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Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, as they say. So, trying to come up with a list of the most amazing classic cars is fraught with subjectivity. But we think you’re sure to agree with at least a couple of the cars we’ve selected on this list.

All five classics in our list pre-date 1980 and we will give our reasoning on why we think each vintage motor is worthy of being called one of the most amazing classic cars of all time.

We’re also proud to say we’ve insured a couple of these cars, and hosted some more at Classic Motor Show. So, we like to think we’re well-placed to pick out the models that will never cease to wow true enthusiasts.

Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale – the super-rare supercar

There’s something about a rare classic car that makes it all the more alluring. Only a few of these stunning Alfas were ever made between Autumn 1967 and Spring 1969. The Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale is based on the Alfa Romeo Tipo 33 Sports prototype racer, giving it a track-ready look and feel, but with enough comfort to cruise around the streets in.

Fast, expensive, rare, and stunningly good looking – Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale is amazing in every sense of the word.

Ferrari 250 GTO – the world’s most expensive car

Sticking with the Italians, the 250 GTO is arguably the most celebrated of all GT racing Ferraris. In fact, last year an Italian court recognised it as a work of art.

The Ferrari 250 GTO is acclaimed as the world’s most valuable classic car, with one example selling at auction last year for $48 million (£38 million). Clearly, classic car enthusiasts with lots of money to spare can’t resists the 250 GTO’s stunning shape and incredible 3.0-litre V-12. The fact that just 36 of the models were made, between 1962 and 1964, also helps drive up its value and appeal.

Lamborghini Miura – the original supercar

With the Lamborghini Miura making up our third Italian car on the list from the 1960s, it’s fair to say we have a ‘type’. But how could we not include it?

Produced from 1966 to 1973, the Miura was the first supercar with a rear mid-engined two-seat layout, setting the standard for high-performance sports and supercars going forward.

Did you know this classic was designed by Lamborghini’s engineering team in their spare time, against the wishes of company founder Ferruccio Lamborghini? He was wary of imitating local rival Ferrari, but the Miura became the fastest production road car at the time it was made. 

And who could forget its starring role in the 1969 classic The Italian Job? It looked (and sounded) spectacular sweeping around those glorious mountain roads – just watch out for that tunnel!

Porsche 550 – James Dean’s car of choice

It’s impossible to talk about the Porsche 550 without mentioning James Dean. On 30th September 1955, the Hollywood star died behind the wheel of his Porsche 550 Spyder Convertible following an accident in California. He was just 24 years old.

Although the Porsche 550 has a somewhat tragic history, it’s not hard to see why Dean loved the car so much. The 550 Spyder was a svelte, low-riding convertible that helped solidify Porsche's fame around the world, and is now among the most frequently reproduced classic automobiles. Are there any Porsche 550 kit car owners out there?

Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic – the fashionista’s car

If you’ve seen a Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic in the ‘flesh’, call yourself privileged. Only four of these amazing cars were ever made between 1935 and 1938. Of the four cars, only two remain in existence (although it’s speculated there could be one more – but don’t ever expect to find out the answer to this cliff-hanger!): one sits in the Mullin Automotive Museum in California; the other in the garage of fashion designer Ralph Lauren.

Styled by Ettore Bugatti’s son Jean, the Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic was one of the most powerful of its day, packing a 3.3 litre, 200bhp, 8-cylinder engine. But it’s the shape of the vehicle – the overly long bonnet and oval rear end – that really makes the Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic stand out as a true classic

But it’s the raised seam running vertically from the hinge in the split bonnet to the tail that really captures the imagination. Like a sharp fin, it divides the body in the middle.

Aston Martin DB5 – the best of British

We couldn’t complete our list without including the best of British. It'd be hard to find a better example of the British sports car than the Aston Martin DB5, which famously appeared in the 1964 James Bond film Goldfinger.

Regarded by many enthusiasts – us included – as the most beautiful Aston Martin produced, the DB5 never intended to be an out-and-out sports car. It combines luxury with performance and does so in an eminently stylish way. The cabin is spacious, luxurious and comfortable, and the engine smooth and responsive. This is truly an amazing grand touring car.

The Aston Martin DB5 used to promote the James Bond film Thunderball recently sold for $6.4m (£5.2m) at the world’s biggest classic car auction in California, so you might want to start saving.

Protect your investment with classic car insurance

If you’re lucky enough to get your hands on one of these incredible classics – or any classic for that matter – you’re going to need specialist classic car insurance. 

Whatever model you end up buying, we can offer cover to match. Lancaster Insurance is the classic car insurance broker of choice of 96,000 vehicle owners. Did you know that over 40% of all MGBs and over 30% of all Land Rover 88s and MG Midgets have their insurance arranged by us?

Like you, Lancaster is passionate about classic cars. Drawing on the recommendations from our panel of specialist underwriters, we will search for the best classic car insurance for your cherished auto.

Get a quote today.