Most reliable classic cars: top 10. Pictures

The Volvo P1800 was arguably the first "sporty" car the Swedish company made, and British firm Jensen had a hand in it, too

The first-generation Mazda MX5 (NA) wore its influnces on its sleeve – most notably the British Lotus Elan of the 1960s.

The long-lived Saab 900 Turbo was a sensible family car with a split personality – and drivers loved it

The original "people's car", the Volkswagen Beetle started out in Germany but was later built all over the world

The W124 Mercedes E-Class defined the phrase "built like a bank vault" and doesn't look like a car first sold in 1984

Developed from the Porsche 924 and, likewise, using a four-cylinder engine, the 944 proved that needn't hinder performance

Much imitated, and arguably never bettered, the VW Golf GTI caused an absolute sensation on its arrival in the 70s

The Silver Ghost was the car on which Rolls Royce built its "best car in the world" reputation

The first ever Lexus, the LS400 showed that Toyota's standalone upmarket brand really could mix it with German premium brands

The 'Series' Land Rovers need no introduction. Culminating in the Defender, their replacement is eagerly awaited

Not so much a hot hatch as an entirely new driving experience, the high-revving Civic Type R was an immediate hit