A new year brings a new round of milestone anniversaries to look forward to. Across nine decades of car production, 2026 marks significant birthdays for some of our favourite classic cars. Here are some of the top 15 classic car anniversaries to look out for in 2026.
As we look ahead to a year full of milestone motoring anniversaries, ClassicLine Insurance is also celebrating a major milestone of its own. On the 2nd December 2025, we marked 40 years as an independently owned specialist vehicle insurance broker. Since 1985, ClassicLine has proudly supported the classic and performance vehicle community with tailored insurance cover, enthusiast focused service, and a passion for protecting the vehicles you love. Over the coming year, we’ll be sharing more special birthday content to celebrate, so stay tuned throughout 2026.
Top 15 car anniversaries to look out for in 2026
SS Jaguar 100 – 90th Anniversary
In 1935 the Swallow Company, officially known as SS Cars Ltd by this time, first used the name Jaguar on an SS model. In 1936, they developed the SS 100 Jaguar, the follow on model from the earlier SS 1 Tourers, which was a lighter and faster two seater sport car. Initially built using traditional methods fabrication methods on a wooden framework, by 1938 production had moved over to all steel bodies, at the same time increasing the model range. The car was built in very small numbers, and the model was discontinued with the advent of the war, but the model’s legacy continues as the genesis of Jaguar’s lineage.
Triumph Dolomite 14/60 and 2 Litre (first generation) – 90th Anniversary
You may be more familiar with the modern Triumph Dolomites saloons produced during the 1970’s, but did you know the Dolomite name traces its roots back to over 90 years ago? Between 1936 and 1940 Triumph made a large range of Dolomite saloons, sporting saloons, drop head coupes and roadster coupes. The 1936 model range included Dolomite 14/60 and Dolomite 2 Litre, and these early Dolomites were easily identified by their “waterfall” grilles. The Dolomite name would later resurface in 1972 when Triumph introduced the second generation Dolomite.
Austin A35 – 70th Anniversary
In 1956, the popular Austin A30 model and competitor to the Morris Minor, was replaced by the Austin A35. The new model sported more power with an engine capacity increase, revised gearing, and was better suited to the higher octane fuels available in the post-war years. The A35 saloon remained in production until 1959 only rendered obsolete by the launch of the Mini. In total, around 130,000 A35s were produced plus the van and estate derivatives, and it remains a classic favourite classic with strong club support.
Volvo Amazon – 70th Anniversary
The Amazon was Volvo’s first real international seller with 60% of its production being sold abroad. Mechanically based on the PV444, but with four doors, the car was initially unveiled under the name Amason. The name soon changed to Amazon, a more internationally viable name, but due to a rights dispute, Volvo was only able to use the Amazon name in the Nordics. Everywhere else the car carried numerical designations, with the first models named 121 and 122S. In 1959, the Volvo Amazon became the world’s first car model to feature factory installed three point seatbelts, strengthening Volvo’s safety-focused reputation.
Porsche 356A / 1600 – 70th Anniversary
Despite looking outwardly similar to the preceding model, Porsche updated their 356 line in 1956 and released their new model the 356A. With a larger engine, improved suspension and curved glass windscreen, the car was available in cabriolet, coupe and speedster variants with production running until 1958. The 356A was the first road going Porsche to offer the Carrera four-cam engine as an option and is still one of the most desirable early Porsches.
Jensen FF – 60th Anniversary
Unveiled in 1966, the Jensen FF was technologically advanced for its time. The car featured an all-wheel drive system, the first time such a system had been fitted to a non-off-road production car, and was the first production car to be fitted with ABS. The unique system, the Ferguson Formula (jointly designed by Harry Ferguson, part owner of Massey Ferguson tractors), was a four-wheel-drive-system and was cutting edge technology when the car was launched. But despite its advancements, it was a tough sell. Buyers at the time didn’t understand why they would want a stylish grand tourer that was equipped with tractor technology. Today however, the Jensen FF is a highly collectable classic car.
Triumph GT6 – 60th Anniversary
Based on the Triumph Spitfire bloodline, the all new GT6 was a sporty coupe with a sleek fastback design. Featuring a modest 2 litre straight six engine, the Triumph GT6 was sometimes nicknamed ‘the poor man’s E-Type’, as it offered stylish, affordable performance and became a popular choice among younger drivers. Production ran from 1966 to 1973 and approximately 40,000 units were made.
Other cars celebrating 60th birthdays in 2026 include the Alfa Romeo Spider, Jensen Interceptor, Ferrari 365, Lamborghini Miura, Chevrolet Camaro, Fiat 124, Dodge Charger, and the Shelby Cobra.
