Classic cars are often a delight for the eyes. Their retro appearance coupled with their long, interesting histories are enough to steal the hearts of auto enthusiasts everywhere. But some are more suited to sitting pretty in a showroom rather than cruising down a road. They have difficult-to-find parts or aren’t reliable enough to use as daily drivers. Today, we’re looking at some classic cars you can trust to look good and stay running on your daily commute.
One of the main indicators of what is and isn’t a classic car is age. Vehicles that were manufactured 20 or more years ago all fall into the classic car category as far as registration and most insurance companies are concerned.
A classic car should also have its original design and specifications to be registered as a classic car. Any restoration attempts need to stay true to the vehicle’s original construction and design if the owner wants to maintain the vehicle’s classic car status. Heavily modernized vehicles, even very old ones, fall into the modified car category rather than the classic car category.
That being said, the definition of what is and isn’t a classic car tends to be very loose. Certain state DMVs, insurance companies, and even classic car clubs can define classic cars differently from one another.
Now that you know what makes a classic car classic, it’s time to look at our top picks for your next classic American daily driver.
The Plymouth Valiant is one of the most reliable classic cars to roll out in the US. It has an old-school Chrysler slant six engine and a vintage silhouette and body that can charm any classic car enthusiast. It has a simple style and its engine won’t need much repair once it’s gotten going. You can trust the Plymouth Valiant to get you where you need to go throughout the daily grind.
The Ford Mustang has been a sports car staple in the American auto market for decades now. It’s beloved by many enthusiasts, and benefits from that love in the form of easy-to-find, brand-new aftermarket parts. This classic has a long service life and simply owning one is a tribute to American automotive history.
If you want a sleeper classic, go for the Chevrolet Impala SS. Released from 1994 to 1998, these sedans look more modern. Servicing these ’90s classics is easy and affordable, with some of their integral parts costing a fraction of those needed for other classic vehicles. The Impala SS also benefits from a fuel-injected engine.
Early model Jeep Cherokees might have suffered from a few electrical and interior issues, but later models are a treasure. These off-road classics can serve you well off the beaten path. The Cherokee’s body was built to take hits, and the aftermarket parts are easily available for any needed repairs. Two-door Cherokees are particularly popular these days, but for a more sturdy body, you’d be better off with a four-door. This tough machine can get you places even in terrible weather like a blizzard.
The Chevy Corvette is another classic line that’s lasted ’til the modern day and with good reason. C4, C5, and C6 generation Corvettes are built for the racetrack, boasting high speeds all around. They’re also incredibly reliable, and are known to be trouble-free for upwards of 100,000 miles for the most part. Just remember, if you’re looking at getting a classic Corvette from the C6 generation, it needs to be older than 20 years.
There’s a reason police departments and taxicab fleets rely heavily on Ford Crown Victorias. These classics have high reliability and low maintenance needs, especially the 1995, 1997, and 2004 models. The 2004 Crown Victoria in particular is also praised for its fuel economy, which is a great feature for a daily driver.
There are a ton of reliable old time cars manufactured outside the US as well, and we thought we’d highlight some of our favorites.
The Porsche 911 has earned its place on this list, especially the first-generation ones that ran from 1964 to 1989. Collectors and enthusiasts point to the first-gen 911s as true classics, with their iconic headlights and unique design. That being said, 911 parts tend to be on the expensive side. If it’s reliability you’re after, look for the Porsche 911SC or Carrera 3.2, which both have under-stressed engines and rust-proof bodies.
This simple and straightforward classic is one of the most popular cars of all time. The big Beetle boom lasted from the late 1950s to the early 1970s and for good reason. While slow, the classic Beetle was easy to repair, and thanks to its popularity, it’s easy to restore and modify. Its unique shape gives this classic a character all its own, one that prevailed across multiple Herbie movies throughout the years.
The Saab 900 is another quirky but dependable classic. Early Saab Classic 900s have front-wheel drive and great seats for those long hours behind the wheel in traffic. The way its engine is mounted also makes it easier to access and repair. Some 900s even have convertible tops, in case you want the option of billowing wind in your hair.
Finally, we have the Mazda MX-5, which is commonly called the Miata here in the US. As the world’s best-selling two-seat convertible sports car, the Miata has solidified its position on the classic cars list. It’s known to be relatively issue-free, making it perfect for daily driving. Everything from its flip-up headlights to its compact and cozy body have made it a memorable and worthy addition to this list.
That’s it for our list of the best classic cars for daily driving. There are way more classics out there, and with everyone’s different tastes, there’s no question that we’ve only scratched the surface. In the end though, these are the cars that will get you to and from work without issue, all while looking retro chic and stylish.
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