Top 12 Best Classic Cars Worth Your Cash

Classic cars have earned a spot in the automotive history. Despite clocking many decades, these time capsules can still take you back to their long-gone eras. All they need is some ingenuity to restore their roar.

And here’s the best part: You can own these museum-quality legends on your budget and choose the right place to store them. So, what is a classic car, and what are top-notch classic cars? Let’s travel back in time.

What is a Classic Car?

Classic cars are gems with qualities beyond just beauty. Age, condition, and uniqueness are the core defining factors in the world of classics.

Let’s get specific: As per The Antique Automobile Club of America, a classic car is any vehicle that has clocked at least 25 years old. But the Classic Car Club of America has a slightly different definition: It’s a “Distinctive” or “Fine” American or foreign-built vehicle released between 1915 and 1948.

The criteria for qualifying a car as classic may change with your state or locality. New York only provides vintage plates to vehicles at least 25 years old. But in Montana, your car must be 30 years or older to be considered classic.

So here are some of the characteristics we can glean from these definitions:

Age: A car older than 20-30 years earns a place in the classics books.
Condition: Great condition implies it’s a roadworthy vehicle with a rust-free body, ready-to-run engine, and intact interior.
Uniqueness and original production design: The car shouldn’t have departed significantly from its first release design.

A combo of these three qualities earns a car the term “classic car.” And its value depends on its condition, rarity, original model quality, and popularity. For example, only heavily-moneyed people can afford a classic luxury car that still has a roar within it. And a rare car can still be valuable even in a bad state.

Top 12 Classic Cars

Now that the definition is out of the way, shall we dive deeper into some of the most famous classic cars? Here we go:

1. Jaguar E-Type

This 1960s sports car mainstay grabs the first spot in our list of top classic cars. In fact, Enzo Ferrari considered it “the most beautiful car ever made.”

First release year: 1961
Current sale value: $125,000

Jaguar E-type still scores big in diverse areas. It has a sleek design, and its speed can hit 150 m/h. Plus, the legend can outperform most cars from its period when it comes to braking.

Its design was a lasting inspiration to future Jaguar cars- from shape to inner mechanisms. And anyone who gets hold of this vintage car swears that it surpasses its siblings.

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2. Chevrolet Corvette

Chevrolet Corvette is among America’s most collected vintage cars and old muscle cars. It was and still is a rare gem, meaning buying and journeying in it provides an adventurous experience.

First release year: 1963
Current sale value: $80,000

The vehicle acquired the “split-window coupe” name for providing a unique view from within and outside. Its powerful engines and feathery soft leather made it a dream car for many in its era. Why not fetch one and time-travel back to the 1960s?

3. Ferrari 250 GTO 1962

Ferrari 250 GTO is a cut above the rest regarding pricing, high performance, and modern design. Its nickname was “II Mostro” (the monster) before the official name.

First release year: 1962
Current sale value: $48million and above

There were only 39 of these classic sports cars during the first two years of its launch. And since 1962, it has been the emblem of the most prestigious vehicles ever made. Only a few people still drive (let alone own) this elegant racing car.

4. Lamborghini Miura

This speedy vehicle was produced to rival Ferrari. Car lovers still consider it the first Supercar since it was ahead of the game in the 1960s. The legendary status, top speed, tenacity, and advanced design make it a top-notch classic.

First release year: 1966
Current sale value: $ 2 million and above

Are you wondering where it acquired the name? The answer is a Spanish bull breeder and his famous breed of bullfighters. The vehicle has undergone various changes, each variant acquiring excellent and vibrant colors. But its original design is still intact.

5. Porsche 911 1963

The Porsche 911 is among the few cars that have gained enduring worldwide recognition. Since its first release in 1963, its manufacturers have continued to roll the vintage out to our roads. And it has maintained its initial concept despite several adjustments along the road.

First release year: 1963
Current sale value: $101,000 and above

Is racing in your blood? Porsche 911’s long hood and sloping rear make it your perfect choice due to its streamlined design- it can slice smoothly through the air. You’ll also love its responsive steering.

