By HC Staff
It's truly an incredible thing to see a hundred-year-old vehicle in action, and we've compiled a list of some of the oldest in the world.
It seems as if every car enthusiast today knows all there is to know about the cars of today’s automotive industry. However, only the true car enthusiast has done his homework and can take a guess at some of the oldest cars still running today. Our comprehensive list includes some of the oldest as well as THE oldest cars still in full working condition today. It may surprise you, but some of the earlier premodern vehicles were actually powered by steam as opposed to being powered by fuel.
We have everything from the ritzy 1924 Hispano-Suiza H6B Coup de Ville to the oldest vehicle in the world, the 1769 Cugnot Steamer. The cars on this list have been through sessions of restoration and refurbishment. The exteriors of these vintage cars have obviously been touched-up through the years and have been stringently maintained by their loving owners. However, with nearly untouched engines, these beautiful, historical cars still run seamlessly. There's even a beloved American Ford Model T on our list that can still make a trip down the open road. It's truly an incredible thing to see a hundred-year-old vehicle in action, and we've compiled a list of some of the oldest in the world. Can you guess which classic cars will make the list?
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20 1935 Duesenberg Model SJ Convertible Coupe
The 1935 Duesenberg Model SJ Convertible Coupe is the youngest car on our list. Previously owned by both Raymond Lutgert and General William Lyon, this gorgeous automobile was sold for $4.51 million (plus commission) at Top Sale RM Auction at Amelia Island, FL in 2013. This car was one of only three ever produced, and it's believed to have the original centrifugal supercharger engine. Duesenberg Motors Company, which was founded by brothers August and Frederick Duesenberg, manufactured luxury vehicles, such as the SJ convertible coupe. With its beautiful convertible top designed by J Herbert Newport, this coupe is truly one of the more attractive vehicles on the Duesenberg chassis.
This semi-automatic convertible top was one of the Duesenberg's trademark features, and its rounded fenders and radiator shell headlights added to the car’s beauty.
This car was actually driven in the Texas and Wyoming Duesenberg Tours and remains in working condition today. The supercharged car issaid to reach 104 mph in second gear and boast top speeds of almost 140 mph. This is quite the feat for a luxury vehicle of its age. Not only was this car noted for its speed on the open road, but it was also the center of attraction in terms of appearance. The Duesenberg is definitely the staple image of a classic car, and it remains one of the most gorgeous cars in working condition.
19 1934 Citroën Traction Avant 7C
As a classic car manufactured by a French producer called "Citroën," the 1934 Citroën Traction Avant 7C is a timeless automobile. “Traction Avant” is actually a phrase for “forward traction,” which is essential, given that this vehicle was the world’s first front-wheel-drive production automobile. This particular model, which is for sale by owner Xavier Molenaar, is priced at around $67,798. The car’s beige exterior and red interior give the vehicle that much-loved, classic essence. This particular make is interesting, given that it's a monocoque or of a unitized body. Others of this era were actually produced on a chassis, which made for a heavier body.
The car itself was able to reach speeds of 35 hp at 3,800 rpm, and it possessed a 3-speed manual transmission.
With its lighter weight of 2,262 lbs, this car paved the way for monocoque cars. In terms of appearances, this car has all the glitz and glamour of the “Great Gatsby” era. With its open top and classic front end, this car is a timeless piece from a lost era. Its enormous rectangular front grille, along with the separate chrome headlights, give the car that eternal glory, reminiscent of classic automobiles. Its sleek, slender framework is one of a kind with its curved fenders and independently sprung front wheels. This particular vehicle makes the list as one of the oldest automobiles still running today.
