The phrase “classic cars” generally conjures a red Ford Mustang convertible cruising Main Street or perhaps a powder-blue Chevy Bel Air idling at a drive-in. But classic cars are hardly unique to the United States. Owners of Porsche Speedsters and Maserati Spyders have their own claims to the phrase, as do people who drive Jaguars, Ferraris, and Mercedes Benzes.

Still, few sounds are as intoxicating as the rumble of a Pontiac GTO, the snarl of a Corvette, the throaty purr of a Ford Fairlane. Drivers of a certain age go for Chrysler Imperials and Hudson Hornets, while graduates gravitate to Alfa Romeos or Thunderbirds. And for families? Ditch that minivan and get yourself a Ford or Chevrolet station wagon from the 1930s or 1940s. After all, who needs fancy air bags when the outsides of your ride are paneled with real wood.