In the past, car manufacturers have produced models that have become legendary thanks to their vintage design and their rarity. We have therefore decided to offer you our Top 10 of the most beautiful vintage cars in the world!
10. Shelby 427 Cobra (1962 – 1966)
In 10th place in our ranking: this magnificent Shelby 427 Cobra! Small convertible but big engine, this model has become legendary thanks to very good results in car racing due to its lightness compared to the Chevrolet corvette. The chassis has been adapted to receive Ford’s overpowered V8 at the time, which gives it very successful rounded curves. This vintage car is very rare, there are fewer than 360 vehicles produced between 1962 and 1966 for this Cobra 427 model. This is indeed a collector’s car!
9. Jaguar E-Type (1961 – 1975)
In 9th position of our Top 10 of the most beautiful vintage cars: the Jaguar Type E. So yes, many would probably have placed it higher, but this shows the difficulty of achieving such a ranking… In any case, do not hesitate to give us your top in the comments! This Jaguar was in its time a real revolution whether in terms of its design, its performance (V12 engine) or even its comfort and road holding. The car has a particularly vintage look and style today when it was considered very modern for the time! This Type E is not one of the rarest vehicles because more than 72,000 copies were still produced due to its strong commercial success. Beyond its design and its wonderfully well-drawn curves, this model is a myth because it corresponds to the advent of British pop culture in the 60s (the Beatles and the miniskirt in particular!).
8. Porsche 911 (1963 – 1973)
Everyone knows the Porsche 911, it is one of the most legendary vehicles there is thanks to its unique rounded design. Several models have since seen the light of day, but this car remains the most beautiful in our eyes and above all the most striking. Despite more than 89,000 copies produced, this first Porsche 911 (Type 901) remains a highly sought-after collector’s car because it is considered the purest model from a stylistic point of view compared to its little sisters. We can also mention the Porsche 356, driven by Tom Cruise in Top Gun, which was a commercial success for its quality / price ratio.
7. Aston Martin DB5 (1963 – 1965)
Since we were talking about movies, I present to you the emblematic car of James Bond: the Aston Martin DB5. We couldn’t not put her in 7th place if you know what I mean… Anyway, this model is worth the detour for its design and its curves worthy of a luxury car, but also for its sporty side with a power of 282 horsepower. This is the main difference with its big sister, the DB4, which can also be considered one of the most beautiful collector’s cars, as its resemblance is so obvious. This DB5 is today a highly sought-after and therefore very expensive vintage car. Count more than 800,000 € for an authentic model in good condition… Rarity determines the price, there are indeed a little more than 1000 copies produced only.
6. Chevrolet Corvette C1 (1953 – 1962)
In 4th place in this ranking we find the first generation of the Chevrolet Corvette with the C1, a splendid convertible with, however, below-average performance and road holding… criticized, even today for the driving experience it delivers. It is therefore quite easily found between 50,000 and 100,000 € depending on the model, which makes it a rather accessible collector’s car with, in addition, a very successful design and curves. The famous Corvette C2 will catch up with brio by offering performances of a completely different standard and a legendary aesthetic… but which does not appeal to everyone. Would you put it in your Top?
5. Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale (1967 – 1969)
You may not know this car, and yet it is worth the detour! This is the Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale. This model is in fact an adaptation of the Tipo 33, which was only intended for car racing. Alfa Romeo then had the idea of offering a road version of the vehicle and gave birth to this little stylistic marvel! The Stradale is therefore a real racing machine with an overpowered 2L V8 that can reach 9000 rpm! It notably surpasses the Porsche 911 in its category. However, it is now really a collector’s car since only 18 copies were produced. The bids in the event of a sale can therefore rise very very high (around €10 million, etc.). If you are lucky enough to come across one in the street, remember to send us a photo!
4. Mercedes SL 300 Gullwing (1954 – 1963)
Another classic car for the wealthy: The Mercedes 300SL Gullwing. What first distinguishes it from the others are its butterfly-opening doors. Even today when we look at this car, it does not seem so old and vintage to us! The reason ? Unique design and curves, pure style and perfect lines… His price ? This can go very high as was the case in 2012 for one of the only aluminum models sold at 4.65 million dollars… However, there are just over a thousand copies! To speak only of its aesthetic qualities is to forget its technical qualities which were also there for the time: it was the first petrol engine with the direct injection system and the sensations of driving and balance were incredible, maybe even today…
3. Bugatti Type 57 (1934 – 1939)
We have decided to award 3rd place on the podium to the legendary Bugatti Type 57, here in the SC Altantic version. This model will not please everyone, but we like it a lot! What to say ? The image speaks for itself, the design is simply revolutionary, as were the performances at the time. It is a particularly prestigious and elegant vintage car with a totally avant-garde style in terms of shape and concept. Thanks to Jean Bugatti for this exceptional achievement, a real gem ahead of its time. This collector’s car is also one of the rarest there is, for the Atlantic there are only 3 copies! One was sold in 2010 for a sum of between 30 and 40 million dollars… The type 57 was available in several versions between 1934 and 1940, experts estimate that 685 copies were produced in all. The most sought after by collectors are the Type 57S (43 examples).
2. Lamborghini Miura (1966 – 1973)
In second position we find the famous Lamborghini Miura. Between 1966 and 1973, Ferrari’s historic rival brand delivered one of the most beautiful sports cars of all time. The curves and lines seem to follow the shape of the car, and above all nothing seems to have aged, even today this Miura is sensationally beautiful. Note that the engine is placed at the rear for one of the first times in history and delivers sensations and technical performances that are very important for the time with more than 350 horsepower. This Lamborghini is often considered the first Super-Car in history. More than 760 examples were produced between 1966 and 1973, which also makes this collector’s car one of the rarest. It takes more than 1 million € to be able to acquire such a jewel…
1. Ferrari 250 GTO (1962 – 1964)
Finally, in first place in this Top 10 of the most beautiful vintage cars: The Ferrari 250 GTO. Produced in only 36 units between 1962 and 1964, this model met with incredible sporting success during these years thanks to its famous 3L V12 engine. On top of that, its aesthetic is simply stunning with curves and a unique style evoking both power and finesse. Today, this Ferrari is considered the best ever produced by the firm. It represents the pinnacle of an era and still looks so sexy for a vintage car. Collectors are ready to do anything to acquire it, even to spend crazy sums, the latest models have sold for more than 20 million dollars!
And that’s it for this Top 10 of the most beautiful collector cars in the world! Do not hesitate to present your own ranking in the comments, we want your opinion! Also discover our other Tops!
