Every old car enthusiast loves European classic cars, and the number of old cars in Europe is very high. Most of these European classic cars are from Germany, including the Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen Beetle, and Porsche cars. Aside from these German classic cars, there are classic cars originating from the French country, including the Citroen, Peugeot, and Renault cars.
It doesn’t end there! Classic car lovers can also explore European classic cars from Sweden, like Volvo, and from Italy, like Ferrari, Fiat, and Alfa Romeo. Ultimately, enthusiasts can explore the rich beauty and appeal of British classic cars from the UK, including Jaguar, MG, Triumph, and Austin Healey.
In this post, we will embark on a classic journey into the timeless history and appeal of some of the best European classic cars of all time regarding their desirability and affordability. We will also provide the top 5 marketplaces to purchase your desired European vintage car now or later.
Are you buying a classic European automobile? First, you need to take steps to verify the specifications, engine, and history using a reliable classic car VIN Decoder.
Top 10 Most Desired Classic Cars In Europe
Porsche 911
There is no argument with this high-performance sports car! It is one of the world’s most impressive and iconic vintage cars, having undergone several changes and upgrades since its first production in 1963. Additionally, several enthusiasts and collectors cherished and desired the 1960s and 1970s models with air-cooled engines.
Ferrari 250 GTO
With only 36 hand-built units produced, this unique, rare, and in-demand collector car tops the list of the most beautiful Ferrari ever. The car winning several titles and records is a testament to its design for racing and is highly sought after by enthusiasts.
BMW M1
Here comes the only supercar BMW not built with a hybrid engine. The BMW M1 came with a mid-engined 3.5-liter inline 6 producing 273 hp and 243 lb-ft of power and torque, respectively. The BMW can accelerate from 0 to 60 mpg in 5.4 seconds. These outputs were very impressive for a performance car in the late 1970s.
Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe
Sold for a record-breaking $143 Million at auction, the Mercedes-Benz became the most expensive car in the world. Just two of these Coupe were manufactured and became in-demand by collectors in 2023.
The car’s 3.0-liter inline-eight engine boosts power up to 306 hp with a torque of 229 lb-ft. The car can accelerate from 0 – 60 mph in about 7.2 secs with a top speed of 186 mpg.
Aston Martin DB5
The priceless Aston Martin DB 5 is one of the most iconic movie cars. With its dazzling design, the car also put out 282 hp of power and torque of 288 lb-ft.
Although the car cannot run faster than most affordable cars, it can accelerate to 60 mph in 8.1 seconds, becoming one of the finest cars of its time and selling for as high as $1 million.
Jaguar E-Type Series 1
Standing as one of the most beautiful cars of all time, the Jaguar model is an iconic car with a great design, standing the test of time. With the 3.8/4.2-liter inline six, the first series of this model emerged as one of the most sophisticated cars ever produced.
The unique selling point was its beauty. The car boasts an engine of 266 hp, and its starting estimated value of $73,000 makes it one of the cheapest and most affordable cars on this list.
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Alfa Romeo Spider
This is an Italian sports car with over 50 years of existence. The car is more popular among European classic car enthusiasts due to its timeless design and outstanding performance.
The car muscled a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine putting out 237 hp and accelerating to 60 mph in a few seconds.
Volkswagen Beetle
Well, you may say, “How did this ever get on to the list?” However, the non-luxurious Beetle is still cherished by many enthusiasts. When it was announced in 1938, it quickly became a premium symbol that everyone wanted to own. This is one of the most affordable classic cars ever produced.
Citroen DS
Have you seen a “Goddess”? This is what this classic French car represents. The car, manufactured from 1955 – 1975, was constructed with innovation and unique design in mind.
Lamborghini Miura
The Miura is an Italian supercar that became the fastest production car of its time. The demand for this valuable gem has made it one the sought-after, thanks to its sleek design and outstanding performance. The car is rare to come by since only 74 units were produced.
European Classic Vehicle Affordability
When we hear of classic European cars, we often think of very expensive high-priced cars, but this is not. While there are very expensive European classic cars, the good news is that you can still save up to buy your dream classic cars, thanks to affordable ones.
If you’re in the market to buy a classic car, here are some of the cars you can choose from based on your budget and pocket.
- Alfa Romeo GTV -6 – An Italian car estimated at $15,000
- VW Corrado VR6 – A highly tunable car estimated at $12,000
- Lotus Esprit S3 Turbo – A S3 Turbo, 200 hp engine car estimated at $20,000
- BMW 325i – An alternative to the M3 car’s look estimated at $15,000
- Peugeot 504 V6 -An infamous PVR V6 car estimated at $15,000
European Classic Car for Sale: Top 5 Marketplaces
Some of the most popular online marketplaces to find great classic cars to buy include:
- Mecum.com – One of the largest classic car auction companies across the US.
- eBay Motors – An ideal place to sell and find classic cars to buy from anywhere in the world.
- Hemmings.com – Loved by most classic car enthusiasts, remains one of the established dealers of classic cars.
- ClassicCars.com – offers one of the best sales of classic cars, vintage cars, and classic muscle cars
- Manheim – one of the world’s biggest discount auto auction companies in the USA.
In the world of classic cars, if you’re looking for a classic car online, secure your investment and buy with confidence by conducting a classic car VIN lookup and getting an inspection by a professional mechanic. This will help verify the title, mileage, accident and damage, sales history, and more.
Conclusion
Europe has always been the home of the most desired European cars worldwide. Considering their versatility, enthusiasts have a wide range of iconic old cars to select from, ranging from muscle cars to sports cars, both very expensive and quite affordable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best German old cars of all time?
The Porsche 911, Audi Quattro, and BMW m535i are some of the best German old cars on the European classic car market.
What are the most popular British Classic cars that ever existed?
The Jaguar E Type is the most popular classic car in the UK.
What is the most valuable classic car of all time?
The 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe is the most valuable car in the world, selling for $135 m in 2022.
What is the most iconic classic car of all time?
The most iconic classic cars include the Ford Mustang, Ferrari 250 GTO, Aston Martin DB5, and more.
