Car & Classic, the classic vehicle and auction platform, has compiled a list of the top 10 classic cars. And before you ask whether this is based on opinion, I can stop you right there. The classic vehicle marketplace has determined the most sought-after classic car entirely through the use of statistics and data, stretching back over a 15-year period. The selection process studied classic cars sold, monthly searches, average sale prices and the use of relevant hashtags on Instagram. Unsurprisingly to some, the winner was revealed to be the Porsche 911. Let’s look at the top 10 in more detail:

1. Porsche 911

21,141 sold on Car & Classic
1,450,000 monthly searches
£58,409 average sale price
4,960,404 hashtag uses (as of May 2023)

One of the best known and recognisable sports cars in the world, the Porsche 911 is undoubtedly Porsche’s most iconic car. The iconic silhouette has remained pretty much the same across all its variants for almost 60 years. Ranging from affordable to barely affordable, there seems to be a 911 for all and despite their worldwide availability, the popularity of the car has never diminished.

2. Ford Mustang

8,332 sold on Car & Classic
1,200,000 monthly searches
£31,107 average sale price
4,490,482 hashtag uses (as of May 2023)

The most long-standing Ford and one of its most successful models, the Ford Mustang is often hailed as the ‘ultimate American muscle car’. In continuous production since 1964, the average sale price of £31,000 on Car & Classic is the seventh highest for any marque and model. The Mustang evokes an American spirit that takes you back to classic driving films and drag race culture.

3. Land Rover Range Rover

7,551 sold on Car & Classic
3,240,000 monthly searches
£18,745 average sale price
5,205,454 hashtag uses (as of May 2023)

Having been in production since the 1970s, the Range Rover is the most searched model in the list with 3,240,000 monthly searches. Prices can range from as little as £5,000 for a second generation that needs some repairs to over £100,000 for a first generation in excellent condition. For everyday use in a number of professions, the Range Rover is the go-to car for its comfort, space and diversity.

4. Chevrolet Corvette 

6,165 sold on Car & Classic
1,120,000 monthly searches
£34,807 average sale price
5,812,154 hashtag uses (as of May 2023)

As the most ‘Instagrammed’ car on the list with over 5.8 million related searches, the Chevrolet Corvette has been in production for over 60 years. Whilst the average sale price is high, a left-hand drive variant can usually be picked up for a cheap price.

5. Jaguar E-Type

6,028 sold on Car & Classic
140,000 monthly searches
£89,240 average sale price
162,951 hashtag uses (as of May 2023)

With the highest average sales price on the list at £89,240, the Jaguar E-Type is equally as iconic as it is beautiful. Dale Vinten, Head of Editorial at Car & Classic, remarked that “Even a barn find 1969 E-Type Series II Roadster can set you back to the tune of £33,000.”

6. Volkswagen Campervan

7,052 sold on Car & Classic
104,000 monthly searches
£26,545 average sale price
1,066,256 hashtag uses (as of May 2023)

If you think of a campervan, the Volkswagen Campervan is the first that comes to your mind. Defining the genre, the VW was a poster child for the swinging Sixties and looks equally at home at Glastonbury as it does at Woodstock.

7. Land Rover Defender

5,995 sold on Car & Classic
896,000 monthly searches
£17,872 average sales price
155,396 hashtag uses (as of May 2023)

Able to tackle the toughest of terrain, the Defender is Land Rover’s second entry in the list and the go-to car for off-roading. As expected, the value of a Defender fluctuates depending on age, mileage and condition. We even have our own as a project car here at Driven (albeit a modern version) and if you’re looking for one on the cheaper side, a pickup variant can be snagged for less than £5k

8. BMW 3 Series

8,107 sold on Car & Classic
362,000 monthly searches
£11,055 average sales price
887,380 hashtag uses (as of May 2023)

Despite the average price of a 3 Series being £11,055, making it one of the more affordable classics available, M versions can set you back between £40,000 and £50,000. 

9. Ford Escort

4,874 sold on Car & Classic
675,000 monthly searches
£22,382 average sales price
299,824 hashtag uses (as of May 2023)

Famed for its versatility, the British icon remains popular amongst classic car collectors, thanks to readily available parts and support and for being also one of the easiest to maintain. It has rally heritage and is equally at home on the track as it is on the road.

10. Mini Cooper

3,379 sold on Car & Classic
2,240,000 monthly searches
£16,111 average sales price
4,059,781 hashtag uses (as of May 2023)

Stylish, relatively affordable, and instantly recognisable, the Mini Cooper is a design classic and completes the top 10. Made famous in the film ‘The Italian Job’, the British icon’s monthly searches do not necessarily match up to its sales figures. Perhaps the idea of owning one is more appealing than the reality. Nevertheless, if you are after an early Mini Cooper in pristine condition, it can easily set you back £100,000.

Words: Mike Booth
Pictures: Car & Classic