Cars Sneaking Into Collector's Favorites Status
Some cars today aren’t just cars - they’re absolute legends. And there are a few models that turned into collector favorites for a reason. From sexy classics to muscle icons, the 35 cars on our list will take you on a trip back in time. Keep scrolling to see which cars made the list.
1964 and a Half Ford Mustang
The very first Mustang started a trend of cool, affordable sports cars. It had a long hood, short back, and lots of choices for engines. You could make it as mild or wild as you wanted to. Easy parts and big fan clubs keep it popular for collectors everywhere.
1963 Split-Window Coupe Chevrolet Corvette
The 1963 Chevrolet Corvette had one unique feature: a split rear window. And, it was only produced for a year. It also got better handling, a fiberglass body that looked smooth and fast. Chevy dropped the split the next year, and collectors go crazy for the 1963 model.
1969 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28
The Z/28 had a small engine that loved high speeds. It had bold stripes and a special suspension that made it handle like a dream. Chevrolet’s Camaro Z/28 is loud, exciting, and full of muscle-car attitude - exactly what collectors today love.
1966 Pontiac GTO
The GTO started the muscle car craze. It had the perfect mix of a big engine, a midsize body, and a low price. The 1966 model had stacked headlights and curvy lines with a rumbling sound that car lovers and collectors can’t resist.
1965 Shelby Cobra 427
Shelby’s Cobra 427 is a tiny British roadster with a giant Ford engine. Simply put, it’s a thrill machine. It’s fast, loud, and looks like a race car with side pipes and wide fenders. Originals are super rare and expensive, so finding one might be tricky.
1969 Dodge Charger R/T
The Charger was big, bold, and full of muscle. It was also a big star in movies and TV shows like The Dukes of Hazard and Fast & Furious. With its hidden headlights, a fastback roof, and multiple engine choices, the Dodge Charger is now a collector's favorite.
1970 Plymouth Barracuda
The ‘Cuda might have had a short name, but it had a big personality with its crazy paint colors and giant engines under a shaker hood. It also had limited production, making these cars super hard to find and even more valuable. Collectors love them for their insane power.
1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454
The Chevelle SS was pure muscle. Its huge 454 engine made tons of power, and its bold stripes and wide stance looked tough. Simple, strong, and tough. It’s everything muscle car collectors want in a car, and it’s easy to see why it’s a favorite.
1964 Porsche 911
Porsche’s early 911s were light, fast, and a little tricky to drive, which made them even more fun. They had a flat-six engine in the back and a unique shape that became famous. Today, they’re a collector’s item prized for their style and old-school driving feel.
1961 Jaguar E-Type
Some say the Jaguar E-Type is the most beautiful car ever made - and we agree! A long hood, smooth curves, and shiny chrome made it stunning. But it wasn’t just about looks. It had great brakes and a strong engine, too. No wonder collectors call it rolling art.
1962 Ferrari 250 GTO
Ferrari’s 250 GTO is pure magic for collectors. It was built for racing, so it’s light, fast, and beautiful. The V12 engine roars, and its look turns heads everywhere it goes. Only a few were made, so it’s one of the most desired and expensive cars in history.
1954 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing
The 300SL is famous for its gullwing doors that make it look more like a spaceship than a car. It was way ahead of its time in more than one way, and had fuel injection and incredible speed for the ‘50s. Today, it’s very rare, and a collector's must-have.
1968 BMW 2002
The BMW 2002 showed the world that small cars could be sporty and fun with its simple looks, strong engine, and incredible handling. People loved driving it because it felt fast without being overly complicated. Now, decades later, everyone wants one.
1967 Toyota 2000GT
Toyota’s magnificent 2000GT was Japan’s first real sports car, and it shocked the world. Its long, low body and sharp design made it look like pure art. Add in a strong engine and limited production, and you’ve got a car collectors' fight for at auctions.
1978 Mazda RX-7
The RX-7 was different from the start. It used a rotary engine instead of normal pistons, making it fast, light, and oh-so fun to drive. It became an instant hit, and collectors still love it because it’s unique, affordable, and pure driving joy.
1990 Acura NSX
The 1990 Acura SNX proved supercars didn’t have to be hard to drive or unreliable. It had exotic looks, a mid-engine layout, and Honda reliability. You could take it to work or a racetrack. Collectors today chase clean versions that blend the beauty, performance, and reliability it's known for.
1999 Nissan Skyline GT-R R34
The Skyline GT-R R34 is a tech marvel that became a legend thanks to racing games and movies like the Fast & Furious franchise. It had all-wheel drive, a twin-turbo engine, and tons of cool features. It’s one of the hottest cars for modern collectors.