18 1925 Renault 6 CV NN
Owned by Joseph Schoenbeck of Skokie, Illinois, this timeless coupe makes the list as one of the oldest functioning automobiles today. With its shovel-nosed hood and beautiful navy-blue exterior color, this classic model reached a top speed of around 50 mph. Renaults were largely regarded as luxury vehicles during its era. However, the company also made additional models. The Renault 6 CV NN was regardedby the French as a “people’s car,” and it was actually the first vehicle to make a solo journey across the lengthy Sahara Desert. The renovations on this particular 6 CV NN actually took around 30 years and were performed primarily by Schoenbeck himself. The engine needed a bit of touch-up work to keep the coupe running smoothly after all these years. The dashboard as well needed a bit of renovation, and the headlights were actually grounded out to remove all the scratches to the original lights. The Renault was originally a gift to a son of an executive at the Chicago Country Club. Joseph bought the coupe in 1958 and began completing the necessary restoration aspects in 1988. After the renovations and touch-up work, Schoenbeck’s Renault is still in full working condition and is one of the oldest cars still running today.
17 1924 Oakland 6-54 A
This specific treasure from 1924, the Oakland 6-54 A, is currently owned by Ken and Barbara Spenser, who live in Santa Clarita, CA. With its engine still in full working condition and its necessary restorations, this Oakland still runs like a dream. When the car was originally advertised in the '20s, it was marketed as the “True Blue Oakland Six.” The Spencer’s coupe remains that bright-blue color that's so distinctive of the 6-54 A coupe. In 1924, the coupe sold for around $1,350. However, today, obviously a car in such impeccable condition from the '20s era is truly a priceless piece. In its era, Oakland made sturdy, decently priced carsthat were actually produced in Oakland County, Michigan. General Motors took over the company in 1909, and with its reputation for durability and reliability, Oakland vehicles sold pretty well. The average speed for this timeless coupe was around 34-40 mph in the early 1900s, and today, the Spencer’s 6-54 A still runs at a decent pace. Talk about reliability, am I right? The Oakland also came with additional add-ons, such as step plates and accessory gates for the running board, which could be utilized to hold more luggage. The majority of the restoration to this particular Oakland was done by Mr. Spencer and his son, as well as a family friend. With its stunning blue exterior and reliable engine, this Oakland 6-54 A makes this list as one of the oldest vehicles still cruising the open road.
16 1924 Chrysler Model B-70 Roadster
The owner of this Roaring Twenties Roadster, Martin Swig, purchased this particular 1924 Chrysler Model B-70 in 1998 in Washington State from an estate collection. The classic car was then sold once again in January of 2015 for $27,500 at Bonhams: The Scottsdale Auction. The car’s speedometer posted less than 36,000 miles, which is actually an original reflection of the car’s mileage. The car was restored externally in terms of paint to its original beige coloration, and the car also has its authentic bench seat, which had actually been reupholstered by Swig. The original upholstery was left untouched on the inside door panels, and the car also has the same wood-spoke wheels and winged radiator cap. The timeless piece also has its nickel radiator, and the engine, which has been restored somewhat, still runs decently. Walter P. Chrysler originally planned to market a quality vehicle that was overall better than Ford yet more affordable in comparison to Cadillac and Buick. The model B-70 was nicknamed the “Chrysler Six,” given its six-cylinder engine, and this model stood as a symbol of innovation during its era. Still chugging along today, this 1924 Chrysler Model B-70 Roadster is truly a beautiful treasure on the road.
15 1924 Hispano-Suiza H6B Coup de Ville
Owned by the family of the late founder and president of the French Hispano Suiza Club, this particular 1924 Hispano-Suiza H6B Coupe de Ville is in near-perfect condition and has only ever undergone minor restoration detailing. The coup retains its original coachwork, which is an incredible feat for this prestigious French treasure. The car’s six-cylinder engine still runs impeccably, and its polished exterior remains a beautifully finished black color. The coach-style car has ample room in its back seating, which was a key selling point for the vehicle in the early 1900s. During its era, the Hispano-Suiza's servo-assisted brakeswere a key feature that was later adopted by the infamous Rolls-Royce.
The Hispano-Suiza was highly regarded during its years as a prestigious coach car, sporting luxury and dripping with refinement.
