You’ve been thinking about buying another car, right? Don’t worry, you’re here among friends.
But which one? How can you possibly narrow down that field?
Talk to the experts. So we did. We rounded up a panel of specialists from today’s collector car world and asked them what is currently catching their eye: What’s undervalued, what’s poised for a big move, and what represents a sleeper purchase?
While our panelists selected a diverse group of makes and models, they sang a similar chorus: Buy the best example possible and go with something that you love. “I always advise collectors to buy the vehicles that you are most passionate about within budget restrictions,” explains John Kraman, a popular presence at Mecum auctions.
“But generally, the most discriminating collectors will seek out original examples and quality restorations as well,” he continues. “Rarity and authenticity also influence buyers and price. Options, colors, documentation, ownership or race history, body style as well as show awards all are considered for collectors seeking the best.”
So, what’s next? Keep scrolling.
Ferrari 365 GTC/4
Your Ferrari Daytona on a budget. Many have sung the praises of the GTC/4 time and time again and yet they remain “sleepers” in the market for vintage V12 Ferraris. A well-sorted, highly original example in an interesting color (other than red) can currently be had for under $225,000, with needy, driver-quality examples often trading as low as $165,000. At the height of the market, in 2015, a concours-restored example fetched $561,000, and most were selling in the upper-$300,000 range. This is as close as one may get to having that crystal ball.
Power steering made it more practical with easier steering at slower speeds, mitigating some of the complaints about heavy steering on the Daytona. Side-draft carburetors also gave the C/4 a slightly different note, which to some is the best-sounding Ferrari V12 ever produced. It is a fantastic grand touring car, and it is no slouch in tight, windy corners. The GTC/4 often rides the coattail of the Daytona: With an awakened Daytona market as of late, the GTC/4 is poised to rise once again.—Adolfo Massari, Founder, LBI Limited
Pictured: 1972 Ferrari 365 GTC/4 • Sold by DriverSource via Bring a Trailer for $218,365
Porsche 3.0 Turbo Carrera
They are extremely significant in many different ways, particularly when you consider the fact that they were Porsche’s first production turbocharged car as well as the fastest production car in the world when released.
Porsche produced 2819 3.0-liter Turbo cars, but how many are left? Narrow that down even further: How many good, original cars are left? I would venture to say a quarter of the production was lost due to inexperienced drivers (these were the “Widowmakers,” after all) and careless owners who added vents, put in larger turbos and did slant-nose conversions, which utterly destroyed the cars’ potential future value.
At the height of the recent market spike in 2015-’16, an unmodified, low-mileage 1976-’77 finished in an interesting color would fetch nearly $300,000. Today, that same car can be had for half or even less! The 1975-model-year cars–only 275 cars were produced–will always be the most valuable of the series, but be prepared to pay about a 70% premium over the 1976-’77 model years. The key would be to find a sub-25,000-mile example with mostly original paint and interior, no sunroof, and finished in an interesting pastel color.—Adolfo Massari, Founder, LBI Limited
Pictured: 1976 Porsche 911 Turbo Carrera • Sold via RM Sotheby’s for $123,200
Porsche 944 Turbo Cup
The supremely rare, Weissach-built racer that invigorated enthusiasm for transaxle cars. Where can you get a Porsche factory-built race car for under $60,000?
The 944 Turbo Cup is the answer, but good luck finding one as only 192 were produced and many were balled up during the multinational Turbo Cup series. They are roughly 600 pounds lighter than the standard 944 Turbo. With plenty of power and a near-perfect weight distribution, these cars are incredibly fun to drive. This car speaks to a new generation of car collector who wants a rare Porsche eligible for many exclusive events at a fraction of the cost of most factory-built 911 counterparts. Watch for these to rise in the coming years.—Adolfo Massari, Founder, LBI Limited
Pictured: 1988 Porsche 944 Turbo Cup • Sold by LBI Limited via Rad For Sale for $89,999
1968-’82 Chevrolet Corvette
In my opinion, third-generation Corvettes are the up-and-coming collectible, especially the higher-horsepower models, with 1968-’72 cars being the most collectible. They are easy to acquire and some of the most fun to drive. These cars are also easiest for which to purchase parts and services. These collectibles are not as financially daunting as the older cars and are typically half the expense of the mid-year (1963-’67) Corvettes.—John Bassler, Owner/Operator, Vintage Motorcar Company
Pictured: 1971 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Coupe • Sold via RM Sotheby’s for $31,900
Shelby Cobra 289
It is possible to purchase a Shelby 289 Cobra–whether a genuine, original, unrestored car or an amateurishly or older restored car–for a relatively reasonable amount of money or far less than top dollar, commission a proper restoration, and still come in under top market value. A 289 Cobra in less than top condition is, therefore, a worthwhile collector car to consider.
