The Mercedes-Benz 200 series is the most sought-after classic car in the Netherlands. This is according to research by occasion and comparison platform Gaspedaal.nl.
For many, it’s the sound, the mechanical operation, and sometimes even the smell: the charm of a classic car often outweighs the age of classic models. The CBS (Statistics Netherlands) has noted a 28 percent increase in the number of classic cars on the road over the last five years. In total, according to the statistics office, there are currently almost 220,000 of these vehicles in our country.
Between 2022 and 2024, Gaspedaal.nl even saw an increase of over fifty percent in the number of searches for classic cars. Based on the searches to date this year, the occasion comparison platform expects an increase of at least ten percent compared to last year. The popularity of classic cars continues to grow.
“You can call a car a classic when it is forty years or older,” says Marek Debicki, car expert at Gaspedaal.nl. “That means the car was first registered on the road 40 years or more ago. This may also be abroad.”
According to Debicki, cars that were first registered on the road 38 to 40 years ago fall under a so-called transitional arrangement. “In this case, the owner receives a significant discount on motor vehicle tax, provided that a few conditions are met. These conditions can be found on the tax authorities’ website.”
Mercedes-Benz beloved and the most expensive
Of all the classics on Gaspedaal.nl, the Mercedes-Benz 200 series with model years between 1980 and 1985 is the most searched for. “As far as I’m concerned, a deserved winner,” says Debicki. “The Mercedes-Benz W123, as this generation from the 200 series is also called, is known as indestructible. You still see these cars driving even in virtually impassable African deserts.”
“The distinctive, for that time modern Mercedes design, only adds to the charm of this car. And there are still plenty of addresses to be found for parts and maintenance.” Mercedes-Benz is not only the most searched for, but also the most expensive classic car on Gaspedaal.nl comes from the German giant. To be precise, it is a legendary model, the 300 SL ‘Gullwing’ from 1955. This icon is for sale for more than one and a half million euros.
Mercedes-Benz is popular among Dutch classic car enthusiasts, because in second place we also find a Mercedes-Benz, namely the S-class. Volkswagen has dominated the contemporary occasion market for years. But among the classics, we only find the first model in third place: the Beetle. The brand from Wolfsburg does have the honor of closing the top ten again with the Volkswagen Transporter and the Volkswagen Golf.
This brand is most often seen on Dutch roads
Although Mercedes-Benz scores higher on the number of search results, Volkswagen is the strongest in numbers driving around on the roads. Research by RAI Vereniging shows that 15 percent of all classic cars in our country are a Volkswagen.
Iconic sports cars and a robust 4×4
The list cannot be complete without a Porsche 911 and Ford Mustang as a classic car. “Although they are cars from different price ranges, they are each an indelible part of history on their own continent. The Mustang shone with its roaring V8 in films like Bullitt, and Goldfinger. The 911 gave many competitors a hard time on the circuit. Few cars have such a name and status,” says Debicki.
That comes with a hefty price tag. For example, you pay an average of around €60,000 to €70,000 for a classic Porsche 911. You can buy the Ford Mustang from €30,000, but depending on the model and the condition of the car, that can amount to more than €250,000.
The only off-road vehicle on the list is the Land Rover Defender. “On Gaspedaal.nl, the most searched for model years for the classic Defender are between 1980 and 1985. You will then find both the Defender and the Series III, which visually is very reminiscent of the Defender. The simple technology, combined with the aluminum body and the robust ladder chassis for heavier off-road work, already made these cars very popular in their time. And nowadays you can put such a charming off-road beast in the garage for a relatively attractive price,” says Debicki.