Best Classic Cars Ever Made

[IsailedawayfromFR]

Best Classic Cars Ever Made
1967 Chevrolet Camaro SS Convertible

Table of Contents
#1 Aston Martin DB5
#2 BMW 2002
#3 Chevrolet Camaro
#4 Chevrolet Corvette C2 Stingray
#5 Datsun 240Z
#6 Dodge Charger
#7 Ferrari Testarossa
#8 Fiat 124 Sport Spider
#9 Ford Model T
#10 Ford Mustang
#11 Jaguar E-Type
#12 Lamborghini Countach
#13 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing
#14 Porsche 911
#15 Volkswagen Beetle (Type 1)
What are the best classic cars ever made?
Since the introduction of the automobile, a select few cars have made their mark in automotive history as timeless classics. Definitive of a genre or era, these models gained notoriety through popular culture or became mainstays in automakers’ lineups. Whether owned and maintained by a very lucky few or mass-produced models kept alive by a cult following, the cars listed below are the best 15 classic cars today.

#1 Aston Martin DB5
1964 Aston Martin DB5 Goldfinger Edition front left in sivler
Aston Martin DB5 Model Years and History
Founded in 1913, Aston Martin is a British manufacturer of sport and grand touring cars. Every Aston Martin is built by hand in Warwickshire, England, maintaining a tradition carried on by fellow UK-based brands like Morgan, Bentley, and Rolls Royce. While limited-production vehicles have seldom proved profitable for Aston Martin, the brand maintains an incredibly high level of cultural cache thanks to a fictional secret agent named Bond… James Bond, who first drove an Aston Martin DB5 in the 1964 film "Goldfinger." Aston Martin models have been a staple in the second-longest-running film franchise in history.

The Aston Martin DB5 was produced from 1963-1965. It was powered by a new-at-the-time alloy 4.0 Liter inline-6 which made between 282-325 horsepower. Top speed was rated at 145 mph, and the DB5 had a 0-60 time of eight seconds. While the Aston Martin DB5’s performance was quick for its era, its comfort and styling are what made it stand out from other GT cars of its day. Milan-based coachbuilder Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera designed its iconic body and produced 1,059 units.

The Aston Martin DB cars are the most emblematic of the brand, owing their existence to businessman David Brown, who took ownership of the financially beleaguered company in 1947, adding his initials to the models produced under his ownership, starting with the 24 hours of Spa winning DB1 and ending with the DBS of 1967. The “DB” moniker was later revived in 1994 with the DB7 and has continued with the DB9 and DB11. The DB11 is still in production today. See Aston Martin DB5 models for sale.

Aston Martin DB5 Price
How much is an Aston Martin DB5? It is probably safe to say that most of us won’t ever be able to afford one. On the low end, a DB5 in need of a lot of work is probably valued at around $600,000 while a fully restored, orginal version might cost as high as $3,000,0000. In 2019, a DB5 sold at auction for $6.3 million. Even the new, limited-production DB5 “Goldfinger” continuation cars, of which only 28 will be built, were sold for $3.4 million each.
https://classics.autotrader.com/articles/top-15-classic-cars

[Kamaji]

Most likely everyone has their own separate list.

[Smokin Joe]

I have only driven 4 of those, but of the ones I drove, the 240Z was impressive on windy roads.

I almost bought a used E-type Jag (had the cash), but at the time could not think of anyone in my area who would have known squat about it. (The saying was 'if you're going to own a British car, you'd best have a mechanic on staff'). Too steep a learning curve, and it would have been a summer vehicle, so I didn't buy it.

I'd add the Studebaker Hawk to the list.

[IsailedawayfromFR]

I have only driven 4 of those, but of the ones I drove, the 240Z was impressive on windy roads.

I almost bought a used E-type Jag (had the cash), but at the time could not think of anyone in my area who would have known squat about it. (The saying was 'if you're going to own a British car, you'd best have a mechanic on staff'). Too steep a learning curve, and it would have been a summer vehicle, so I didn't buy it.

I'd add the Studebaker Hawk to the list.

I only drove the Mustang, but rode in '69 Charger and '66 Stingray convertible( great for picking up chicks on the beach BTW) that high school buddies drove.