Shelby Cobras have been rapidly appreciating in value and notoriety since Carroll Shelby’s passing and the “Ford v Ferrari” movie release. They are very handsome cars and a lot of fun to drive. Cobras typically have a vast and/or interesting history, and researching that history while returning the car to its original splendor is always fascinating.—John Bassler, Owner/Operator, Vintage Motorcar Company
Pictured: 1963 Shelby Cobra 289 • Sold via RM Sotheby’s for $577,000
Aston Martin DB7
We often see these advertised for under $30K. The V12 makes marvelous sounds, and even a humble DB7 will grab the loving attention of the valet at the Ritz-Carlton. Don’t forget that ownership also makes you eligible for membership in the Aston Martin Owners Club.—Jack & Brian Collins; Owners; Ceres Motorsports, LLC
Pictured: 2001 Aston Martin DB7 Vantage • Sold via Bring a Trailer for $29,000
MGB
We really like the MGB for many reasons. First, it’s just simply a fun car. It’s light, nimble and easy to drive–a less refined version of the Miata, if you will. Although MG built over 500,000 MGBs during its production run, they’re not commonly seen anymore.
Acceleration is not a strong point on these cars, but with an overdrive or five-speed they can easily cruise at highway speeds. The top is more challenging than a Miata’s but still offers good weather protection compared to other typical British roadsters. The MGB also came in a brilliant closed GT, too. With more headroom and a usable hatchback cargo area, it’s a terrific long-distance touring car.
Parts are widely available, and the simplicity of this car lends itself to DIY repairs. Prices for these are still low, and very good examples can be found for under $10,000. Steer clear of basket cases, rusty cars and barn finds that have not run in many years. The cost to resurrect a poor example can far exceed the cost of purchasing a really nice one to begin with.—Jack & Brian Collins; Owners; Ceres Motorsports, LLC
Pictured: 1973 MGB • Sold by VB Autosports via Bring a Trailer for $7700
1999-2006 Jaguar XKR
The coupe is our favorite and is not as common as the convertible. Offering supercar performance at bargain-basement prices, these cars will sprint from zero to 60 in just over 5 seconds with a top speed of 155, limited by the ECM. These are usable as everyday cars and have great brakes, air conditioning and good overall reliability. Best bets are cars with a full maintenance history. Steer clear of cars with tatty (expensive) upholstery, poor repaints or bad convertible tops.—Jack & Brian Collins; Owners; Ceres Motorsports, LLC
Pictured: 2001 Jaguar XKR • Sold by Drive Society via Bring a Trailer for $10,250
1994-’96 Jaguar XJS V12
The production numbers on these are very, very low. By most accounts, there were fewer than 1500 of these built during those model years. In 1995, fewer than 150 of these V12 cars were produced, and in 1996, only three V12 cars were built. Records indicate that there may have been only one Fixed Head Coupe produced in 1996. This final facelift version of the XJS was equipped with the 305-horsepower, 6.0-liter V12, along with a 4L80E four-speed overdrive transmission that makes them extraordinary touring cars. Fast and smooth, a V12 Jag is like nothing else.—Jack & Brian Collins; Owners; Ceres Motorsports, LLC
Pictured: 1994 Jaguar XJS V12 • Sold via Bring a Trailer for $18,500
Opel GT
Opel GTs are really up and coming and offer more bang for the buck and styling than any other car you can buy for $7000-$8000. Two other favorites: the early Lotus Elan and the BMW Z8, both of which have gone down in price a bit recently.—Bob Tkacik, Maine Line Exotics
Pictured: 1970 Opel GT • Sold via Bring a Trailer for $8500
VW Corrado
Volkswagen pumped out just shy of 100,000 examples of the Mk2 platform-based Corrado sports coupe over its seven-year production run. While there were a few engine options around the world, the U.S. market only got the VR6-powered SLC and the supercharged G60, and I’d recommend steering clear of the latter. The Corrado has the premium feel and driving experience of an entry-level Porsche, but it costs less than a Civic Si–and that won’t last forever. Pick up a nice example and you’ll never have to worry about it going down in value.—Bradley Brownell; Co-founder; Radwood, Rad For Sale
