1964 Porsche 911
The 911 nameplate has endured for years, but the original models are still what collectors are looking for. The ‘64 only got its name due to a trademark dispute with Peugeot. Porsche had to acquiesce to the other company’s demands, but they’re the ones who ultimately came out on top.
1960 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider
It’s unlikely that we could have found a stronger vehicle to kick off our list. The 1960 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider (which we’ll just refer to as the Spider from now on) really is the be-all and end-all for vintage vehicles. Still considered to be Ferrari’s most beautiful vehicle to this day, it commands steep auction prices and is an exceptionally rare piece of automotive art.
1954 Mercedes‑Benz 300 SL Gullwing
If there were a true contender for the top spot, it would be the 1954 Mercedes‑Benz 300 SL Gullwing. A genuine motoring legend, the Gullwing was famous for its, well, gullwing doors, as well as for being the fastest production vehicle in its time, single-handedly setting the standard for all Mercedes-Benz vehicles going forward.
1969 Ford GT40 Lightweight
Drawing inspiration from the legendary GT40, which won the Le Mans Race, the ‘69 GT40 Lightweight was a lighter version of that vehicle that still captured what made it so brilliant to begin with. Only 10 competition-worthy models were ever built, making it a solid investment… provided you can afford it, of course.
1954 Mercedes‑Benz W196R Streamliner F1
Even if you’ve never heard of it by name, you will most certainly recognize the 1954 Mercedes‑Benz W196R Streamliner F1. It set the standard for all Formula 1 cars with its gorgeous, futuristic design, not to mention its top-notch performance. Like the previous entries, it’s exceptionally rare and highly prized, which is what makes it such a great investment.
1961 Jaguar E‑Type Series I (3.8)
The legendary E-Type Series was eventually continued, but it’s arguable that Jaguar never matched the pedigree of that first Series I released in 1961. Beautifully designed and with exceptional performance capabilities, it’s still highly coveted to this day, particularly original models with covered headlights.
1963 Mercedes‑Benz 280 SL “Pagoda”
While it can be argued that the Mercedes-Benz brand name has been overly commodified in recent times, the fact that we’ve got three of their models in the first ten entries should say a lot. The Pagoda was named after its distinctive pagoda-shaped roof, which was merely the cherry on top (quite literally) of an already stunning vehicle.
1975 Ferrari 308 GTB
The California Spider was obviously a seminal vehicle, but it’s arguable that no other Ferrari model has had more influence than the 308 GTB, if only from an aesthetic point of view. And that makes complete sense when you consider that it was designed by the legendary Pininfarina, who gave it its distinctive wedge shape that has since become iconic.
1986 BMW E30 M3
While it can be said that the BMW E30 M3 from 1986 isn’t as “pretty” as the other vehicles we’ve already discussed, it doesn’t need to be: it’s a genuine racing legend, a grand tourer with excellent handling and staggering performance, all of which have made it a highly desirable collector’s item.
1969 Datsun 240Z
Of course, we can’t let America and Europe hog the spotlight. The 1969 Datsun 240Z, also known as the Fairlady Z, was one of the first Asian vehicles to give Americans and Europeans a real run for their money. Initially designed to be an affordable sports car, it has since become a legend in its own right—and commands a price tag to match.
1993 Toyota Supra (Mk4)
While we’re spotlighting vehicles from the east, the 1993 Toyota Supra (Mk4) definitely deserves a big shout-out. A redesign of the company’s earlier Supra models, the Mk4 was bold and aerodynamic in appearance, and gained further popularity for its prominence in the Fast and Furious franchise.
1989 Nissan Skyline GT‑R (R32)
If there’s one thing Nissan knows how to do, it’s how to make monsters out of their machines. The Skyline is probably their most famous nameplate, and the ‘89 GT-R32 is the one that most people tend to look back on with absolute admiration. It’s a monster of a performer even to this day, and its value is constantly on the rise.
2000 Subaru Impreza P1
Although the Impreza nameplate would endure for years and years (and years), no other model has ever matched the prestige of the P1. That’s probably due to its limited production numbers of just 1,000 units, not to mention its rally-inspired looks and performance.
2002 Alfa Romeo 147 GTA
Alfa Romeo has always been known for pushing the limits of their designs and thinking outside of the box. Who else could produce such a luxurious hot-hatchback like the 2002 Alfa Romeo 147 GTA? While it’s not the most highly coveted vehicle on this list, it’s bound to become a future classic.
1961 Volvo P1800
Elegant, simple, yet beautiful to behold, the 1961 Volvo P1800 was a Swedish car with Italian influences, demonstrating Volvo’s knack for creating simple yet effective designs. This one gets extra points for having starred in The Saint as the vehicle of the one and only Sir Roger Moore.
