The most successful Classic Cars throughout time

From heated seats and surround sound, to Driverless vehicles and self-parking capabilities, new technologies are emerging at an alarming rate in the automobile industry.

But, for many, vintage cars cannot be beaten. Older automobiles were designed differently – their flowing lines and curves unlike the cars of today. And, the drive is different too — original cars require more manual work from the owner which leads them to favour the journey over their destination. Acorn stairlifts USA have teamed up with Acorn Stairlifts UK to take a closer look at classic cars from around the world…

American Ford Mustang

The most successful classic car in American has got to be the Ford Mustang, with 22,000 sales made on the day it was released in 1964. The Mustang is now into its sixth generation of sales, with the vehicle still as popular today as it was back then. This class of cars were aimed towards a younger market than the traditional car buyer and they proved popular.

The goal of the model was to make a car that was like no other. This was achieved through its sporty coupe silhouette and short rear decks. The generations that came after the ’64 version seemed to become wider and longer in size, yet still remaining as popular.

The classic Mustang was thought of as being the models between 1964 and 1972. This encompassed vintage models such as the Shelby Mustang Lineup, Boss Mustangs and the Cobra Jet.

Cost of the classic car today: £6,500 – £70,000 depending on model, age and condition.

Many collectors take great pride in restoring classic cars — often taking the entire vehicle apart and putting it back together with revamped parts. The prices of each model range massively due to the quality of the vehicle, the mileage and the model — which one takes your fancy?

Italian Fiat 500

Initially, Fiat hadn’t focused to much on products for the automobile industry due to a focus on Aircraft engines and military equipment during World War II. Symbolic in Italy, like the Vespa, the Fiat 500 has been a mainstay in Italian car history since 1900 with 24 cars per year being produced initially.

Originally designed to be an affordable small car for everyone, the brand went on to produce many successful models in time such as the economical 514, the elegant 525 and the SuperFiat. The original Fiat 500, commonly known as Topolino, was launched in 1937. It stood out from competitors with a lowered aerodynamic nose profile whilst others had a flatter grille. Fiat went on to produce two further models of the 500, one in 1957 and the other in 2007.

The Topolino stood at just over 4ft tall and weighed in at just over half-a-ton, making it lightweight and compact compared to other automobiles on the market.

Cost of the classic car today: £4,000 – £50,000 depending on model, age and condition.

The British Mini

A napkin in a posh restaurant was where the Morris Mini Minor (Or Mini to us) was born. Alec Issigonis created the iconic automobile back in 1956, with the first car rolled out in 1959.

The automobile achieved what it was supposed to — provide passengers with plenty of legroom whilst remaining under 10ft long. In fact, 80% of the car was devoted to passenger and luggage space. Since the boot was smaller, Mini came up with a solution to maximise on space. The company offered the extra option of picnic wicker baskets which fit perfectly underneath the rear passenger seats and were ideal for transporting belongings from A to B.

Innovation was used when fitting the compact engine, it was unconventionally placed on its side in order to slide into the smaller space — a concept still used today when creating smaller vehicles. Wheels on other cars at the time were generally around 15 and 16 inches, those on the Mini however were a tiny 10-inches to maximise interior space.

Cost of the classic car today: £5,000 – £50,000 depending on the model, age and condition.

The German VW Beetle

No one knows how the Beetle got its name, but the automobile has gone from strength to strength over the years since being released in 1938 – during the war.

The car was built with strength in mind over aesthetics — although it is its iconic profile that makes it sought after today. One of the features that many collectors love is the original split-rear window design that got replaced by a single oval window in 1952. Unlike smaller vehicles that were around at the same time, the Beetle accommodated for four adult passengers with plenty of storage beneath the seats and in the boot.

Depending on when the car was manufactured, collectors of the Beetle receive cars of different power. Originally made with 24 horsepower, the model underwent many engine enhancements which left the car with a horsepower of 57 by 1970.

Cost of the classic car today: £1,000 – £40,000 depending on model, age and condition.