The Top 22 Classic Sports Cars of All Time - Next Luxury (2024)

Have you heard the common phrase, “I don’t care what car I drive as long as it gets me where I need to travel?” Well, the people who say this are likely liars, as few truly mean that they don’t care about the vehicle they drive.

Since the beginning of the automobile, there have been hundreds of thousands of models sold. Yet, it’s true that although there are many valuable sports cars throughout motor vehicle history, there are many that don’t deserve the love and attention they gain. So it does make some sense that many car enthusiasts would turn a blind eye to certain makes and models.

Although many vehicles have been lost in history, quite a few have managed to remain current because of their iconic nature. On our list, we will have a closer look at the top 22 classic sports cars that deserve our attention and the rabid love and enthusiasm they provoke.

1. Pontiac Firebird

One of America’s greatest pony cars was the Pontiac Firebird. This American muscle car was manufactured by Pontiac from 1967 until 2002 and was originally designed to compete with the Ford Mustang vehicles. The Pontiac Firebird immediately impressed car enthusiasts because of its luxurious features and powerful engine lineup.

During its production, there were thousands of Pontiac Models produced as they were immensely popular. Yet, one of the rarest and most sought-after models is the 1969 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am Convertible. It’s believed that this model is even rarer than the Hemi Cuda convertible. Only eight were manufactured, and it is estimated that one of these vehicles is worth $1 million.

The 1969 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am convertible was equipped with a Ram Air III engine and it was a rear-wheel-drive with a four-speed manual gearbox. This engine had a horsepower rating of 345 at 5,500 rpm. Additionally, it could reach 60 mph in 6.5 seconds, and it had a top speed of 116 mph.

2. Ford Mustang Shelby

In 2020 a 1965 Ford Mustang Shelby sold for an astronomical amount of $3.85 million. Previously the Steve McQueen Mustang from the Bullitt movie was known as the most expensive, but the Mustang Shelby surpassed it. These models were not built to provide a comfortable driving experience. Instead, they were specifically engineered for racing according to SCCA rules.

The Ford Mustang Shelby is a vintage car that was manufactured from 1965 until 1967 by Shelby American and the Ford Motor company from 1968 until 1970. Interestingly this model was revived in 2005 for the fifth generation Ford Mustang, and in 2021 it has made an appearance again.

The 1965 Ford Mustang Shelby GT 350 models were often called “cobras,” They came in three different body styles: the fastback, hardtop, and convertible. The 1965 Ford Mustang Shelby GT 350 was equipped with a 4.7-liter Windsor K-Code V8 engine that could produce a horsepower rating of 306 at 6,000 rpm and 329 lb-ft.

3. Dodge Charger

The Dodge Charger has impressively been in production since 1966, with there seemingly being no plans to discontinue this legendary classic car. Interestingly the Dodge Charger has had a variety of body types over the years that have included full-size sedans, muscle cars, subcompact hatchbacks, and personal luxury coupes.

It might be surprising to learn, but the first Dodge Charger didn’t impress car enthusiasts when it was introduced as an iconic concept car in 1946. It took 20 years before the first model was released in 1966. Yet, the Dodge Charger model only became immensely popular after a 1969 Dodge Charger made multiple appearances on the series The Dukes of Hazzard.

The first 1966 Dodge Charger models had a two-door fastback body. They were equipped with a 6.3-liter SOHC naturally aspirated V8 engine capable of producing a horsepower rating of 325 and 42 lb-ft. This model had a top speed of 121 mph and could reach 62 mph in around 10 seconds.

4. Jaguar E-Type

The Jaguar E Type became an international icon when it spurred industry-wide changes. This British sports car was in production from 1961 to 1975. It featured unitary construction, independent front and rear suspension, disc brakes, and rack and pinion steering.

In 2004 the renowned Sports Car International magazine included the Jaguar E-Type on their “Top Sports Cars of the 1960s” list. Since it is well recognized as one of the most beautiful vintage cars of the 1960s, it is unsurprising that it has featured in a comic book series titled Diabolik, a TV series called Mad Men, and the popular Austin Powers films.

The roadster and coupe models of the Jaguar E Type are considered to be perfection by many. In fact, it was rumored that in 1961 Enzo Ferrari described the Jaguar E Type as the most beautiful car in the world. The 1961 Jaguar E Type had an incredibly impressive top speed of 150 mph and was able to reach the 60 mph threshold in approximately seven seconds.

5. Chevrolet Corvette

One of the longest-running vehicle models that is still in production is the Chevrolet Corvette, and it all began with the first generation 1953 C1. For more than 60 years, the Chevrolet Corvette has been a staple car in the American automobile market.

