What Is the Coolest Old-School Car?

The 1961–1967 Jaguar E-Type is widely regarded as the coolest old-school car, thanks to its breathtaking design, race-bred engineering, and enduring cultural cachet. While “cool” is subjective, the E-Type consistently tops enthusiast polls and design shortlists, eclipsing even pricier exotics in influence and desirability.

Why the Jaguar E-Type Takes the Crown

Design that rewrote the rules

Unveiled in 1961, the E-Type stunned the automotive world with its impossibly long bonnet, low-slung stance, and tapering tail. Its proportions—born from aerodynamic thinking and motorsport lineage—earned it a place in museums and an oft-repeated accolade attributed to Enzo Ferrari as “the most beautiful car ever made.” Crucially, it made high style accessible compared to contemporary Italian exotics.

Performance that matched the looks

Early Series 1 cars used a 3.8-liter inline-six (later 4.2), triple SU carburetors, and lightweight construction to deliver period-verified performance: around 150 mph top speed and 0–60 mph in roughly seven seconds—supercar numbers for the early 1960s. Four-wheel disc brakes and independent rear suspension were advanced for the time, giving the E-Type handling composure to match its pace.

Cultural impact that endures

From Swinging London to modern concours lawns, the E-Type became a symbol of aspirational style. It’s been immortalized in film and fashion photography and remains a fixture at top classic events. Unlike many halo cars, it balanced glamour with real-world usability, cementing its reputation well beyond a niche collector crowd.

Ownership and values today

As of 2025, Series 1 E-Types—especially early “flat-floor” cars and the 1963 split-tail-light examples—command strong values. Well-kept Series 1 coupes often trade in the low-to-mid six figures, with roadsters higher; rarities like Lightweight competition cars are in an entirely different stratosphere. Later Series 2 cars tend to be more affordable, while Series 3 V12s offer grand-touring character at comparatively accessible prices. Parts support is robust, and specialist knowledge is widespread, though expert inspections are key due to rust and originality concerns.

How We Judge “Cool”

Car culture, critics, and collectors often coalesce around a few core ingredients when they call a machine “cool.” These factors go beyond lap times or rarity, blending aesthetics, narrative, and lived experience.

• Design purity: Instantly recognizable lines and proportions that age gracefully.
• Period innovation: Technology or engineering that moved the game forward.
• Cultural resonance: Film, fashion, music, or motorsport moments that fixed the car in the public imagination.
• Sound and sensation: An engine note and driving feel that spark emotion.
• Attainable fantasy: A mix of aspiration and usability that invites enthusiasts in.
• Legacy: A lasting influence on later cars and on the brand’s identity.

Measured against these criteria, the E-Type scores exceptionally high across the board—especially in design, resonance, and legacy—making it a perennial favorite in “coolest” debates.

Worthy Rivals

Several classics credibly challenge the E-Type, each bringing a distinctive flavor of cool—be it cinematic swagger, motorsport pedigree, or avant-garde engineering.

• Lamborghini Miura (1966–1973): The world’s first mid-engined supercar icon, combining Gandini styling with transversely mounted V12 drama.
• Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7 (1973): Featherweight, ducktail legend; the archetype of driver’s cars with enduring motorsport DNA.
• Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray Split-Window (1963): A futuristic American shape with independent rear suspension and undeniable presence.
• 1969 Dodge Charger: Muscle-car menace with cinematic fame and big-block bravado.
• Ford Mustang Fastback (1965–1968): The attainable American icon that ignited a class and defined youthful performance.
• Toyota 2000GT (1967–1970): Ultra-rare Japanese jewel blending elegance, engineering finesse, and Bond-film mystique.
• Nissan Skyline GT-R “Hakosuka” (1969–1972): Japanese motorsport royalty; box-flared cool and a cult following.
• Ferrari F40 (1987–1992): Raw, twin-turbo theatre and poster-car status; newer than the others but quintessentially old-school in feel.
• DeLorean DMC-12 (1981–1983): Stainless style and gullwing aura—cultural cool over outright performance.