Agree on Jaguars.  The way my uncle Jeff put it was to own two of them, 'cause one would always be in the shop.

[andy58-in-nh]

This one. Faster than sin, and twice as much fun.

[Bigun]

Absolutely the best car I've ever owned and it's not even close!

[DCPatriot]

My all time favorite:  The "Beast". E39 BMW 2000 M5 - 400hp  6 speed manual -- fastest production vehicle on the planet at the time.  Jet Black on Caramel.

[Free Vulcan]

Why these didn't make the list I don't know.

[DCPatriot]

My first Corvette was a 1964 Navy Blue with white top convertible bought used in 1966 for $2,695.

It was stolen off the streets of North Buffalo and found 2 years later in Toronto, Canada.  Seems a ring of thieves targeted the Corvettes, as when I went up there to identify the car, one of my socks was inside the battery compartment behind the passenger seat.

There were at least a dozen Stingrays in the Toronto Police impoundment lot.

The insurance company had already made me whole, but I was intrigued at the possibility of buying it back from the insurance company for a price.

Used to park along the Niagara River on the Canadian Side about 5 miles from the Falls and wax the car, cook hotdogs and listen to this new British rock group from Liverpool.

[mountaineer]

My father bought a 1958 Jaguar XK150 in 1962 to be his "commuting" car. It was an adventure, to say the least, especially when we tried to fit someone in the back seat. He drove it well into the 1980s. We sold it several years ago.
It looked like this, except his had the Jaguar hood ornament.


In 1966, he bought a 1922 Chevrolet 490, which now sits in our garage. Mr. M and I had it fully restored after his death.
This is not it, but it looks just like this (minus the brass horn, front bumper and fancy radiator ornament, as I've been unable to find one).


Make me an offer!

[Free Vulcan]

In 1966, he bought a 1922 Chevrolet 490, which now sits in our garage. Mr. M and I had it fully restored after his death.
This is not it, but it looks just like this (minus the brass horn, front bumper and fancy radiator ornament, as I've been unable to find one).

Guy that graduated with Dad had a 1913 open carriage Buick he'd tool around town with. Got to see it up close before he passed.

A 100+ year old running car still blows my mind.

[GtHawk]

Most likely everyone has their own separate list.

Yes some nice cars there , but the ‘best’ classic cars…..hardly.

[GtHawk]

I have only driven 4 of those, but of the ones I drove, the 240Z was impressive on windy roads.

I almost bought a used E-type Jag (had the cash), but at the time could not think of anyone in my area who would have known squat about it. (The saying was 'if you're going to own a British car, you'd best have a mechanic on staff'). Too steep a learning curve, and it would have been a summer vehicle, so I didn't buy it.

I'd add the Studebaker Hawk to the list.

Hawks are nice I have had three but every hawk, including the last one 1964 GranTourismo was the same 1956 with variations on sheetmetal and drive trains. Now a 1963 Avanti R4 that is a nimble screamer, albeit a bit light in the rear end.

The fastest production car in the world in 1963 was the Studebaker Avanti, which could reach speeds over 170 mph with its supercharged engine. It was recognized for breaking 29 world speed records at the Bonneville Salt Flats.
 Wikipedia

[berdie]

This one. Faster than sin, and twice as much fun.

I had a 66. You are right...much fun to drive. But I couldn't get in and out of it today.

I always fantasied about owning a Jag. It never happened and now...

[GtHawk]

I had a 66. You are right...much fun to drive. But I couldn't get in and out of it today.

I always fantasied about owning a Jag. It never happened and now...

My BIL bought a 63 1/2 Mustang a few years ago, nothing special but honest, it had the original 6cyl drivetrain, I had to drive it home for him because his fat ass wouldn’t fit in the car. I was skinny and 6’ 1”, I don’t think it would have been a comfortable ride even when I was in high school, and my first car was a 73 Chevy Vega and that wasn’t bad at all.

[Bigun]

My first Corvette was a 1964 Navy Blue with white top convertible bought used in 1966 for $2,695.

It was stolen off the streets of North Buffalo and found 2 years later in Toronto, Canada.  Seems a ring of thieves targeted the Corvettes, as when I went up there to identify the car, one of my socks was inside the battery compartment behind the passenger seat.

