These Classic Cars Fetch Incredible Prices At Auction, Decades After They Were Popular
Online and live auctions move tens of thousands of enthusiast cars every year—and the trend’s still heating up. Bring a Trailer alone crossed roughly $1.5 billion in sales in 2024, while market trackers show brisk activity across virtually every era, from post-war icons to ‘90s heroes. What follows isn’t a strict ranking, but 20 “usual suspects” you’ll see again and again when auction catalogs drop—each with specs that keep collectors interested.
Porsche 911
From long-hood classics to 964s, 993s, and later, the 911 is auction catnip. Typically powered by flat-six engines ranging from 2.0L to 3.6L with horsepower from 130–300+, it’s versatile and iconic. CLASSIC.COM’s market page reflects nonstop churn, showing why a 911 shows up on almost every docket.
Chevrolet Corvette
America’s sports car appears in massive numbers at major sales, spanning C1 to C8 generations. Specs vary from 283-cubic-inch small-blocks to today’s 6.2L LT2 V8 with over 490 hp. The overall Corvette market page underscores the volume and breadth that keep bidders flocking.
Ford Mustang
From early pony cars to Fox-bodies and beyond, Mustangs are staples. First-gen models offered inline-sixes and 289 V8s, while Shelbys packed 300+ hp. Affordable entry points through blue-chip Shelbys make them endlessly auctionable. CLASSIC.COM shows a steady stream of listings keeping ponies trotting across the block.
Kroelleboelle, Wikimedia Commons
Mercedes-Benz SL (R107)
The R107 “Mercedes roadster” is ubiquitous at auctions, with 3.5L–5.6L V8 engines delivering 200–240 hp. Loved for usability, quality build, and plentiful survivors, they’re especially popular in Europe and the U.S. Market trackers confirm why this roadster is always a catalog fixture.
Jaguar E-Type
Beauty sells—and the E-Type’s enduring appeal keeps it in heavy rotation. Powered by 3.8L and later 4.2L straight-sixes, with Series 3 cars boasting 5.3L V12s, performance ranged from 150–265 hp. Auction aggregations show consistent activity across all series, making it a true staple.
Alf van Beem, Wikimedia Commons
Porsche 356
Pre-911 Porsches command passionate followings, with flat-four engines between 1.3L and 2.0L producing up to 130 hp. Well-documented 356s—whether coupes, cabriolets, or Speedsters—surface constantly at major houses. The market page illustrates the steady volume and transparency bidders now expect.
Lothar Spurzem, Wikimedia Commons
BMW 2002
Light, tossable, and endlessly lovable, the BMW 2002 thrives at auction. Equipped with 2.0L inline-fours delivering 100–170 hp in tii and Turbo versions, it’s a perfect mix of performance and charm. Market stats confirm its frequent listings across auction venues worldwide.
Datsun 240Z
Japan’s breakthrough sports car is a perennial favorite, sporting a 2.4L inline-six with around 151 hp. Simple, good-looking, and tunable, it’s firmly collectible today. Auction aggregations back up how often clean S30s appear, showing growing global demand for early Z-cars.
Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40
Vintage FJ40s check every box—rugged 3.9L and 4.2L inline-six engines, real off-road capability, and timeless looks. Power ranged from 125–135 hp, enough for any adventure. Market pages show FJ40s constantly hitting catalogs, from concours restorations to trail-ready survivors.
Mr.choppers, Wikimedia Commons
Land Rover Defender
From imported 90s/110s to later L316s, classic Defenders are auction regulars. Engines ranged from 2.5L turbodiesels to V8s producing 134–182 hp. Lifestyle appeal, plus a steady flow of legal imports, ensure continuous listing activity in the U.S. and abroad.
Alexander Migl, Wikimedia Commons
Volkswagen Beetle
Few cars are more recognizable—or more plentiful at auction—than the Beetle. Powered by air-cooled flat-fours from 1.1L to 1.6L producing 25–60 hp, they’re simple yet iconic. With period customs and bone-stock survivors, Type 1s continue flooding the market worldwide.
Robert Couse-Baker from Sacramento, California, Wikimedia Commons
Porsche 944
Front-engine, transaxle Porsches have become auction mainstays. With 2.5L inline-fours (up to 250 hp in Turbo form), they offer balanced handling and analog charm. Market trackers confirm a steady flow of Turbos and S2s trading hands consistently.
Daniel J. Leivick, Wikimedia Commons
Ferrari 308
Magazine-cover looks and accessible Ferrari V8 ownership make the 308 a regular sight. Powered by 2.9L DOHC V8s with 240–255HP, they deliver Italian style without seven-figure prices. CLASSIC.COM’s 308 page captures the constant global auction presence.
Mazda MX-5 Miata (NA/NB)
Driver-focused and inexpensive, early Miatas dominate online auctions. Powered by 1.6L and 1.8L DOHC four-cylinders producing 116–140HP, they embody lightness and fun. Their market page shows NAs and NBs trading hands at an impressive clip.
Chevrolet Camaro
First-gen icons lead the way, but all generations find buyers. Specs range from base six-cylinders to 396- and 427-cubic-inch big-block V8s topping 400 hp. Volumes are huge, visible in the Camaro market aggregation that underscores their auction dominance.
Pontiac GTO
The original muscle-car headliner turns up at virtually every American auction. Offered with 389- and 400-cubic-inch V8s delivering 325–366HP, the GTO defined ‘60s performance. Market data shows their persistent supply and demand hasn’t slowed down in decades.
Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA, Wikimedia Commons
Dodge Charger (’60s–’70s)
B-body Chargers remain muscle-car royalty, with 318 to 426 HEMI V8s producing up to 425HP. They’re auction fixtures, from General Lee tributes to concours restorations. Continuous listings prove their legendary status is alive and well.
Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA, Wikimedia Commons
Porsche 914
Lightweight and mid-engined, the 914 is gaining respect. Offered with flat-fours from 1.7–2.0L and rare six-cylinder 2.0L engines with up to 110HP, it delivers a unique driving experience. Market data confirms their reliable auction presence.
BMW 3 Series (E30)
From clean 325is to iconic M3s, E30s thrive in auctions. Engines ranged from 2.5L inline-sixes to high-revving 2.3L S14 four-cylinders in the M3 producing 192–215HP. Market trackers show constant listings reflecting deep demand.
Ford Bronco (First Generation)
Early Broncos are lifestyle darlings and auction superstars. With 2.8L and 3.3L sixes, plus optional 4.7L V8s offering up to 200HP, they’re endlessly adaptable. Market data reveals they’re some of the busiest models on the block.
Andrew Duthie from Nashville, TN, USA, Wikimedia Commons
Why These Cars Keep Dominating
Put simply: they’re available, usable, and beloved. Big, active markets (and parts support) make them less risky to buy and easier to sell. Auction platforms have expanded their reach, letting a global audience chase cars with reliable specs, performance, and presence. That’s why they dominate catalogs every month.
Riley from Christchurch, New Zealand, Wikimedia Commons
Which Dominating Car Is Your Favorite?
Let us know in the comments below which of these classic cars is your favorite, and which you'd happily buy at auction.
Alexander Migl, Wikimedia Commons
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