British classics rank highly in the top 10 'most wanted' vintage cars alongside Ford, Mercedes and more

The Aston Martin DB4GT Zagato is the "ultimate" classic car to own according to new research, potentially as a result of their rarity.

There were only 19 models of the DB4GT made between 1960 and 1963, while just three MP209 versions were produced.

One of the MP209 models was sold at auction in 2018 for a staggering £10million, complete with a slick "2VEV" number plate, as well as having more power and torque than a Ferrari 250 GTO.

Aston Martin also bagged second and third place with the DBR1 and DP215, with the DBR1 holding the prestigious title of being the most expensive British car ever sold at auction for a staggering $22.5million (£17.4million).

The DP215's record sale was a close second with the only prototype manufactured selling in 2016 for $21.78million (£16.1million).

The first non-Aston Martin in the top five was the Jaguar D-type. It was originally built to win the historic Le Mans race, and despite only selling for a few thousand pounds in the 1960s, a 1955 model sold for more than £16million.

Stewart Barnett, from InsureMy said: “While there are a few ‘newer’ models in the most wanted list – like the McLaren F1 from the 1990s and 2000s - British drivers are pretty unanimous that the ‘oldies are the goodies’.

"The top five are all from the 1950s and 1960s, showing that if people have the money to spend, they will splash out on a classic.

“And while most people can only dream of owning an Aston Martin from the 1960s Le Mans era, there are plenty of motorists out there with their ‘classic’ cars – anything that is over 40 years old."

Surprisingly, some rarer brands like Shelby are included in the top 10 "most wanted" brands list, while other less-expected marques, like Alfa Romeo, also make an appearance.

The top 10 'most wanted' classic car models

1. Aston Martin DB4GT Zagato/ DB4GT Zagato MP209

2. Aston Martin DBR1

3. Aston Martin DP215

4. Jaguar D-type

5. Porsche 917K

6. McLaren F1

7. Ford GT40

8. Mercedes-Benz 540K Special Roadster

9. McLaren F1 LM

10. Mercedes-Benz W196

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Barnett added: “Cars – particularly classic cars - can carry a lot of memories and emotions, and their owners can become very attached, and want to know that they are protected, so that they can be enjoyed for years to come.

“Our classic car insurance helps drivers of older vehicles find a policy that suits their ‘old classic’, whether that is a £10million Aston Martin or a Ford Capri - that way they can relax safe in the knowledge their car is protected.”