Within the automotive industry, we’re constantly being introduced to new technology, cars are now coming with new driverless innovations, self-parking systems, luxury features such as heated seats and surround sound. However, for many drivers, classic cars cannot be beaten. The design of older cars is completely different – their flowing lines and curves are unlike the cars of today. They’re also different to drive, as they require more manual work by the driver, which leads them to be favoured for the journey over to their destination. Acorn Stairlifts, global retailer of stair lifts takes a closer look at classic cars from around the world and reveals the value of them today…

Blue 5 Door Hatchback

Mini – Britain

It would be almost impossible to not think of Britain when we think of the Mini, as it’s iconic to the country like Buckingham Palace and the red double decker bus. Just like a storyline from a movie, the design of the car was penned out on a napkin in a restaurant by Alec Issigonis in 1956. By 1959, the car had been launched, named the Morris Mini Minor at the time (known as simply the Mini ten years later) and it went on to become the best-selling British car in history.

The car had achieved what it was supposed to – providing passengers with great legroom whilst remaining under 10ft long. In fact, 80% of the car was devoted to passenger and luggage space. Since the boot was smaller, Mini came up with a solution to maximise on space. The company offered the extra option of picnic wicker baskets which fit perfectly underneath the rear passenger seats and were ideal for transporting belongings from A to B.

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The manufacturers had to use innovation for fitting in the compact engine, the vehicle had to be place unconventionally on its side in order for the engine to be slid into the smaller space – a concept that is still being used today, when making smaller vehicles. Wheels on other cars at the time were generally around 15 and 16 inches, those on the Mini however were a tiny 10-inches to maximise interior space.

The car’s value today: Depending on model, age and condition the cost of vehicle is between £5,000 – £50,000.

Vintage Orange Car

Volkswagen Beetle — Germany

It’s unclear why the Beetle got its name. The first time the reference was used in print was in a 1958 edition of Autosport magazine and the use of the term continued to grow. Built either side of World War II, it took a while for the Beetle to gain popularity. Just as the first few cars were manufactured in 1938, the war began, and the factory was used for war efforts instead. It wasn’t until 1947 when people finally got behind the wheel of the automobile.

Built with strength in mind more than aesthetics, however it’s the Beetle’s iconic profile that makes it wanted today. The first time the reference was used in print was in a 1958 edition of Autosport magazine and the use of the term continued to grow. Built either side of World War II, it took a while for the Beetle to gain popularity. Just as the first few cars were manufactured in 1938, the war began, and the factory was used for war efforts instead. It wasn’t until 1947 when people finally got behind the wheel of the automobile.

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Depending on when the car was manufacturer, collectors of the Beetle receive cars of different power. The first time the reference was used in print was in a 1958 edition of Autosport magazine and the use of the term continued to grow. Built either side of World War II, it took a while for the Beetle to gain popularity. Just as the first few cars were manufactured in 1938, the war begun and the factory was used for war efforts instead. It wasn’t until 1947 when people finally got behind the wheel of the automobile.

The car’s value today: Depending on model, age and condition the cost of vehicle is between £1,000 – £40,000.

Blue Coupe on Brown Concrete Road

Ford Mustang – America

The Mustang was originally manufactured in 1964 and the sixth generation of the car is still being sold today. The ‘Stang started the ‘pony car’ craze in America — a collection of vehicles which were affordable, sporty and had a performance-oriented image. This class of cars were aimed towards a younger market than the traditional car buyer and they proved popular. In fact, 22,000 sales of the model were made on its release date.

The goal of the car as to be like no other. This was achieved through its sporty coupe silhouette and short rear decks. The generations that came after the ’64 version seemed to become wider and longer in size, yet still remaining as popular.

The classic Mustang is said to be the models between 1964 and 1972. This encompassed vintage models such as the Shelby Mustang Lineup, Boss Mustangs and the Cobra Jet.

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The car’s value today: Depending on model, age and condition the cost of vehicle is between £6,500 – £70,000

Photo of Pink Fiat 500 Car

Fiat 500 – Italy

Like the vespa, the Fiat 500 is a great symbol to Italy and the 2007 version, gets hired by the country’s tourists who want to explore it in style. Fiat has produced many products that weren’t related to the automobile industry, such as aircraft engines and military equipment during World War II. Their first car rolled off the production line in 1900 and, in the same year, their manufacturing plant was established which lead to the production of 24 cars per year.

The Fiat 500 was designed to be small and affordable for everyone, the brand had gone on to produce many successful models such as the SuperFiat, the elegant 525 and the economical 514. The original Fiat 500, commonly known as Topolino, was launched in 1937. It stood out from competitors with a lowered aerodynamic nose profile whilst others had a flatter grille. Fiat went on to produce two further models of the 500, one in 1957 and the other in 2007.

The Topolino stood at just over 4ft tall and weighed in at just over half-a-ton, making it lightweight and compact compared to other automobiles on the market.

The car’s value today: Depending on model, age and condition the cost of vehicle is between £6,500 – £70,000

Many vintage car collectors, tend to enjoy restoring the car, stripping it apart and putting it back together with revamped parts. The prices of each model range massively due to the quality of the vehicle, the mileage and the model — which one takes your fancy?