1984 Peugeot 205 GTI
Many of the vehicles on this list fall comfortably within the luxury category, but even some of the more economically friendly vehicles of the past are quickly becoming collectors' items, such as the 1984 Peugeot 205 GTI. A beloved hot hatch oozing with charm, it was renowned for its responsive handling and excellent performance.
1980 Renault 5 Turbo
Speaking of hot hatches, we would be remiss if we didn't give special note to the 1980 Renault 5 Turbo. It was France’s most powerful production car at the time… even if it couldn’t hope to keep up with the rest of the world. Still, its charm and style have won fans the world over, and it’s quickly becoming a genuine collector’s item.
1978 Saab 900 Turbo
A groundbreaking model in Saab’s lineup, the 900 Turbo was a precursor to the full-production 900, released later that year. It has developed a niche but dedicated following over the years and could be well worth your investment.
1962 MG B
Who knew that three little letters could command so much respect by themselves? The 1962 MG B is one of the most iconic roadsters on this list, especially in Britain, where its praises are still sung to this day.
1968 Triumph TR6
Another British classic, what made the 1968 Triumph TR6 a true triumph was its Karmann-built design, which still holds up to this day. It offered slightly more in terms of performance to the MG B, and occupies a similar space in British automotive history.
1966 Alfa Romeo Spider
Nicknamed the “Duetto”, the ‘66 Spider was the first of its kind and was designed by the one and only Pininfarina. It oozes Italian style and charm, even if collector interest tends to be more niche.
1982 Toyota MR2 Mk I
Called the “poor man’s Ferrari” by many, that’s not at all the diss you may think it is. The Toyota MR2 Mk I offered sharp handling and robust performance in a more affordable package… back then, at least. These days, it tends to command a much higher price.
1989 Mazda MX‑5 Miata
The 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata was the best-selling two-seat roadster in the world and still maintains a passionate cult following to this day.
1984 Porsche 944 Turbo
An entry-level sports car from the 80s, what makes the 1984 Porsche 944 Turbo popular today is its engaging driving dynamics, which enthusiasts can’t seem to get enough of.
1962 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray C2
The Chevrolet Corvette Stingray C2 probably doesn’t need much of an introduction. It’s an American icon, a sleek and stylish vehicle whose design has so far never been matched as far as we’re concerned.
1974 Lamborghini Countach
The 1974 Lamborghini Countach was the first vehicle ever to bear the legendary nameplate and set the standard for all Lamborghini models going forward with its exotic beauty.
1959 Austin‑Healey 3000
Also known as the “Big Healey”, the 1959 Austin-Healey 3000 is yet another enduring British icon, renowned for its elegant good looks and impeccable handling.
1979 Lancia Delta Integrale
It may not be the best-looking vehicle on this list, but the 1979 Lancia Delta Integrale was integral for the brand, and was the first to bear that nameplate, which still commands respect today.
2000 BMW E46 M3
Though it’s much younger than most of the other vehicles on this list, the 2000 BMW E46 M3 is already a legend in its own right, mostly due to its powerful engine and sharp driving dynamics.
1992 Honda Integra Type R (DC2)
Renowned for its high-revving VTEC engine, the 1992 Honda Integra Type R (DC2) offered a driving experience like no other, exhilarating and hair-raising all at once.
1994 Ferrari F355
The 1994 Ferrari F355 may be the ultimate Ferrari, if only due to the fact that it strikes a perfect balance between power, style, and affordability… at least back then. Nowadays, you’re likely to pay a much higher price.
1968 Jaguar XJ‑Series
While it’s not as famous as its sibling the E-Series, the 1968 Jaguar XJ‑Series is still a fantastic vintage vehicle, and is easily the more luxurious of the two nameplates.
2006 Porsche 997 GT3
The first of the new 997 line, the 2006 Porsche 997 GT3, may not be as ancient as some of the other vehicles on this list, but it is one of the last naturally aspirated GT3s, which instantly boosts its collector appeal.
1963 Aston Martin DB5
An example of what “everyday luxury” could be when it’s done right is the Aston Martin DB5 from Goldfinger, which likely made Aston Martin fans out of everyone who ever watched it. It’s a genuine classic with Hollywood appeal - a perfect storm, if you will.
1955 Citroën DS
These days, Citroën isn’t exactly the most prestigious brand in the world, so it may surprise you to learn that they developed one of the most beautiful cars the 50s had ever seen. The 1955 Citroën DS was a true product of its time, a gorgeous vehicle with historical significance that has made it a collector’s item.
