12 cool classic cars for sale right now

Happiness might be just a click away

With the coronavirus pandemic and global lockdown, the world feels a very different place right now and, let’s be honest, we all need a bit of cheering up.

So it’s good to know that, thanks to the wonders of the world wide web, classic car sales are continuing meaning owners can still make their automotive dreams come true.

Here, in no particular order, we’ve picked 12 really rather cool, eye-catching classics that not only brightened our day when we saw them, they’re also for sale right now.

Could one of these be your perfect post-lockdown companion? Let’s find out. Temptation awaits…

1. 1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SE 3.5 Cabriolet

Yes, for most of our budgets we are starting in true dreamworld territory – but just look at it.

And with summer coming, there are surely few more elegant ways to soak up some sun, with the bonus that you can take some friends with you and enjoy a lovely V8 burble.

1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SE 3.5 Cabriolet (cont.)

For sale with RM Sotheby’s, it will set you back $275,000 (that’s around £222,500), but for that you get an American-market example in Silver Grey, with a new soft-top, and a rebuilt 3.5-litre V8 and column-shift automatic gearbox.

Other fitments include air-con, electric windows and a limited-slip differential.

2. 1987 Lotus Esprit Turbo HC

It’s time for a change of pace with our next pick, but it is still most definitely super-cool – well, it is a limited-edition Lotus Esprit, after all.

This car is number 10 of a mere 21 cars from the production run built to celebrate 21 years of Lotus production at Hethel, and was signed off by that very factory on 27 February 1987 before heading off to Corby. Yet in its 33 years, it is yet to cover 55,000 miles.

Proof of its ‘10 of 21’ status is in the sterling silver plaque found in the car, plus unique decals featuring this number.

1987 Lotus Esprit Turbo HC (cont.)

So this is a pretty special Esprit and one of five finished in this fetching two-tone ‘Essex blue’ paint, plus it is still totally standard and has had only two keepers.

In 2004 or 2005 it went to Portugal and spent 14 years ensconced in a private collection, hence its condition and mileage, but it has since been recommissioned.

It’s for sale with online auction site The Market with no reserve and, if you fancy it, you have until 13 April 2020 at 19:30 (BST) to bid. 

3. 1984 Rover Vitesse SD1 TWR Group A spec

We promised cool cars to brighten your day and, if we do say so ourselves, we’ve certainly delivered with this find.

It is the product of a ground-up build carried out to create a faithful tribute to the mid-’80s TWR/010 Group A competition car, with its around 300bhp coming from an original TWR-prepared 3.5-litre Rover V8.

What’s more, it comes with fresh safety kit and current FIA HTP papers valid until the end of 2028, meaning it is ready for action.

1984 Rover Vitesse SD1 TWR Group A spec (cont.)

Like the look of it? It’s for sale with online auction site Collecting Cars and is open for bids now, the sale ending in seven days.

The vendor promises that due to its unsilenced exhaust, that V8 makes ‘an impressive and addictive noise’ – we can but dream!

4. 1969 Porsche 912

Bahama Yellow is most definitely a shade to raise a smile and it looks fantastic on this ’69 Porsche 912, for sale with RM Sotheby’s.

It left the factory this colour, too, its black interior also original.

1969 Porsche 912 (cont.)

In fact, this is a fully restored example of Porsche’s 912, its 1.6 flat-four ready to be enjoyed by its next lucky custodian.

It will be sold with its owner’s manual and a Certificate of Authenticity – if you have the $44,000 (c£35,600) that’s being asked for it by RM Sotheby’s.

5. 1955 Ford Fairlane Crown Victoria

Torched Red and Snowshoe White is a seriously headturning combination and on this award-winning Ford, it looks particularly special.

Those whitewall tyres really set it off, too.

1955 Ford Fairlane Crown Victoria (cont.)

Even better, there’s a lovely big, 292cu in V8 under the bonnet, mated to the Ford-O-Matic transmission, and if you can see yourself settled behind its large white steering wheel, you might be pleased to know it has power steering.

Its price? $36,500 (c£30,000) through RM Sotheby’s.

6. 1976 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ45

Moving onto something rather different – and rather more in need of an owner who’s willing to roll their sleeves up – but this is one of the two, original, UK-registered FJ45 Land Cruisers, brought to the UK by Toyota in 1976 as a demonstrator and then sold to broadcaster Ned Sherrin's brother, after which it spent 20 years on the family’s farm.

It’s done just over 71,000 miles and some of them have clearly been tough ones, judging by its condition…

1976 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ45 (cont.)

