Combining vintage styling, old-fashioned craftsmanship and decades of heritage, classic motoring makes for the ultimate driving experience. But not all vintage luxury cars are created equal. Some are considered the gold standard of automotive history, exuding style and sophistication. But which cars top the list?
If you could drive away any luxury vintage car, what would it be? To help you decide, we’ve compiled a list of the best options. Let’s explore the top 6 vintage luxury cars in the world today.
1. Porsche 911 Turbo
In production continuously since 1964, the Porsche 911 is a German classic that’s as at home on a race track as it is on a Sunday drive. The revolutionary rear engine layout meant fantastic traction and handling, as well as contributing to its uniquely sleek look.
The turbo versions of the late 70s and early 80s, with their wide arches and huge rear spoiler, are considered the ultimate 911 and should be high on your shopping list for a great classic driving experience.
2. Mercedes-Benz 300 SL
The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL is the best example of the late 50s and early 60s luxury European style, especially with the iconic gullwing doors found on the coupe.
The 300 SL was developed from an earlier, successful racing car, but was softened to create the perfect luxury sports car for the road. Put the windows down and relive the heyday of the 60s French Riviera on a drive between Cannes and Monte Carlo, or channel some Hollywood glamour on a cruise through Beverly Hills.
3. Ferrari 250 GTO California
One of the most expensive vintage cars that money can buy, the last Ferrari 250 GTO California to sell at auction went for over $18m… And that’s not even at the top of the list of the most expensive cars!
A combination of classic Ferrari styling and engineering makes it the perfect car to eat up the miles and make a statement while doing so. Celebrity owners of the 250 GT California include James Coburn, Bridgitte Bardot and Alain Delon… As well as a starring role in the 80s comedy film Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.
If your budget can’t quite stretch to the tens of millions, countless Ferrari models are also outstanding classic cars. These include the 308 GTB, the 365 GTB/4 Daytona, or the 80s pin-up, the Testarossa. As Ferrari is such a quintessential luxury car brand, there is a huge network of retailers specialising in Ferrari parts to ensure your pride and joy stays on the road.
4. Ford Mustang Shelby Cobra GT350
The most iconic of American muscle cars, the Ford Mustang GT350 combines a ferocious 5.0L V8 engine with bad-boy styling. A star of the 1968 Steve McQueen film Bullitt, the Mustang was tuned and uprated by Carroll Shelby to produce the definitive version.
Built to drive for long distances across the USA, it’s the perfect choice for a road trip. Whether you choose the legendary Route 66, or instead drive the stunning Pacific Coast Highway between LA and San Francisco… A Ford Mustang can get you there in style and comfort.
5. Jaguar E-Type
A 60s British icon that reportedly prompted the great Enzo Ferrari to label it “the most beautiful car ever made”, the Jaguar E-Type is a grand tourer that’s available in both hard and soft top versions. The Series 1 versions carry the highest prices and are often considered to be the best of the bunch.
The styling of the E-Type is sleek and timeless, and it looks as fantastic now as it did on the day it was released in 1961. It continues to win polls and votes as one of the most beautiful cars of all time. But not only was it pretty, but it was also revolutionary for its time, and the cutting-edge technology made it fantastic to drive. Not much has changed there, either, it’s an all-time classic for a reason.
6. Aston Martin DB5
It couldn’t be anything else, could it? 007’s car of choice, it has a starring role in Goldfinger and other classic Bond films. However, you’ll be hard-pressed to find one nowadays with the machine guns and ejector seat!
The yin to the E-Type’s yang, the Aston Martin was released around the same time as the E-Type and received many of the same plaudits. Along with Bond, The Beatles, Mary Quant and even the Mini, it became an icon of Swinging London on both sides of the pond. They can now command prices way over £500,000 pounds, and they should feature in any classic car connoisseur’s collection.
