Any gearhead out there would agree that classic cars are not just cars. They are a piece of history that may bring back memories from yesteryears. They give a snapshot into the technological advancements that have been made in the automotive industry. It is quite understandable that a sizable number of classic cars saw their value go through the roof over time.
Although some of these classic cars were all the rage back then, they would not fare well against modern sports cars. With cars such as the 797 hp Charger Redeye, classics from decades ago simply cannot keep up. Several affordable cars with almost unlimited tuning potential will easily obliterate classic cars that were once perceived as the crème de la crème.
10 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing
Headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany, Mercedes-Benz refocused on manufacturing passenger cars following the end of World War 2. From the ’60s onwards, the German carmaker released one luxurious and sporty vehicle after another. One of them, the 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe, sold at auctions for $142 million. This is the most a classic car has ever fetched at auctions.
The Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing is one of the awesome classic cars gearheads should buy now and keep forever. In fact, an aluminum-bodied 300SL Gullwing in concours condition fetched $4.62 millions at auctions. However, the 3.0-liter inline-six cylinder engine did not age well. With a power output of 222 hp at 5,800 rpm and 202 lb-ft of torque, the 300SL Gullwing is far slower than the 2015 A 45 AMG.
9 1963 Ferrari 250 GTO
Italian carmaker Ferrari was always destined to shine. With cars such as the 195 Inter and the 340 Touring Berlinetta, Ferrari showed that conquering both the track and the country club is doable. Until recently, one of the most expensive cars to ever be sold at auctions was the Ferrari 250 GTO. It is fair to assume that other classic Ferraris will go for more than $70 million in the future.
The Ferrari 250 GTO was a true champion back in its era. Built solely for homologation, the 250 GTO is a race car at heart. Fitted with a 3.0-liter Tipo 168 V12 that develops 296 hp at 7,500 rpm and 216 lb-ft of torque at 7,500 rpm. Though impressive in 1963, these numbers are nothing in comparison to the power developed by the LaFerrari.
8 1963 Maserati 3500 GTi Series
It is not a secret that Italy is home of the most respected car manufacturers on the planet. While some have flourished, others are finding it difficult to stay relevant. After manufacturing outstanding cars during the ’50s and ’60s, Maserati went through several dark phases that could have destroyed the company. However, the name Maserati was already synonymous with luxury and elegance thanks to its past successes.
The gorgeous 3500 GTi looks fierce. Its fully-functional hood scoop provides air to the 3.5-liter inline-six engine that produces 232 hp at 5,500 rpm and 232 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm. These numbers are on par with some of the greatest sports cars of that era. However, compared to the Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale, the 3500 GTi is a snail.
7 1966 Aston Martin DB6 Coupe
Aston Martin is known for its luxurious and sporty cars. Over the last 20 years, the British carmaker has designed some of the most jaw-dropping sports cars. Usually costing north of $200,000, these cars are likely to become classics in years to come. When taking a look back at what Aston Martin produced decades ago, it is quite normal that most of those cars have only appreciated in value.
The ’66 Aston Martin DB6 is one of the British classic cars that will make gearheads want to remortgage their house. With the most recent sale reaching $351,500, the DB6 is far more affordable than other classics of its era but remains out of reach. Most gearheads will never have the chance to try out the 4.0-liter straight-six engine rated at 282 hp at 5,500 rpm and 288 lb-ft of torque at 3,850 rpm. In comparison, the twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 found on the DB11 makes 503 hp and 498 lb-ft of torque.
6 1967 Toyota 2000GT
Japanese cars are rarely mentioned when it comes to classic cars. Aside the Datsun Skyline 2000 GTR, most Japanese classic cars are overlooked by a fair amount of gearheads. However, companies like Toyota have manufactured a plethora of outstanding cars since its inception. Before the emblematic Supra MK4 even became an idea, Toyota was already making cars built to win races.
