Our Top 10 Favorite Classic Cars
What Makes a Car Classic?
Before we get into the Christian Brothers Automotive list of the best classic cars of all time, we should get something straight: What exactly makes a car classic?
In general, a classic car is an older automobile. Typically 20 years or older, the definition depends on who you talk to. According to most car experts and enthusiasts, the car has to be able to hold the test of time and typically exceeds 20 years in age. In fact, The Antique Automobile Club of America, founded in 1935, defines classic cars are vehicles that are older than 25 years.
Unless you have a specific need to define what a classic car is, either due to insurance or DMV registration, you can consider virtually any car a classic! If it’s classic to you, then you can consider it a classic! With this being said, just know that your personal definition may differ from other car enthusiasts found at local auto shows.
Our Top 10 Favorite Classic Cars
- 1969 Toyota 2000GT
We’re going to start our list with one of the biggest rivals of the European sports car. A sleek, high-performance fastback, this model demonstrated that automakers could produce a sports car to rival the ones coming out of Europe at the time.
Following the trend of “strapping a few seats onto a rocket ship,” this became one of the most significant sports cars ever produced. Today, how this car was created is still a bit of a mystery, but you can learn more about this classic ride by clicking here.
- 1967 Chevy Corvette
Housing the classic stingray body type many car enthusiasts can’t get enough of, it wouldn’t be a classic car list without mentioning this beaut. Truly one of the cleanest body types, it has most trim removed from previous models including the badging on the hood and flags on the fender.
Did you know that this is the first Corvette model to feature the parking brake between the seats?
- 1966 Shelby 427 Cobra
One way that people define a classic car is by establishing its mark on history. Besides being used as racer Carroll Shelby’s personal transportation vehicle, it became the world record holder of becoming one of the most expensive cars to sell at an American auto show for- maybe you should sit down for this one - $5.5 million! This 800-horsepower sports car was only one of the two produced and sure packs a punch. Within three seconds, you can go from 0 to 60 MPH.
- 1964 Aston Martin DB5
If it’s a classic for Bond, it has to be on this list. If you had to label one vehicle Bond used the most throughout the iconic franchise, you’d be lost if you didn’t go with the D85. If you grew up watching any of the Bond films (or even the newer additions), you can see why we are in love with this car. Does every version come with rockets?
- 1969 Boss 429 Mustang
Born out of the need to qualify 500 examples of its new racing engine for NASCAR, this model was met with less than desirable first impressions from Ford fans. Thought of as the long-awaited Mustang competitor to the absolute best of the Corvettes, this was not the case.
Never intended as any kind of drag-racing threat or street dominator like Corvettes at the time, it was simply a way to produce Ford’s new engine. In fact, the body of the mustang had to be changed to fit this massive engine. When you ride around, make sure to roll down the windows – they couldn’t fit in air conditioning due to the engine’s size.
- 1969 Dodge Charger
How could anybody create a list of classic cars and not mention this aerodynamic snake? Hailing fame from The Dukes of Hazard, this Dodge Charger is a thing of beauty whether it’s orange or not. It doesn’t have the fame that most Mustangs have, but the slim body and American style will never lose its appeal.
- 1969 Chevrolet Camaro
Being one of the most famous classic cars, the look, feel, and speed of a Chevrolet Camaro cannot be beat. One of the biggest reasons why we are including it on our list is the fact that the 1969 Chevrolet Camara was the highest volume first-generation Camaro, selling a whopping 243,085 units within its first year. The ’69 Camaro was a true record breaker.
- 1970 Chevrolet El Camino
Even before gaining popularity from being featured as a key player in the hit Breaking Bad TV series, nothing gets more classic than a pristine El Camino. One of the coolest classic cars to this day, it’s muscle car look and needs for speed proves that it deserves to live among the best of the classics.
- 1961 Jaguar E-Type
No matter how you pronounce it, a hot topic that will never cool down, Jaguar has always known how to make a car. The E-Type may be one of the best classic cars ever made. With one of the most responsive engines found on this list, this model proves to be an ideal land cruiser, on and off the track.
If you’ve never seen one in person, we highly recommend changing that as soon as possible. Every angle of the car is absolutely gorgeous and features a classic sports car look that we love.
- Ford Model T
It truly doesn’t get as classic as this. If it weren’t for Henry Ford’s classic Model T, none of these other cars would exist today. A true classic to both car enthusiasts and historians alike, this unit was produced from 1908 to 1927 as practical, affordable transportation for the common man. Due to its low cost at the time, durability, versatility, and ease of maintenance, it became a staple for the American car industry.
In fact, between 1913 and 1927, Ford factories produced more than 15 million Model Ts – and they can still be bought today from various auctions around the world.
Christian Brothers Automotive Classic Car Services
Regardless of if you have any of these gems on our list, or have your own version of a classic car, it’s important to ensure you’re getting it the proper maintenance. From oil changes to tire pressure checks, proper maintenance is as important on older, classic cars as it is in modern vehicles – even more so.
Lucky for you, Christian Brothers Automotive is here to help you ensure your vehicle is working efficiently and safely. From protecting yourself to the others on the road, our experts are dedicated to performing full inspections to understand any issues you may be experiencing while offering reliable and durable solutions that are meant to protect your investment.
If you’re looking for more tips when it comes to maintaining your classic car’s value, check out our blog about classic car maintenance.
Discover why CBA is continually chosen over other auto shops, find your nearest location by clicking here.
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