There were at least a dozen Stingrays in the Toronto Police impoundment lot.

The insurance company had already made me whole, but I was intrigued at the possibility of buying it back from the insurance company for a price.

Used to park along the Niagara River on the Canadian Side about 5 miles from the Falls and wax the car, cook hotdogs and listen to this new British rock group from Liverpool.

My best friend in HS's brother had a 66 Stingray. Fast as hell but far too uncomfortable for my taste. I always felt I was sliding my @$$ along the pavement.

[Hoodat]

1970 Superbird

[Kamaji]

1971 Plymouth Barracuda:

[Wingnut]

my 70 Chevelle SS 396 

Traded it on a new 79 T/A

And then a few mor Trans Ams

[Timber Rattler]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jd0io1zktqI

[Hoodat]

1969 Mercury Cougar

[jafo2010]

I think it was a 69 Cougar I drove in the past.  A friend's car.  Had the horn on the inside of the steering wheel, a sort of rubber band one could press and the horn sounded.  I thought that was kind of a neat thing on that car.

I would not agree with the list above.  Not even close. 

The Volkswagon Beetle was a highly economical car, but I would never list it as a top anything.  And the Ford Mustang, while popular, I thought it was one of the most uncomfortable cars ever built.  I rented a newer one, a convertible, and was surprised to see it was just as uncomfortable as the Mustangs of the 60s.

Growing up, I was a GM guy.  My first car was a 67 Pontiac Ventura convertible.  That car was the only car that would drive on the snow covered roads from the challet to the ski resort.  I had 13 or 14 people in that car each way.  No one else could get their car out to the road at the challet which was below grade from the road.  Could not make it up the hill, but my Pontiac did, like a tank.  No spinning tires, nothing but traction.  One of the car was a VW Bug too.  Talk about wild, one trip back from the slopes, a guy crawled into the trunk so I would not have to make a 2nd trip for him.  I loved that car.

Next, was a 70 Pontiac GTO.  I babied that car.  First time I opened it up, a Ford Torino Cobra GT pulled along side wanting to race.  We opened up and I left him in the dust.  I was going so fast I was afraid to look down and see how fast I was going.

My dream car list would definitely include a number of Aston Martin models.  Shelby Cobra would definitely be on the list.  I would include the Cord from the later 30s, a truly beautiful vehicle.  And definitely the Jaguar XKE.  A friend had a 69 XKE 2 + 2, and he opened it up on the highway and scared the **** out of me.  They were not the best cars, for numerous reasons, but they were truly a beautiful vehicle.

And I have a 1975 Chevy Corvette convertible.  I bought it in 1979 thinking it would only go up in value, the last year of the convertible.  Never counted on them bring out convertibles again in 1986.  I thought that car would just continue going up and up every year, and 1986 was the biggest bubble breaker of all time.  It had the least powerful engine than any vette, but it was a sure head turner.  So, Vettes would be on my list.

Another car I loved was the 64 - 66 Ford Thunderbird convertible.  A friend and my closest cousin both had a 64 ragtop.  Fun cars!  I have many fond memories riding in those two cars.  And they could light up the road too.

And in my humble opinion, BMW is grossly overrated.  Never cared for any of them, and I have been in many.  But I will say a BMW Isetta, don't recall what year it was, they were made late 50s to early 60s, but a friend bought one and insisted that I ride in it with him.  It was the only time EVER I was seriously concerned for my safety.  Talk about a death car.  That was the car where the front opened up and one climbed in, and the steering was done by something that was other than the traditional steering wheel.  A true experience.

My favorite car was a 79 Cadillac Eldorado.  Most comfortable car.  It could take off too.  I loved that car. 

My present car is a Lexus GX460 Luxury.  4 wheel drive, unbelievably comfortable and quiet.  No road noise.  Perfect vehicle so far.  Somewhere on the top list should include Lexus.  I think they are the finest production car.  Quality through out.

[Free Vulcan]

1971 Plymouth Barracuda:

Forgot about the Cuda. Those things were scary beasts.

