12 Speed Machines That Became Collector’s Icons
Throughout automotive history, some cars were built with a singular purpose—raw speed.
These machines dominated the roads and racetracks of their time, earning legendary status among enthusiasts. But beyond their performance, they have since become coveted collector’s treasures, commanding immense value at auctions and in private collections.
Here are 12 high-performance cars that have evolved from speed beasts to prized collectibles, ensuring their place in the automotive hall of fame.
1. Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7
The 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7 was built with one goal in mind—racing supremacy. Featuring a lightweight frame, aerodynamic refinements, and the now-famous ducktail spoiler, it set a new standard for performance in its era.
Under the hood, a 2.7-liter flat-six engine delivered an electrifying driving experience, making it a favorite on both the track and the road. Porsche only produced 1,580 units, ensuring its rarity.
Today, the Carrera RS 2.7 is one of the most sought-after vintage Porsches, with its timeless silhouette and thrilling performance continuing to captivate collectors worldwide.
2. Ferrari 250 GTO
Few cars carry the legendary aura of the Ferrari 250 GTO. Built between 1962 and 1964, this masterpiece of speed and design featured a 3.0-liter V12 engine that gave it the edge on the racetrack.
With only 36 ever made, its exclusivity skyrocketed its value. A combination of racing pedigree, breathtaking design, and historic significance has made it one of the most expensive cars in the world, often fetching tens of millions at auctions.
Beyond its value, the 250 GTO represents Ferrari’s golden era, blending power, craftsmanship, and a timeless allure.
3. Shelby Cobra 427
Few cars embody raw American muscle quite like the Shelby Cobra 427. This lightweight roadster, equipped with a massive 7.0-liter V8 engine, delivered a ferocious driving experience that made it a racing icon.
Carroll Shelby’s creation combined British chassis design with American brute force, making it one of the fastest cars of its time. With just around 300 units built, its scarcity only fuels its desirability among collectors.
Today, the Cobra 427 is a staple at high-end car auctions, commanding top dollar from enthusiasts looking for a piece of Shelby’s racing legacy.
4. Lamborghini Miura
The Lamborghini Miura is often credited as the first true supercar, completely revolutionizing high-performance automotive design. With its mid-engine layout and 4.0-liter V12, it delivered jaw-dropping speed and handling, setting new benchmarks in the 1960s.
With only 764 units ever produced, the Miura quickly became a status symbol for the world’s elite, often seen in the garages of celebrities and collectors.
Today, it remains one of the most revered classic Lamborghinis, known for its exquisite styling, historic importance, and thrilling performance.
5. Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato
A seamless fusion of British engineering and Italian design, the Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato was a limited-production masterpiece built for the track. Its lightweight aluminum body and high-performance straight-six engine made it a fierce competitor in racing.
With just 19 original units produced, its rarity is undeniable. The car’s breathtaking curves and exceptional craftsmanship have turned it into a collector’s fantasy, fetching astronomical prices at auctions.
A true icon of exclusivity and performance, the DB4 GT Zagato remains one of Aston Martin’s most legendary models.
6. Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing
The Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing was an engineering marvel of the 1950s, known for its distinctive upward-opening doors and pioneering fuel injection system. Powered by a 3.0-liter straight-six engine, it was one of the fastest cars of its time.
Limited production and an unmatched blend of innovation and style have cemented its place among the world’s most desirable classic cars.
Beyond its impressive specs, the 300SL’s role in popular culture, from film appearances to celebrity ownership, has ensured its lasting appeal among collectors.
7. Jaguar E-Type
The Jaguar E-Type is often hailed as one of the most beautiful cars ever built. Enzo Ferrari himself declared it a masterpiece, and with a 150 mph top speed, it was just as fast as it was stunning.
Its sleek design, aerodynamic efficiency, and impressive inline-six engine made it a symbol of 1960s performance and luxury.
Decades later, the E-Type remains a collector’s must-have, celebrated for its timeless beauty and thrilling driving dynamics.
8. Ford GT40
The Ford GT40 was Ford’s answer to Ferrari’s dominance at Le Mans—and it succeeded spectacularly. Powered by a 4.7-liter V8, the GT40 won the 24 Hours of Le Mans four consecutive times from 1966 to 1969.
With a limited production run, the GT40 has become one of the most valuable racing cars in history. Its status was further solidified by its starring role in “Ford v Ferrari”, introducing a new generation to its legendary story.
Owning a GT40 is like holding a piece of motorsport history, making it one of the most collectible performance cars ever made.
9. Chevrolet Corvette Stingray (C2)
The Chevrolet Corvette Stingray (C2), produced from 1963 to 1967, remains one of the most iconic American sports cars ever. Featuring a powerful V8 engine, hidden headlights, and the unmistakable split-window coupe design, it captured the imagination of muscle car lovers.
Its track success and cultural influence have only added to its desirability, making well-preserved Stingrays highly sought after in the collector’s market.
Few cars blend performance, style, and nostalgia as effortlessly as the C2 Stingray.
10. Maserati 250F
The Maserati 250F was a Formula One legend, winning races in the hands of Juan Manuel Fangio and other elite drivers of the 1950s. Powered by a 2.5-liter inline-six, it was a masterpiece of engineering for its time.
With only 26 units ever made, its rarity ensures it commands seven-figure prices whenever one appears at auction.
For collectors, the 250F is a symbol of classic motorsport’s golden era, making it one of the most coveted race cars in history.
11. BMW M1
The BMW M1 was BMW’s first and only mid-engined supercar, designed in collaboration with Lamborghini. Its sleek Giugiaro-designed body and 3.5-liter inline-six engine made it a performance beast.
Originally built for racing, its production was limited to just 453 units, adding to its collectibility.
Today, the M1’s rarity, performance heritage, and iconic wedge-shaped design make it a highly desirable piece of BMW history.
12. Dodge Charger Daytona
Last on our list, the Dodge Charger Daytona was built for one reason—to dominate NASCAR. With its aerodynamic nose cone and massive rear wing, it was the first car to break 200 mph on a NASCAR track.
Despite its polarizing design, only 503 units were produced, making it a rare gem in the muscle car world.
Now a prized collector’s item, the Charger Daytona stands as a testament to American racing ingenuity and bold design.