The 1960s marked a golden age for the automotive industry, giving rise to some of the most legendary, rare, and collectible cars. Whether it was through breakthrough engineering, limited production, or iconic design, the cars produced during this era have left a lasting impact on car enthusiasts worldwide. Today, models from Ferrari, Aston Martin, Jaguar, and others represent a time of innovation and elegance. Let’s dive into some of the rarest cars of the 1960s, exploring what made them stand out then—and why they remain coveted classics today.

 

1. Ferrari 250 GTO (1962-1964)

Arguably the holy grail of rare cars, the Ferrari 250 GTO is not only one of the most sought-after Ferraris but also one of the rarest cars of the 1960s. With only 36 units produced, this model was crafted for racing, boasting a powerful V12 engine and aerodynamic design. Its rarity and status have made it one of the most valuable collector cars, with recent sales reaching over $70 million.

 “Ferrari 250 GTO from the 1960s, rare red classic car parked outdoors.”

2. Aston Martin DB5 (1963-1965)

Famed for its appearance in James Bond films, the Aston Martin DB5 is more than just a movie star. Known for its refined styling, luxurious interior, and 4.0-liter engine, the DB5 was limited to 1,059 units, making it a rare find today. The DB5’s blend of elegance and performance has made it a timeless symbol of British automotive excellence.

 “Aston Martin DB5 in silver, the rare 1960s car made famous by James Bond films.”

3. Jaguar E-Type Series 1 (1961-1968)

Considered one of the most beautiful cars ever designed, the Jaguar E-Type’s Series 1 model took the world by storm with its sleek curves and outstanding performance. Although the E-Type had a production run until 1974, the earliest Series 1 models, produced up to 1968, are the rarest and most valued by collectors. Its 3.8-liter engine could reach speeds of up to 150 mph, a remarkable feat in the 1960s.

 “Classic Jaguar E-Type Series 1 in British racing green, a rare 1960s model.”

 

4. Shelby Cobra 427 (1965-1967)

The Shelby Cobra 427 is one of the rarest American cars from the 1960s, with fewer than 350 units made. Its powerful 7.0-liter V8 engine and lightweight body made it one of the fastest cars of its time, capable of reaching speeds over 160 mph. Known for its aggressive stance and raw power, the Shelby Cobra 427 remains a legendary name in American car history.

 “Blue 1960s Shelby Cobra 427 with white racing stripes, a rare American classic.”

5. Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 (1965-1966)

The Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 took the world by storm in 1965, with racing modifications made by Carroll Shelby. Only 562 units of the GT350 were produced in 1965, making this model incredibly rare and highly sought-after. Its 306-horsepower V8 engine and racing pedigree cemented the GT350’s place in automotive history as one of the most iconic muscle cars of the 1960s.

 “White Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 with blue stripes, a rare 1960s muscle car.”

6. Chevrolet Corvette L88 (1967-1969)

The Corvette L88 was a secret weapon for Chevrolet, produced primarily for racing purposes. Only 20 units were made in 1967, and fewer than 200 were produced in total. Equipped with a 427 cubic-inch V8 engine, the L88 was capable of over 500 horsepower. With its limited production and raw power, the L88 Corvette is one of the rarest and most desirable American muscle cars from the 1960s.

 “Red Chevrolet Corvette L88, one of the rarest 1960s muscle cars.”

 

7. Toyota 2000GT (1967-1970)

The Toyota 2000GT is often credited with putting Japan on the map as a producer of world-class sports cars. With only 351 units produced, this rare model featured a 2.0-liter inline-six engine and groundbreaking design elements. Today, the 2000GT is highly prized by collectors as one of the earliest and rarest Japanese sports cars.

 “Toyota 2000GT in white, a rare 1960s Japanese sports car.”

8. Mazda Cosmo Sport (1967-1968)

The Mazda Cosmo Sport was the world’s first production car to feature a rotary engine, a revolutionary step in automotive engineering. Only 343 units of the Series I were produced, making it an exceptionally rare model. The Cosmo Sport’s futuristic design and advanced technology made it a landmark model in the 1960s, with collectors now valuing it as a piece of automotive history.

