Classic cars are popular today because car collectors and enthusiasts admire the unique design and incredible craftsmanship. Cars evoke a sense of nostalgia. They also provide lucrative investment opportunities. Some people like the challenge of restoring these relics to their original glory. Others enjoy the community, attending multiple events and car shows. Whichever the reason, we admire the following cars. Here are 10 classic cars that are still cool.
Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray
The Corvette was the epitome of cool when it hit the market in the early 1960s. The Corvette Sting Ray took things to the next level. Known as the C2 generation, the Sting Ray featured a low, sporty profile with a slick fastback design. The model was wildly popular, even outselling the original. The Corvette evolved through the decades, but these early models are still popular amongst car collectors.
Jaguar E-Type
Jaguars symbolized luxury with the elegant coupe design that targeted the affluent class. It also had the performance to back it up. Manufacturers claimed the car could hit a top speed of 150 mph and break 60 mph in 7 seconds. The car was a global success, selling over 70,000 vehicles during its first production run. Celebrities were especially drawn to its aristocratic style.
Ferrari 250 GTO
This highly sought-after racing car, the Ferrari 250 GTO, took the track by storm. The model had a limited production run—only 36 were ever built. Due to its rarity and racing history, the GTO dominated its race class, making it one of the most expensive cars in the world. In 2018, one sold for 70 million dollars at a private auction. In good condition, a GTO can fetch upwards of $50 million in the market. Only serious buyers here.
Ford Mustang
The first-generation Ford Mustangs were stylish and accessible sports cars designed with a broader market in mind. Although the model was smaller than previous models, it was an immediate success, selling over 400,000 vehicles. Part of the car’s appeal was the range of body style options. Buyers could choose between coupe, hardtop, and convertible models. Its frequent appearances in film and TV have made the Mustang the first image to pop into your mind when someone says “classic car.”
Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster
The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster was another luxury vehicle developed after the Coupe, or “Gullwing,” a successful racing car with many victories. The Roadster combined performance with luxury. It had a slick aerodynamic body and impressive speed, with a top speed of 130 mph and the ability to reach 60 mph in 7 seconds. The Roadster and its elegance have become an icon for Mercedes-Benz and are highly sought-after amongst car collectors and serious enthusiasts.
Porsche 911
Ferdinand “Butzi” Porsche designed this luxury sports car and originally wanted to name it 901, but due to copyright issues with Peugeot, they settled on 911 (nine-eleven). Its egg-like shape and protruding headlights make it a favorite. The key features included a rear-mounted, air-cooled “boxer” engine. It is one of Porsche’s longest-running models, having been in production since 1964.
Chevrolet El Camino
The first-generation El Camino looks like a science experiment gone wrong, featuring the front end of a sedan and a pickup bed in the back. Chevrolet only produced the model for two years. However, the unique-looking vehicle continued production for a few years later. Enthusiasts love the car/truck hybrid that handles like a car while hauling heavy items in the back. It remains a favorite classic among car collectors and enthusiasts.
Pontiac GTO
The Pontiac GTO is widely considered the vehicle that ignited the muscle car movement. Inspired in name by the Ferrari 250 GTO, Pontiac wanted to convey a European racing car combined with a tough look. When someone says “classic car,” this model is often the first that comes to mind. The GTO was a muscle car that was both strong and fast, and it inspired similar designs that came to define the meaning of all-American.
Dodge Charger
The second-generation Dodge Charger is an iconic muscle car with a distinct grille design, a powerful 426 Hemi, and optional “Bumblebee” racing stripes. Its popularity soared, especially after it was featured weekly on the hit TV show The Dukes of Hazzard. In terms of commercial success, the Charger and the GTO achieved outstanding sales and went on to define what it means to be all-American.
Nissan Datsun 240Z
The Datsun 240Z was a Japanese-manufactured sports car aimed at the North American market. It was developed in response to their neighbor Toyota’s 2000GT. The Nissan model could reach up to 125 mph and accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 8 seconds. Its success helped Japanese automakers tap into a new market and turn it into an international industry.
