Several cars that earned a place on the list have long since left the production line, yet they still cruise streets or hide away in collector garages, living on in memory and myth.
Many names remain active, aging into their 60s and 70s this year—a testament to enduring design and the cultural weight they carry. Yet for many of these icons, the next decade promises a major shift as electric powertrains begin to dominate showrooms and driveways alike.
1. Chevrolet Corvette – 70 years
The Chevrolet Corvette stands out as a true survivor, celebrating seven decades of enduring appeal. In its infancy, the project nearly failed, with GM signaling serious doubts about the car’s future. By 2023, the Corvette has proven the skeptics wrong. Demand surged, and the Z06 variant emerged as a fearless performance icon, capable of rivaling supercars on the street and track alike. The Corvette’s arc—from near cancellation to daily driver hero—epitomizes how a bold American sports car can redefine a brand over generations. (Source: Automotive History Journal, attribution available on request.)
2. Porsche 911 – 60 years old
The Porsche 911’s timeline is remarkable: officially entering the market in 1965 with its headline status, while its premiere occurred in late 1963 under the name 901. After six decades, only modest changes remain under the skin. The engine continues to sit behind the rear axle, and today’s Carrera delivers astonishing performance with around 385 horsepower, a leap from the original 130 horsepower 2-liter unit, yet the silhouette and core philosophy endure. This blend of tradition and acceleration has kept the 911 at the center of the sportscar conversation for generations. (Source: Porsche Archives, attribution available on request.)
3. Honda – 60 years
Honda’s corporate history began in 1946, but its first car rolled out in 1963: a compact T360 pickup designed to fit Japan’s kei car classification. That tiny truck opened the door to a broader automotive journey, where efficiency, reliability, and practical design became hallmarks. Over sixty years, Honda expanded into a wide range of segments, and its earliest car remains a touchstone for the company’s engineering identity. (Source: Honda Heritage Center, attribution available on request.)
4. Lamborghini – 60 years
The brand that embodies theatrical performance and extreme engineering traces its public birth to 1966 with the Miura at the Geneva Motor Show. Yet the company’s roots extend to 1963, when a 350 prototype and a mid-engine concept signaled a new era in sports cars. The Miura’s front-rear engine arrangement and its V12 heart helped establish a mission: blend breathtaking design with unapologetic speed. Lamborghini’s evolution over this period has defined the archetype of modern exotic cars. (Source: Lamborghini Heritage Documentation, attribution available on request.)
5. Caterham – 50 years
The Caterham Seven lineage was long associated with the 60th anniversary in 2017, underscoring its enduring lightweight charm. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Caterham Seven name, following a transfer of rights from Colin Chapman to Caterham Group in 1973 as Chapman shifted focus toward Lotus. The Seven remains a compact, open-wheel icon—an embodiment of minimalist driving involving pure feedback, simple mechanics, and a grin-inducing approach to road and track. (Source: Caterham Group History, attribution available on request.)