Updated 6th August 2021
Speak to any classic car enthusiast and they’ll likely have their own mental list of the best classic cars of all time – some will have at least a top five. We’ve put pen to paper (digitally speaking), and listed our top ten classic cars of all time, some of which may be more popular than others.
1. JAGUAR E-TYPE
As one of the most beautiful classic cars ever made, the Jaguar E-type is number 1 on our top 10 classic cars of all time.
‘The most beautiful car ever made’ were the exact words of Enzo Ferrari. And, of course, he was right. Based on the D-Type, the three times Le Mans winner between 1955 and 1957, the E-Type Jaguar was a stunning example of what British car manufacturer Jaguar were capable of back in the day. Sixties chic and quicker than a Ferrari at a third of the price, it was the ultimate sports car of its time.
The E-Type managed to stay in production until the mid-seventies. This was largely down to the fact it was constantly being revised on the inside, without affecting its elegant appearance too drastically on the outside. This meant it stayed with the times whilst still looking utterly gorgeous. It’s easily among one of the best British cars ever made.
2. PORSCHE 911
Number 2 on our list of the top 10 classic cars of all time is Ferdinand’s Icon: the Porsche 911.
The 911 was the successor to the famous 356 back in 1963; it was a roomier, more powerful evolution. Porsche originally intended to called it the ‘901’. However, Peugeot held the rights to car names with three digits with the second digit being ‘0’.
The earliest 911 started with a 2.0 engine. Air-cooled and rear-mounted, and with just 130 bhp, it was a far cry from today’s modern 911 turbos, with their 500+ bhp. Even still, the 911 had nearly 50% more power than the flat-four 356, so it was powerful for the time. With more power on the way by the seventies, the Carrera RS is now seen by many as the ultimate 911. Although the original 911 ceased production in 1989, the name continues today in the Porsche line-up.
3. LAND ROVER
Series Land Rovers are described as ‘the best 4×4s by far’, and have made it to number 3 on our top 10 classic cars of all time.
From nothing more than an idea and a sketch on the Welsh beach, Land Rover has become the four-wheel drive vehicle that all others aspire to across the world. Beginning with the 80″ Series I back in 1948, Land Rover has since been engineering and shaping its way through the decades to retain its title as the ‘go anywhere, do anything’ 4×4. Little did Maurice Wilks know, as he sat on that beach sketching his ideas, that he had created a whole new genre of vehicle which was way ahead its time.
Capability and composure are two attributes of the Land Rover with the strength to make history while constantly innovating; it is truly one of the greats.
Read more about other Land Rover models in our Enthusiast Guide
4. VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE
The people’s car, the Volkswagen Beetle is our number 4 in the classic cars top 10.
One of the best-selling cars of all time. The Volkswagen Type 1, to use its original name, had very humble beginnings: an economic four-seater that everyone in Germany could obtain. Today, after a massively successful production spanning eight decades, it still enjoys a huge cult following and has done throughout the best part of its life.
The Beetle’s longevity is down to its simplicity. With no more than 200 moving parts in the original flat-four, air-cooled engine, it is definitely workable for most hobby mechanics. Combined with its unmistakable looks, it is obvious as to why everybody loves a Beetle.
Read more about other Volkswagen models in our VW Enthusiast Guide
5. CITROEN DS
Number 5 on our list of the top 10 classic cars of all time is the French Goddess: the Citroen DS.
Citroen’s long-awaited successor to the Traction Avant was the DS. Once again, it was way ahead of its time with its sci-fi styling and minimal interior. From the makers of the 2CV and HY Van came the future of motoring.
Citroen’s quirky yet uber stylish DS set out its own terms from the outset. The doors were devoid of window frames, and the rear brake lights were set in the eye line of following motorists on purpose. Slim pillars meant superb all-round visibility for the driver and its hydraulic independent suspension gave comfort like never before. Is it any wonder why, within 15 minutes of its unveiling at the 1955 Paris Motor Show, 743 orders were taken and, by the end of the day, 12,000?