Many of the English elite were keen on purchasing a Hispano-Suiza, and the gorgeous car served as transportation for France’s wealthiest, including Monsieur Pierre Lorillard Ronalds. With its side-mounted spare wheel, its two-piece windscreen, its aluminum dash panel, its rear luggage carrier, and its additional tool chest, the exterior coachwork of this particular Hispano-Suiza was done by Carrosserie Kellner of Paris. This elegant coupe certainly makes the list as one of the oldest cars in full working condition.
14 1920 Ford Model T
As the grandfather of the American automobile, the Ford Model T is the staple image of the initial American car. Matt Lee, a resident of Plymouth, Michigan, owns an unrestored 1920 Ford Model T, and the best part is that it STILL runs! Automobile Magazine actually scheduled a test run for the car on its one-hundredth birthday, and the model was reportedto have driven as smooth as ever. Lee, to this day, enjoys driving the car frequently and has never touched-up the paint on the car’s exterior or refurbished any of the wood frame. Lee’s 1920 Ford Model T has aged beautifully and remains in full working condition. The car’s value today is surprisingly somewhat low at around $10,000. The car’s highest speed is only 35 mph, but this vehicle is such a beautiful treasure and a memorable representation of one of the first American-made cars. From 1908 to 1927, Ford produced over 15 million Model T cars, and it's pretty rare to see one still in smooth-running condition. The owner, Lee, actually teaches a course called the "Evolution of the Automobile," at Washtenaw Community College in Michigan, and this gorgeous car serves as an incredible teaching resource. Who knew that there was still a running Ford Model T in existence today?
13 1904 Wolsey 6
Jumping from America to Great Britain, we now visit England’s oldest car in working condition. Its owner, Brian Caseley of Sherborne, Dorset, regularly drives the 1904 Wolsey 6 around his hometown. According to Caseley himself, the timeless vehicle has never broken down even ONCE! Caseley actually purchased the car from a collector of classic cars in 2004 and frequently drives the car around town with his wife Pat.
The Wolsey has a one-cylinder motor and reaches a top speed of only 29 mph.
It was also owned originally by Mr. E. H. Greenly of Titley Court in Herefordshire. The car is still in possession of its original registration plate, which is reportedly in “mint condition.” The stunning red color of the car has been restored over the years, and the spoked wheels of the gorgeous Wolsey are a bright yellow, reminiscent of the car’s authentic coloration. In terms of age, the car itself is around 115 years old and was one of the first models ever manufactured by Frederick Wolseley’s automobile company. The vehicle was originally designed by Herbert Austin of Austin Motor Company, and there are many elements of the Wolsey 6 that are unique to the model. As far as our list goes, this 1904 Wolsey 6 makes the list with ease for one of the oldest cars still running today.
12 1904 Rolls-Royce
As the oldest running Rolls-Royce in the world, this 1904 model was auctioned at the Bonhams: Olympia Auction in 2007. The car sold for nearly $3 million, and in the eyes of car enthusiasts, this model is truly a gem. The Rolls-Royce is a two-seater, open-topped vehicle and is the fourth car produced by Charles and Henry Royce. The car posts only 10 horsepower, but in terms of speed, it's completely understandable that this treasure is no speed machine. The steering wheel on this beauty is in mint condition, surviving since the car’s birth in 1904.
This particular Rolls-Royce was actually presented at the Olympia Show in February of 1905 in London.
The car was delivered from Manchester Works and was also briefly driven by Doctor Briggs. The Rolls-Royce was previously owned by Kenneth Gillies of Tain in Scotland as well as Percy Binns of Harrogate. A Rolls-Royce enthusiast then acquired the car in 1950, and the beauty was restored by Oliver Langton. The Rolls-Royce participated in the Brighton Veteran Car Run in 1954, and it's actually the only Rolls-Royce that qualified for this race on the basis of a pre-1905 date. Having only three previous owners, this 1904 Rolls-Royce is truly one of the more expensive cars still in working condition today.
