Do you gaze longingly at classic cars when they rumble past? Do you wish you could get behind the wheel of some automotive history? If so, you're not alone. Plenty of collectors would love to add certain vintage vehicles to their garages.
But why do some rides capture the imagination decade after decade? What makes them so unique? And most importantly, which ones would you covet over any other?
These Six Coveted Classics Have Stood The Test of Time
After combing through endless enthusiast debates and auction results, a few undying favourites emerge. These six vintage cars continue to quicken pulses and loosen purse strings.
Let's pop the hood and explore what fuels the enduring appeal of these timeless classics. Discover why these six vintage cars earned a permanent place in gearhead dreams.
1. The Sleek Stingray - 1963 Corvette Split Window Coupe
In 1953, Chevrolet unveiled a sporty two-seater unlike anything else on the road. And ten years later, they perfected the formula with the second-generation Corvette.
The 1963 Split Window Coupe retains the model's signature good looks in a lighter, faster package. Only one year of production makes it extra exclusive, too. Just how special is it? A cherry red example recently smashed auction records, selling for over $3 million!
With graceful lines wrapped around a V8 heart, this Vette rightfully belongs on any enthusiast’s wish list.
2. The Mean Machine - 1968 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500KR
In the 1960s, Carroll Shelby took Ford’s new Mustang to the next level by cramming it full of power. The resulting GT350 and GT500 went down as muscle car royalty. And in 1968, the King of the Road model reigned supreme.
With a fire-breathing 428 Cobra Jet V8 stuffed under that iconic fastback body, the GT500KR played a blistering performance. Some clever suspension tweaks made it handle better than most brute muscle machines.
Of all the legendary Shelby Mustangs, the 1968 GT500KR stands at the top as the most wicked. Good luck finding one, though! Ford made less than 1000 that year.
3. The Italian Stallion - 1973 Ferrari Dino 246 GTS
Since the 1940s, Ferrari has built its reputation on crafting high-performance machines in limited numbers. Nowhere was that truer than with the 1960s and '70s Dino series.
The 1973 Dino 246 GTS perfected the formula. Its jewel-like Pininfarina bodywork encased a race-bred V6. Only 3,800 emerged from the Maranello factory before the model ended in 1974. The last 273 GTS Spiders are most prized for their torquey engine and rear roof section.
For many enthusiasts, the Dino 246 GTS remains the most gorgeous Ferrari road car ever. It's a prime pick for discerning collectors.
4. The British Beauty - 1964 Aston Martin DB5
By the early 1960s, Aston Martin had evolved the DB series into an icon of elegance and performance. Then along came a secret agent named Bond to rocket it to fame.
When Sean Connery slid behind the wheel as James Bond in 1964's Goldfinger, the Aston Martin DB5 became immortal. But even without the star turn, this model's perfect proportions, powerful inline-six, and bespoke details make it alluring.
While DB5 will likely top seven figures on the auction block, Bond cars command the biggest bucks. In 2019, one sold for a jaw-dropping $6.4 million!
5.The Porsche Icon - 1973 911 Carrera RS
Over decades of making sports cars, Porsche has refined the 911 into an icon. Within that evolution, the 1973 Carrera RS stands out as extra legendary.
Why is it so significant? It was Porsche's first production to adopt design cues from racing models like the 917K—things like a ducktail spoiler and lightweight materials shaved weight for better road manners. Plus, only 500 or so original RS cars exist.
For many Porsche files, the purity and rarity of this 911 make it a holy grail choice over any other model. Plan on paying a princely sum for one, too!
6. The Ultimate Drop-Top - 1956-1957 Continental Mark II
Some collectors seek out high-revving racers, but others prefer unrestrained luxury - albeit with some power. That best defines the short-lived Continental Mark II.
Conceived as a successor to the 1940s Lincoln Continental that ferried General Eisenhower during WWII, the Mark II oozed opulence.
At over 19 feet long, this land yacht stretched far longer than a Caddy of the era. Plus, it came loaded with killer details like a self-lowering rear suspension and a jewelled fuel filler cap.
But make no mistake; a beefy V8 still provided enough hustle to shame most boulevard cruisers.
Rarity also drives the desire for these Continentals. Ford's newly created Continental Division only managed to produce 400 units per year before slipping into history.
Start Building Your Classic Car Collection
We all have our automotive tastes and budgets. But the enduring allure of classics like these transcends subjectivity. Each represents a pivotal point in car history, shaping today's vehicles. They whisper tales of past glories and continued progress.
As long as the siren song of engine notes, the scent of leather and the sparkle of chrome stir souls, these six vintage cars will remain at the top of gearhead wish lists for decades.
You may even take the plunge into ownership one day. Just be sure to find room in your garage next to that ideally kept '65 Mustang you've had since high school!
