The best classic cars to have in your collection is obviously subject to personal preferences but, still, the Irish vintage and classic car community tends to agree on the shortlist of most valuable or desirable collection cars. In this article, Insure My Cars are recommending a list of 5 best classic cars to own as an investment in Ireland in 2023 and the reasons behind it.
There is nothing quite like the roar of the engine or the scent of the leather when you’re lucky enough to get closer with one of the best classic cars, as any vintage car enthusiast will tell you. And how do you feel when you come upon a model that has been expertly restored but is a rather rare appearance on the Irish roads? One in a million!
These fascinating classic automobiles are a history lesson packed in a car, and that’s before you’ve even sat down on the best tattered leather or stroked your finger with appreciation across their spotless paintwork. Driving these vintage vehicles provides quite the enjoyment, but the best enjoyment comes from just admiring these classic cars.
Reasons to own these best classic cars
Over time, their value rises, and a classic automobile is a symbol of its era. Classic cars are a functional piece of history, and as their best value rises through time, they generally prove to be a smart investment too. Not to mention that meeting intriguing folks is a bonus. And because of all the attention, interesting people will approach you. A fantastic vintage car is an unbeatable conversation starter. Moreover, you can attend a vintage & classic car show, comparing your vehicle with the best cars out there. You’ve now joined a prestigious club, and it’s an exclusive one.
What makes a classic car ‘best’?
It’s time to discover what makes a classic car valuable. The “best” tag will always be attached to priceless classic cars. The following four factors should be taken into account when estimating a classic car’s worth:
Condition: A classic car in good condition or properly restored is worth a lot more than one that has been neglected or that received non-standard replacement parts.
Rarity: How many were produced? How many still exist out there? How many are found in Ireland?
Popularity: The larger the demand for a car, the higher its value will be. The more popular a classic car is, the greater the demand for it will be.
Model Quality: Was it regarded as expensive or affordable when it rolled off the assembly line?
How many and which of these criteria your classic car satisfies determines how valuable it is and it’s also a way of choosing to invest in the best vintage vehicles for your collection. Having said that, it’s quite obvious now that any of these older cars are valuable assets, not vehicles to be used for work commute or cabs to take cheap taxi insurance for.
1. Mercedes SL 300 Gullwing
Depending on the final drive ratio, the breath-taking engine output of 215 hp (158 kW) provides a top speed of 250 km/h. Due to this best performance, the 300 SL was the time’s quickest mass-produced vehicle and that contributed to its later classic car icon status. The vehicle had a frame that supported the engine, transmission, and axles but did not have room for conventional doors, just like the sports car from the 1952 racing season.
Additionally, 1954 saw the release of the Mercedes 300 SL “Gullwing”, a coupé with a distinctive look and impressive power that captured the attention of sports car aficionados and that makes it the best classic car for us. The idea for the vehicle was born in the USA, where “a magnificent Mercedes Benz sports automobile is what we need.” The Daimler-Benz Board of Management was persuaded to produce a series model of the popular 300 SL racing sports vehicle in September 1953.
Amazingly, the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL (W 198) made its dramatic debut at the International Motor Sports Show in New York just five months later, in February 1954. It was the first four-stroke engine production passenger car in the world to have direct fuel injection, which increases output and efficiency.
2. Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn
The full-size luxury vehicle Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn was built between 1949 and 1955. It was the first Rolls-Royce model to be available with a factory-built body, and that alo