 “Mazda Cosmo Sport in silver, a rare 1960s car featuring a rotary engine.”

 

9. Volvo P1800 (1961-1969)

Known for its reliability and beautiful design, the Volvo P1800 gained fame when it was featured as the car of choice for Roger Moore’s character in The Saint. Although Volvo produced the P1800 in higher numbers, the early models from 1961 to 1963, produced in limited quantities by Jensen Motors, are rare finds today. This car represents the elegance and durability of Swedish engineering.

 “Volvo P1800 in red, a rare 1960s Swedish classic car.”

10. Renault Alpine A110 (1963-1969)

This lightweight French sports car became a rally legend and is revered for its agility and handling. The Alpine A110 was a small, rear-engined car powered by a modest four-cylinder engine, but its performance on rally stages earned it fame. Its rarity outside Europe has made it a highly collectible model among enthusiasts worldwide.

 “Renault Alpine A110 in blue, a rare 1960s French rally car.”

11. Alfa Romeo Tipo 33 Stradale (Italy, 1967-1969)

The Alfa Romeo Tipo 33 Stradale is a remarkable example of Italian engineering and design. With only 18 units produced, this mid-engine sports car was inspired by Alfa Romeo’s racing prototypes. Featuring a 2.0-liter V8 engine and an incredibly lightweight body, the Tipo 33 Stradale achieved speeds over 160 mph. Its stunning curves and rarity make it one of the most valuable Alfa Romeos from the 1960s.

 “Red Alfa Romeo Tipo 33 Stradale, a rare and iconic 1960s Italian sports car.”

12. Lamborghini Miura P400 (Italy, 1966-1969)

The Lamborghini Miura P400, introduced in 1966, is often credited as the world’s first supercar and changed the sports car landscape. With a 3.9-liter V12 engine mounted transversely, the Miura could reach 170 mph. Fewer than 300 Miura P400s were produced, making the original model highly collectible. Its revolutionary design has made it an enduring symbol of 1960s automotive art.

 “Lamborghini Miura P400 in orange, the groundbreaking 1960s supercar.”

13. Ford GT40 Mk I (United States/UK, 1964-1969)

The Ford GT40 was initially developed to challenge Ferrari at Le Mans, and it succeeded in a spectacular fashion, famously winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans four times in a row. While only a few Mk I street versions were produced, the car’s racing legacy and extreme rarity make it a highly sought-after model. The GT40’s iconic design and performance cemented its status as one of the most legendary 1960s cars.

 “Ford GT40 Mk I in blue and white, a legendary 1960s American-British race car.”

14. Maserati Ghibli (Italy, 1967-1969)

The Maserati Ghibli combined sleek Italian styling with serious performance, powered by a 4.7-liter V8 engine. Although Maserati produced over 1,200 Ghiblis, the early models, especially those with the larger V8 engine, are rarer and highly prized among collectors. The Ghibli’s luxurious design and impressive performance gave it an edge in the Italian grand touring market.

 “Maserati Ghibli in silver, a rare Italian grand tourer from the 1960s.”

15. BMW 2000C/CS (Germany, 1965-1969)

The BMW 2000C and 2000CS are rare luxury coupes from BMW’s New Class series, notable for their elegant design and 2.0-liter inline-four engine. Only about 13,700 units were made, and early models with original styling cues are prized by collectors. The 2000CS helped set the stage for BMW’s reputation in the luxury sports coupe market, making it a valuable addition to any collection.

 “BMW 2000CS in blue, a rare German luxury coupe from the 1960s.”

16. Honda S800 (Japan, 1966-1969)

The Honda S800 was a sporty compact car that showcased Honda’s engineering prowess. Known for its 791cc engine capable of high revs, the S800 delivered impressive performance for its size. Although it was produced in modest numbers, the S800 is one of the earliest and rarest sports cars from Honda, and today it holds a special place in classic Japanese car collections.

 “Honda S800 in red, a compact Japanese sports car from the 1960s.”

17. Sunbeam Tiger (UK, 1964-1967)

The Sunbeam Tiger was a collaboration between the British Sunbeam marque and American car designer Carroll Shelby. Equipped with a Ford V8 engine, the Tiger offered American-style performance in a compact British roadster body. Fewer than 7,000 were produced, and the Tiger’s blend of British style with American muscle has made it a unique collector’s item.

