Whether you love a vintage model or you prefer ultra-modern sports cars full of tech, it is undeniable that classic cars possess a certain charm that just cannot be found in new models. Whether it's the wavering gauge needles, the chrome bumpers, or raucous exhaust notes. There's something special about behind the wheel of a true classic.
It's not all nostalgia and throwbacks though; thanks to simple engineering and cars being designed to last, classic cars offer a certain longevity and feeling of durability that is missing from some newer cars, which can feel a little 'throw-away' after a certain amount of time.
Here's a concise overview of some favorites, which are sure to return you many years of happy motoring if you can keep on top of their maintenance and repair schedules.
We collected data from sources such as Carsurvey.org and Carcomplaints.com to bring you reliable reviews and reports that will help define for us which are the most reliable classic sports cars that will last for years.
The MGB is a classic sports car that defines the genre; a two-seater soft-top with the engine up front and drive to the rear. Proving popular across Europe and America, sales continued for 18 years and included a GT coupe version, along with a factory V8 offered in later years.
Owners of the MGB generally have nothing but praise for their ownership experiences, with one owner expressing "it is not a car, it is a dear friend." Another owner on Carsurvey.org has marked his MG 9/10 for reliability, and 8/10 for running costs, which certainly paints a pleasant picture of a remarkably pain-free ownership experience. Despite experiencing a few failures during their ownership, both owners have independently remarked that they couldn't imagine summers without their beloved MGs.
Problems Owners Report: Clutch hydraulics and a failed radiator.
Highest Mileage Recorded On Carsurvey: 380,000 miles
The Triumph Spitfire also enjoyed a long and illustrious production run, from the early 1960s right up to 1980. The MK4 was a fresh design for the 1970s but still used the same separate chassis, with a fruity inline-4 under the hood; cheap and cheerful, the Spitfire was a very successful British sports car.
Owners have plenty to say about the Triumph Spitfire, and fortunately, the majority of comments on Carsurvey.org and very positive, with one owner exclaiming "this is the single most fun and exciting car that I have ever owned," while at the same time rating it with a positive 7/10 for reliability. That same owner comments his car is an ongoing project, which is likely why he didn't rate the reliability as high as another 1975 model owner, who chose a 9/10 for reliability and the same for running costs also.
Problems Owners Report: Alternator issues and carburetors needed servicing
Highest Mileage Recorded On Carsurvey: 95,000 miles
Related: Here's How Much A Classic Triumph Spitfire Is Worth Today
The Volvo P1800ES is the shooting-break variant of the P1800 but still retains the same sporty mechanicals and enjoyable driving characteristics, which makes it one of the more practical, and family-friendly choices. These Swedish Volvos are incredibly durable and make for excellent useable classics. Even now, 50 years on since the first cars went into production, they are versatile and practical cars that can be used and enjoyed regularly.
Carsurvey.org displays a number of reviews from enthusiastic owners, who all comment on how much positive attention the styling attracts, while one particular owner goes as far as to say "This is one of the sexiest designs ever." Reliability scores seem to average at around 7/10, and apparently, parts can be expensive too, but this may be because owners are restoring well-used examples, as others report impressive longevity of the mechanicals.
Problems Owners Report: Oil leaks and expensive spares
Highest Mileage Recorded On Carsurvey: 106,233 miles
The Mercedes-Benz SL-class is a luxury line of impressively and well-engineered convertibles, with the 450 being a near-range-topping V8 R107 example from the late 1970s. The SL has been in continuous production for decades now, and classic models like these are usually cherished by marque-enthusiasts.
Out of the 5 reviews left on Carsurvey.org for this particular model and year, 4 of them are overwhelmingly positive. The single negative review remarks over-complicated suspension designs failing, and missed recalls, so potential misuse from previous owners is to blame here. One owner states "for a daily driver this car is very reliable with normal maintenance," while another states "it's a classic that everybody should own," which testifies to just how reliable and trustworthy these classic sports cars can be. Both the aforementioned owners gave their 450SLs a 9/10 for reliability.
Problems Owners Report: Sticking door locks and worn engine components
Highest Mileage Recorded On Carsurvey: 200,000 miles
The Porsche 914 was introduced at the tail-end of the 1960s and had 7 successful years of production which ended in 1976. The nimble sports car was, and still is, loved for its lightweight design and sharp handling. It was also available at a much lower price point that the more powerful 911.