11 1903 Stevens-Duryea Model L
Privately owned by a collector in Springfield, MA, this 1903 Stevens-Duryea Model L is being lent to the Lyman & Merrie Wood Museum of Springfield History. This gorgeous car is still in full working condition and is also actually for sale for about $135,000, according to Donald G. Meyer, who's a representative for the Duryea’s owner. According to Meyer, there are only six to eight 1903-1905 Duryeas in existence, which adds significant value to this specific 1903 Model L. The museum itself claims that it hopes to raise the funds to one day purchase the car for display purposes. In the meantime, for thosewho want to view this beautifully aged Duryea, the Museum of Springfield History is actually open every day of the week for specific hours. Frank Duryea created the first Duryea in Springfield, MA in 1893, later collaborating with Stevens to formulate the Stevens-Duryea models. In its era, the Stevens-Duryea cost around $1,300, which was a significant amount of money in 1903. The Duryea itself was the epitome of luxury for the wealthy American elite. It's truly an impeccable feat to own a car of this age and magnitude in working condition, and it absolutely makes our list for one of the oldest vehicles still running today.
10 1898 Benz Dogcart
Owned by Eric Payne of the West Midlands of England, this 1899 Benz Dogcart was actually considered the first “green” car in history. Its single-cylinder engine powered the car with its two forward speeds, and its two large independent hand brakes brought the car to a swift halt. The Dogcart’s two petrol tanks were able to carry nearly 100 miles of fuel, which is a significant amount for a car of its era.
This car in particular is believed to be one of the first six ever created, and the Dogcart was created by Strouds of Niphon Works.
The design of the Benz was considered to be a vis-à-vis, and its exterior bodywork was done in a varnished wood material. In terms of outward fittings, the standard adornments included a horn, lamps, tools, and oil cans. In its era, each Benz Dogcart essentially took an entire week to build. Originally, the car also sold for 189 pounds, which translates to roughly $253. The car was pictured at the 2005 Black Country Vehicle Rally at the Black Country Living Museum in West Midlands, England. This beautiful timeless treasure is still persistently chugging along, making our list as one of the oldest cars still running today.
9 1897 Delahaye Limousine
Situated in the Channel Islands of the United Kingdom lies this incredible automotive treasure: an 1897 Delahaye Limousine owned by Heather Fattorini. This beauty of a car has been driven in many event runs, including the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run. Its signature yellow exterior color stands bold against its complementary black coloration. The vehicle also sports four spoked wheels that are, likewise, a bold yellow in color. This particular Delahaye Limousine was externally fully restored and well taken care of as can be seen by its vibrant exterior hues. Originally created by Emile Delahaye of Tours, France, this belt-driven vehicle was one of the first of its kind built by Delahaye himself. In today’s modern world, Delahaye is better known for its roadster automobiles and Jeep-like vehicles. With its working-condition, twin-cylinder engine, this beautiful vehicle once got around 6 horsepower but must obviously be driven with care and ease today. As one of the oldest of its make and model, this 1897 Delahaye Limousine, without a doubt, makes our list as one of the oldest vehicles still in full working condition.
8 1897 Daimler Wagonette
Sold at the Bonhams Auction, this beautiful 1897 Daimler Wagonette is priced at $317,917. This incredible premodern vehicle was additionally entered into the 2016 London to Brighton Veteran Car Race and has remainedunder the same ownership for nearly 20 years. The eight-seater vehicle had coachwork completed by the talented Stirling of Hamilton, South Lanarkshire. The persistent twin-cylinder engine of this Daimler Wagonette still runs beautifully today and produced around 4 horsepower. As one of the earlier finishers in the London to Brighton Race, its horsepower clearly does well for the wagonette, and its performance is still as resilient as ever. The transmission of the wagonette is a four-speed, sliding gear, and it additionally has tram-style levers that are positioned on the car’s dashboard in front of the operator. The original wagonette’s first known owner went by the name of "Andrew Wright," who lived in Bainsford, Falkirk. Wright reportedly used the wagonette strictly for public service, and after switching hands, the wagonette was sold via auction by Fred Hodgkinson to J.V. Murcott. The wagonette was then acquired by its previous vendor and sold at Bonhams. This incredible beauty of a vehicle still runs today and is truly one of the most beautiful on our list with its polished wood finish and stark red reinforcements.
