Amongst the many joys of classic race car collecting is the depth and detail of the history of so many of the world's favourite cars. If you can get your hands on that rare, limited edition model of one of the classics - and manage to pick up some affordable classic car insurance - you could find yourself driving around in a car that literally nobody else owns. Here are five of the most sought after retro racers of the last century in motoring.
Jaguar XKE (E-Type) Since the Jaguar XKE, known as the E-Type, dominated the world of sports touring cars in the 1960s and 70s, it has won countless awards and topped numerous lists compiling the most beautiful and sought after vehicles in the world. The Series 1 E-Types were recognisable for their distinctive glass-covered headlights, mouth-like opening on the front, and signal lights and tail lights that sit above the bumpers. Enzo Ferrari called it "the most beautiful car in the world". Bob Jane drove a 'lightweight' version of the E-Type to glory in the 1963 Australian GT Championship, kicking off the car's glittering racing career.
McLaren M16C After a number of serious problems and tragic accidents with the first indy car designed by Gordon Coppuck, the McLaren M15, the manufacturer released the M16 at the McLaren HQ in Colnbrook in January 1971. Coppuck took his inspiration from the Lotus Type 72 and created a wedge-shaped speedster that could corner not that much slower than it could fly down the straights. Powered by a Chevrolet V8 engine, kicking out 710bhp, the M16 went on to enjoy unparalleled success at the Indy 500.
Lola T330 HU3 In the 1970s, F5000 racing was dominated by one car more than any other. The Lola T330, with its ultra-low centre of gravity, three-quarter monocoque/tube chassis and ultimate combination of strength within a lightweight design, was the season's top car in the extremely competitive 1973 competition, taking 11 wins from 35 races. Find one of these nowadays and you will have a truly rare collector's item on your hands - there are only four or five left in the world.
Maserati Tipo 61 'Birdcage' The Maserati Tipo 61, known as the 'Maserati Birdcage') was produced between 1959 and 1961, especially to compete in the Le Mans 24 hours endurance race. Despite never winning in Le Mans, the Tipo 61 became an iconic car with drivers like Sterling Moss behind the wheel and it did go on to success in the 1960 and 1961 1000km in Nurbugring.
Lotus Type 72 Often seen as the ultimate Formula One car, the Lotus 72 was designed by Colin Chapman and Maurice Philippe in 1970. It's stressed engine layout and advanced aerodynamics raised the bar for the sport and its success paved the way for the next 40 years of Formula One. To this day, F1 cars reference the Type72 in their design -a tribute to its excellence.
Jaguar XKE (E-Type) Since the Jaguar XKE, known as the E-Type, dominated the world of sports touring cars in the 1960s and 70s, it has won countless awards and topped numerous lists compiling the most beautiful and sought after vehicles in the world. The Series 1 E-Types were recognisable for their distinctive glass-covered headlights, mouth-like opening on the front, and signal lights and tail lights that sit above the bumpers. Enzo Ferrari called it "the most beautiful car in the world". Bob Jane drove a 'lightweight' version of the E-Type to glory in the 1963 Australian GT Championship, kicking off the car's glittering racing career.
McLaren M16C After a number of serious problems and tragic accidents with the first indy car designed by Gordon Coppuck, the McLaren M15, the manufacturer released the M16 at the McLaren HQ in Colnbrook in January 1971. Coppuck took his inspiration from the Lotus Type 72 and created a wedge-shaped speedster that could corner not that much slower than it could fly down the straights. Powered by a Chevrolet V8 engine, kicking out 710bhp, the M16 went on to enjoy unparalleled success at the Indy 500.
Lola T330 HU3 In the 1970s, F5000 racing was dominated by one car more than any other. The Lola T330, with its ultra-low centre of gravity, three-quarter monocoque/tube chassis and ultimate combination of strength within a lightweight design, was the season's top car in the extremely competitive 1973 competition, taking 11 wins from 35 races. Find one of these nowadays and you will have a truly rare collector's item on your hands - there are only four or five left in the world.
Maserati Tipo 61 'Birdcage' The Maserati Tipo 61, known as the 'Maserati Birdcage') was produced between 1959 and 1961, especially to compete in the Le Mans 24 hours endurance race. Despite never winning in Le Mans, the Tipo 61 became an iconic car with drivers like Sterling Moss behind the wheel and it did go on to success in the 1960 and 1961 1000km in Nurbugring.
Lotus Type 72 Often seen as the ultimate Formula One car, the Lotus 72 was designed by Colin Chapman and Maurice Philippe in 1970. It's stressed engine layout and advanced aerodynamics raised the bar for the sport and its success paved the way for the next 40 years of Formula One. To this day, F1 cars reference the Type72 in their design -a tribute to its excellence.
For those classics which are perhaps a little more common, always ensure you compare quotes prior to finalising your policy by using a site such as Moneysupermarket.com.
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