Timeless Automotive Classics: Celebrating The Top 12 Classic Cars of All Time

Automobiles have come a long way since the first one was created in 1886, and while they all still serve the same purpose of getting us from Point A to Point B, some have done so with greater style, performance, and/or importance. Whittling down a list of the top 12 classic cars of all time was no easy feat, but here are our favorites that are so beautiful, timeless, and influential to automotive history that you can’t argue with their presence on this list.

Now, we could literally come up with the top 100 cars of all time and still not please everyone, so we’re sure to stir the pot by limiting this list to just a dozen cars! Check it out, and let us know what your list of must-have classic cars looks like.

12) Lamborghini Miura

The Lamborghini Miura is considered the first-ever supercar with a high-revving V12in a rear mid-engine configuration. Introduced in 1966, the Miura was a game-changer and helped lay the groundwork for future supercars, including Lamborghini’s own Countach, which replaced the Miura in 1974.

11) 1953 Chevrolet Corvette

After a positive reception at GM’s Motorama show in January 1953, the Chevrolet Corvette was quickly put into production, becoming America’s sports car. Only 300 Corvettes were hand-built for 1953, painted Polo White with red interiors.

10) 1959 Cadillac

Cadillac’s 1959 lineup is easily one of the most recognizable classic cars ever built, thanks to the abundance of beautiful chrome and those massive tail fins. Cadillac fin designs started popping up in the late ‘40s, but the big fins and dual bullet tail lights represent the pinnacle of this design language.

9) Lincoln Continental

In stark contrast to the big-finned Cadillacs, the 1961-65 Lincoln Continental is more subtly eye-catching. What really sets the Continental apart is the suicide doors used on both the sedan and convertible. This unique design feature was replicated on the modern-era Continental in 2019 and 2020.

8) Aston Martin DB5

Thanks to its status as James Bond’s vehicle of choice, the Aston Martin DB5 (1963-65) might be the most popular car among automotive enthusiasts and movie buffs alike. The production DB5 may not have all of 007’s gadgets and weapons, but it does have killer looks.

7) Ford Mustang

The success of the classic Ford Mustang is well documented. It took less than two years to sell more than one million cars, and it changed the way Americans bought cars in terms of value and marketing. In the spirit of the original Mustang, the Velocity Ford Mustang has changed how enthusiasts buy classic cars with a guaranteed 16-week build timeline, unique options, and pre-determined pricing.

6) Porsche 911 Turbo

Porsche’s iconic 911 was launched in 1964, but this car became a true sports car legend when the turbocharged 930 debuted in 1975 and was in production until 1989. The 930 is recognizable with its whale-tail rear spoiler, and it was the basis for the homologated 935 race car, which inspired the limited-production slantnose body style.

5) Plymouth Hemi ‘Cuda

Pontiac is often credited with sparking the muscle car wars with the 1964 GTO, but the 1970-74 Plymouth Hemi ‘Cuda is the ultimate expression of a muscle car… and perhaps the greatest American car ever. With a 426 Hemi under the hood pumping out 425 horsepower, low production, and killer styling, it’s easy to see why the Hemi ‘Cuda is such a legend.

4) Jaguar E-Type

Often regarded as one of the most beautiful cars ever created, the 1961-74 Jaguar E-Type was an evolution of the bubbly D-Type race car/XKSS road car from the 1950s. This car is defined by its sweeping body lines and ultra-long hood, which from 1971-74 housed a V12 engine.

3) Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing

Back when form followed function, the 1954-57 Mercedes-Benz 300SL necessitated the introduction of gullwing doors so that the bodywork could accommodate the car’s tube frame chassis. And the rest is history! Today, the 300SL Gullwing is one of the most recognizable cars ever made, and a prototype race car, the SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe, stands as the highest-priced auction car of all time when it sold for $142 million in 2022.

2) Shelby Cobra

The Shelby Cobra resulted from Carroll Shelby’s desire to create a racecar from a British roadster (the AC Ace) powered by big American muscle (from Ford engines). Built from 1962 until 1967, original Shelby Cobras are extremely rare and valuable, which is one reason why these cars are popular replications as kit cars.

1) Ferrari 250 GTO

When it comes to speed, beauty, and exclusivity, no car does it better than the Ferrari 250 GTO. Only 36 of these cars were built between 1962 and 1964 and were extremely successful in racing circuits worldwide. Today, when examples of the Ferrari 250 GTO become available at auction, they command some of the highest hammer prices in automotive history.

Velocity

Hands down, these are all some of the most coveted cars that will add instant credibility to any collection, but if you really want a classic car that is easy to drive yet equally show-stopping, check out Velocity’s lineup of modernized classics.

Buying a classic car can be stressful with all the unknowns, but Velocity has simplified the process by creating a lineup of fully restored and reimagined classics that combine authentic styling with modern performance, luxury, and technology. Today, Velocity offers seven modernized classics, including the Bronco, Mustang, F-100, F-250,  K5 Blazer, C10, and Scout. And stay tuned, because our lineup is continually growing!