6. Ford Thunderbird

Ford Thunderbird hit the road in 1955 to outcompete Chevrolet Corvette. The Ford Thunderbird’s rival couldn’t match its size and luxurious design. In fact, people hunting for a style and comfort combo immediately fell in love with this car.

First release year: 1954
Current sale value: $50,000

The car’s stylish interior and sleek lines are other outstanding features car collectors love. Its original design has remained intact despite the numerous personality changes over the decades.

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7. Chevrolet El Camino SS 1970

Chevrolet El Camino SS was a crucial part of many old-school American movies. While the standard El Camino is powerful, this “ss 1970” version surpasses it- from a powerful engine to an eye-grabbing design. And that’s why its fame spread worldwide

First release year: 1970
Current sale value: $33,000

A classic El Camino will always remain cool. And you can own one without breaking the bank.

8. Aston Martin DB5 1964

Aston Martin’s design is the brainchild of Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera, an Italian designer. Since its creation, it has been a great talking point. The car is amongst the rarest and most impressive classics you should consider.

First release year: 1964
Current sale value: $990,000

Hey, James Bond lovers! In several of his movies, you might have seen this car’s derivative, the DB5. So driving with an Aston Martin across the country will elicit a nostalgic feeling-Just don’t go overboard when unleashing your favorite James Bond movie.

9. Rolls-Royce Dawn Drophead

Rolls-Royce rolled out its first Dawn drophead in 1949 to usher in a post-war era. This model helped reintroduce the pre-war super-comfort level and fast-track the company’s modern craftsmanship.

First release year: 1949
Current sale value: $400,000

Owners could get one tailored to their liking, cementing their sense of luxury. Silver was the most common color. In fact, about 760 of the Silver Dawn variant graced the roads before the company retired this model in 1954. Currently, only 3 of the first 28 dropheads are in the US.

10. Volvo P1800

This 2-seater stylish classic is another darling to adore-No wonder Roger Moore drove it in The Saint tv series. It’s among the most long-lasting old classic cars-one of its kind covered 3 million + miles in its lifetime.

First release year: 1961
Current sale value: $20,000 and above

Do you desire to own or sell one of these vintage vehicles? The Volvo Owners Clubs might come through for you. You can also try its brother, Volvo 122, another lust-worthy vintage car.

11. DeTomaso Pantera

Grab DeTomaso Pantera if you fancy a combo of Italian style and a powerful Ford V8 engine. This Italian-American half-cast is in the same league as the Ferraris and Lamborghinis of its era.

First release year: 1971
Current sale value: up to $250,000

Here’s what pops up in most people’s minds when they see a 70s Italian vehicle: Loud, showy, and difficult to spin. While the first two characteristics are true, driving this car is a breeze. You can own one at a luxurious vehicle auction house like Bonhams.

12. Volkswagen Beetle 1938

The Beetle is the most famous Volkswagen model. A Hungarian student gifted the world with this model’s original design. The Bug (as most people call it) gained praise for being much lighter than most cars in those years.

First release year: 1938
Current sale value: $18,000

This classic is among the few classics that have remained true to their initial design. A visit to Mexico gives you a glimpse of how it dominated the roads in its time. But you’ll still bump into it crawling and zooming across the world.

The Neigbor, Your Trusted Classic Car Storage Partner

Generally, a classic car is at least two decades old, resembles its original design, and is in great shape. Owning one can give you instant fame, as they’re increasingly getting rarer and more expensive. Other classic cars include Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing 1954, BMW CSL 1972, Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro, Datsun 240Z, and Chevy Corvette 1967.

After purchasing one, your next logical step is to ensure it has a secure home. Luckily, you don’t need a garage for your latest addition. In fact, about 25% of collectors store their classic cars elsewhere.

The Neighbor is ready to fetch you a secure and closest storage space for your treasure. Contact us today to get a solution that suits you.

Top 12 Best Classic Cars Worth Your Cash

What is a Classic Car?