6. MINI
Cool Britannia, the Mini is number 6 on our list of the top 10 classic cars of all time.
The Mini spans classes and appeals to everyone from George Harrison to Mr Bean. Never has a car been so iconic. It is a mode of transport from ’60s chic to the ’80s new romantic style. The world has loved the Mini for decades and still does. Despite being a fairly small car, it has plenty of interior space thanks to its transverse engine front-wheel drive; this meant that around 80% of the floor pan area could be used as space for passengers. It was a convenient touch which influenced many car makers in subsequent generations.
What’s more, the Mini handled with pinpoint accuracy, making it extremely fun to drive. The race-tuned Mini Cooper and Cooper S were the icing on the cake, with extra power turning the Mini into a formidable rally car. Beating all competition to win the Monte Carlo Rally not once, but three times in 1964, ’65 and ’67. All this just adds to the Minis reputation. Cool Britannia, indeed!
7. MERCEDES 300SL GULLWING
Number 7 on our list of the top 10 classic cars of all time is the world’s first supercar: the Mercedes 300SL Gullwing.
Mercedes had no plans to put their 300SL race car into production. That was until Maxi Hoffman, the official American importer of Mercedes-Benz, campaigned tirelessly for Mercedes to change their mind. The Gullwing was launched at the New York International Motor Show in 1954 and received the acclaim of the admiring crowds – but it wasn’t just a pretty car. It was designed with a racing heritage, built over a space frame chassis and a flat, graceful body boasting impressive aerodynamics and a powerful straight six developing 215 bhp, a first for Mercedes with a fuel injected engine that had never been seen before. Mercedes even built 29 in aluminium that are now worth four times the already-expensive steel versions.
8. FORD MODEL T
It comes in any colour as long as it’s black. The Ford Model T is number 8 on our top 10 classic cars of all time.
Henry Ford’s practical and affordable horseless carriage for the common man was conceived back in 1908. It was originally sold at $850 to the buying public. However, by 1925 the price had dropped to less than $300, ensuring that 40% of all cars sold in the United States were Ford Model Ts. Henry’s ‘car for the masses’ was a huge success, with more than 15 million being produced between 1913 and 1927. With production plants not only in the States but also in England and the rest of Europe, Ford had started their world domination.
Read more about other Ford models in our Ford Enthusiast Guide
9. FERRARI 250 GTO
The ultimate Prancing Horse, the Ferrari 250 GTO comes in at number 9 on our top 10 classic cars of all time.
Ferrari needs no introduction, and one of our top 10 simply had to be the V12 300 bhp Ferrari 250 GTO. The most expensive car ever sold at auction (with one going for just under £22,850,000 back in 2014), this iconic beauty spawned every other Ferrari after it and has inspired all of the competition in the past. With only 36 ever made out of homologation requirements, it’s surprising to find out they all still exist today.
The cars outward design came from the necessity to keep it low to the ground and improve aerodynamic efficiency; the engine was moved further back and also kept as low as possible. Quad exhaust pipes and a large integrated rear spoiler give the GTO an intimidating appearance from behind, while the striking elliptical grille – topped by unmistakable triple vents – are full of purpose, yet aesthetically pleasing. Is it the best Ferrari ever made? Some would say so.
10. ASTON MARTIN DB5
Shaken, not stirred. Number 10 on our top 10 list of classic cars of all time is the ice-cold Aston Martin DB5.
The quintessential British grand tourer, it’s no wonder this was James Bond’s car of choice. The DB5 was the last evolution of the DB4 series which is renowned as the most famous car in the world, thanks to its starring role in countless 007 films. With a 4.0 litre inline 6-cylinder engine, the DB5 wasn’t an out-and-out sports car. Although capable of speeds up to 145 mph, it was actually more of a luxurious 2+2, with standard features such as wool pile carpets and electric windows. With a magnesium alloy body built to Superleggera patent technique, and a wicked combination of Italian styling and British engineering, any self-respecting spy would be proud to drive a DB5.