introduced into the market in 1963, complete with faux hood vents, a luxe leather interior, pop-up headlights, and split rear windows. The historic 1963 classic sports car model has rear suspension and a fiberglass-constructed body.
The model has a V8 engine and a 4-speed transmission and can build quickly from zero to sixty miles per hour in 5.8 seconds at top speed. The sports car served as inspiration for numerous other models, some of which include the Jaguar E-Type and the Mazda MX5 Miata.
2. 1970 Dodge Challenger
The first-generation 1970 Dodge Challenger is one of the most popular models, featuring a sleek muscle-car design. Only approximately 165,473 of the first generation of Challengers were manufactured between 1970 and 1974, making them rarer than similar models from other manufacturers such as the Chevrolet Camaro and Ford Mustang.
Available as both a convertible and a coupe, most 1970 models include a 225 cubic-inch I6 engine with a three-speed manual transmission.
3. 1971 Lamoborghini Miura
The 1971 Lamborghini Miura P400SV was the final and most popular Muira model created by the Italian manufacturer, originally only available via special order, making this model highly coveted in the classic car market.
Featuring pop-up headlights, 15-inch wheels, a sporty appearance, and the capability to increase in speed from 0 MPH to 60 MPH in 5.8 seconds, the 1971 Miura is often considered a supercar by classic car enthusiasts.
4. 1953-1956 Triple Economy Ford F-Series
A fan-favorite by collectors since the year it was released, and a rival to the Ford Model T, the 1953 to 1956 Triple Economy Ford F-Series is the second generation of the F-series. Designed by American automotive icon Carroll Shelby, the series is known for heavier-duty models, a notable front grill, and the option for an automatic transmission.
The 1956 model includes a newly-designed grill, dashboard, different doors, and an elongated windshield. The series marked American car manufacturer, Ford General Motors’ first introduction of the Overhead Valve V8, an innovation that led to Ford’s V8 engines that are in use today.
5. 1970 Plymouth Superbird
It is hard to beat the 1970 Plymouth “Road Runner” Superbird, with an aerodynamic design and extended rear wing. Designed with NASCAR in mind, the classic car’s tapered nose and sky-high wings give it its iconic muscle-car appearance.
Due to the car’s fame and notoriety, it is a challenge for many collectors to find a 1970 Plymouth Superbird on the market.
6. 1954 Chevrolet Bel Air Sport Coupe
The launch of the 1954 Chevrolet Bel Air Sport Coupe introduced a hardtop coupe roof, two-tone paint, and chrome accents. The car’s two-door design and standard transmission with the 1953 Powerglide engine give it a distinctive look and feel. In comparison with the 1953 Bel Airs, the 1954 Chevrolet Bel Air Sport Coupe includes new grills, taillights, and engines.
7. 1969 Toyota 2000GT
Famous for its appearances alongside James Bond, the high-performance 1969 Toyota 2000GT is renowned for its light, aerodynamic design, five-speed manual gearbox, independent suspension, and magnesium alloy wheels. Designed in Japan with race cars in mind, the vehicle can increase in speed from 0 - 62 MPH in 8.6 seconds, with a maximum speed of 136 mph.
Arguably one of the most beautiful cars in the classic car market, the 1969 Toyota 2000GT rivals similar fastest-production cars such as the Nissan Datsun, Aston Martin DB5, and 300SL Gullwing.
8. 1989 Alfa Romeo Spider
The 1989 Alfa Romeo Spider is a fan-favorite among collectors, boasting two seats, a front engine, and rear-wheel drive. The Italian car’s series ended in 1993, making it a rare and enticing find for classic car collectors.
The distinguishable convertible design, round headlights, and low body make it easy to spot a Spider on the road.
9. 1968 Dodge Charger R/T
Dodge’s second-generation Dodge Charger R/T’s tell-tale elongated body, pointed nose, and double-sided headlights, give it a muscle car appearance fit for NASCAR. The car was designed as a race car, and only 500 were manufactured, making it a challenge and a rarity for classic car collectors to get their hands on a 1968 Dodge Charger R/T. Unlike the Dodge Viper, the Charger seats five and can carry more cargo weight.
10. 1963 Porsche 911
Renamed from the Porsche 901 to the Porsche 911 in 1963, the German car manufacturer created a dream car for many collectors. The classic car’s distinguished appearance includes a sloped roof, a two-door design, and an elongated hood.
Even by today’s standard, this roadster excels in speed and design, with a luxurious appearance and practically-unbeatable momentum. A rival of the Jaguar XJS, the Maserati GranCabrio, the Ferrari 250-GTO, the Aston Martin Vantage, and the Jaguar F-Type, the Porsche 911 remains a highly sought-after staple in any collectors garage.
What Makes a Great Classic Car?
The best classic cars are defined by their age, rarity, style, design, and overall value. Other aspects, such as engine types, supply, demand speed capability, condition, and the number of vehicles manufactured, can greatly contribute to the overall worth of each classic car.
Age
Classic cars may range in age from ten to more than fifty years old, meaning the age and value of any particular classic car may differ greatly. Many classic cars receive their value from the time they were built, while others may have lost value due to aging.
Rarity
The number of vehicles that were manufactured can greatly impact its overall value. For instance, high-production vehicles such as the 1949 Oldsmobile 88 model may be worth less than vehicles with a limited number, such as the 1957F-type Ford Thunderbird, of which there are only 40 today.
Style and Design
The style and design of a classic car can make it more appealing to collectors, particularly if there are notable design elements that give it a unique and distinctive appearance. Cars like the Enzo Ferrari, the Chevrolet El Camino, the Ford Mustang, and the Volkswagen Beetle each have defining design features that make them recognizable on the road.
The Vehicle’s Value
In many cases, the vehicle’s value can be determined by its place in history, its condition, and how it fares against similar models. Classic cars that represent new innovations, reimagined design elements, and breathtaking aesthetics tend to increase and maintain their value.
How To Transport Classic Cars
When transporting a newly-purchased classic car, it is a good idea to turn to professionals to keep your precious cargo safe. Vehicle transportation providers with classic car-protection capabilities will work overtime to ensure your vehicle gets from point A to point B with reliable, trustworthy service.
Bottom Line
To ensure your classic car arrives at your destination efficiently, rely on a car-hauling service such as RPM Freight. RPM’s expert enclosed shipping services will protect your car from rain, snow, dirt, and dust and save you a long and tiresome trip on the road.
To learn more about enclosed car-hauling services, visit our website today.
Sources:
The 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray Coupe Is One Of The Greatest American Designs | Hotcars
Check Out The Mitsuoka Rock Star: A Miata Turned Into A Corvette Sting Ray | Hotcars
1970 Dodge Challenger Buying Guide | Motor Biscuit
Timeless Classics: Lamborghini Miura P400 | Classic Driver
History of The Ford F-Series: America’s Best-Selling Vehicle | California Pony Cars
A Look Back At The 1970 Plymouth “Road Runner” Superbird | Hotcars
1954 Chevrolet Bel Air | Streetside Classics
Toyota 2000GT | Toyota UK Magazine
This Is What Makes The Alfa Romeo Spider So Cool | Hotcars
10 Best Dodge Charger Models Of All Time | Hotcars
Why The 1963 Porsche 901 Is Perfect For A Gearhead’s One Car Garage | Hotcars
1957 Ford “E-Type Convertible “Thunderbird” | Audrain Automobile Museum