[GtHawk]

1969 Mercury Cougar

Liked the Cougar, hated that body detail they added on the side, hated it on Buicks too. Though I have to say I do prefer the first generation Cougars over rthe bloat they became.

[berdie]

1969 Mercury Cougar

Hub and I had 3, one of which was a 1969. I loved those cars!

[Bigun]

Forgot about the Cuda. Those things were scary beasts.

I had a 1966 model until my buddy totaled it.

[GrouchoTex]

I had a 69 Road Runner.

[andy58-in-nh]

I had a 69 Road Runner.

I had that in a Pontiac.

[GtHawk]

I had a 69 Road Runner.

My Brother had a 70, I liked the tail lights better, really fast car until one of the rear brakes locked up when he was driving really fast and tapped the brakes to slow, dumped into a culvert on PCH and tore the front practically off the car☹️ His next car was a 66 XKE convertible…..I kept the Michelins turned for him while he was in the Navy……that was fun! I might still be able to get into one, but getting out?

[andy58-in-nh]

I had a 1966 model until my buddy totaled it.

I do recall that car. The rear bubble window always made me think of The Jetsons.

[mountaineer]

I do recall that car. The rear bubble window always made me think of The Jetsons.

Some friends of ours had a green one. I thought it was so cool.

[andy58-in-nh]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jd0io1zktqI

Great stories and memories in this video!
 
Parenthetically... there's a model in one of the ads (and I will not say which) who I actually dated for a time. She was about 12 years older than me, and still an absolute knockout. 

[Elderberry]

CJ3b

Mine doesn't look that good though.

[Smokin Joe]

CJ3b

Mine doesn't look that good though.

I still have my '75 FJ-40 Landcruiser, (due for a resurrection) with a 327 Chevy under the hood. When I got it, I could 'get rubber' in all 4 gears. (Mine could use a bunch of TLC after having been tipped over a couple of times, but I only ever got it stuck once--river bottom mud in the spring, planted it to the frame).

[berdie]

I'm sure there will be disagreement about how great but...

The first car I bought was 1966 Galaxy. I bought it for $200 and sold it to a friend for the same amount of money. She gave it to her oldest son and then was passed down to her other two kids. Her daughter had it painted baby blue (it was white). So it lasted 15 years with them. For all I know that car is still running.

When I met Hub he had a 1966 Impala. Beautiful car. And he sure looked fine when he drove up in it.  On our second or third date, we wrecked it...lost a curve going too fast and drove it up a tree. Totaled.  Fortunately and miraculously, no injuries. Then he got a 1969 GTO. 

An aside, these cars were used. I'm old, but I'm not that old, lol.

[Kamaji]

I know it’s not one of the great, or even near great, classics, but my personal favorite is still my first car, a forest green 1971 Plymouth Scamp.  Mine had the 225 slant six, but if I could find one with a 318 or 340, I’d really have to think about it hard.

[Kamaji]

1967 Dodge Dart GT:

[DCPatriot]

1967 Dodge Dart GT:

Sigh...when driving used to be FUN!

[Bigun]

1967 Dodge Dart GT:

A 68 Model convertible that same color replaced my wrecked Barracuda! 

[IsailedawayfromFR]

I'm sure there will be disagreement about how great but...

The first car I bought was 1966 Galaxy. I bought it for $200 and sold it to a friend for the same amount of money. She gave it to her oldest son and then was passed down to her other two kids. Her daughter had it painted baby blue (it was white). So it lasted 15 years with them. For all I know that car is still running.

When I met Hub he had a 1966 Impala. Beautiful car. And he sure looked fine when he drove up in it.  On our second or third date, we wrecked it...lost a curve going too fast and drove it up a tree. Totaled.  Fortunately and miraculously, no injuries. Then he got a 1969 GTO. 

An aside, these cars were used. I'm old, but I'm not that old, lol.

So let's talk about how much it cost for the first car we owned.

When I was 15 my dad drove home a used '52 Buick Special for me.  Had a straight 8 and 3 on the column.  See that little antenna on roof?  You could adjust it to find the channel.  That car had so much room in the back seat you could throw a party.

Since I was working at a grocery store, dad made me pay for it.  $35.

Got a speeding ticket the same day to the grocery store to work as the speedometer did not work.  Cop did not care.