Top 10 Classic Car Searches

In the aftermath of the pandemic, the search trends in the classic car market experienced a notable shift. While dream cars like the Porsche 911 and Jaguar E-Type had previously dominated the search tables, 2021 witnessed a surge in interest for more mainstream classics, including the BMW 3 Series.

One of the standout performers of 2021 was the Ford Escort, which dethroned the Porsche 911 to claim the top spot in terms of searches. Among the various iterations of the European Escort spanning 34 years, it was the RS2000 that garnered the most attention. Car & Classic’s recent auction sales showcased the enduring popularity of the Escort, with a Mk3 RS1600i fetching £25,500 and a Mk1 Twin Cam selling for an impressive £50,000.

Another classic car that experienced a significant surge in searches was the Triumph Stag, which secured the third spot in the rankings. Close on its heels was the BMW 3 Series, particularly the iconic E30 version from the 1980s. Interestingly, more than a quarter of the searches for the compact saloon were specifically for the legendary M3 variant. The rising interest in the E30 model, up nearly 20 percent from 2020, mirrored the substantial increase in the values of M3 cars over the past five years. Currently, Car & Classic lists 24 road-going examples of the BMW 3 Series, with prices ranging from £40,000 to £189,000.

Rounding out the top 10 searched-for classic cars were the Ford Mustang and Jaguar E-Type, both experiencing a 10 percent growth in interest. These findings reflect the overall increase in traffic to Car & Classic, which now boasts a regular monthly audience of four million unique visitors.

The evolving search trends in the classic car market demonstrate a shift towards more accessible and popular models, highlighting the diverse preferences of enthusiasts. As the interest in mainstream classics continues to grow, Car & Classic remains a go-to platform for enthusiasts, offering a wide range of options and attracting a large and engaged audience of classic car lovers.

1. Ford Escort: The Ford Escort has proven to be a popular choice among classic car enthusiasts. With its iconic design and range of models, including the sought-after RS2000, the Escort has become a symbol of performance and nostalgia.
2. Porsche 911: The Porsche 911 is a timeless classic that continues to captivate enthusiasts around the world. Its sleek lines, powerful performance, and engineering excellence have made it an enduring icon in the automotive world.
3. Triumph Stag: The Triumph Stag offers a unique blend of style, performance, and British charm. With its V8 engine and convertible design, the Stag provides an exhilarating driving experience that appeals to classic car lovers.
4. E30 BMW 3 Series: The E30 generation of the BMW 3 Series has gained popularity among collectors and enthusiasts. Known for its sporty handling and stylish design, the E30 has become a sought-after classic car, especially in its iconic M3 variant.
5. Ford Mustang: The Ford Mustang is an American automotive legend. Its muscular looks, powerful engines, and timeless appeal have made it a favorite among classic car enthusiasts, both in the United States and abroad.
6. Jaguar E-Type: The Jaguar E-Type is often hailed as one of the most beautiful cars ever made. Its sleek and curvaceous design, combined with impressive performance, has made it an icon of automotive design and a highly desirable classic car.
7. Ford Capri: The Ford Capri is a classic European sports coupe that embodies the spirit of the 1970s. With its distinctive styling, powerful engines, and accessible price point, the Capri has gained a loyal following among classic car enthusiasts.
8. VW Beetle: The Volkswagen Beetle is one of the most recognizable cars in the world. Its iconic design and historical significance have made it a beloved classic car, with enthusiasts appreciating its charming simplicity and enduring appeal.
9. MGB GT: The MGB GT is a classic British sports car that offers a balance of style and performance. With its sleek fastback design and spirited driving experience, the MGB GT has become a beloved choice for classic car enthusiasts.
10. MGB: The MGB roadster is another variant of the popular MGB model, known for its classic British roadster styling and engaging driving dynamics. Its timeless design and affordable maintenance make it a favorite among classic car enthusiasts.

These ten classic cars represent a diverse range of automotive icons, each with its own unique charm and appeal. Whether you’re drawn to the power of the Porsche 911, the elegance of the Jaguar E-Type, or the nostalgic charm of the VW Beetle, there’s a classic car on this list to suit every enthusiast’s taste.

Despite maintaining a similar level of searches in 2020, the MGB GT slipped down the rankings in 2021, although both the GT and Roadster versions still managed to secure a spot in the top ten.

One noticeable trend in the search data is the growing demand for Japanese sports cars. The Toyota Supra, MR2, Mazda RX-7, and Datsun 240Z all made appearances in the top 20 searches of 2021. The rise of the RX-7 and Supra was particularly impressive, with the Supra surging from the outskirts of the top 50 to nearly overtaking the MGB, while the RX-7 nearly doubled its number of searches.

Car & Classic’s Head of Editorial, Chris Pollitt, highlights the fascinating insights derived from their extensive data, which includes over 16 million searches for the top 200 cars. He notes that after the initial lockdowns, there was a notable increase in people searching for their dream cars, and 2021 has witnessed a return to nostalgia. The popularity of sporting Escorts has remained strong, with around 120 listed for sale on the platform. The rising values of front-wheel-drive Escorts can be attributed to the next generation of enthusiasts wanting to relive the experiences of the ’80s and ’90s, particularly with models like the XR3i and RS Turbos.

As Europe’s largest classified site for classic and specialist vehicles, Car & Classic provides a comprehensive snapshot of the types of cars that enthusiasts are interested in purchasing. With a wide range of vehicles listed, spanning prices from less than £500 to over £3 million, it serves as an ideal barometer for tracking the buying preferences of classic car enthusiasts.