The classic 1953 Chevrolet Corvette is a classic car that deserves the hype it receives. This model has allowed future generations of the Corvette to be recognized as being different versions of “America’s sports car.” It’s undeniable that the 1953 Chevrolet Corvette became known in automotive history as the most successful concept car in automotive history and the most popular sports car in American history.

This 1953 classic car was equipped with a “Blue Flame” inline six-cylinder 3.9-liter engine capable of producing a horsepower rating of 150. Additionally, the 1953 Chevrolet Corvette had a top speed of 108 mph, and it could reach 60 mph in 11.2 seconds.

6. Chevrolet El Caminos

The Chevrolet El Camino is one of the most unique classic cars on our list because of its pickup truck meets muscle car appearance. This model was manufactured from 1959 until 1960 and again from 1964 until 1987.The Chevrolet El Camino models were classified as coupe utility vehicles. Unlike a standard pickup truck, they were ingeniously adapted from a standard two-door Chevrolet station wagon model.

Interestingly Hot Rod magazine did a test on a Chevrolet El Camino model that was equipped with a powerful powertrain in 1959. The model featured a 348 V8 engine that was mated to a four-speed transmission that could produce a horsepower rating of 315. The Hot Rod magazine test results concluded that the El Camino could reach 60 mph in approximately seven seconds, and it had an estimated top speed of 130 mph.

7. 1975 Chevrolet Camaro

Another American pony car that managed to attain legendary status was the 1975 Chevrolet Camaro. The 1975 Chevrolet Camaro was an instant success because of its improved appearance. This model was specifically designed and engineered to be lower and wider and featured much more sophisticated styling than its predecessors.

There was only a fastback coupe option available for the 1975 Chevrolet Camaro, but it featured six engine options, with the standard option being a 250 CID inline six-cylinder engine. The 1975 model had a spectacular wrap-around rear window which allowed better vision capabilities for drivers. Additionally, it came in a few different trim levels, with the LT and Rally Sports trims being the most popular.

According to data, it is believed that there were approximately 141,629 1975 Chevrolet Camaros produced. With the standard engine equipped, the 1975 Chevrolet Camaro could produce a horsepower rating of 105. Additionally, this model could reach 60 mph in 10.9 seconds, and it had an impressive top speed of 118 mph.

8. Austin Healey

One of the greatest British sports cars of the 1950s with one of the best chassis was the Austin Healey models. Yet, despite its notoriety, many don’t know that an Austin Healey model set several land speed records in 1953 at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah, in the United States.

The 1951 Austin Healey vehicles came in four different models. These models included the luxurious Abbott drophead and the Tickford Saloon, which were both powered by a 2.4-liter engine. Besides setting record-breaking speeds in 1953, an Austin Healey 100 also won the title of “International Motor Show Car” in New York.

14,600 Austin Healey 100 models were produced in approximately three years, and less than 10% were manufactured to be right-hand drive. Additionally, original UK registered models are incredibly rare as only 3.5% of Austin Healey 100 models were sold as “home market” vehicles.

9. Plymouth Barracuda

As the sports car market was expanding, Plymouth scrambled to design a classic sports car that would be powerful yet affordable while being able to compete with the other pony cars that were arising. This led to the Plymouth Barracuda being created, and since they beat Ford to the punch, this model is recognized as being the first pony car ever manufactured.

In addition to being the first pony car, the Plymouth Barracuda is one of the most recognizable American pony cars that was introduced in the 1960s. Interestingly, the first Barracuda models were targeted towards all ages and interests, which is why many found this vehicle model to be attractive. In 1964 there were 24,552 Plymouth Barracuda models manufactured, and the model itself was manufactured until 1974.

The Plymouth barracuda models have been race cars in real life and have featured as such on multiple movies and television shows. The 1964 Plymouth Barracuda was equipped with a 170 cubic inch slant six engine that could produce a horsepower rating of 145. Additionally, this model had a top speed of 155 mph.

10. Triumph Spitfire

Another renowned British vehicle that has earned its place in automotive history is the Triumph Spitfire. This model’s name is derived from the World War Two fighter pilot of the same name.

This rear-wheel-drive front-engined car was manufactured from 1962 until 1980 and was designed by Italian designer Giovanni Michelotti. During its 18 years in production, approximately 315,000 units of this convertible sports car were manufactured.

The Triumph Spitfire models were incredibly popular in rally and street racing, and they won many SCCA National Sports Championships in the F and G production classes. Additionally, this model won the Tour de France Rally and the Geneva Rally in 1964, and in 1965 it won the Alpine Rally in its class.

The first Triumph Spitfire 1962 models were equipped with a 1.1-liter four-cylinder engine with a top speed of 92 mph. Additionally, this model could reach 60 mph in 16.4 seconds.

