20 Classic Cars to Drive at Least Once in a Lifetime

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20 Classic Cars to Drive at Least Once in a Lifetime

For car enthusiasts who don’t only love their rides but also know their vehicle, they would agree that many classic cars are high-performance with extraordinary power. Admittedly, classic vehicles have lesser features and sophistication compared to modern-day cars. However, most vintage cars comfortably withstand the test of time. Hence, it’s not surprising to see many longing for a time out with history and verve.

Aside from triggering old memories, many classics are notorious for their enduring heritage. Classic cars have a particular space in many people’s hearts due to their distinctive splendor and brawn, unique style, and design. Some love classic cars for their affordability, street performance, and legendary muscle power. Regardless of your reason for loving classic cars, below are twenty cars that you should experience at least once in a lifetime.

  1. Ferrari 250 GTO

During 1962 and 1964, only 39 of the 250 GTO were made by Ferrari’s world-famous car brand. When it comes to value and recognition, it’s safe to consider Ferrari 250 GTO as the Holy Grail. However, only a few people worldwide will ever step into the smartly crafted car. A few years ago, the 250 GTO was auctioned at the Bonham’s Quail Lodge auction for $38 million. If not too pricey for you, it’s a ride to grace any classy abode.

  1. Chevrolet Camaro

In 1967, the Camaro was introduced by General Motors. This set off the production of eight-cylinder muscle rides that we have till today. Understandably, the original Camaro played many roles in developing the Chevrolet’s Mustang, albeit with more power and improved style. Unlike the 250 GTO, you will find it easier to get Chevrolet Camaro online with a few searches. Feel free to take charge of the next carnival with the beautiful vintage.

  1. Fiat 124 Spider

The Fiat 124 Spider was first released in 1968 to a highly anticipated audience group. The Pininfarina-designed model has ample trunk space and seats for two people without touching their shoulders. It’s a perfect roadster for a classic road trip. Although it features lesser power, the cute shape makes it an ideal summertime. An updated Fiat 124 Spider was released a few years back. Along with your partner, catch some fun in the 124 Spider on a freeway during your next holiday.

  1. Austin-Healey 3000

Meet the last of the “big Healeys,” released into the street in 1959. The British roadster’s production came to an end in 1967. The powerful six-cylinder engine ride comes with overdrive and can cruise easily at 75 mph. Check Hemmings and other classic car websites for the late model Austin-Healey 3000; you might be lucky to land yourself one.

  1. Vintage Jeep

Jeep became famous for “General Purpose (G.P.)” within the U.S. military during World War II. However, the first group of Civilian Jeep was mass-produced as SUV in 1945 and sold commercially to the public. Despite being less comfortable or quick, many would refer to the model as an automotive embodiment of democracy. Today, Vintage Jeep is considered an integral part of American history as they are found in museums. Don’t be surprised to find some in online classified ads.

  1. Aston Martin DB4

Here is the iconic workhorse that serves as the precursor to Bond’s getaway ride. The Aston Martin DB4 never got flustered and could quickly move across countries. Hence, it’s understandable to see Bond’s love for its derivative, the Aston Martin DB5. You’ll surely need to have classic car collectors as one of your friends to have access to Aston Martin DB4, as they are rare in the market.

  1. BMW 3.0 CSL

Frere is your pick for classic car lovers who would like something to enjoy on a race track; in 1975, BMW introduced itself to the motor industry with a quartet of models – one of which is the BMW 3.0 CSL coupe. From Sam Posey, Brian Redman, to Hans Stuck, several legends have graced the driving seat of the then-famous car. BMW 3.0 CLS won the 12 Hours of Sebring race and Daytona in two consecutive years. With the victories, BMW was established as a top-performing brand. Given its performance and engineering, 3.0 CSL gave birth to many other models from the brand, including the first-ever four-valve six-cylinder engine. 옴니스 골드 지갑

  1. McLaren F1

After unveiling McLaren F1 in 1992, the British car marker announced its introduction into modern racing. Six years later, the famous ride emerged as the fastest production car globally at 242mph. Aside from being the high-tech supercar for the famous Gordon Murray, the McLaren F1 raised the bar and surpassed it. A session in McLaren F1 is nothing short of sublime ballet of adrenaline, braking, power, and control. You can get the 60th model from the 64 models produced back then. with eight figures

  1. Cizeta-Moroder V16T

Here is a V16 supercar developed between 1991 and 1995. The Italian-made ride was initially produced as Lamborghini Diablo. However, after Chrysler bought a stake in Lamborghini, the designer modified the structure. This was when the mastermind, Marcelo Gandini, handed the original blueprint to the legendary Claudio Zampolli, who developed it into a Cizeta. The initial production run released a few into the market. Since then, the model has only resurfaced occasionally.

  1. Porsche 356

You are looking for a classic that survived four generations? Get yourself Porsche 356. With a rear-engine and rear wheel, here is Porsche’s first production car. However, the production stopped in the mid-1960s. Nevertheless, Porsche 356 is considered the most highly developed model among four-cylinder Porsches. Also, it is widely regarded as the most exciting classic ride by vintage car experts. You’ll find it less challenging to get as 50% of the initial 76,000 cars produced still exist today.

