Best Classic Cars Of All Time: Top Vintage (2024)
9. Mercedes 300SL Gullwing 1954
Bring up the Mercedes 300SL Gullwing 1954, and you’ll immediately capture the attention of classic car enthusiasts. This iconic vehicle stands out as one of the most stylish and revered classic cars globally, firmly establishing itself as a premium offering upon its debut. Boasting a top speed of up to 163 mph, it held the title of the fastest production car in the world during its time. The “SL” in its name, translating to “super light” in German, reflects its racing-ready design aimed at achieving optimal speed with a lightweight body.
Overview
| Production | 1954–1957 (Coupe), 1957–1963 (Roadster), 1955 (300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupé) |
| Assembly | West Germany: Stuttgart-Untertürkheim |
| Designer | Friedrich Geiger |
| Class | Sports car, Grand tourer |
| Body style | 2-door coupe, roadster |
| Layout | FR layout |
| Platform | Coupe W198 I, Roadster W198 II |
| Doors | Gull-wing (Coupe), Conventional (Roadster) |
| Related | Mercedes-Benz W121 BII (190 SL) |
| Engine | 2,996 cc (182.8 cu in) M198 straight-six engine |
| Transmission | 4-speed manual |
| Wheelbase | 2,400 mm (94.5 in) |
| Length | 4,520 mm (178.0 in) |
| Width | 1,790 mm (70.5 in) |
| Height | 1,300 mm (51.2 in) |
| Curb weight | Coupe: 1,500 kilograms (3,300 pounds), Roadster: 1,560 kilograms (3,440 pounds), from 1961: 1,660 kilograms (3,660 pounds) |
| Predecessor | Mercedes-Benz W194 (racing car) |
10. Chevrolet Corvette 1963
The 1963 Chevrolet Corvette remains a rare gem, even decades after its debut, making encountering or purchasing one a thrilling adventure. Renowned for its distinctive “split-window coupe” design, this iconic American muscle car offers a unique perspective from both inside and out. Regarded as one of the most potent vehicles of its era, it boasted robust engines and luxurious leather interiors. A journey in this classic car is like stepping back into the 1960s—a rare opportunity worth pursuing, even if only for a fleeting glimpse.
Overview
| Also called | Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray |
| Production | August 1962–July 1967 |
| Model years | 1963–1967 |
| Assembly | United States: St. Louis, Missouri |
| Designer | Larry Shinoda (1959, 1960), Anatole Lapine |
| Class | Sports car |
| Body style | 2-door convertible, 2-door coupe |
| Layout | Front-mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive |
| Platform | Series 0800 (1962-1964), Series 194 (1965-1967) |
| Chassis | Body-on-frame |
| Related | Cheetah, Kellison J6 Panther, Duntov LightWeight, Superformance Corvette Grand Sport |
| Engine | – 327 cu in (5.4 L) Small-Block V8 – 327 cu in (5.4 L) L75 Small-Block V8 – 327 cu in (5.4 L) L76 Small-Block V8 – 327 cu in (5.4 L) L79 Small-Block V8 – 327 cu in (5.4 L) L84 Small-Block V8 – 396 cu in (6.5 L) L78 Big-Block V8 – 427 cu in (7.0 L) L36 Big-Block V8 – 427 cu in (7.0 L) L68 Big-Block V8 – 427 cu in (7.0 L) L71 Big-Block V8 – 427 cu in (7.0 L) L72 Big-Block V8 – 427 cu in (7.0 L) L88 Big-Block V8 – 427 cu in (7.0 L) L89 Big-Block V8 |
| Transmission | – 3-speed manual – 4-speed manual – 2-speed Powerglide automatic |
| Wheelbase | 98.0 in (2,489 mm) (MY1963) |
| Length | 179.3 in (4,554 mm) |
| Width | 69.6 in (1,768 mm) |
| Height | – 49.6 in (1,260 mm) Coupe, convertible with hardtop – 49.8 in (1,265 mm) Convertible with soft top |
| Curb weight | 3,362 lb (1,525 kg) |