What Are the Greatest Classic Cars of All Time?
To this day, classic cars still capture the attention of enthusiasts and casual observers alike due to their timeless design, craftsmanship, historical significance, and nostalgic charm.
Unlike modern vehicles that prioritize efficiency and technology, classic cars showcase unique styling, intricate details, and mechanical simplicity that allow for hands-on customization and restoration. These vintage automobiles evoke a sense of history, connecting drivers to bygone eras.
Classic cars are more than just modes of transportation—they are statements of personality and culture. But which cars can be considered some of the greatest classics of all time? Here we will cover some of the contenders for that title.
What Makes a Classic Car Great?
Of course, it goes without saying that this topic is subjective, and everyone will have different opinions on it. This is especially true if you are an enthusiast or a collector. But there are certain factors that are common among the classic cars that are considered the “greatest”. This is usually a combination of design and aesthetics, performance and engineering, and cultural impact. Here’s how each quality contributes to a car’s legendary status:
1. Design and Aesthetics
A classic car must have a timeless and iconic design that captures the essence of its era. At the same time, it must remain visually-striking even decades later. For example, cars like the 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air and the Jaguar E-Type are celebrated for their sleek lines, chrome detailing, and elegant curves that continue to inspire modern automotive design.
The best classic cars are instantly recognizable. They exude a sense of craftsmanship that makes them as much works of art as they are vehicles.
2. Performance and Engineering
Beyond their looks, great classic cars were often groundbreaking in terms of performance and engineering. The Porsche 911, for instance, set new standards for handling and speed, becoming one of the most enduring sports cars in history. Similarly, the 1967 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 combined muscle car power with innovative aerodynamics, influencing generations of performance vehicles. A great classic car isn't just beautiful—it delivers a driving experience that was ahead of its time.
3. Cultural Impact and Legacy
On top of how they look and feel, the truly legendary classic cars are the ones that managed to leave an imprint on popular culture and automotive history.
Whether through films, music, or motorsports, these cars become symbols of freedom, rebellion, or luxury. The DeLorean DMC-12 gained eternal fame in Back to the Future, while the Volkswagen Beetle became an icon of the counterculture movement. A classic car’s legacy is measured not only by its desirability among collectors but also by the emotions and nostalgia it evokes across generations.
With these factors in mind, let’s take a look at the classic cars that are considered some of the greatest ever to be produced.
Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic (1936–1938)
The Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic is often considered one of the most iconic and visually striking classic cars ever built. Designed by Jean Bugatti, this masterpiece features flowing, aerodynamic bodywork with a distinctive dorsal seam running along its length, giving it a futuristic and almost sculptural look.
Its handcrafted aluminum body and riveted spine was inspired by aircraft design. This is what set it apart from anything else on the road at the time.
Under the hood, the 57SC Atlantic was powered by a supercharged 3.3-liter inline-eight engine, producing around 200 horsepower—an impressive figure for its era. It was also one of the fastest cars of its time, thanks to its lightweight construction and advanced engineering. This classic car could reach speeds of over 120 mph.
Beyond its performance, the Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic is legendary for its extreme rarity and exclusivity. Only four were ever built, and just three are known to survive today, making them some of the most valuable cars in the world.
One example, once owned by fashion designer Ralph Lauren, is often displayed at prestigious concours events, where it continues to captivate enthusiasts with its elegance and historical significance. The car’s blend of art deco styling, racing pedigree, and cutting-edge innovation solidifies its status as one of the greatest classic cars of all time.
Jaguar E-Type (1961–1975)
Described by Enzo Ferrari as "the most beautiful car ever made”, the Jaguar E-Type combined stunning design with impressive performance. Produced from 1961 to 1975, the E-Type featured a long hood and a sleek, aerodynamic design that exuded both elegance and performance.
In terms of performance, it was a revolutionary sports car that combined performance with affordability compared to its competitors. It had a 3.8L (later 4.2L) inline-six engine that could propel the car to speeds of over 150 mph. This was an astonishing feat for its time.
Beyond its striking looks, the E-Type also featured a monocoque construction, independent rear suspension, and disc brakes on all four wheels—technological advancements that made it handle as well as it looked.
The car was available in coupe and roadster variants, later evolving into the more powerful V12-powered Series 3. Whether on the track or the open road, the Jaguar E-Type delivered a thrilling driving experience, making it a timeless icon in automotive history.
Porsche 911 (1964–present)
Few cars have maintained their core identity as successfully as the Porsche 911. Introduced in 1964, this iconic sports car has remained a benchmark for performance and innovation for over six decades. This is all thanks to its signature rear-engine layout, sleek design, and unparalleled driving dynamics
Originally conceived as a more powerful successor to the Porsche 356, the first-generation 911 featured a 2.0-liter flat-six engine, producing 130 horsepower—an impressive figure for its time. But what sets the Porsche 911 apart is its versatility: whether on the track, the highway, or winding back roads, it delivers an exhilarating driving experience.
Enthusiasts admire its perfect balance of performance, reliability, and everyday usability, making it unique among high-performance sports cars. The 911 has also had a profound influence on motorsports, dominating races such as the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Monte Carlo Rally.
Over the years, Porsche has continuously refined the model while preserving its classic silhouette. From air-cooled models of the early years to the advanced, turbocharged variants of today, the 911’s evolution is a testament to Porsche’s commitment to both heritage and cutting-edge technology.
