Breaking Stereotypes On Wheels
Car collecting has long been considered a man’s territory, but that notion is outdated. Today, women are stepping into the classic car scene with confidence, reshaping what it means to be a collector. It’s not just about horsepower or bragging rights; it’s about appreciating the craftsmanship, history, and character that make each vehicle unique. So, here are 20 classics that aren’t only stunning to look at but also perfectly suited for women collectors.
1. Volkswagen Beetle
The Volkswagen Beetle won over first-time car owners with its accessible design and straightforward mechanics, quickly becoming a global favorite. Plus, its role as Herbie in Disney films boosted its charm, especially among women and young drivers.
2. Jaguar E-Type
One of the most beautiful cars ever made, the Jaguar E-Type, arrived in 1961 and stunned the world with its elegant lines and powerful performance, earning praise even from Enzo Ferrari. Women collectors admire its engineering as much as its beauty, and its display in art galleries underscores its design legacy.
3. Mercedes-Benz SL Pagoda
This one earned its nickname from its distinctive concave hardtop. Produced from 1963 to 1971, the SL offered a comfortable ride and understated luxury, appealing to those who appreciate both form and function. Today, its design remains a popular subject in automotive style retrospectives.
4. Mini Cooper
The Mini Cooper's revolutionary front-wheel drive and compact design changed small cars forever. Its chic styling and nimble handling charmed trendsetters, especially in the 1960s. Women embraced the Mini's practicality and modern design, defying assumptions about what women wanted in a car.
5. Porsche 356
Porsche’s debut production model, the 356, laid the foundation for the brand’s legendary sports car reputation. Its lightweight build delivered unmatched agility for a luxury coupe, setting it apart early on. Today, restored examples are rare treasures, often featured at elite concours events.
6. Alfa Romeo Spider Duetto
Italian craftsmanship and open-air driving pleasure define the Alfa Romeo Spider Duetto. Launched in 1966, its boat tail rear is instantly recognizable. Its stylish design and manageable size resonated with a broad audience, and the car’s appearance in The Graduate only added to its legendary status.
Handelsgeselschaft on Wikimedia
7. Fiat 500
After WWII, Italy added economic and fashionable urban transport by releasing the Fiat 500, or “Cinquecento.” Its small size was perfect for maneuvering and parking in congested city streets, which is why female motorists were significantly drawn toward it.
8. BMW 2002
The BMW 2002 invigorated the sport sedan market upon its late 1960s release. Original advertisements touted both performance and style, appealing to a wide audience. Women drivers especially value its manageable size, engaging drive, and understated style.
9. Citroën DS
Introduced in 1955, the Citroën DS embodied French elegance with its futuristic design and technology. Its hydropneumatic suspension and power steering offered an exceptionally smooth drive. And most importantly, the DS has been featured in women-focused automotive publications and retrospectives.
10. Volvo P1800
Roger Moore's association with the Volvo P1800 in The Saint solidified its status as a television icon. Its curvy coupe body and Swedish reliability make it a desirable classic. Moreover, this car’s durability is legendary, with one even holding the Guinness World Record for highest mileage by a single owner.
11. Datsun 240Z
The Datsun 240Z, introduced in 1969, helped establish Japanese sports cars in the American market. It offered a compelling combination of sporty styling and exhilarating performance at an affordable price. Now, meticulously restored examples are highly desirable among a new wave of collectors.
12. Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud
From 1955 to 1966, Rolls-Royce manufactured the Silver Cloud, a car that defines classic British opulence. Rolls-Royce even offered personalized options, ensuring each car is subtly unique. Besides, celebrities like Bette Davis and Beyoncé also had this car in their collection.
Spurzem - Lothar Spurzem on Wikimedia
13. Lotus Elan
Produced between 1962 and 1975, the Lotus Elan set benchmarks for sports cars with its advanced suspension and razor-sharp handling. Its lightweight fiberglass body and graceful styling made it both nimble and elegant, qualities admired by collectors.
14. Peugeot 404 Cabriolet
Socialites adored the Peugeot 404 Cabriolet during the 1960s, drawn to its Parisian elegance and open-air charm. Pininfarina’s design and the car's limited production (1961–1968) contribute to its current rarity. Collectors also value its bright colors.
15. Volkswagen Karmann Ghia
The Volkswagen Karmann Ghia remains one of the most stylish and accessible classics ever made. Launched in 1955, it paired Volkswagen’s reliable Beetle mechanics with the sculpted bodywork designed by Italian firm Ghia and built by German coachbuilder Karmann.
16. Citroën 2CV
Introduced in 1948, this “umbrella on wheels” was designed to be versatile, making it perfect for rural life but equally stylish for city driving. Moreover, it was often referred to as “la voiture de Madame” (Madam’s car) in France.
17. Ford Thunderbird
Ford Thunderbird’s sweeping lines, chrome accents, and convertible options offered drivers a blend of elegance and excitement. Collectors admire it not only for its beauty but also for its cultural presence—appearing in films, fashion shoots, and as a style icon of mid-century America.
18. Saab 96
The Saab 96 is loved for its unique Scandinavian design and rallying heritage. Produced from the 1960s through the early 1980s, the 96 was practical, durable, and known for its aerodynamic shape—qualities that made it stand out among European compacts.
19. Nash Metropolitan
This one on the list has long been celebrated as one of the most endearing small cars of the 1950s. Marketed heavily toward women, it was compact, affordable, and offered in cheerful two-tone paint schemes. Unlike the oversized vehicles of its era, the Metropolitan was easy to drive.
Jeremy from Sydney, Australia on Wikimedia
20. Renault Dauphine
Chic yet practical, the Renault Dauphine brought a distinctly European flair to the small-car market when it debuted in the mid-1950s. With its curvy bodywork, rear-engine design, and manageable size, the Dauphine appealed to drivers who wanted elegance without excess.
