There are numerous hobbies in the world and many, like knitting or gardening, are financially accessible to most. However, certain others remain exclusive to the world’s wealthiest. From scuba diving and art collecting to yachting and sky diving, the list of pricey hobbies can be extensive but collecting classic cars, perhaps more than any other, ranks as one of the most expensive hobbies.
Former late-night TV host Jay Leno boasts ownership of a staggering 180 classic cars and 160 classic motorcycles, valued at $52 million when last evaluated last July. Notably, Leno even possesses a Lamborghini Miura, often hailed as the pinnacle of classic cars. Renowned clothing designer Ralph Lauren also possesses an extensive collection. (Also read: These Are The Most Outrageous Car Collections In The World.)
The 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; and the increase from original value. 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. Using this information, 24/7 Wall St. reviewed the report to find the world’s greatest classic car.
Taking the crown with an impressive score of 8.58 is the Lamborghini Miura. Produced from 1966 to 1973, the car features a 3,929 cc Lamborghini V12 engine, a rear mid-engine configuration, and a top speed of 171 miles per hour. Its value has skyrocketed by 1,500%, reaching approximately $1.8 million since its inception. A mere 764 Miuras were manufactured. The study’s authors commented, “It was the fastest production road car in the world when it was released and scored highly across the board here.” (Also read: This Is the Most Dependable Car Brand in America.)
In ranking order, here are 20 of the world’s greatest classic cars
20. Ferrari 308
- Classic car score: 5.64
- Number produced:6,116
- Value:$254,316
19. Porsche 550
Source: leekris / iStock Editorial via Getty Images
- Classic car score: 5.89
- Number produced: 90
- Value:$4,928,613
18. Jaguar D-Type
Source: Alistair McLellan / iStock Editorial via Getty Images
- Classic car score: 6.22
- Number produced:16
- Value:$8,871,504
17. Ferrari Testarossa
Source: Gaschwald / iStock Editorial via Getty Images
- Classic car score: 6.25
- Number produced:929
- Value:$285,860
16. Ferrari 512 BB
Source: Sjo / iStock Unreleased via Getty Images
- Classic car score: 6.25
- Number produced:7,177
- Value:$237,559
15. Aston Martin DB5
Source: simonbradfield / iStock Unreleased via Getty Images
- Classic car score: 6.51
- Number produced:1,059
- Value:$1,084,295
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
12. Toyota 2000 GT
Source: ehughes / iStock Unreleased via Getty Images
- Classic car score: 6.66
- Number produced:337
- Value:$842,793
11. Nissan Skyline GT-R
Source: Spanish Coches / Wikimedia Commons
- Classic car score: 6.69
- Number produced:67,300
- Value:$293,745
10. Jaguar E-Type
Source: Bim / iStock Unreleased via Getty Images
- Classic car score: 6.69
- Number produced:1,268
- Value:$113,358
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
6. Datsun 240Z
Source: Sjo / iStock Unreleased via Getty Images
- Classic car score: 7.20
- Number produced:543
- Value:$89,306
5. Lamborghini Countach
Source: Sjo / iStock Unreleased via Getty Images
- Classic car score: 7.42
- Number produced:998
- Value:$1,922,159
4. AC Cobra
Source: Gaschwald / iStock Editorial via Getty Images
- Classic car score: 7.42
- Number produced:1,983
- Value:$1,429,298
3. Ferrari 250 GTO
Source: falun / iStock Editorial via Getty Images
- Classic car score: 7.89
- Number produced:36
- Value:$69,000,586
2. Ferrari F40
Source: Sjo / Getty Images
- Classic car score: 8.51
- Number produced:1,311
- Value:$2,562,879
1. Lamborghini Miura
Source: Sjo / iStock Unreleased via Getty Images
- Classic car score: 8.58
- Number produced:764
- Value:$1,823,587
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