Special Report

The World's 20 Greatest Classic Cars

autohistorian / Flickr

Of all the hobbies a person might pursue, some, knitting or gardening, are relatively financially accessible to most people. On the other hand, there are hobbies which are only open to the world’s wealthiest. Accumulating a large collection of classic cars is one such pastime.

Clothing designer Ralph Lauren has a huge collection. Former late-night TV host Jay Leno also owns 181 classic cars and 160 classic motorcycles. The collection has been valued at over $50 million. According to reports, Leno owns two models of the world’s greatest classic car, the Lamborghini Miura.

These collections often require parking areas as big as airport hangers, but car collectors like to show off what they own. There are classic car shows all around the country, and they are also common in other nations. (These are the most outrageous car collections in the world.)

The recently released Classic Car Report from insurance comparison website Confused.com aimed to find the most “in-demand” classic cars and their dollar values. The research used these yardsticks to evaluate each model: annual Google searches; rarity, that is, the number of each model available in the world; the current average value; the increase from original value; and the recent value increase from May 2019. 

These metrics were used to create a score, with 10 as the highest possible number. The study included 200 classic car models. Information also was pulled from various sources, including Car and Classic. Prices came from Hagerty’s valuation tool. 24/7 Wall St. reviewed the report to find the world’s greatest classic car. (These are the most expensive cars in America.)

The Lamborghini Miura topped the list with a score of 8.58. It was produced from 1966 until 1973. The car is powered by a 3,929 cc Lamborghini V12. The two-door vehicle has a rear mid-engine setup and a top speed of 171 miles per hour. Its value has improved by 1,500% to about $1.8 million since it was first produced. Only 764 Miuras were made. The study’s authors noted: “It was the fastest production road car in the world when it was released and scored highly across the board here.”

These are the 20 greatest classic cars in the world

20. Ferrari 308
> Classic car score: 5.64
> Number produced:6,116
> Value:$254,316

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Source: leekris / iStock Editorial via Getty Images

19. Porsche 550
> Classic car score: 5.89
> Number produced: 90
> Value:$4,928,613

Source: Alistair McLellan / iStock Editorial via Getty Images

18. Jaguar D-Type
> Classic car score: 6.22
> Number produced:16
> Value:$8,871,504

Source: Gaschwald / iStock Editorial via Getty Images

17. Ferrari Testarossa
> Classic car score: 6.25
> Number produced:929
> Value:$285,860

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Source: Sjo / iStock Unreleased via Getty Images

16. Ferrari 512 BB
> Classic car score: 6.25
> Number produced:7,177
> Value:$237,559

Source: simonbradfield / iStock Unreleased via Getty Images

15. Aston Martin DB5
> Classic car score: 6.51
> Number produced:1,059
> Value:$1,084,295

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14. Mercedes-Benz 300 SL
> Classic car score: 6.58
> Number produced:3,258
> Value:$7,392,920

13. BMW M1
> Classic car score: 6.65
> Number produced:453
> Value:$645,648

Source: ehughes / iStock Unreleased via Getty Images

12. Toyota 2000 GT
> Classic car score: 6.66
> Number produced:337
> Value:$842,793

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Source: DarthArt / iStock Editorial via Getty Images

11. Nissan Skyline GT-R
> Classic car score: 6.69
> Number produced:67,300
> Value:$293,745

Source: Bim / iStock Unreleased via Getty Images

10. Jaguar E-Type
> Classic car score: 6.69
> Number produced:1,268
> Value:$113,358

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9. Plymouth Superbird
> Classic car score: 6.98
> Number produced:1,935
> Value:$460,332

8. Lancia Stratos
> Classic car score: 7.02
> Number produced:139
> Value:$1,626,442

7. Bugatti EB 110
> Classic car score: 7.02
> Number produced:492
> Value:$634,805

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Source: Sjo / iStock Unreleased via Getty Images

6. Datsun 240Z
> Classic car score: 7.20
> Number produced:543
> Value:$89,306

Source: Sjo / iStock Unreleased via Getty Images

5. Lamborghini Countach
> Classic car score: 7.42
> Number produced:998
> Value:$1,922,159

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Source: Gaschwald / iStock Editorial via Getty Images

4. AC Cobra
> Classic car score: 7.42
> Number produced:1,983
> Value:$1,429,298

Source: falun / iStock Editorial via Getty Images

3. Ferrari 250 GTO
> Classic car score: 7.89
> Number produced:36
> Value:$69,000,586

Source: Sjo / iStock Unreleased via Getty Images

2. Ferrari F40
> Classic car score: 8.51
> Number produced:1,311
> Value:$2,562,879

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Source: Sjo / iStock Unreleased via Getty Images

1. Lamborghini Miura
> Classic car score: 8.58
> Number produced:764
> Value:$1,823,587

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