Ford Fiesta – 50th Anniversary
Introduced in 1976 as Ford’s answer to the growing demand for compact, fuel efficient cars, the Ford Fiesta quickly became one of Ford’s most successful global models. Early production began in Valencia with the first British built models rolling of Ford’s Dagenham factory lines two years later. Over several generations, the Fiesta evolved, with sportier models released such as the XR2 and XR2i variants. At 50 years old, the Ford Fiesta is small classic car with a cult following.
Lotus Esprit – 50th Anniversary
Unveiled in October 1975, this sports car went on sale in June 1976. Showcasing Giorgetto Giugiaro’s sharp “folded paper” design, it went on to become one of the most iconic British sports cars of the 1970s. Built around Lotus’s tradition of lightweight engineering with reinforced glass fibre body and agile handling, the Lotus Esprit with its mid-engine and dramatic wedge shape was a production masterpiece. Throughout its long production run, it evolved through multiple redesigns, gaining turbocharged power and more refined styling.
Other cars celebrating 50th birthdays in 2026 include the Aston Martin Lagonda, BMW 6 series E24, Rover SD1 and Porsche 924.
Jaguar XJ (XJ40) – 40th Anniversary
The Jaguar XJ40, launched in 1986, represented a major technological and stylistic leap for Jaguar’s XJ range. As with many cars of this decade, this car had an angular styling which broke with the look that Jaguar had become known for. Though controversial, it carried the brand into a new era with 208,733 XJ40 cars produced 1986 to 1994 and today it stands as a distinctive classic.
Ford Sierra RS Cosworth – 40th Anniversary
Unveiled in 1986 as a Group A homologation special, the Sierra RS Cosworth aimed to return Ford to the top of touring car racing. The 80s Group A regulations required that 5,000 units needed to be built to homologate a car and allow it to compete, so Ford reworked its Sierra, and made it the first Ford to bestow the iconic Cosworth name. Produced from 1986 to 1992, its turbocharged Cosworth engine and dramatic wing styling made it instantly recognisable on the track and the road from. Its performance credentials were quickly proven, dominating Group A classes and it is a highly sought after classic car today.
Other cars celebrating 40th birthdays in 2026 include the Rover 800 and Lotus Elise.
TVR Cerbera – 30th Anniversary
Initially unveiled in 1993, the Cerbera was the first road going TVR to feature the Speed Eight engine, TVR’s motorsport inspired engine. The car was also a 2+2 seater sports coupe, a market sector that TVR had not inhabited since 1985. With orders flooding in, the car eventually went into production in 1996 lasting until 2003 and it remains a popular modern classic car choice today.
Other exciting anniversaries in 2026:
Vespa – 80th Anniversary
When the first MP6 prototype 98cc engine was started up in 1946, Italian industrialist Enrico Piaggio remarked that it sounded like a wasp, or ‘Vespa’ in Italian. This is the moment the Vespa brand was born! The first Vespa was unveiled in April 1946 with production beginning with the Vespa 98 model. For 80 years, Vespa has held its place as both a cultural and practical icon.
Brands Hatch – 100th Anniversary
From its beginnings as a anti-clockwise Indy style grass track to its evolution into one of the UK’s most iconic racing circuits, Brands Hatch celebrates 100 years in 2026. Over the past 100 years, the track has welcome legendary drivers and riders such as Sir Stirling Moss, Jim Clark, Jack Brabham, Ayrton Senna, Lewis Hamilton, Barry Sheene and Carl Fogarty with Nigel Mansell famously claiming his first Grand Prix victory here in 1985. The circuit will host a series of special events throughout 2026, and it’ll be well worth heading along to one if you can.
Bristol Cars (1946) – 80th Anniversary
Known for its characteristic luxury and aerodynamic coachwork, car production initially began under the Bristol Aeroplane Company name in 1946 with the development of the Bristol 400, rivalling the likes of Jaguar’s XK120. By 1960, Bristol Cars became independent from the aviation division, and the first model of the new generation Chrysler V8 powered rolled off the production line in 1961. By 2011, Bristol Cars had become unviable, and the company went into liquidation in 2020. Bristol is set to be reborn for their 80th anniversary, releasing a limited-edition Bristol Speedster.
Jaguar Drivers’ Club – 70th Anniversary
Not a specific vehicle, but certainly a milestone to be celebrated. Our good friends at the Jaguar Drivers’ Club are celebrating 70 years since this popular car club formed. As a preferred insurance partner of the club, ClassicLine Insurance is looking forward to being part of the celebrations, including the annual JDC National Weekend at Brooklands Museum on the 11th and 12th July 2026.
If you own one of the classic cars highlighted in this collection or your classic vehicle club is celebrating a significant anniversary in 2026 and would like to be featured on our news blog, we’d love to hear from you.