Through all these changes, the Porsche 911 has managed to stay as a symbol of precision engineering.
Chevrolet Corvette Stingray (1963–1967)
The second-generation Chevrolet Corvette, known as the Stingray, introduced a radical new design with sharp lines, hidden headlights, and—in 1963 only—a split rear window.
Introduced in 1963, the second-generation Corvette (C2) brought a revolutionary, aerodynamic design inspired by GM’s concept cars. The split-window coupe of the 1963 model, in particular, remains one of the most sought-after collector’s cars due to its distinctive rear window design.
The Stingray offered a range of powerful V8 engines, including the legendary 427 cubic-inch big-block, which produced up to 435 horsepower in later models. It offered enthusiasts a ride that was both thrilling and refined, thanks to its lightweight chassis and independent rear suspension. It’s easy to see why it was such a dominant force on the track.
Beyond performance, the Corvette Stingray managed to set new standards for American sports cars, capturing the imagination of aficionados with its innovative features. The sharp, sculpted lines, hidden headlights, and fastback roof gave it a futuristic look that still turns heads today.
In fact, well-preserved examples fetch top dollar at auctions. If you ask classic car enthusiasts what their dream car is, many would say the Chevrolet Corvette Stingray.
Ford Mustang (1964–1973)
The Ford Mustang revolutionized the American car industry by creating the pony car segment—affordable, stylish, and performance-oriented vehicles aimed at younger buyers. Its sleek design, wide range of customization options, and powerful V8 engine choices made it an instant hit, selling over a million units within its first two years.
The first-generation Mustang evolved over the years, with notable models such as the 1965 Shelby GT350, the 1969 Boss 429, and the 1971 Mach 1, each pushing performance and style to new levels.
Beyond its performance and aesthetics, the Mustang became a cultural icon, appearing in popular films like Bullitt (1968) and Gone in 60 Seconds (1974).
The car symbolized freedom, speed, and rebellion. This is why it resonated deeply with car enthusiasts and casual drivers alike. Even today, the first-generation Mustang remains highly sought after by collectors. Well-preserved or restored models command unbelievable prices at auctions.
Its lasting legacy is evident in modern Mustangs, which still carry design cues and performance elements inspired by the original. With its combination of groundbreaking design, powerful engines, and cultural impact, the 1964–1973 Ford Mustang solidified its place as one of the greatest classic cars of all time.
Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing (1954–1957)
In the 1950s, the Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing was considered one of the most striking and technologically advanced cars. And it was truly ahead of its time, featuring distinctive upward-opening doors, a lightweight tubular frame, and a fuel-injected 3.0-liter straight-six engine.
It was the fastest production car of its era, capable of speeds exceeding 160 mph. Originally inspired by Mercedes' Le Mans-winning race cars, the Gullwing remains a symbol of engineering excellence and timeless design.
Ferrari 250 GTO (1962–1964)
Considered by many as the greatest Ferrari ever built, the 250 GTO was a purpose-built racing car that also happened to be stunningly beautiful.
Its 3.0-liter V12 engine produced around 300 horsepower, allowing it to dominate endurance racing in the early 1960s. Plus, with only 36 units produced, the 250 GTO is one of the most valuable cars in the world. It often sells for over $50 million at auctions. Many consider this to be the holy grail of classic Ferraris.
Dodge Charger (1968–1970)
Last but not the least, the late-1960s Dodge Charger is one of the most recognizable muscle cars of all time, thanks to its aggressive styling, hidden headlights, and wide stance. Equipped with a range of powerful V8 engines, including the legendary 426 HEMI, the Charger was a true street beast.
It gained further fame as the car of choice in movies and TV shows like Bullitt and The Dukes of Hazzard. The combination of muscle car performance and Hollywood stardom cemented its place in automotive history.
Work with Classic Car Deals to Find the Best Classic Cars for Sale
Keep in mind that there are many classic cars out there that could be considered among the greatest automobiles ever produced. From the elegance of pre-war automobiles to the muscle car dominance of the late ‘60s, each era brought something unique to the table.
At the end of the day, if you want one for yourself, it will all depend on your personal preferences and priorities. In the vast world of classic cars, there are countless others that deserve recognition, and this list should make for an excellent starting point in your quest for the ideal car.
For those who want one of these rolling works of art, there are several options available. There are classic cars for sale that are available through auctions or online marketplaces. But you can also work with the world’s largest online consignment company. Choose Classic Car Deals.
Located in Cadillac, Michigan, Classic Car Deals offers the widest array of classic cars (and trucks) that are available via consignment. They have consignment vehicles all over the US, so their team can help you find your ideal classic car depending on your needs and preferences.
You can visit their showroom to see all the vintage vehicles they personally have in stock at their headquarters. Alternatively, you can go to their website to view all the classic cars for sale online.
Call Classic Car Deals once you’ve found your ideal classic car to double check on the location. They provide an easy and hassle-free way for you to shop classic cars for sale nationwide, offering the widest selection of vintage, exotic, and collectible cars and pickup trucks.
Your first step to buying your dream car is to contact one of their reps today. Visit their Consignment page today for more details.
*While every reasonable effort is made to ensure the accuracy of this information, we are not responsible for any errors or omissions contained on these pages. Please verify any information in question with Dealer.