20 Vintage Cars That Are Now Collector's Items
Vintage collector cars are rolling pieces of history, blending iconic design, legendary performance, and timeless allure, making them prized treasures for enthusiasts and investors alike.
- Alyana Aguja
- 6 min read
Vintage collector automobiles are more than machines; they are living pieces of history that reflect the innovation, style, and essence of their times. From elegant European supercars to brute American muscle, these classics continue to demand attention, not only for their looks but for their cultural and engineering importance. Whether coveted for nostalgia, investment, or sheer driving enjoyment, these iconic automobiles continue to be valued treasures in the collector community.
1. 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air
Image from Wikipedia
The ‘57 Bel Air is perhaps the most iconic American car ever produced, and it’s recognized by its tailfins, chrome trim, and aggressive styling. It was an emblem of prosperity in the 1950s, with its optional V8 engine bringing power and luxury. Now, mint-condition models sell for six-figure prices at auction.
2. 1969 Dodge Charger R/T
Image from RK Motors
Legendary for its appearance in The Dukes of Hazzard, the ‘69 Charger R/T is a muscle car icon. With a behemoth 426 HEMI or 440 Magnum V8 under the hood, it packed raw power and an aggressive attitude. Its iconic fastback profile and concealed headlights make it a premier collector’s item.
3. 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray Split-Window Coupe
Image from MotorTrend
The 1963 Corvette brought the iconic Sting Ray name and a futuristic split rear window. Larry Shinoda designed it, drawing inspiration from a racing prototype with better aerodynamics and independent rear suspension. Made for only a year, its scarcity and style make it very valuable today.
4. 1970 Plymouth HEMI ‘Cuda
Image from Legendary Motorcar Company
This monstrous muscle car was made for speed, its iconic 426 HEMI engine generating more than 425 horsepower. The bold styling, shaker hood scoop, and low-volume production combine to make it one of the most coveted Mopars. Certain rare color versions, such as Plum Crazy or Lemon Twist, drive auction prices into the millions.
5. 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing
Image from Bonhams Cars
With its iconic upward-opening doors, the 300SL Gullwing continues to be among the most gorgeous and groundbreaking vehicles of all time. It was the quickest street car of its time, using a fuel-injected inline-six engine and lightweight spaceframe frame. Nowadays, it’s a showpiece in elite car collections globally.
6. 1967 Shelby GT500
Image from Top Gear Philippines
Carroll Shelby pushed the Ford Mustang to new heights with the GT500, filling it with a 428 Police Interceptor V8. With racing stripes, working scoops, and a high-performance suspension, it was a street-legal race car. It became even more famous as “Eleanor” in Gone in 60 Seconds, further cementing its mystique.
7. 1932 Ford Coupe (“Deuce Coupe”)
Image from Classic Auto Mall
Hot rod culture was constructed upon the ‘32 Ford, with its light body and highly adaptable flathead V8. It is an icon of early American car modification, appearing in films such as American Graffiti. Genuine, uncut specimens are desperately scarce and very valuable today.
8. 1966 Ferrari 275 GTB/4
Image from Ferrari
As one of the finest Ferraris ever produced, the 275 GTB/4 was a masterwork from Pininfarina. With its 3.3L V12 four-cam motor, it was a supercar ahead of its time during the ’60s. Today, prices commonly fetch more than $3,000,000 at auctions.
9. 1959 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz
Image from Supercars.net
Wet with chrome and excess, the 1959 Eldorado Biarritz boasted Cadillac’s biggest tailfins ever. It was an American luxury statement, complete with a 345-horsepower V8 and power everything. Restored convertibles will bring in upwards of $200,000.
10. 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7
Image from Robb Report
The 1973 Carrera RS was the quintessential driver’s 911, created for homologation in competition. Its light body, flared rear fenders, and ducktail spoiler gave it the basis for subsequent 911 performance cars. Its rarity and motorsport heritage make it among the most valuable classic Porsches.
11. 1969 Pontiac GTO Judge
Image from Audrain Auto Museum
Pontiac released “The Judge” as a go-go, no-holds-barred GTO with aggressive graphics and a Ram Air III or IV V8. It was a muscle car personified by its loud red colors, like Carousel Red, and its unhinged street presence. Now, it’s a blue-chip collector car that attracts attention at any show.
12. 1957 BMW 507
Image from Trust Auto
A scarce German roadster, the BMW 507 was intended to challenge Mercedes’ 300SL but was too costly to manufacture. Only 252 were produced, making it one of the most scarce and expensive BMWs in existence. Elvis Presley had one, and now, restored models fetch more than $2,000,000.
13. 1962 Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato
Image from Wikipedia
The DB4 GT Zagato blended British engineering with Italian coachwork to produce a light grand tourer with breathtaking lines. Just 19 were produced, making it one of the most exclusive Aston Martins in history. It’s a holy grail car, with auction sales topping over $14,000,000.
14. 1966 Lamborghini Miura P400
Image from Bonhams Cars
Widely considered the first true supercar, the Miura stunned the world with its mid-engine V12 layout and sensuous design. It was brutally fast, with a top speed of 171 mph, making it one of the fastest cars of its time. Its rarity and beauty make it one of Lamborghini’s most treasured models.
15. 1953 Chevrolet Corvette C1
Image from Wikipedia
The Corvette legend started in 1953 with only 300 hand-assembled ones, all Polo White with red interiors. Though underpowered with a Blue Flame inline-six, its design and fiberglass body paved the way for America’s finest sports car. Having a ‘53 Corvette is like possessing a piece of history.
16. 1971 De Tomaso Pantera
Image from Petersen Automotive Museum
A cross between Italian style and American brute force, the Pantera was a mid-mounted exotic with a Ford 351 Cleveland V8 engine. Supercharged and relatively cheap compared to Ferrari, it became a staple of enthusiasts’ fleets. With its rarity today and brutal look, it has become a hot collector’s car.
17. 1936 Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic
Image from Supercars.net
Quite possibly the most desirable car in the world, four Type 57SC Atlantics were ever made. Its magnesium-alloy body and flowing teardrop form make it a work of art on wheels. If sold today, it would easily shatter auction records well over $40,000,000.
18. 1964 Ford GT40 Mk I
Image from Robb Report
Born from Ford’s feud with Ferrari, the GT40 was a Le Mans powerhouse. While most famous for the Mk II, which took the win in 1966, the Mk I was the first road-going model, and only a few were produced. It is still one of the most important race-bred collector cars of all time.
19. 1958 Plymouth Fury
Image from Petersen Automotive Museum
Immortalized in Christine, the 1958 Plymouth Fury became a legend of horror and classic car culture. With tailfins and a powerful Golden Commando V8, it was a true ‘50s muscle machine. Surviving examples, especially in red and white, are highly desirable.
20. 1967 Toyota 2000GT
Image from Wikipedia
Japan’s first true supercar, the Toyota 2000GT, demonstrated that Japanese manufacturers were capable of standing alongside the world’s best. Only 351 were built, and it was a scarce combination of looks, speed, and exacting engineering. It now sells for well over $1,000,000 at auction, making it one of the most expensive Japanese classics.