Although we mainly see newer vehicles on the road today, you’ll still see drivers happily cruising around in classics. The classic car market remains strong, raking in $2.2 billion a year from auctions, while independent dealers and private sellers sell an untold number of vehicles.
With vehicle enthusiasts continuing to purchase older cars, you might like to know which classics are most commonly driven and sold today. This article includes vehicle models by year and generation, as many of the most popular classic vehicles have been in production for decades with major updates.
6th Generation Ford F-Series
The modern popularity of the Ford F-Series started in 1973 with its sixth generation of trucks. The F-150’s boxy style looks rugged, and like many classic vehicles, the engine and body are easier to work on.
Fourth Generation Mustang
Built from 1994 to 2004, Mustang’s fourth generation isn’t very old, but it is still classic to many performance enthusiasts. According to Hagerty, many are registered through insurers, meaning people still buy them. We can’t blame them—the Mustang earned the Motor Trend Car of the Year for a reason.
First Generation Chevrolet Chevelle
Chevrolet made Chevelles between 1964 and 1977, with the first generation being produced from 1964 to 1967. They were pretty popular as an American muscle car, and the iconic look sold well—over 300,000 units in the first year. This Chevelle continues to sell well on classic lots and through private sellers.
Second Generation Camaro
The Camaro built from 1970 to 1981 wasn’t the original, but in some ways, it was arguably better than the first. The new muscle car handled better and offered a superior interior. You’ll still find plenty of these on and off classic car lots.
Second Generation Corvette
Chevrolet made the second generation of Corvette from 1963 to 1967. The muscle car’s gorgeous, long front end with flip-up headlights make it a favorite among classic buyers today. Collectors seeking different levels of horsepower also enjoy the different motors, with a small-block engine with 360 or 376 horsepower and two big-block options with 425 horsepower or 390 horses.
Volkswagen Beetle Type 1
Volkswagen has been making the Beetle since 1938, so it has quite a history. The Beetle Type 1 was introduced to the United States in 1968 and still sells on collector lots today. The car features a timeless design that everyone recognizes and remains a symbol of 1960s counterculture.
Fourth Generation Corvette
Fourth-generation Corvettes (1984 to 1996) feature long, flowing hoods and pop-up headlights. Chevrolet introduced new concepts to this generation, such as digital dashboards, new suspension systems, and cross-fire injection to raise the horsepower to 300. Classic car buyers seeking old-school technology will want to look this one up.
Second Generation Pontiac Firebird
Popular culture and overall performance have made second-generation Pontiac Firebirds (1970 to 1981) sought-after cars. The Firebird got screen time with the Smokey and the Bandit movies and Knight Rider, just to name a few. The Trans Am edition is beloved for its 345-horsepower Ram Air IV engine.
Second Generation Bel Air
Chevrolet only produced the second generation Bel Air for two years, from 1955 to 1957. The new Bel Air has wraparound windshield glass and a chrome front grille, which looks sharp. Consumers loved them, and Chevrolet kept making them, totaling over 700,000 units sold.
Second Generation Chevrolet C/K Trucks
Before the second generation of Chevrolet trucks, from 1967 to 1972, trucks weren’t exactly modern. Chevrolet added a number of innovations to this truck, such as independent front suspension. They are also easier to restore and modify.
Second Generation Chevelle
Produced between 1968 and 1972, the second-generation Chevelle remains a favorite among classic car enthusiasts. Its appeal lies first in its sleek, revamped design, featuring a curved rear, fastback trunk, and long hood, giving it a distinctive, streamlined appearance. But it’s not just about looks—the Chevelle is recognized as one of the most powerful cars of its era. The SS model with the LS6 engine boasted an impressive 450 horsepower, setting it apart as a performance icon before government regulations on fuel consumption reshaped the auto industry.
Ford Model A
The Ford Model A, built from 1927 to 1931, remains a collector’s item. For its time, the Model A looked good, was reasonably well-built, and ran well. Today’s collectors still drive them, and there are many of them in museums as well.
First Generation Camaro
The Camaro started the pony car war against Ford’s Mustang. Its angled rear, wide grill, and long hood still stand out on the road today. Chevrolet also gave customers plenty of versatility with six engine options ranging from 140 horsepower to 290.
First Generation Mustang
The first generation Mustang was introduced to the public in 1965 and lasted until 1966 as the world’s first pony car. The Mustang’s gorgeous look makes it a strong seller even today, with a long hood complete with a scoop and a short back. Ford made the Mustang in three styles: coupe, fastback, and convertible.
Third Generation Corvette
From 1968 to 1982, Chevrolet made a beautiful sports car named the Stingray, a moniker carried across generations. Its name was chosen due to its stingray or shark-like appearance, consisting of lifted fenders and aerodynamic lines. In 1979, the Corvette proved extremely popular and is still the best-selling Corvette ever, with 53,807 units sold.
The 1970s oil crisis also had a significant impact on Corvette. Chevrolet wanted to make a smaller vehicle with the aspirations of better fuel mileage. As a result, the third-generation Corvette is known as a more comfortable-driving Corvette.
Car Enthusiasts Love These Classic Cars the Most
The classic market is stronger than ever, even with new, modern vehicles coming out yearly. There’s just something about the rumbling of old motors and the classic look of angular steel that drivers enjoy. What is your favorite classic car?
More From Driver’s Drift
16 Used Cars That Will Outlast Most New Cars on the Dealership Lot
12 Affordable Sports Cars That Can Go Head-to-head With the Porsche 911
14 Cars That Consistently Fail Crash Tests
16 Used Cars Known to Last Over 500,000 Miles
