The longest-running car models
Car models with the longest continuous production run, from the first year to the last (or to today), and the longest-running models still on sale.
Key findings
- The Rolls-Royce Phantom has the longest continuous run: 102 years (1925–present).
- 10 of the top 15 are still in production.
- Longest run that has ended: the Rolls-Royce Wraith, 86 years (1938–2023).
Data table
| # | Model | Years | Years in production | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rolls-Royce Phantom | 1925–present | 102 years | In production |
| 2 | Rolls-Royce Wraith | 1938–2023 | 86 years | Ended |
| 3 | Volkswagen Beetle | 1938–2019 | 82 years | Ended |
| 4 | Nissan Patrol | 1951–present | 76 years | In production |
| 5 | Chevrolet Corvette | 1953–present | 74 years | In production |
| 6 | Toyota Crown | 1955–present | 72 years | In production |
| 7 | Nissan Skyline | 1957–present | 70 years | In production |
| 8 | Chrysler Imperial | 1926–1993 | 68 years | Ended |
| 9 | Mercedes-Benz SL-Class | 1963–present | 64 years | In production |
| 10 | Chevrolet Impala | 1958–2020 | 63 years | Ended |
| 11 | Ford Mustang | 1964–present | 63 years | In production |
| 12 | Porsche 911 | 1964–present | 63 years | In production |
| 13 | Toyota Corolla | 1966–present | 61 years | In production |
| 14 | Chevrolet Camaro | 1966–2024 | 59 years | Ended |
| 15 | Toyota Hilux | 1968–present | 59 years | In production |
Methodology
Production span = last production year − first production year + 1. When all generations are dated (at least two) we take the longest continuous run: a break of more than 12 years between one generation and the next (a name revived decades later) starts a new run. Otherwise the model record or its earliest and latest generation years are used. Models still in production count up to the current year.
Passenger cars only: trucks, buses and vans are excluded (the same rule as our rankings).
Values come from the 1CARS catalog. Part of the specifications are extracted from our articles and not yet checked by an editor; obvious outliers are excluded. Figures describe the cars in our catalog, not the whole market.
Free to reuse under CC BY 4.0: credit “1CARS” and link to this page. License terms.