7 1896 Lutzmann 4HP Victoria
Moving on down the list, our next vintage car is also from the Channel Islands and is owned by Tim and Chris Scott. The one-cylinder engine on this 186 Lutzmann 4HP Victoria is still in full working condition. Getting around 4 horsepower, this beauty of a vehicle still slowly makes it way down the open road. Entered into event races, including the 2014 London to Brighton Veteran Car Run, this gorgeous, high-sitting car can still easily make a bit of a journey. With its two larger spoked wheels and its smaller front wheels, the bodywork of this timeless piece looks similar in appearance to a horseless stagecoach. Its glossy, black exterior color as well as its black, leather interior, has clearly been restored in recent years. The vis-à-vis design of this four-seater tourer is clearly reminiscent of the vehicle’s ancient era. Freidrich Lutsmannis, the original creator of this car, was obviously inspired by the initial four-wheeled Benz in making his first manufactured vehicle. This gorgeous example of a working-condition vintage automobile absolutely makes our list as one of the oldest cars still running today.
6 1895 Panhard et Levassor
As a grandfather of all vehicles, this 1895 Panhard et Levassor doesn't have a specified owner. Having been on auction at Bonhams, it's unclear who the owner is of this magnificent, vintage car. This car was actually the second vehicle to be manufactured by engineers and close friends, Panhard and Levassor. On the first model the two friends produced together, the engine was placed in the back. Going with a front-end design, the two masterminds created the 185 Panhard et Levasssor. In 1895, wheel steering came into play for the first time, and this classic beauty transformed into one of the first wheel-steered vehicles. That being said, the gorgeous car posts only 4 horsepower and has a two-cylinder engine. This ancient engine, however, still runs today, which is truly an automotive wonder.
The manufacturing company, Panhard et Levassor, was also actually the first place in France to adopt automotive internal combustion engines.
This development took place in 1878. However, just after the 1895 Panhard et Levassorhad been created, Levassor passed away in 1898 due to a car-racing accident. After this incident, Panhard went on to build the brand with military vehicles. Given that this beautiful 1895 classic is still running, it, for sure, makes our list as one of the wonders of the industry.
5 1893 Benz Victoria
Driven by owner Karl-Heinz Rehkopf, this beautiful 1894 Benz Victoria left its mark on the 2012 London to Brighton Veteran Car Run sponsored by Bonhams. This incredible one-cylinder engine is persistently chugging along, spitting out around 4 horsepower. This beautiful Benz Victoria was the world’s first large-scale production vehicle, paving the way for so many after it. During its creation year, around 1,200 units were built of this magnificent early vehicle. Carl Benz, the founder of one of the most successful automotive corporations today, developed this automobile at first as a three-wheeled vehicle. However, in finishing the creation of the Victoria, he transformed the vehicle to accommodate the four-wheeled style, which gave the car more control. Benz also filed a patent for double-pivot steering in 1893, which he later incorporated into the beautiful Victoria model. With a top speed of around 20 km/h, this premodern vehicle was completed with a wooden framework as well as iron reinforcements. The gorgeous vehicle also has interesting wire-spoked wheels, which highly resemble those of a bicycle. Benz himself was intrigued by bicycles and their function. Therefore, many aspects of the Victoria are reminiscent of a bike. This gorgeous vehicle was truly a magnificent feat for the automotive industry, and given that it still runs today, it makes our list with ease.
4 1886 Benz Motorwagon
Videoed at the New Jersey Concours d Elegance car show at Hop Brook Farm in Holmdel, New Jersey, this impeccable 1886 Benz Motorwagon still runs with ease today. As the first vehicle developed by Carl Benz, this beautiful one-cylinder, two-stroke engine ran for the very first time in 1879 at a New Year’s Eve celebration. With the incredible success of this initial vehicle, Benz was able to dedicate the remainder of his career to developing the first gasoline engine, where both the chassis and the engine were included in one unit. In 1885, the majority of this gorgeous, pre-modern two-seater was completed. Given the vehicle’s three-wheeled design, the Motorwagon model pre-dates the Benz Victoria. Its two large rear wheels as well as its smaller front wheel are slender, wire-spoked wheels, similar to a bicycle’s. Additionally, its wooden frame and black leather seating has obviously been fully restored today, given the quality of the materials today.
