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Best classic sports cars - great old drivers' cars you could own today

Which is the best classic sports car? Models from AC, Jaguar, Ferrari, Lotus, MG, Porsche and more all make compelling cases

In times of financial trouble classic cars can provide a (relatively) safe refuge for investors away from the stormy waters of the stock market. There's no doubt that classic sports car prices have been climbing to incredible highs in recent years, with some of the best and most desirable classic sports cars stretching to six, seven and even eight figures.

The classic car market was boosted when interest rates fell away after 2008's global financial crisis and even though rates have been on the rise more recently, demand for classics has remained buoyant - perhaps partly fuelled by nostalgia for the great internal combustion engined cars of the past as we head towards electrification. Of course, there’s nothing new about the appeal of owning a rare and collectable piece of automotive history and on this page we're picking our favourite ten.

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The best classic sports cars will always enjoy strong demand from the global market and the high sale prices we’ve seen in recent years seem unlikely to be a flash in the pan. Of all the elderly motors out there, classic sports cars are always amongst the most popular and valuable. Not only do they represent a potentially smart financial investment, but they also offer the potential for big driving thrills, if owners are brave enough to take them out on the road or even race track.

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Take a look through the classifieds or auction catalogues and you will see everything from optimistic restoration projects and barn finds, to affordable classics and the top echelon of historic models and concours rebuilds.

With so much choice and such big money at stake, the world of classic cars can be a tricky one to navigate. If a vehicle is incredibly cheap, it is most likely that way for a reason. If you cannot find a reason, it might be best to seek professional advice to make sure you are not being sold a rust coated nightmare.

While the above may sound a bit like doom and gloom, picking the right classic sports car will bring you one step closer to living, and driving, the dream. To help steer you in the right direction, we’ve chosen 10 of our all-time favourite classic sports cars, which include something for all budgets – including Euromillions lottery winners.

We’ve got famous exotics from the likes of AC Cars, BMW, Jaguar, Ferrari and Porsche to tempt you with, and more affordable options from Lotus, MG and Sunbeam, which will be a whole lot cheaper to buy and own. But if there isn't something for you in our best classic sports cars selection don't worry, as there’s a whole world of other options out there waiting to be discovered.

Click the links below to read about our top 10 classic sports cars, or see our list of the best cheap sports cars

Best classic sports cars

  1. Jaguar E-Type
  2. MGB
  3. Ferrari 250 GT
  4. AC Cobra
  5. Porsche 911
  6. Ferrari Daytona
  7. BMW 507
  8. Lotus Seven
  9. Austin-Healey 3000
  10. Sunbeam Alpine
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Current affairs and features editor

Chris covers all aspects of motoring life for Auto Express. Over a long career he has contributed news and car reviews to brands such as Autocar, WhatCar?, PistonHeads, Goodwood and The Motor Trader.

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