11. Lotus Esprit

One of the most exotic and iconic sports cars from the 1970s is the Lotus Esprit. Since it has limited production numbers, this vehicle is uber-exclusive, with many trying to get their hands on a few of the more popular Esprit models. It is believed that only 11,000 were manufactured for the global market.

Since the Lotus Esprit featured a unique design, it remained in production until 2004. Essentially, unlike other models at the time, the Esprit was radical with what was noted as a “folded paper” front end. Like other great sports cars, the Esprit featured in one of the best James Bond movies titled The Spy Who Loved Me.

One of the most popular Esprit models was the 1976 Lotus Esprit S. This model featured a powerful 2.0-liter four-cylinder mid-mounted engine with a horsepower rating of 156. It had a top speed of 124 mph and could reach 60 mph in 8.1 seconds.

12. Volkswagen Karmann Ghia

One of the most affordable classic cars a collector can purchase is a Volkswagen Karmann Ghia model. Not only are the Karmann Ghia models beautiful, but they are also incredibly affordable to maintain and run.

When this model was first introduced in 1955, the public and the automotive world instantly fell in love with it because of its gorgeous design. However, many were less than impressed with its performance capabilities, but its looks and affordability balanced it out. From 1955 to 1974 there were an astonishing 445,238 units produced.

The 1955 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia, one of the more sought-after models, featured a 1.2-liter naturally aspirated engine capable of a maximum horsepower rating of 39 and possessed 67 lb-ft. Additionally, this model had a top speed of 93 mph.

13. 1950 Mercury Monterey Hardtop

Another rare classic car on our list that deserves attention is the 1950 Mercury Monterey hardtop. It is believed that only 800 of these models were ever produced, which has made them immensely popular whenever one enters the market.

The 1950 Mercury Monterey hardtop was a part of the Mercury Eight series and was only manufactured from 1950 until 1952 when a newer model was released. The 1950 Mercury Monterey hardtop was a high-end two-door couple that featured either vinyl or canvas hardtop covering.

This model was a rear-wheel-drive that featured a manual three-speed gearbox. It had a top speed of 83 mph and could reach 60 mph in 18.4 seconds.

14. Lancia Stratos HF Stradale

The history surrounding the Lancia Stratos HF Stradale is tumultuous, with the model needing to overcome many obstacles and challenges. Yet, despite this, the Lancia Stratos HF Stradale became a model many sought to possess.

This car is both a sports car and a rally car and went on to win many competitions. For example, it won the World Rally Championship in 1974, 1975, and 1976 and it won the Tour de Franc Automobile five times.

Only 492 Lancia Stratos HF Stradale’s were manufactured from 1973 until 1978. The very first 1973 Lancia Stratos HF Stradale had a horsepower rating of 193, and it possessed 166 lb-ft. Additionally, it had a top speed of 143 mph and could reach 60 mph in 6.5 seconds.

15. Lamborghini Miura

The Lamborghini Miura is commonly known in automotive circles as the world’s first supercar. When it was introduced in 1966 at the Geneva auto show, it quickly gained notoriety because of its muscular lines and mid-mounted engine placement that had never been seen before on a road car.

From 1966 to 1973, there were only 764 Lamborghini Miuras produced, and when the Miura was first released, it was the fastest supercar in production. Interestingly, this vehicle gained the attention of car enthusiasts throughout the world when it was chosen for the opening scene in the famous film The Italian Job.

The 1966 Lamborghini Miura P400 remains one of the most sought-after because of its incredibly unique design and impressive performance capabilities. This model had a 4.0-liter V12 four-stroke engine that possessed a horsepower rating of 350. In addition to the impressive horsepower rating, the Miura P400 had a top speed of 163 mph.

16. 1971 AMC Hornet

Gearheads around the world rejoiced when the 1971 AMC Hornet was released. Among the many old cars considered classic muscle cars, the AMC Hornet might not immediately come to mind. Yet, this vehicle earned the muscle car designation with its powerful engine and masculine style.

The 1971 AMC Hornet was an affordable American muscle car to buy, and it was also affordable to insure, which is why many people in the 1970s were drawn to it. The 1971 AMC Hornet had a two-door sedan body type, and it was a rear-wheel-drive with a manual three-speed gearbox.

Unlike its competition, this affordable American Muscle car had a top speed of 114 mph and could reach 60 mph in 6.6 seconds. In addition to this, it had a horsepower rating of 245, and it possessed 365 lb-ft.

17. 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO

As is the case with many Ferrari vehicles, the 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO has become a model that is sought after by collectors. There were only 36 250 GTO models produced between 1962 and 1964, and sales of this model in recent years have repeatedly set price records.