Pictured: 1992 Volkswagen Corrado SLC VR6 • Sold by Silver Arrow Cars via Bring a Trailer for $16,000
Ford Explorer
SUVs aren’t just the trend on new car lots, as collectors are flocking to the four-wheel-drive market en masse. The most ubiquitous family truckster of the 1990s is due for a come-up, as we’ve seen huge increases from era-competitive machines like Toyota FJ60s, Land Rovers and Jeep Wagoneers. For every hundred that have rusted away or were given a bad “Jurassic Park” redo, there’s one that has survived the ravages of time intact. If you can find it, you’ll have a classic on your hands.—Bradley Brownell; Co-founder; Radwood, Rad For Sale
Pictured: 1994 Ford Explorer Limited 4x4 • Sold via Bring a Trailer for $6001
Porsche 968
The often overlooked, hand-built Porsche 968 has already found some appreciation among enthusiasts, but I think it’ll only continue to go up. As the rarer, end-of-the-line model to finish out the 924/944 lineage, these excellent cars are frequently overlooked for their oddball ’90s aesthetics. The 3-liter DOHC inline-four is a phenomenal engine, and the chassis had decades of Porsche engineering backing it. It’s impossible to go wrong with this one.—Bradley Brownell; Co-founder; Radwood, Rad For Sale
Pictured: 1995 Porsche 968 Coupe • Sold via Bring a Trailer for $25,000
Starquest
The oddball Mitsubishi/Chrysler join-up produced some of the most interesting sports cars of the era, and the Starion/Conquest is my personal favorite. We’ve already seen what the Radwood-era Japanese sports coupe market is capable of with the popularity of Supras, GT-Rs and RX-7s. The 2.6-liter turbocharged four is a wonderful engine, and the anachronistic factory box flares give it a look that can’t ever happen again.—Bradley Brownell; Co-founder; Radwood, Rad For Sale
Pictured: 1988 Chrysler Conquest TSi • Sold via Mecum for $26,400
Caterham 310 S
I helped my buddy build one of these, and it is the most tingle-inducing thing I have experienced in years, fits within my budget for frivolous things, and is available. It is a new car, yes, but it’s absolutely classic in spirit and in its analog character.—Ross Robbins, Rocky Mountain Caterham
Pictured: Caterham 310 S • $39,900 (basic kit price)
Corvair Fitch Sprint
I had one of these when it was new, and it was the one car I wish I had never sold. This is one where the chase could take a while, but think of all the money I will save in the meantime.—Ross Robbins, Rocky Mountain Caterham
Pictured: 1965 Chevrolet Corvair Fitch Sprint Corsa Convertible • Sold via Bring a Trailer for $14,350
Acura NSX-T
Way undervalued, amazing to drive and already a classic.—Max Power Motors
Pictured: 2000 Acura NSX-T • Sold via RM Sotheby’s for $102,300
Porsche 356
Good investment, looks classy, drives and handles quite well, reliable and comfortable enough to take on a long drive, and easy to repair as it’s no more complicated than a VW Beetle.—K.R. Baker; Founder; vintageracecarsales.com, historiccarcollection.com
Pictured: 1963 Porsche 356B Coupe • Sold via Mecum for $62,700
MGA
Plenty of nice ones available reasonably. Looks almost Big Healey 3000-like, half the price, and steers better with rack-and-pinion steering. So simple to work on; carry a simple tool kit and you are ready to go!—K.R. Baker; Founder; vintageracecarsales.com, historiccarcollection.com
Pictured: 1956 MGA Roadster • Sold via Bring a Trailer for $28,000
Jaguar E-Type
Just looks beautiful and feels great driving. It has enough power to travel on the turnpike or accelerate up a steep hill. It’s a high-maintenance mistress–not very reliable or simple. Whenever I own an E-type, I visit it in the garage several times a day to admire.—K.R. Baker; Founder; vintageracecarsales.com, historiccarcollection.com
Pictured: 1969 Jaguar E-Type 4.2-Litre Roadster • Sold via RM Sotheby’s for $35,200
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Comments
I think it's too late for many of those (911? 289 Cobra? Ferrari anything? NSX, 356), and I also think that the time for "old" british is past. No hate here, because I'm an enthusiast of all these things.
