Rare iconic vehicles require specialized experts and access to rare parts, which can accumulate staggering costs. Let’s take a deeper look into the most notoriously lavish classic cars that are painfully expensive to maintain.
1962 Ferrari 250 GTO
Owning a 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO is a high-maintenance affair. Regular upkeep for this model includes specialized parts and expert labor, which can be exorbitantly expensive. Given its rarity and value, even minor repairs can cost more than an average new car.
1954 Mercedes-Benz W196
The 1954 Mercedes-Benz W196, a legend on the race track, demands a fortune for its preservation. Parts are nearly impossible to find and often require custom fabrication. Maintenance must be performed by professionals familiar with historic race cars.
1971 Lamborghini Miura SV
The Lamborghini Miura SV combines beauty with high performance, which comes at a cost. Its unique engine placement and exotic design complicate routine maintenance. Specialists who can service this vehicle are few, and their expertise comes at a premium price.
1967 Ford GT40
The Ford GT40 is as challenging to maintain as it is legendary. The high-performance components that make it a race winner also make it prone to frequent, costly upkeep. Only a handful of technicians worldwide are qualified to handle its complex systems.
1957 Ferrari 335 S
Maintaining a 1957 Ferrari 335 S involves not just mechanical care but preserving its historical integrity. Each part of this classic must be kept as original as possible, which means sourcing components that are nearly as old as the car itself. This makes every garage visit a costly venture.
1963 Aston Martin DB5
Immortalized by James Bond, the Aston Martin DB5 is an icon that requires specialized care to keep in spy-worthy condition. Restoring or replacing its original parts can be incredibly costly. Only a select few specialists have the skills to maintain its sophisticated technology.
1929 Bugatti Type 35
The Bugatti Type 35 is a vintage racer that demands meticulous attention to detail and specialist knowledge. Finding authentic parts for a car so old is a challenge that often results in expensive custom manufacturing. Regular maintenance is crucial to preserve its condition and racing heritage.
1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RS
The Porsche 911 Carrera RS is a collector’s dream but comes with high upkeep costs due to its racing pedigree. Specialized tools and expertise are required to handle its high-performance engine and lightweight construction. Maintaining its originality can dramatically drive up restoration costs.
1961 Jaguar E-Type
Often hailed as one of the most beautiful cars ever made, the Jaguar E-Type also ranks among the most temperamental. Its intricate mechanical systems require regular expert tuning to keep everything running smoothly. Parts are scarce and often need to be sourced from specialized suppliers.
1937 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B
Alfa Romeo’s 8C 2900B, with its luxurious design and advanced engineering for the era, is a masterpiece that costs a fortune to maintain. Professional restoration work must respect its unique heritage, often involving rare materials and artisan techniques.
1966 Shelby Cobra 427 Super Snake
The Shelby Cobra 427 Super Snake is a beast on the road and in the maintenance bay. Its powerful engine and race-bred components require high-level expertise to maintain. The cost of parts and labor for this rare model can skyrocket quickly.
1933 Rolls Royce Phantom II
The Rolls Royce Phantom II is synonymous with luxury and requires an equal measure of maintenance. Preserving its classic elegance involves specialists who can handle its bespoke components and finishes. Maintenance costs are as high as the standards to which it was built.
1958 BMW 507
BMW’s 507 is famed for its sleek design and engineering precision, making it a prized but costly possession to maintain. Specialty workshops are often the only places equipped to handle its specific needs. Original parts for this rare model are pricey and hard to come by.
1965 Porsche 356
The Porsche 356 is known for its high maintenance demands. Its vintage nature means that keeping it in roadworthy condition requires dedicated care from Porsche specialists. The scarcity of authentic replacement parts makes every repair an expensive endeavor.
1928 Mercedes-Benz SSK
Caring for the Mercedes-Benz SSK is an intricate and costly process. Its rarity and age necessitate expert care and sometimes even historical research to locate suitable parts. Maintenance often involves both traditional craftsmanship and modern engineering.
1955 Maserati A6G/2000
Maserati’s A6G/2000 is not just a car but a piece of Italian artistry, requiring expert and expensive care. Specialists familiar with Maserati’s classic era are essential for proper maintenance. The cost and effort to preserve its performance and aesthetics are significant.
1949 Delahaye 135M
Owning a Delahaye 135M is owning a piece of French automotive history, with the upkeep to match. Each component must be maintained or restored to exact standards, often at great expense. Specialists who know how to handle such vintage luxury are rare and charge accordingly.
1934 Packard Twelve
The Packard Twelve represents American luxury but keeping it pristine is no small feat. Specialist mechanics familiar with pre-war technology are required for its maintenance. The cost of preserving such an iconic vehicle can be as monumental as its presence.
1959 Cadillac Eldorado
The Cadillac Eldorado of 1959, with its dramatic tailfins and unique design features, demands constant and costly care. Maintaining its distinct look and smooth performance requires parts that are often rare and expensive. Experts in vintage Cadillac models are typically the only ones capable of handling its specific needs.
1968 Toyota 2000GT
Japan’s first supercar, the Toyota 2000GT, combines rarity with the need for specialized care. Finding technicians skilled enough to service this unique vehicle can be a challenge. The costs associated with maintaining such a rare piece of automotive history are understandably high.
1952 Siata 208S
The Siata 208S is a rare Italian sports car that demands an owner’s time and money. Specialized knowledge is essential for dealing with its bespoke parts and temperamental Italian engineering. Maintaining one involves expert mechanical care and a passion for keeping automotive history alive.