But FJs are now attractive – not to mention cool and rather cute – classics, especially one like this with a special story.

It will be sold with its original Toyota jack and jacking handles, starting handle, toolkit bag, inspection lamp, floor mats and sound deadening panel, plus handwritten correspondence between previous owners and a big history file.

It is for sale online with Classic Car Auctions.

7. 1970 Jaguar E-type Roadster Series 2

Yes, we are proud to admit that we think Sable Brown is a seriously cool colour for an E-type. And if you agree, then check out this wind-in-your-hair classic that has lived most of its life in the salt-free environment of Dallas, Texas.

It has also just had around $20,000-worth of recommissioning done to it, meaning it should be in prime condition for its next owner to enjoy it, once restrictions are lifted.

1970 Jaguar E-type Roadster Series 2 (cont.)

The retrimmed beige leather upholstery presents well, too, it has an MoT until November and will be sold with a Jaguar Heritage trust certificate, as well as invoices documenting the recent work.

Like it? You’ll need to be quick. It is open for bids on The Market now, the sale closing at 20:00 (BST) on 10 April 2020.

8. 1993 Lancia Delta HF Integrale Evoluzione II

If you’re talking cool classics, an Integrale has surely got to be in there, right? And this 102,766km (63,855-mile) car caught our eye. How many miles? Yes, this car has been enjoyed as Lancia intended.

It’s been here in the UK since 1999, and about 2000km ago it benefited from a thorough recommissioning.

1993 Lancia Delta HF Integrale Evoluzione II (cont.)

Despite so much usage, it appears to present very well, its beige Alcantara-trimmed, factory-fitted, high-back Recaro front seats and original Momo Corse steering wheel showing only gentle signs of use, although the air-con doesn’t work.

Still, it’s a great-looking car and it’s for sale now with Collecting Cars, bidding closing in seven days.

9. BMW 635CSi Highline Shadowline

One of the last of its kind to be built, this BMW has clearly been enjoyed in the intervening three decades – it has done 149,000 miles.

But then this is the kind of car that was made to last and we’re told it bears a few signs of ageing, but presents very well, especially once you get inside.

BMW 635CSi Highline Shadowline (cont.)

So let’s look inside the leather-upholstered cabin, where its vendor says the front seats remain firm and supportive, the rears appear unused, and the electric sunroof opens and closes as it should. The current owner says the BMW has never let him down.

Tempted? Head to The Market where it’s for sale now in an online auction that finishes at 20:00 (BST) on 13 April 2020.

10. 1975 Alfa Romeo GT 1600 Junior

This sweet little Alfa in a very winsome shade of blue is a genuine right-hand drive example, as confirmed by the official marque archives in Milan.

It’s not perfect – and never claims to be – but it’s a solid, perfectly usable classic that is said to drive very well.

1975 Alfa Romeo GT 1600 Junior (cont.)

Get inside and you’ll find a period-perfect interior trimmed in dark brown ‘Cinghiale’ vinyl that’s thought to be original, with a new carpet set and new inner door panel cards.

To find out more and to bid on this classic, visit Collecting Cars.

11. 1989 Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2 Sport targa

We’re not sure there’s a better colour than Guards Red for this car and with 134,000 miles under its wheels, it is good to know it has given lots of joy.

It is also good to know it has been well cared for, always garaged and Waxoyled a decade ago.

1989 Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2 Sport targa (cont.)

It is packed with original features including the spec sticker under the bonnet, its brass door pins and the Porsche leather-lined carpet in the luggage bay.

If you think this could be your ticket to summertime driving pleasure, this 911 is for sale with Classic Car Auctions and you can bid on it here.

12. 1966 Plymouth Barracuda "Leggin’ it" Drag Car

Last but by no means least – and positively dripping cool – there’s this. Wow.

This V8-powered Barracuda wears racing slick tyres out back, while inside you’ll find a rollcage, a driver’s seat with a Simpson harness, and aftermarket instruments. And check out that quartet of side-exiting pipes.

But that’s not all…

1966 Plymouth Barracuda "Leggin’ it" Drag Car (cont.)

Because with this drag car you get a transporter. And not any old truck, but a colour-matched 1965 Dodge C-500 Car Hauler with a winch to help load the car and bags of storage space.

Oh, and an incredible stars-and-stripes-themed cockpit, too. 

For sale right now with RM Sotheby’s, this lot gets you two classics for the price of one! That price? $70,000 (c£56,700).