Despite the global economic crisis, classic cars are still in high demand, and valuations are rising. According to reports, millennials are driving the market forward and are more likely to purchase these vehicles than their parent’s generation.
The Volkswagen Beetle is one of the most popular classic cars in demand. With over 21 million produced, plenty of these are on the road, and they can be had at affordable prices.
1. 1958 Chevrolet Impala
Forty-three years after making its debut, the 1958 Chevrolet Impala is still in demand. A practical midsized four-door sedan with corporate V-6 power, the Impala remains a popular choice for buyers looking to get more bang for their buck in today’s automotive marketplace.
This particular 1958 Impala is a museum-grade car with all the original factory parts, including air conditioning, tinted glass, and more. It is also very rare to find this model in such good condition.
Originally presented at the 1956 General Motors Motorama show, the Chevrolet Impala was an entirely new design that was only available in two body styles, convertible and sports coupe. They were a hit with consumers, and more than 180,000 Impalas were built in 1958.
2. 1939 Alfa Romeo 8C 2600
One of the most sought-after cars on the market is the 1939 Alfa Romeo 8C 2600. This model has won several major races and is a must-have for anyone who loves the history of racing.
The car was built to win the famous endurance race at Le Mans. Vittorio Jano designed it, and it features a 2.3 L (2336cc) straight-8 engine that is capable of 142 horsepower.
It was a very successful car in its day, winning the 1931 and 1932 Targa Florio endurance races and a number of other races. The bodywork was also streamlined, which made it a very aerodynamic machine.
This particular model was re-bodied by Pinin Farina for the 1938 Le Mans race. It was a slender, fast car with a long wheelbase that wowed the crowd.
3. 1957 Chevrolet Corvette
After two years of struggling with lackluster sales and mediocre performance, the 1957 Corvette was finally on its way to becoming a serious contender in the world of sports cars. Its power was increased from 220 horsepower to 290, and its 0-60 time was doubled over the 1956 model year, making it a true force to be reckoned with.
As Zora Arkus-Duntov and GM continued to develop new ways to enhance the Corvette’s racing image, they also introduced fuel injection. This new system, which GM’s Rochester carburetor division backed up, helped to improve the Corvette’s top-end engine output and overall performance throughout the RPM range.
This 1957 Corvette Fuelie is a well-preserved frame-off restoration combining two-tone Onyx Black paint with Inca Silver side coves. It features a folding soft top, wide whitewall tires, and the correct fuel-injected 283 CI V-8.
4. 1969 Pontiac GTO
Few American muscle cars are as in demand as the 1969 Pontiac GTO. With a unique appearance, strong power, and plenty of options to choose from, this model is a true collector’s dream.
The GTO, a high-volume car that spawned imitators both within GM and from its competitors, helped burnish Pontiac’s image. But competition was ferocious, insurance companies were starting to squeeze the premiums of muscle cars, and emissions mandates started to bite.
The GTO was redesigned in 1968 for its second term to combat these challenges. A revised front end and a blacked-out grille were added, while new hood scoops added an organic look to the exterior. In addition, a special Sport Appearance Package was available, incorporating a different lower fascia, aftermarket mufflers, and quad-chrome exhaust tips. This year also saw a significant redesign of the gauge face, which now used a black background instead of a steel blue one.
5. 1965 Porsche 968
If you’re a long-time Porsche fan, the 968 will be one of your favorites. Despite being one of Porsche’s last front-engine four-cylinder models, it was still a great driving car.
Originally introduced as a replacement for the S2 version of the 944, 80% of the body parts were updated and replaced, which left just enough of the original to make it a standalone model called the 968.
The car had a redesigned front end that looked much like the 928 and a more modern wrap-around bumper that looked flush with the quarter panels. Its pop-up headlights made it feel fresher and more contemporary than the older 944 models.
It was also designed with track-ready equipment in mind, including wider wheels and a more aggressive suspension setup. Its performance was so good that it was named “Performance Car of the Year” in 1993 by United Kingdom-based Performance Car magazine.
6. Suzuki Samurai
When Suzuki first introduced the Samurai in 1986, it was an incredibly popular car. It was known for its lightness, rugged off-road capability, and the fact that it could be easily built up or stripped down as you desired – all of which made it perfect for both amateur and professional off-roaders alike.
It also had a 1.3-liter four-cylinder engine that was capable of delivering 63 horsepower. A 5-speed manual transmission and a part-time four-wheel drive system accompanied this powerplant.
The Samurai gained a bad reputation after Consumer Reports, the magazine arm of Consumers Union, reported that it easily rolled over during a test in which they performed the short course avoidance maneuver (known as the CUSC). This statement was damaging to the company and caused significant damage to the brand.
7. 1960 Cadillac Fleetwood
The 1960 Cadillac Fleetwood is in demand because it is a classic car that was built by one of the oldest and most prestigious coachbuilders. The Fleetwood Body Company was established in the nineteenth century and had a long history of building high-quality automobile bodies.
The GM Fleetwood body was used for many Cadillac models, including the Series 75 Eldorado Brougham and Sixty Special. The Fleetwood name was added to the chassis of some of these cars, but the crest or script was not displayed on the exterior.
Cadillac overhauled its line-up for the 1959 model year, adding a curved rear window to the four-window hardtop sedans and coupes. A dummy grille across the tail and bright window surrounds were added to some more striking Series 62s.
8. 1963 Ferrari Dino
The 1963 Ferrari Dino is one of the most popular classic cars on the market. The mid-engine sports car has a lot going for it, from its performance to its unique design.
Developed by Enzo Ferrari, the Dino was created to compete against the Porsche 911. The V12-powered cars were more expensive than the 911, but they were able to outperform it on both price and performance.
This model, which is still produced today, fetched a record $546,250 at the Mossgreen Collectors’ Cars, Motorcycles, and Automobilia Auction at Lorbek Luxury Cars in Melbourne last November.
Originally built in 1958 as chassis number 0740, this car is one of the first two 206 S models to have a Dino V6 engine. Its design was influenced by ex-Lancia engineer Vittorio Jano, who also supervised the development of the Ferrari V6 engines in Formula One and Formula Two racing.
9. 1970 Land Rover Defender
If you’re looking for a classic car that is in demand, the 1970 Land Rover Defender is an excellent choice. It is a hardy vehicle used in the military for years and features in popular films like Born Free.
The Defender is a four-wheel drive off-roader developed by the Land Rover company in the 1950s. It is a vehicle that is popular with both private and commercial buyers.
As well as being a highly capable off-roader, the Defender is also a great vehicle for hauling large loads. This was one of the reasons that Land Rover decided to offer a long-wheelbase version of the vehicle.
10. 1970 Mazda RX-7
Mazda’s first foray into rotary-engine cars, the RX-7, was a success from the start. It was a cheap, fun, and reliable sports car with just the right balance of sportiness and reliability.
The rotary engine is not easy to work with, as it requires special parts and expertise. It’s also known for being prone to mechanical failure, so expect a big “Vet” bill when you purchase an RX-7.
Despite its flaws, the RX-7 is still popular among collectors today. The car’s fans love its performance and its style, so it is unlikely to disappear from the road anytime soon. It is the perfect example of how Mazda’s rotary engines can be a force for good in the motoring world, as well as a fun and affordable sports car. Whether you’re looking for an investment or a cool vehicle to drive, there’s no better option than a 1970 Mazda RX-7.
Michael C Vang is a passionate blogger. He has been blogging since 2013 on a variety of topics. He is committed to creating informative and engaging content that helps readers learn more about everything.