One owner on Carsurvey comments that "once I drove a Porsche 914, I was hooked," which goes to show just how fabulous these diminutive sports cars drive. He also rated his example a 9/10, as did others. While it would appear parts can be expensive, we would argue this is to be expected with the prestigious brand, although it's reassuring to hear that the parts are at least durable. It's rare the same item offends more than once. Another owner, who has owned his 1972 914 since 1995 comments he "doubts he will ever sell it," and also rates it a solid 9/10 for reliability.
Problems Owners Report: Transmission rebuilds are required, and intermittent gauges
Highest Mileage Recorded On Carsurvey: 140,000 miles
Related: Here's Everything You Need To Know About The Porsche 914
This striking Karmann-designed roadster is one of the all-time greats from British sports car manufacturer Triumph. A smooth six-cylinder engine delivers a healthy heap of power to the rear wheels, and a mesmerizing soundtrack, which keeps owners smiling and coming back for more.
Carsurvey.org documents a fair few reviews from current and past owners, and the consensus seems to be it's a charming and solid classic sports car. While it does have some issues, one owner claims it's "easy to repair" and someone else points out it's "fast, reliable, head-turning fun." Most owners seem to rate the TR6 between 7 and 9 out of 10 for reliability, which we think is a more than fair score for a 50-year-old British cruiser like this.
Problems Owners Report: Blown fuses, car requires regular general maintenance and tinkering.
Highest Mileage Recorded On Carsurvey: 120,000 miles
It's no wonder that this classic Japanese sports car was so popular both in period and in today's car scene, with a strong performing inline-six, decisive handling, and impressive reliability all on offer at an affordable price. The 280Z has almost 150 horsepower on tap and can hit 60 mph from a standstill in around 8 seconds. No wonder then that it's still one of the most desirable models today from the legendary Z-car legacy.
One owner on Carsurvey sums up his ownership experience by saying "solid engine, solid transmission, solid suspension, solid everything!" – which we think paints a great picture of how enjoyable owning a classic 280Z is. The other 2 reviews on these cars are equally positive, with each owner rating the Datsun between 7 and 10 out of 10 for overall reliability.
Problems Owners Report: Worn interior plastics and suspension bushes
Highest Mileage Recorded On Carsurvey: 200,000 miles
The Mustang Mach 1 was well received in period by critics and customers, who all loved the loud styling packages and high-performance V8 engines. Just over 35,000 Mach 1s were produced in total, and thanks to multiple pop-culture appearances they are now highly collectible among muscle car enthusiasts.
One owner on carcomplaints.com reports issues with electrics in the steering column, although this looks to be an isolated incident and not a reoccurring issue. Two owners over on Carsurvey.org have this to say; "I would buy another one today" and "an underrated bargain." Clearly then, positive ownership experiences. Neither has rated the car below an 8/10 for reliability, likely due to the simple old-school engineering and superb parts availability for the model.
Problems Owners Report: General maintenance and some rust underneath, near rear suspension components
Highest Mileage Recorded On Carsurvey: 180,000 miles
Related: 8 Reasons Why Gearheads Love The 1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1
With the exception only of the homologation special 2002 Turbo, this Tii model was the pinnacle of the 2002 lineup and featured a rev-happy 130-horsepower 2.0-liter inline-4. The engine used a unique mechanical fuel injection system which improved throttle response and overall engine efficiency, resulting in a total win-win scenario for owners.
"Simple to work on classic" and "a classic without expense" are both good examples of the sort-of feedback given by owners over on Carsurvey, with many more exclaiming how superb the handling is and even considering it a cut-price BMW M3. The majority of owners have rated the 2002 with a 9/10 for reliability, and although it may not be as easy to work on as some of the simple roadsters featured above, it would appear it goes wrong less frequently, which balances things out somewhat.
Problems Owners Report: Rust is the big issue and worn-out interiors
Highest Mileage Recorded On Carsurvey: 315,000 miles
This icon of American motoring is as enjoyable to drive as it is to look out, especially with one of the higher output V8 engines (avoid the California C3!). Pop-up headlights and a T-top roof design meant the C3 was sleek and versatile, plus it had an aggressively wide stance, which helped to portray its muscle car identity to anyone who doubted it.
Carsurvey.org features one particularly enthusiastic review on the 1978 Corvette, with the owner stating "this has been a love affair - I want a fleet of these, so underrated for the price." With remarks like that, you'll not find it surprising that the 1978 Corvette is marked 10/10 for reliability and 8/10 for running costs, which is super-impressive for a 45-year-old V8 sports-muscle car. Someone else comments that the C3 is "a pleasure to own and maintain," which seems to echo the thoughts of most owners.
Problems Owners Report: Worn-out seals and cosmetic items needing replacing after time
Highest Mileage Recorded On Carsurvey: 137,000 miles
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