Classic cars are masterpieces of the automobile industry that have maintained their relevance for decades. Their significance is apparent, as they are valuable enough to be collected, rather than scrapped or abandoned. These cars have stood the test of time over the years, and some are still in high demand. In the same vein, there are also some classic cars that nobody wants to drive or collect anymore.
Many of these neglected classic cars no longer cut it in terms of the driving experience, speed, and style. These are the most notable classic cars of the bunch, and others that everyone wants to get in their hands.
10 Nobody Wants Anymore: 1969 Buick Wildcat
The Wildcat by Buick Motors, a subsidiary of General Motors, sold between the years 1962-1970. In particular, one of the problems that arose with the 1969 model stemmed from the lack of originality. The 1969 Buick was closely modeled after the LeSabre, even though it ran on different engines.
The car was also greatly overshadowed by other top muscle car models like the Mustang and Camaro at the time of production. When the car’s units do come up for sale, they never pass the $14,000 mark.
9 Nobody Wants Anymore: 1971 Chevrolet Impala
The Impala is one of Chevrolet’s most historical names. This is Chevrolet’s heaviest car yet, fitting right in with automobile demands in 1971-1976. The 1971 Chevy Impala witnessed high demands at the time of its production, outranking the more-expensive Caprice.
Arguably, the most mitigating factor for this model would be the general strike action at General Motors, which hindered production and placed a huge financial strain on manufacturers. Demand for this car is currently so low that one can get a mint for just about $16,000.
8 Nobody Wants Anymore: 1971 Lincoln Continental MK III
The 1971 Lincoln Continental Mark III was a personal luxury car marketed by Ford Motors from 1969 – 1971. It was manufactured to compete with the Cadillac Eldorado. At the time of its production, demand ran high, with sales almost matching the Eldorado.
However, the Mark III’s heydays were short-lived. The oil crisis of 1973 and 1979 negatively impacted prices, and by the eighties, most models were no longer in circulation. One can get a used model of this classic for as low as $5000, and a mint condition unit at $32,000.
7 Nobody Wants Anymore: 1966 Dodge Charger
The concept behind the 1966 Dodge Charger was providing a muscle car that could also pass as a luxury car. Although the concept received wide acceptance, sales were disappointing. Only about 37,000 units sold.
Chrysler tried to fix the 1966 Dodge Charger’s inadequacies with newer models, and this model soon phased out. One of the new models that eventually sold better than the 1966 Charger is the 1969 Dodge Charger RT 440. At present, one can get an averagely used 1966 Charger for just $12,000.
6 Nobody Wants Anymore: 1975 Ferrari 365 GT4 BB
The 1965 Ferrari 365 GT4 BB succeeded the widely successful Daytona. It compensated greatly and delivered on its promises, although it wasn’t particularly competitive on the race track. A limited number of vehicles were produced, which should easily make it a top pick for car collectors and enthusiasts.
However, the ‘Boxer Ferrari’ didn’t quite live up to some expectations. Although it is quite rare and costs much more than many other neglected classics, it’s not a car one would want to collect.
5 More Popular: 1965 Ford Mustang
The 1965 Ford Mustang bears the title of “America’s Most Popular Classic Car,” rightly. The Mustang enjoyed an unprecedented wave of success from 1965 – 1967 that was unmatched even by major competitors. Although the competition soon caught up, the Mustang remains relevant to this day.
At the time of production, demand ran so high that Ford factories struggled to keep up. The value of this uniquely styled muscle car has also appreciated in recent times, with a mint 1965 Mustang fastback priced at about $32,000.
4 More Popular: 1989 Mazda MX 5
When the Mazda MX-5 rolled out in 1989, it was one of the lightest sports cars. The most prominent feature of this modern classic was its pop-up headlights. Within a decade of its release, over 400,000 units sold.
Rumor has it that Mazda modeled the 1989 MX-5 after the Lotus Elan. It has maintained its consistency over the years, with more than a million units sold. It’s not uncommon to see a mint 1989 Mazda MX-5 sell for as high as $32,000.
3 More Popular: 1969 Chevrolet Camaro
The 1969 Chevrolet Camaro was designed as an upgrade to earlier 67 and 68 models. At production, all three models of the 1969 Chevy Camaro almost sold out. The car featured a muscular, pony look, giving off a more intimidating feel.
Demand for the Camaro still runs high in both boomers and millennials. Given its traction and speed level, it was once a top choice for street racers after some aftermarket fitting. A base 1969 Camaro in mint condition currently costs above $30,000.
2 More Popular: 1964 Porsche 911
At the time of its inception and for a long time after that, Porsche was famous for just the 356. However, the 911 changed that. When it rolled out in 1964, it was a welcome change that improved on all of the major areas the 356 was lacking.
Apart from its sleek design, the 911 sported better visibility, room, and horsepower. The demand for this all-new GT classic hasn’t dwindled, and values keep appreciating. For a mint version of the 1964 Porsche 911, prices run as high as $600,000.
1 More Popular: 1969 Dodge Charger RT/440
The Dodge Charger is easily one of the most sought-after classic muscle cars in the world. The 1969 Dodge Charger RT stands out because of its features on various TV shows and races like NASCAR. One of the Dodge Chargers used on a TV show once auctioned at a whopping $10 million sum.
For 20 years and counting, the 1969 Dodge Charger has continued to appreciate because there aren’t enough on the market anymore. It’ll not be easy to get one that sells below $60,000.