  1. Datsun 240Z

In the 1970s, after the arrival of Datsun 240Z in America, the stocks of Japanese sports cars skyrocketed literally. The finely designed ride offers plenty of power and a pleasant interior despite being inexpensive. It is safe to say that Datsun paved the way for Nissan, Honda, and Toyota in the U.S. market a decade later. Check classified ads on Hemmings and AutoTrader Classics for Datsun 240Z.

  1. Acura NSX

The Acura NSX is not the most refined ride back in 1990 till 2005, especially when rated besides other European rivals. However, the model is an embodiment of both supercar specs and reliability. The NSX inspires confidence, encouraging drivers to push more, braking, and turning corners. While the earlier probably didn’t deserve enough respect, the new Acura NSX has gained momentum in the market. You will find the first-generation NSX cars in the online market with a few searches.

  1. Shelby GT350

During the late 1960s, Shelby GT350 was a roadster among car lovers. The descendant of the Ford Mustang features a V8 engine, and it was a legitimate racing car for the street. Otherwise known as the Cobra, GT350 rumbles audibly and shimmies side-to-side on the same spot. Put on a step on the gas, and it would leap, then roar. With this elegance, the designer, Carroll Shelby, is tagged the 20th-century car designing mastermind. A visit to a high-end car auction house or specialized broker should get you a vintage Shelby GT350.

  1. Ford Model T

Widely considered the ride that brought the American automotive industry into the limelight, the Model T was released from 1908 to 1927. The famous model is designed with a volatile hand-crank engine and two-speed transmission without a reverse gear. While Ford Model T is never easy to pull around, you’ll get a thrilling experience on the wheel. Take note that the Model T is quite rare in the market.

  1. V.W. Beetle

A combination of excitement and simplicity best describes the V.W. Beetle classic. The vintage ride offers an easy driving experience and a friendly exterior. In other words, you shouldn’t go for the vintage counter-culture if you are not ready to attract attention to yourself. A simple search on eBay and classified ads should get you an old V.W. Beetle seller.

  1. Jaguar E-Type

Developed in the 1960s, the E-Type was once considered the most beautiful car ever made. The vintage ride is a sports car mainstay from the staple of British motoring history. Till today, drivers can still feel the verve with high performance. Jaguar E-Type can perform close to 150mph with a better braking system than most cars of its time. Get an experience with the noble classic at the Jaguar Heritage Driving Experience program in Kenilworth, U.K.

  1. Rolls-Royce Dawn Drophead

In 1949, the first Silver Dawn drophead was released, while its production ended in 1954. Rolls-Royce named the classic to mark the beginning of a new era for the world. The Dawn came in handy for many British bespoke car developers reinvent motoring craftsmanship. More so, it helped bring the car brand into the modern age. Rolls Royce Dawn Drophead is quite rare in the market as only three of the initial 28 still exist in the U.S. All three are owned by private collectors. The good news is that the car designer is introducing a successor model after about six decades of hiatus.

  1. Mercedes SL 300 Gullwing

Here is the widely recognized fastest production car after the war era. Mercedes SL 300 Gullwing was unveiled in 1954 as the first direct fuel injection series production car. Unsurprisingly, the Gullwing could travel at a whopping 160mph. Currently, most of the cars have belonged to their original owners since then, and about three-quarter of the initial production still exist. Check Classic Center to view one. Also, you can find them in automotive museums such as Petersen in Los Angeles.

  1. Chevrolet Corvette

Hardly would you find a more collected car in America than the Chevy Corvette. It’s widely considered the most iconic American car ever made among the second generation cars, spanning from 1963 to 1967. If you can meet the ride in person, you could be carried away by how fresh it still looks today. Luckily, they are quite many in the U.S. today. You shouldn’t have much trouble getting one for your garage from auction houses, classic car dealers to automotive websites.

  1. Lamborghini Miura

In 1966, the Miura was unveiled as a sleek mid-engine roadster. It was created to challenge Ferrari with six carburetors and vibrating V-12. Lamborghini Miura is arguably the most beautiful car of its era. The speedster is available at the Lamborghini Club America or Gooding & Co. Also, you can check the general market for the elegant model.

Conclusion

And there you have arguably the finest classic cars of all time. They are not only eye-catching but feature high performance with exciting history. From Ferrari 250 GTO, Chevrolet Camaro, Mclaren F1, Porsche 356, Acura NSX to Lamborghini Miura, none of these cars are less than two decades old. They are vintage rides of sufficient historical interest and worth preserving. Many are roadsters with elegant interior designs, fast wheels, and roaring engines.

In an evening with a gentle wind, take your time to enjoy the thrill and feel associated with vintage rides. If you want, consider stealing the show with your roaring Shelby GT350 or something close. Understandably, some are more difficult to purchase than others, depending on how rare they are. However, if you can manage to check the right place at the right time, you can have a befitting vintage for your garage. It doesn’t get any more classic than the names up there!