Each contender embodies a different facet of cool; depending on whether you prize elegance, aggression, or racing lineage, your personal “coolest” may shift among these standouts.

Buying and Owning an E-Type Today

If the E-Type is your pick, understanding the model’s evolution helps target the right car for your tastes and budget. Series 1 (1961–1967) cars are prized for purity and covered headlights; mid-1967 to 1968 “Series 1½” brought open headlights and incremental changes; Series 2 (1969–1971) improved cooling and usability; Series 3 (1971–1974) added a 5.3-liter V12 and standard 2+2 wheelbase for grand-touring comfort.

What to look for

Shopping smart means focusing on structure, provenance, and specialist care. The following steps can help you avoid costly surprises.

1. Prioritize body integrity: Inspect for rust in sills, floors, frames, and the rear suspension mounts; structural repairs are complex and expensive.
2. Verify originality: Matching-numbers engine/gearbox and correct trim/spec elevate value and authenticity.
3. Assess mechanical health: Cooling, carbs, and electricals need proper setup; evidence of regular specialist maintenance is a strong positive.
4. Choose the spec that fits you: Series 1 for purity and collectability; Series 2 for drivability; Series 3 for V12 smoothness and longer-distance comfort.
5. Budget for upkeep: Even well-sorted cars need ongoing attention; set aside funds for preventative maintenance and sympathetic upgrades.
6. Get a pre-purchase inspection: An E-Type-experienced shop can save you from six-figure restoration surprises.

With the right due diligence, ownership can be deeply rewarding—combining the theater of a blue-chip classic with solid parts support and a strong specialist network.

The Verdict

With a matchless blend of sculptural beauty, serious performance, and a cultural footprint that has only grown over time, the Jaguar E-Type stands as the coolest old-school car. Rivals may be faster, rarer, or louder, but few—if any—deliver such a complete and enduring package of cool.

Summary

The coolest old-school car is the 1961–1967 Jaguar E-Type: a design icon with real performance, timeless cultural appeal, and strong modern-day support. While outstanding alternatives—from the Lamborghini Miura to the Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7—offer their own flavors of cool, the E-Type’s balance of beauty, innovation, and accessibility keeps it at the top of the list.

What is considered the coolest car of all time?

• Ford Capri. Years: 1969-1986.
• Nissan Skyline R34. Years: 1999-2002.
• Toyota 2000 GT. Years: 1967-1970.
• AC Cobra. Years: 1962-1969.
• Vauxhall Lotus Carlton. Years: 1990-1992.
• Aston Martin Lagonda. Years: 1976-1990.
• Dodge Challenger. Years: 1970-1974. Number built: 165,437.
• Mazda Cosmo. Years: 1967-1972. Numbers built: 1,176.

What is the coolest looking car?

Below, we have compiled a list of some of the best-looking and coolest cars you can buy in 2025, either new or used.

• Porsche 911.
• McLaren 750S.
• BMW M3 Touring.
• Lotus Emira.
• Land Rover Defender.
• Aston Martin DB12.
• Mercedes-AMG GT.
• MINI JCW GP.

What’s the coolest old car?

25 Cool Classic Cars to Drive

• 1969 Chevrolet Camaro.
• 1962 Ferrari 250 GTE.
• 1976 Porsche 914.
• 1957 Chevrolet Nomad.
• 1957 Chevrolet Corvette.
• 1983 DeLorean DMC-12.
• 1966 Shelby 427 Cobra.
• 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle. Chevrolet produced the Chevrolet Chevelle from 1964 to 1978.

What was the coolest car to have in the 80s?

The 10 Hottest Cars from the 80’s

• FORD MUSTANG GT.
• DATSUN 240Z.
• PORSCHE 911.
• PONTIAC FIREBIRD.
• CHEVY CAMARO.
• LAMBORGHINI COUNTACH.
• FERRARI TESTAROSSA.
• DELOREAN DMC-12.