Best Classic Cars Of All Time: Top Vintage (2024)
7. British Motor Corporation Mini 1959
There’s nothing quite like the classic Mini. Continuously updated with new features and colors, it remains a staple on the roads even in the 21st century. Upon its debut, the Mini swiftly became one of the most beloved classic cars. Originally named the “Austin Seven and Morris Mini-Minor,” it was later simplified to just “Mini” after its creators merged. While modern Minis vie for speed and attention, the original Mini was renowned for its brisk performance, boasting an engine size reduced to 850cc, yet taking 26.5 seconds to reach 60mph.
Overview
| Production | Longbridge plant, Birmingham (1959–2000), Cape Town, South Africa (BMC/Leyland South Africa), Lambrate, Milan, Italy (Innocenti Mini) |
| Designer | Sir Alec Issigonis, John Sheppard |
| Class | City car (A) |
| Body style | 2-door saloon, 2-door convertible, 2-door estate, 2-door van, 2-door coupe utility |
| Layout | FF layout |
| Related | Mini Moke, Austin Metro, Innocenti Mini (1974–82), Mini Wildgoose, Mini Marcos |
| Engine | 848 cc, 970 cc, 997 cc, 998 cc, 1,071 cc, 1,098 cc, 1,275 cc A-series I4 |
| Transmission | 4-speed manual, 4-speed automatic, 5-speed manual (optional extra on some later models) |
| Wheelbase | 2,036 mm (80.2 in) (saloon), 2,138 mm (84.2 in) (estate and commercials) |
| Length | 3,054 mm (120.2 in) (saloon), 3,299 mm (129.9 in) (estate and commercials), 3,300 mm (130 in) (Wolseley Hornet/Riley Elf) |
| Width | 1,410 mm (56 in) up to 1,530 mm (60 in) with widest ‘sportspack’ factory wheel-arches |
| Height | 1,346 mm (53.0 in) |
| Kerb weight | 580–686 kg (1,279–1,512 lb) |
8. Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 1965
The Shelby Mustang was crafted for speed and style, sacrificing comfort and family outings for its performance-oriented design. Despite its focus, this sleek classic car offered a range of variations over the years, with updates aimed at enhancing speed and aesthetics. Named after the collaboration between Ford Motor Company and Shelby American, founded by Carroll Shelby, many models feature the iconic cobra symbol, earning it the early nickname “Cobra.”
Overview
| Class | Sports car, Muscle car, Pony car |
| Layout | FR layout |
| Platform | Ford D2C platform: (2nd generation / 5th generation Ford Mustang) Ford S550 platform: (3rd generation / 6th generation Ford Mustang) |
| Related | Ford Mustang (1st, 5th and 6th generation) |
| Production | 1965–1966 |
| Body style | 2-door fastback, 2-door convertible, 2-door hardtop |
| Engine | 289 cu in (4.7 L) Windsor K-Code V8 4-barrel carb. |
| Transmission | 3-speed automatic, 4-speed manual |
| Wheelbase | 108.0 in (2,743 mm) |
| Length | 181.6 in (4,613 mm) |