Classic Car Fever: Ford Mustang Tops Europe’s Wish List, Fiat 500 Rules in Italy

At Auto e Moto d’Epoca 2025, held from October 23 to 26 at BolognaFiere, AutoScout24 and AutoProff are celebrating automotive history with one of its most iconic creations: the Lamborghini Countach 25° Anniversario. Immortalized on the big screen — most famously in The Wolf of Wall Street — and produced in just 658 units between 1988 and 1990, the Countach remains a masterpiece of design and performance.

At their shared booth, the two brands showcase how digital innovation is reshaping the world of classic cars, making it more transparent, accessible, and appealing — not only for enthusiasts but also for investors.

A Global Market Worth €800 Billion

According to McKinsey & Company, the global classic-car market reached an estimated €800 billion in 2024, with annual transactions of around €45 billion. The strongest growth comes from cars built in the 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s — models that balance nostalgia with mechanical reliability and are increasing steadily in value and liquidity.

Dealers, brokers, auction houses, and digital platforms together generate over €40 billion each year. Within this ecosystem, AutoScout24 stands out as Europe’s leading online marketplace, currently offering more than 10,000 classic cars for sale.

Prices vary widely:

Ferrari 288 GTO (1985) – €6.5 million (Spain)

Ferrari F40 (1992) – €3.3 million (Netherlands)

Lamborghini Miura – €3 million (Italy)

But becoming a collector doesn’t necessarily require millions. A Fiat Cinquecento L in Barletta is listed at €3,900, a Volvo 240 Kombi Super Polar in Germany at €5,800, and a Volkswagen Beetle in Turin for €7,900 — proof that timeless design can still be within reach.

Europe’s Dream Car: The Ford Mustang

Across the continent, one legend continues to capture hearts: the Ford Mustang. The quintessential American muscle car tops search rankings on AutoScout24, symbolizing open-road freedom and cinematic glamour from Bullitt to John Wick.

Right behind it comes the Porsche 911, followed by two European icons of enduring appeal: the Mercedes-Benz 190 and the Fiat 500 — blending German precision with Italian flair.

The continued popularity of the Citroën DS and the Volkswagen Beetle reveals how today’s collectors are guided by both emotional value and cultural heritage. The European market shows clear maturity: passion still drives purchases, but investment potential and digital accessibility now play decisive roles.

In Italy, “La Dolce Vita” Still Leads

Italy’s favorite classic remains, unsurprisingly, the Fiat 500 — the small car that defined an era of optimism and style. It’s followed by the Porsche 911 and the Lancia Fulvia, while Alfa Romeo enjoys a particularly strong presence with four models in the national top ten: the Giulia, Spider, GT, and 75.

The Volkswagen Beetle and Citroën DS also appear among the top choices, proving that Italians remain drawn to elegant design and nostalgia. The overall ranking paints a sentimental journey through Italy’s automotive past — from city runabouts to sports legends.

Star of the Show: Lamborghini Countach 25° Anniversario

At the joint AutoScout24 × AutoProff exhibit, visitors can admire a Lamborghini Countach 25° Anniversario, chosen as the perfect symbol of the meeting point between tradition and innovation that defines the collector-car scene today.

Technical Highlights

Production: 1988 – 1990 (658 units)

Engine: 5.2-liter V12

Power: 455 hp (335 kW) @ 7,000 rpm

Torque: 500 Nm

Transmission: 5-speed manual

Drive: Rear-wheel

Top speed: 300 km/h

Dimensions: 414 cm L × 200 cm W × 107 cm H | Wheelbase 250 cm

“The collector-car world is entering a new phase where passion and business increasingly intersect,” says Sergio Lanfranchi, from AutoScout24’s Center for Market Studies. “Youngtimers and the last generation of combustion-engine models are becoming the future classics — and thanks to digital platforms like AutoScout24 and AutoProff, this ecosystem is now more connected, transparent, and international than ever.”