 “Sunbeam Tiger, a rare British roadster with American V8 power, in the 1960s.”

18. Lotus Elan (UK, 1962-1969)

The Lotus Elan is a lightweight British sports car known for its nimble handling and innovative engineering. With a fiberglass body and a 1.6-liter twin-cam engine, the Elan offered outstanding performance. Early models, produced in limited numbers, are highly desirable among enthusiasts for their handling and historic significance as one of the best-driving cars of the 1960s.

 “Lotus Elan in yellow, a lightweight British sports car from the 1960s.”

19. Iso Grifo (Italy, 1965-1969)

The Iso Grifo is a rare Italian grand tourer powered by an American V8 engine, designed by the famous Italian automotive designer Giorgetto Giugiaro. Fewer than 500 Iso Grifos were produced, and its unique blend of Italian styling with American muscle performance has made it a cherished collector’s car. The Iso Grifo’s distinctive design and powerful engine make it a true icon of 1960s automotive art.

 “Iso Grifo in blue, a rare Italian grand tourer with American V8 power from the 1960s.”

20. Lancia Fulvia Coupe HF (Italy, 1965-1969)

The Lancia Fulvia Coupe HF is a rare Italian rally car famous for its lightweight design and impressive handling. With a 1.6-liter V4 engine and front-wheel drive, the Fulvia HF became a rally legend in the 1960s, winning the International Rally Championship in 1972. Although not widely produced, early models of the Fulvia HF are highly sought after by enthusiasts who appreciate Italian rally heritage.

 “Lancia Fulvia Coupe HF in red, a classic Italian rally car from the 1960s.”

21. Datsun Fairlady 1600/2000 (Japan, 1963-1969)

The Datsun Fairlady, also known as the Datsun Sports in some markets, was an affordable Japanese roadster that offered excellent performance and reliability. With both 1.6-liter and 2.0-liter engine options, the Fairlady was popular in the 1960s, although early models are rare today. It is a precursor to the later Z-series cars and holds a special place in Japanese automotive history.

 “Datsun Fairlady in white, a classic Japanese roadster from the 1960s.”

22. Buick Riviera GS (United States, 1965-1969)

The Buick Riviera GS was an American luxury car with a unique “boat-tail” design and powerful V8 engine. With limited production of the GS performance model, early Rivieras have become rare and valuable collector’s items. The Riviera’s striking design and impressive performance make it a notable entry in the lineup of rare American cars from the 1960s.

 “Buick Riviera GS in metallic blue, an American luxury car from the 1960s.”

Country	Car Model
Italy	Ferrari 250 GTO
	Alfa Romeo Tipo 33 Stradale
	Lamborghini Miura P400
	Maserati Ghibli
	Iso Grifo
	Lancia Fulvia Coupe HF
United Kingdom	Aston Martin DB5
	Jaguar E-Type Series 1
	Sunbeam Tiger
	Lotus Elan
United States	Ford GT40 Mk I
	Shelby Cobra 427
	Ford Mustang Shelby GT350
	Chevrolet Corvette L88
	Buick Riviera GS
Japan	Toyota 2000GT
	Mazda Cosmo Sport
	Honda S800
	Datsun Fairlady 1600/2000
Germany	BMW 2000C/CS
	Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7
Sweden	Volvo P1800
Australia	Ford Falcon GT
	Holden Monaro GTS
France	Renault Alpine A110
	Citroën SM
	Willys Interlagos (Renault Alpine A108)

 

 

 

Conclusion: Expanding the Collector’s Wishlist

The 1960s was truly a transformative decade, with automakers around the world introducing unique, powerful, and beautifully designed cars. Whether it’s the Italian elegance of the Alfa Romeo Tipo 33 Stradale, the rally success of the Lancia Fulvia HF, or the American muscle of the Buick Riviera GS, these cars represent more than just transportation—they’re pieces of history. For enthusiasts and collectors, owning a rare 1960s model is about connecting to an era that defined performance, style, and innovation.