It’s no secret that vintage cars are more popular than ever. From China to Germany, India to the U.S. and everywhere in between, the demand for classic cars is growing.
Of course, as any collector car enthusiast will agree, it’s not hard to understand why the interest in classic cars is on the rise. But have you ever wondered what’s the most popular car by country? Perhaps it’s the Citroen DS, or maybe it’s the Fiat 124 Sport Spider or the Ford F-series…All depends where your wheels touch down!
Ready to take a look at the most popular classic cars in Europe, the US and China?
Collector Cars in Europe
Let’s start with the most popular classic cars from Europe. Reviews of U.S. social media make it easy to find the most-searched-for European collector cars. Here are a few top contenders.
Citroen DS
With over 137,000 hashtags, the Citroen DS tops the ranks of “Instagrammable” cars — in fact, worldwide, demand for this French auto, which was manufactured from 1955 to 1975, has more than doubled over the past year alone.
Perhaps it’s due to the car’s aerodynamic body design, or its innovation suspension and (for then) braking systems. Or maybe it’s because the Citroen DS was recognized as the most beautiful car of all time by Classic & Sports Car Magazine.
Fiat 124 Sport Spider
Manufactured from 1966 to 1981, the Fiat 124 Sport Spider is another European collector car that’s in hot demand in the U.S. The 124 is relatively affordable for a classic, and won multiple rallies throughout the 1970s. Boasting more than 103,000 hashtags, this peppy little convertible is extremely photogenic.
American Classic Cars
American collector cars are prized around the world. One of the top international sellers is the Ford F-series. Manufactured starting in 1948, this popular pick-up truck has been a best-seller in the U.S. since the 1970s. Today, it’s in demand around the world; F100 trucks are especially popular in Europe, Australia and New Zealand.
Other popular American classic cars include the Ford Mustang. An American classic since 1964, this powerful, yet relatively affordable, muscle car is beloved the world over. Classic Mustangs are very popular in Europe and Australia.
Chevrolet’s Camaro and Corvette are also in demand overseas. The Camaro is a hot classic car in the Netherlands, where its value continues to grow. Chevy C10 classic trucks are also a popular model for international buyers.
Classic Cars in China
Classic cars are a hot item in China. However, the government bans cars more than 15 years old from the roads, as they’re thought to increase pollution.
That means that collectors may purchase classic cars, but they aren’t able to drive them. In recent years, however, opportunities to enjoy collecting have increased. For instance, the Classic Cars China Challenge follows the 8,500-mile route of the 1907 Peking to Paris race and features vintage vehicles.
Despite the many obstacles facing vintage car lovers, Chinese collectors are still passionate about their hobby, and the number of classic car imports continues to grow. Jeeps are in demand, as are American muscle cars. Collectors hope for a relaxation of the rules in the coming years.
Related Articles
Classic Car of the Month An In-Depth Look at the 1971 Ford Thunderbird
What makes the 1971 Ford Thunderbird one of your local car show's most popular classic cars? It might be those suicide doors. That's what we said...a four-door T-bird!
Classic Car Terms Any Collector Should Know
Is your car a club coupe, a coach, an antique or a barn find? If classic car terminology leaves you scratching your head, this guide to classic car terms can help make sense of it all.
Classic Car of the Month An In-Depth Look at the Pontiac GTO
The original Pontiac GTO was a muscle car built from 1968-1976 and was the first Pontiac to be built with a V8 engine. This is an in-depth look at the Pontiac GTO.