The horsepower of this ancient wonder is around 0.75 horsepower, which is nothing like our Hondas or Nissans today.
However, this Benz Motorwagon truly paved the way for premodern, automotive improvement, and it makes our list as one of the oldest vehicles still running today.
3 1884 De Dion et Trepardaux Dos-a-Dos (La Marquise)
Sold at RM Auctions in Hershey, Pennsylvania, this immaculate 1884 De Dion et Trepardaux Dos-a-Dos is priced at a staggering $4.62 million. The gorgeous vehicle was built in France in 1884, and according to the New York Daily News, the La Marquise only had four previous owners. Reaching a top speed of around 38 mph, the La Marquise still runs beautifully today. Texas collector and car enthusiast John O’Quinn had purchased the La Marquise for $3.5 million in 2007. However, when he died, the car was set for auction.
The automobile itself participated in the very first car race in 1887 as well as four London to Brighton Veteran Car Races.
The car was given the name “La Marquise” to remember French Count De Dion’s mother. As one of the oldest if not THE oldest vehicles in the world, this family car is full of legacy and documented history. Its wire-spoked wheels, leather seats, and black exterior are still as beautiful as ever and seem to have been well taken care of through the entirety of its existence. The gold letters and additional gold parts on the La Marquise give the car that sense of elegance that it truly deserves. This car is truly one of the most important pieces in automotive history, and it proudly makes our list as one of the oldest cars still running today.
2 1875 Grenville Steam Carriage
After 134 years, the 1875 Grenville Steam Carriage still runs with magnificence today. Housed at England’s National Motor Museum in Beauliea, this premodern, self-propelled vehicle is truly one of the oldest in existence, and it remarkably still works today. Created by Robert Neville Grenville and George Jackson Churchward, this beautiful twin-cylinder engine rolls along today with the capacity to carry seven passengers, who include the operator (driver), the steersman, an additional four passengers,and a fireman. In 2000, this beautiful machine participated in the London to Brighton Veteran Car Race, completing the 57-mile run. During this run, the Grenville Steam Carriage utilized 500 pounds of coal as well as 200 gallons of water. Weighing a whopping 4,500 lbs. and operating on three wooden wheels, the Grenville Steam Carriage still sits pretty in the Motor Museum today. Before being exhibited in the National Motor Museum, the carriage was owned by John Allen & Sons Ltd. Of Cowley, Oxford. The carriage was later presented by Captain P. L. Neville to the Bristol City Museum, where workers kept the machine in full working condition. Displayed at the National Motor Museum today, the steam carriage is truly one of the oldest automotive engineering feats still in action today.
1 1769 Cugnot Steamer
Housed at the Musée des Arts et Métiers in Paris, France, the 1769 Cugnot Steamer is the oldest working car in the world. It was created by Nicolas-Joseph Cugnot, a French innovator, beginning in 1765. The original intention for this incredible, premodern vehicle was to transport cannons and additional artillery as a military vehicle. The 1769 Cugnot Steamer was the very first self-propelled automobile, and it's truly a miracle that this amazing engineering feat still works (with some elbow grease) today. Who would've thought a French Army vehicle would be the great-great-great-grandfather of our modern automobiles today? The huge boiler on the end of the enormous machine is truly wondrous to look at. It demonstrates all the hard work that went into operating these premodern vehicles, and it shows how far the automotive industry has come today. Obviously, this machine took quite a few people to operate, and the car, similar to the Grenville Steam Carriage, only had three large wooden wheels. The boiler performance on this vehicle was reportedly poor, given that it needed constant attention and maintenance. However, this 1769 Cugnot Steamer remains one of the most revolutionary vehicles in existence, and it’s incredible that it STILL runs!