Interestingly, the Ferrari 250 GTO model was placed eighth on the “Top Sports Cars of the 1960s” list by Sports Car International in 2004. It was also placed on the impressive list of “Greatest Ferraris of All Time” by Motor Trend Classic.

The 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO had a maximum horsepower rating of 300 at 7,000 rpm and an incredible top speed of 174 mph. This model was equipped with Ferrari’s Tipo 168/62 Colombo V12 engine, which is why it performed well and to the satisfaction of rabid Ferrari fans.

18. Porsche 356 Speedster

The Porsche 356 Speedster was primarily aimed at the Californian market, but it soon became a popular race car. This model quickly became a success because of its aesthetically pleasing two-seater simple yet elegant design. Not only was it popular amongst the general populace but also amongst celebrities such as James Dean.

In general, the Porsche 365 Speedster models are commonly seen as the most desirable models out of all the 356 Series Porsche’s. The 1955 to 1958 Porsche 356a speedster models are the most famous. These models developed a cult following because of their popularity in the Californian market.

Additionally, the Speedster models had a four-speed transmission with a horsepower rating of 60. They could reach a top speed of 99 mph and could reach 60 mph in 15.3 seconds.

19. 1972 Nissan Skyline GT-R Hakosuka

The famed Nissan Skyline models wouldn’t exist if not for the 1972 Nissan Skyline GT-R Hakosuka. This model was the first Nissan to have the GT-R designation, and these models are rare and sought after, with original models selling for six figures.

The 1972 Nissan Skyline GT-R Hakosuka was built to win races, and it was supremely successful. This model’s prowess allowed it to win 49 consecutive touring car wins, which is why it’s often recognized as one of the greatest dominating classic competitive cars in Japanese motorsport history.

The 1972 Nissan Skyline Hakosuka was equipped with an impressive 2.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with double overhead cams, a crossflow cylinder head, triple side-draft carburetors, and hemispherical combustion chambers. These performance specs allowed this vehicle to reach a horsepower rating of 160 at 7,000 rpm and possess 131 lb-ft at 5,600 rpm.

20. 1980 BMW M1

Although the 1980 BMW M1 is one of the best supercars ever produced, vehicle enthusiasts sadly commonly forget it exists. Many believe the 1980 BMW M1 to be one of the brand’s greatest cars, and it is the brand’s first mid-engine car that was mass-produced.

The 1980 BMW M1 was a performance-orientated car that was an automotive technological innovation during the 1970s. There were only 460 models built, making it a sought-after vehicle to this day. It had a sporty aesthetic which was complemented by its impressive performance capabilities.

The 1980 BMW M1 was equipped with a 3.4-liter six-cylinder engine that could produce a max horsepower rating of 277, and it had a top speed of approximately 164 mph. Additionally, this model had a fiberglass body and chassis that was manufactured by the renowned Italian firm Italiana Resina which was situated in Moderna, Italy.

21. Lamborghini Countach

In supercar history, there is perhaps no vehicle as well known as the Lamborghini Countach. This Lamborghini model is arguably one of the most exotic designs ever created by Italian designer house Bertone. In addition to this, the Lamborghini Countach was one of the last models ever built under the control of the brand’s founder Ferruccio Lamborghini.

The Lamborghini Countach popularized the angled “Italian Wedge” shape, and although the concept car debuted in 1971, it wasn’t until 1974 that the Lamborghini Countach LP400 went into production.

The Lamborghini Countach models were manufactured until 1990, and during this time, 2,000 units were produced. The 1974 LP400 supercar was equipped with an incredibly powerful V12 engine and had a cab-forward layout and iconic scissor doors. Additionally, this model had a top speed of 170 mph and could reach 60 mph in approximately 5.6 seconds.

22. Porsche 911

Arguably, one of the most successful competition cars in automobile history is the Porsche 911. This model has been extensively raced by factory and private teams and has won many prestigious race events. For example, the Porsche 911 Carrera RSR won the 24 Hours of Daytona and Targa Florio world championship race events in the mid-1970s.

The Porsche 911 is one of the rare vehicles that has managed to remain in production continuously, and its one-millionth unit was manufactured in 2017, and it remains in the company’s private collection.

The 1964 Porsche 911 model is what began this model’s success because of its ingenious design features and luxurious appearance. This model was equipped with a rear-mounted flat-six air-cooled engine, and it had torsion bar suspension.

Interestingly, the Porsche 911 was originally known as the Porsche 901, and 82 units were manufactured. The name change occurred due to protests from Peugeot, who stated they had full rights to vehicle model names with three numbers with a zero in the middle.