With the arrival of the 992 generation of the Porsche 911, many journalists have emphasized that the German sports car has been on sale since 1963. This fact made us create a list with 20 of the longest-lived cars in history that are still in production. You know, just for fun.
Many of these cars have become true ambassadors of their respective brands and several of them are even older than some of the manufacturers in the industry such as Hyundai, which was founded in 1967.
If you miss models like the Fiat 500 and Mini in the following pages, that’s because we’ve only included cars that have always been on sale from the moment of their market launch.
Of course, this is not a complete list of all old nameplates that are still in production. There are cars, such as the Chevrolet Impala and Malibu, Ford Transit, Volkswagen Beetle and others, that are not included.
Fiat Panda – 1980
The cute Panda will turn 40 in 2020 after just three generations launched in 1980, 2003, and 2012. Why refresh it more often when it’s by far the best-selling car in Italy? No reason.
Ford Fiesta – 1976
Ford’s first plans for a small car for the European market date back to 1969, but the first production Fiesta came out seven years later. Since then, seven generations have been manufactured with the current one debuting in 2017.
Volkswagen Polo – 1975
The Polo is the third fundamental model of the German company, along with the Golf and the Passat. Interestingly, the first generation was a close relative of the Audi 50. In fact, only the logos and some details were modified. However, the Polo has been able to evolve with great global success and in 2017 the sixth generation appeared.
Volkswagen Golf – 1974
A few months before the Polo appeared, the true bestseller of the German company was born, which over the years has become a reference for many rival brands. The best-selling car in Europe is about to receive its eighth generation later this year.
Volkswagen Passat – 1973
Renewed a few weeks ago for Europe, the seventh generation Passat debuted in 2015. It’s still one of the most important models of Volkswagen and the best-selling vehicle in its segment on the Old Continent. In the United States, it got a new generation which is underpinned by the architecture of the previous model.
Honda Civic – 1972
Now in its tenth generation, the Japanese model combines a modern design with a lot of space on board and reliable engines. Meanwhile, the Type R is the most powerful front-wheel-drive hatch with 320 hp.
Range Rover – 1970
The Range Rover can be considered the first SUV in the history of the industry, because never before that a 4×4 vehicle had been so comfortable and so well equipped.
Land Rover has not changed this winning formula in the following generations, which makes the Range Rover a myth among British cars.
Jaguar XJ – 1968
It is believed that Jaguar’s flagship sedan may receive electrified versions in the near future. Even if that happens, we are sure that the XJ, currently in its eighth generation, will not lose the charm and class of its predecessors. Without a doubt, it is a symbol of the British auto industry, such as the MINI and the Range Rover.
Toyota Corolla – 1966
The name Corolla is so important for the entire industry that the Japanese brand decided to give it one more application in Europe. Therefore, we say goodbye to the Auris nameplate.
That’s not really a surprise given the fact that the Corolla, now in its twelfth generation, is the best-selling car in history: since 1966, Toyota has delivered more than 40 million examples.
Chevrolet Camaro – 1966
At both sides of the big pond, the Camaro is considered a true myth… and a movie star, given its appearance in dozens of films. Now in its sixth generation, the Camaro is officially sold in Europe as well.
Ford Mustang – 1964
More than just a car, the Mustang is a lifestyle, as it makes you want to give up on everything and dedicate yourself exclusively to driving. Ford finally started selling the Mustang officially in Europe in 2014 and is enjoying a great success.
Porsche 911 – 1963
Can you think of a more iconic sports car? We can’t – the 911 has been the symbol of German engineering and perfection for more than five decades. Is this going to change in the future? Hardly possible.
Nissan Skyline – 1957
Probably not many of you now that Nissan’s Skyline has been around since 1957. At first, it was a humble compact sedan with the largest engine being a 1.9-liter four-banger, but during the years it has evolved into the performance sedan we know today available as a rebranded Infiniti Q50 in Japan.
Toyota Crown – 1955
The Crown is one of Toyota’s largest sedans for the Japanese market together with the Century. It’s been around consistently since 1955 and is now in its fifteenth generation which is based on the company’s flexible TNGA platform.
Mercedes-Benz SL – 1954
The sales of the German convertible are diminishing as the years pass, but we are sure that Mercedes-Benz will never give up on the SL, a true myth of elegance, class, and sportsmanship. With the seventh generation, the SL will return to a canvas roof.
Chevrolet Corvette – 1953
A lot of power, lines full of personality, and a lower price than that of the rivals. These are among the highlights that turn the Corvette into a real legend. When the new generation model arrives, things will change drastically with the introduction of a mid-engine layout.
Toyota Land Cruiser – 1951
The Japanese 4×4 SUV is among the most long-lived cars that are still in production. It’s been around for almost seven decades and Toyota remains faithful to its true off-road roots. Hats down for a living legend!
Volkswagen Transporter – 1950
Debuting in 1950 as a bus based on the original Beetle, the Transporter has been around for almost seven decades. Now in its sixth generation, the model is one of the best-selling commercial vehicles on the Old Continent.
Ford F-Series – 1947
Born in 1947, Ford’s F-Series pickup range has been the best-selling truck in the United States since 1977 and the best-selling vehicle since 1986. It’s arguably the most important model in the entire history of Ford (sorry, Model T) generating $41 billion in annual revenue for the company in 2018 alone.
Chevrolet Suburban – 1935
The very first generation Suburban debuted in 1935 which means in just 16 years from now the model will turn 100. Now in its eleventh generation, the large SUV shares its underpinnings with the Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Tahoe, and GMC Yukon.
