thirteen Basic Automobiles For Each Gearhead’s Bucket Record
What comes to your mind first when thinking about classic cars? A crank window, big trunks, or wood paneling? Classic cars are more than just decorative garage pieces – they’re windows to the past, letting you experience the roots of today’s high-tech rides.
And, if you call yourself a true car lover, these 13 classic cars are a must-drive before life says, “it’s over, dear.” We’ve handpicked these classic wheels by looking into their legendary status, exhilarating performance, and timeless appeal.
Jaguar E Type
Titled “the most beautiful car ever made,” Jaguar E Type was one of those rides that could stop traffic. Big ’60s stars like Steve McQueen and Brigitte Bardot loved to cruise around in it.
The E Type could go from 0 to 60 in just 7 seconds and had a top speed of 150 mpg. The big credit goes to its super aerodynamic body, designed by an “airplane” expert.
It also had many advanced features, like a monocoque body, disc brakes, and rear suspension. Jaguar E type may not have been a huge sales hit due to slow production then, but today, it is the dream car of many.
Lamborghini Miura
Miura was the first-ever road-legal supercar with a mid-engine, a design most high-performance cars use today. With a V-12 engine under its curvy hood and 430 horsepower, Miura achieved a top speed of 280 km/h and went from 0 to 60 in just 4.7 seconds, earning it the title of “world’s fastest supercar” at its debut.
With only 764 units produced between 1966 and 1973, the Lamborghini Miura is a rare and highly desirable classic car among collectors, especially the SV variant. The highest recorded auction price for the Miura SV is $3.5 million. Exotic looks and advanced engine design are the biggest selling points.
Mercedes SL 300 Gullwing
Today, Gullwing is a rare and highly sought-after classic. Only 1400 units were ever made, so owning one will be like time-traveling to the golden era of automobiles.
Mercedes SL 300 Gullwing got its name from its unique doors, which opened upwards like majestic bird wings, giving it a royal feel. And its engine? The 3.0-liter six-cylinder direct fuel injection power pack propelled Gullwing from 0 to 60 in under 8 seconds, a rare occurrence in the 50s.
It boasted a luxurious interior, too. The aluminum-trimmed sleek dashboard, leather seats, and flexible steering for accessible entrances all scream status, sophistication, and comfort. The SL 300 Gullwing can turn heads even today.
Ferrari 250 GTO
Imagine a car that’s stylish by looks but powerful and speedy enough to win three World Championships within the first two years of its production. That’s the iconic Ferrari 250 GTO from 1962.
It’s one of the fastest road cars of the 1960s, going from 0 to 60 in under 5.8 sec and achieving a max speed of 280 km/h, thanks to its lightweight aluminum alloy body and V12 engine pumping out a whopping 300 HP.
Owning one was out of reach for many gearheads due to rarity (only 36 units were produced) and staggering prices. And it still holds the record at auctions with a sale price of $51.7 million!
Porsche 911
60s Porsche 911 should be on your “drive before you die’ list because it’s the first to set a luxury sports car as a status symbol. And nope, it wasn’t for the price tag. Unlike most Ferraris, the 911 was surprisingly affordable.
The true beauty lies in its air-cooled, rear-mounted flat six-cylinder engine that could keep up with the most expensive rivals of that time. Designed by Ferdinand Porsche, the same guy behind the Volkswagen Beetle, the 911 wasn’t just about raw speed (though it could hit over 210 km/h).
Its smooth and precise handling made it every sports car lover’s dream. While the 911 basic properties have been included in the latest generations, experiencing a legend in its purest form gives a different vibe.
Austin Healey 3000
Have you ever heard of a car that achieves “classic” status while being produced? Sounds odd, right? Meet Austin Healey 3000, a British sports car that defied the norms.
From its debut in 1959, Healey won the hearts of drivers and enthusiasts alike by dominating rallies and circuit races at famous race tracks like Sebring (USA), Le Mans (France), and Bathurst, becoming “classic” even during the production era.
Chevrolet Corvette
Debuting in 1953, the Chevrolet Corvette challenged the dominance of European sports cars and proved that the U.S., too, has the guts to establish a presence in the sports car sector.
While the early models of the ’50s prioritized style over performance, the later ones boasted powerful engines to keep pace with European rivals like the Jaguar E-Type, Porsche 911, etc, on the racetracks. In some enthusiasts’ words, cruising in a C1 was a pure thrill. And now, owning one is your chance to witness the golden age of American sports cars.
Volkswagen Beetle
Have you ever seen a bug floating on water? You might be, but a car? No way, right? Wrong! Volkswagen Beetle, or originally VW Type 1, could float on water (for a short while, though).
But that’s not the only reason for its popularity. Its simple but cute bug design, rear-mounted engine’s unparalleled traction, folding seats, hidden space, and vents all contributed to its popularity.
Famous actors like Elvis Presley and renowned filmmakers like Walt Disney in his classic movie “Herbie the Love Bug” have all experienced the Volkswagen Beetle’s charm. And now it’s your turn. Starting at a $30,000 sale price, the VW Beetle still wins enthusiasts’ hearts at auctions.
Rolls-Royce Dawn Drophead
Built from 1949 to 1955, right after World War II, this drop-top beauty with “dipped fenders” offered a fresh take on luxury motoring. Unlike most Rolls-Royces of the time, the Dawn Drophead was one of the first models offered with a factory-built body, and that too with a lower price tag, making it a hit with customers.
A particular export version, “Silver Dawn,” for overseas sales was also introduced. It had a 4.2- or 4.6-liter engine. Today’s Rolls-Royce can’t compete with the Dawn Drophead in design and elegance.
Acura NSX
Known as Honda NSX in North America, Acura earned a loyal following by beating Italian Ferraris of that time and proved Japan could build world-class supercars. This sleek two-seater was powered by a mid-mounted 3.0-liter V6 engine that roared and could hit 0-60 mph in just 5.2 seconds.
But that’s not the only reason Gordon Murray, the mastermind behind McLaren F1, bought one for him and used it as a blueprint for F1! Murray said, “The moment I drove the NSX, all the other supercars I used as references vanished from my mind.”
Aston Martin DB4
This sports car from the 1950s and ’60s was one of the first cars ever to have disc brakes on all four wheels and clock 0-60 mph in under 9 seconds, which were big deals back then. Its 237 horsepower rivaled the best Ferraris.
The DB4 was also loved by celebrities and filmmakers back in the day, with legends like Sean Connery (our all-time favorite James Bond) cruising around in one. If you are lucky enough to see DB4 on the roads, you must grab the chance to experience automotive excellence.
BMW 3.0 CSL
The boxy, wide-bodied BMW from the ’70s with the giant wing is the legendary 3.0 CSL. It dominated European racing tracks with a 3.0-liter, straight-six engine under the hood, powering and pushing this lightweight 4-wheeler to top speeds of 220 km/h. The aggressive looks earned CSL the nickname “Batmobile” from its vast fan base.
However, it wasn’t all about power and aesthetics. The CSL was known for its sharp handling, making it a driver’s dream on the challenging track. These days, spotting a CSL is a rare incident, though. You can get your hands on one in an auction.
McLaren F1
This world’s fastest non-turbocharged production car (a record it still holds) stunned the world with a top speed of 386 km/h — exceeding McLaren’s estimate. Powered by BMW’s S70/2 V12 engine, the F1 was the first hypercar with a manual transmission without a flywheel.
Only 106 units were ever produced, and with a recent auction price of $20.465 million, McLaren F1 will remain a legendary car for enthusiasts.
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