1999 Honda S2000
The S2000 is a driver’s dream. It’s small, lightweight, and has an engine that loves to rev past 8,000 rpm. There’s nothing like dropping the top and hitting a twisty road in this bad boy. Everyone wants one because it’s pure, simple fun with a reliable Honda badge.
1970 Datsun 240Z
Datsun’s 240Z brought sports car style and performance at a price people could afford. It looked amazing, handled well, and was easy to drive. Today, it’s a classic car that collectors love for its style and value.
1971 Volkswagen Beetle
The Beetle is the people’s car. It’s simple, cute, fun, and, most of all, affordable. It’s also one of those cars that’s cheap to run, easy to fun and loved by collectors around the globe. Everyone has a Beetle story, which makes it extra special and a piece of history.
1960s Volkswagen Microbus
Volkswagen’s Microbus is the ultimate road trip machine that screams freedom. It’s also a mom’s best friend with space for the kids, dogs, groceries, and more. It became a symbol of the ‘60s and ‘70s lifestyle, and is a collector's dream to own.
1957 Chevrolet Bel Air
The ‘57 Bel Air is pure Americana with huge chrome, shiny fins, and bold colors. This is one car that is unforgettable. Back in the day, it was a dream car for families. Today, it’s a dream for collectors looking for that ‘50s vibe.
1955 Ford Thunderbird
Ford’s 1955 Thunderbird was pure class and style in a comfortable two-seater. Sure, it wasn’t a hardcore sports car, but it had a V8 engine and lots of chrome that made it look special. Collectors love it because it still looks cool all these decades later.
1987 Buick GNX
The GNX looked like a plain Regal, but under the hood, it was an absolute monster with turbo power. It was one of the fastest cars of the ‘80s, but it hid its strength well. Today, it’s that rarity and speed that make it a collectible for Buick fans.
1970 Oldsmobile 442
There’s nothing old about the Oldsmobile 442. This muscle car packed a huge V8 engine that delivered speed, sound, and plenty of attitude. Collectors still chase it because it’s part of the golden era of muscle cars. Be ready to pay big bucks for one.
1977 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am
Thanks to Smokey and the Bandit, the Trans Am became a superstar overnight. Black paint, T-tops, and that screaming bird on the hood made it even more unforgettable, as everyone had to have one to add to their collection. Today, they’re rare and expensive.
1981 DeLorean DMC-12
No list of classic collector cars is complete without a DeLorean. It looked like it came from the future with stainless steel panels and gullwing doors. Then, Back to the Future turned it into an icon. It’s not the fastest car, but collectors want it for its unique style and fame.
1966 Lamborghini Miura
Many people believe the Miura started the supercar trend. And, they’re not wrong. Its mid-engine V12 power and gorgeous curves made it unlike anything anyone had ever seen. Throw in speed and rarity, and you’ve got a car collector's treat like art.
1974 Lamborghini Countach
Another Lambo on our list, the Countach had wide angles, scissor doors, and insane styling that put the car on posters everywhere. It was loud, fast, and crazy to drive. Today, it’s pure ‘80s nostalgia, and collectors pay big for that dream car magic.
1984 Ferrari Testarossa
The Testarossa had a wide stance, side strakes, and scream ‘80s excess. It also had a flat-12 engine and serious performance to match its sexy looks. It’s no surprise that collectors love it for its bold look and Ferrari heritage.
1992 McLaren F1
The McLarn F1 is in a league of its own. It was the fastest car in the world in the ‘90s, and had a center driving seat and a V12 engine. Only a few were built - 106 to be exact - so they are worth millions of dollars today and hot property for collectors.
1964 Aston Martin DB5
James Bond made the Aston Martin DB5 into the legend that it is today. It had a sleek design, British elegance, and powerful performance that only further sealed its fame. Owning a DB5 is like owning a piece of movie history.
1986 Porsche 959
Porsche’s 959 was a tech-packed supercar that blew people’s minds in the ‘80s. And its twin turbos, all-wheel drive, and futuristic design made it a showcase of innovation. It’s a dream car for collectors wanting a car that’s as fast as it is rare.
1998 Subaru Impreza WRX STI
Subaru might have built the Impreza WRX for rallying, but it didn’t stop people from rushing out to buy one for its incredible performance. This car is quick, rugged, and comes with turbo power like no other. Collectors love it today because it’s so fun to drive.
1966 Ford GT40
The GT40 was built to crush Ferrari at LeMans - and it did, big time. With its low body and huge V8 power, it makes sense that it became a racing legend. Today, it’s one of the most celebrated and most sought-after cars in the world.