Produced between 1967 and 1969, the Toyota 2000GT is considered to be the very first sports car made by Toyota. Equipped with a 2.0-liter inline-six engine that develops 148 hp at 6,600 rpm and 129 lb-ft of torque at 5,000 rpm, the 2000GT was a true beast from the east. Though it paved the way for a myriad of amazing Toyota cars, the 2000GT would be annihilated on the strip against the upcoming Toyota GR Corolla.
5 1969 Chevrolet Nova SS
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The late ’60s and early ’70s were the best years for American cars. Several outstanding muscle cars were born. From the Dodge Coronet R/T to the Chevy Corvette, gearheads from that era had plenty to choose from. There was a muscle car for every use and every budget. Some of the low-end muscle cars of that era are in demand and have exploded in value.
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A ’69 Chevy Nova SS may not be as fast and valuable as a Corvette L88 and Camaro ZL1 of the same era, but it is nonetheless an astonishing muscle car. At best, the Nova SS came with a 396 cu in V8 capable of developing 375 hp at 5,600 rpm and 415 lb-ft of torque at 3,600 rpm. Though nothing today could compare to the Nova SS, the 2022 Camaro 2SS comes with a 6.2-liter V8 that produces 455 hp.
4 1970 Mazda Cosmo Sport 110S
Mazda is one Japanese car manufacturer that is known essentially for one car: the RX-7 FD3S. Although it is fair to say the RX-7 is in the top-three when it comes to legendary Japanese machines, Mazda has built a lot of cars that eventually became classics. Over time, these cars have tremendously increased in value. Unfortunately, they did not see their power increase.
Commercialized in the United States as the 110S, the first generation Mazda Cosmo is Mazda’s very first success at designing an instant classic. Fitted with a 983 cc rotary engine, the Cosmo was capable of producing 126 hp at 7,000 rpm and 103 lb-ft of torque at 5,000 rpm. Another legend, the RX-7 FD3S, comes with a twin-turbocharged 1.3-liter rotary unit that makes 238 hp and 218 lb-ft of torque.
3 1972 E-Type Series 3
Classic British sports cars look like they ought to be owned by a stereotypical gentleman. More often than not, these beauties came stock with wood grain finishes and high-quality leather seats. As Jaguar cars simply are not made for the masses, it is normal that older models are made for fictional characters like James Bond.
The Jaguar E-Type Series 3 is of unparalleled elegance. There is no denying that. The greatest part about the E-Type is that it is not all bark. Underneath the hood sits a 5.3-liter V12 that cranks out 250 hp at 6,000 rpm and 283 lb-ft of torque at 3,500 rpm. That is a far cry compared to the 567 hp produced by the supercharged V8 found on the Jaguar F-Type SVR.
2 1981 Pontiac Trans Am SE
Pontiac was once manufacturing terrific muscle cars. Its muscle cars were often compared to some of the greatest sports cars in the world. From the rowdy Firebird to the monstrous GTO The Judge, Pontiac has a couple of emblematic vehicles under its belt. Though the company was eventually shut down, Pontiac will remain to some as the company that once built mean muscle cars.
Released during the Malaise Era, Pontiac tried to maintain the attractiveness of its mighty Trans Am. Consequently, the muscle car was offered with a turbocharged 4.9-liter V8 that developed a meager 205 hp and 340 lb-ft of torque. The last generation Trans Am was equipped with a V8 that produced 275 hp. It is not much more, but it is important to remember that Pontiac was already on life support around that time.
1 1988 BMW M3 E30
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The Bavarian automaker was really showing its teeth during the ’70s and ’80s. Things became much spicier when the incredible M1 was released. Piston heads at the time completely lost their mind when BMW announced the M635CSI. Wanting to maintain its streak of successes, BMW invested more into its M-subsidiary. A couple of years later, a legend was born.
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There are several reasons why every gearhead should drive a BMW M3 E30. It is the very first M3 made by BMW. Meant for the track, the E30 M3 does not include any unnecessary features such as wood grain panels and heated seats. Underneath the hood sits the legendary 2.3-liter S14 inline-four engine. Rated at 197 hp 6,750 rpm and 177 lb-ft of torque, the S14 helped the M3 be a huge commercial success. Years later, BMW released a V8-powered M3 capable of developing 414 hp