I think the Elise is slipping through the affordable hands, as is the Alfa 4c. E46 M3's are appreciating rapidly. Probably too late to get an affordable Z06- especially C7. I like the starquest on the list. I like the XKR and XJR as appreciating.
Big Two for major appreciation in the next five years with my money are the Elise/Exige and 4C. I'm just sorry I missed my chance at a 67 Mini S MkI for anything remotely reasonable. I'll have to wait for boomers to start selling.
SSpro
New Reader
12/2/21 12:27 p.m.
The Jag XK's with the 4.0 Litre V8 had horrible issuses with timing chains and Nikasil cylinder lining. Why isnt this reported more? Jag did change thousnads of 4.0 Litre engines under warranty and these have a green tag near the firewall. The 4.2 litre version from 2002 was bullet proof. I've owned a 2001 XKR with a warranty changed engine, then a 2007 4.2 litre alloy bodied one and later an F Type. The really good XK's are 2007-2015 alloy models that were better than their Aston cousins.
Haven't driven one, but the 968 looks great on paper. It really is the final evolution of decades of porsche engineering and the examples that I see are usually a lot cleaner than the 944 that came before it.
I have really mixed feelings about the NSX showing up on these lists. I bought mine because the community was pretty humble, had a really high signal-to-noise ratio, and seemed to be mostly enginerds and/or Honda fan boys. And they all drove their cars! It's gonna suck if the vibe changes.
I think the 2 doir Tahoe from the 90's will be a future classic
MGBs and even MGAs are still cheap, available and easy to work on. You forgot Triumph Spitfires, also everywhere and easy to work on.
None of these have gone into the stupid money realm yet.
Yeah I think your experts have missed the boat on most of these already. I mean really, Cobra, 356, 930, NSX, and Ferrari are already well-healed blue chip collector cars and have been for decades. 968's are stupid expensive already, there's not much higher they can go. The British roadsters are all going down in value, the newer monied enthusiast just doesn't connect with them. Corrado and StarQuest are good picks. XJ-S and C3 Corvette are just way too common and really drive like trucks. Neither has aged well.
Here's my hot take on a few to replace on the list, like for like.
Ferrari 456 > Ferrari 365 - Still a V12 Ferrari, the last with a manual gearbox, and the cheapest modern one you can get into. Check out Hoovie's on Car Trek.
Porsche 996 Turbo > Porsche 930 Turbo - Still a turbo 911, and the cheapest one you can get thanks to runny-egg headlights. They go like bananas and are truly analog - manual trans, no electronic aids. A 997 which is nearly identical in driving performance/parts make up is almost double because the headlights are round.
C6 and C7 Corvette > C3 Corvette - The C3's worth owning (68-72 big block) have been stupid pricey for decades. Sure, an 81 crossfire injection t-top leaker is like $1000, but any C3 worth owning is already at the top of it's price. C6's especially, and C7's a little, have been depreciating but will be remembered as the last "real" Corvettes (front engine, manual trans). C6 Z06/ZR1 are already floating back up, but a good LS3 base or Grand Sport is the one to get. Same with C7, find the best spec manual-trans model you can because that's what's going to be sought after when we are all riding around in Wall-E electric egg pods.
Porsche 944 S2 > Porsche 968 - Literally the same chassis, engine, and interior and the S2 has pop-ups which make it infinitely cooler. How a 968 is worth 3 times a rarer S2 is is beyond me.
Javelin (Forum Supporter) said:
The British roadsters are all going down in value, the newer monied enthusiast just doesn't connect with them.
I think that is actually a good thing. How about leaving a few cool cars for those of us who aren't hedge fund managers. I don't even bother with lists of cars that cost more than my house.
ShawnG
UltimaDork
12/2/21 3:06 p.m.
LOL, how many years ago did that Cobra sell for $500K?
Those things have been a hair under a million for a while now.
In reply to ShawnG :
Do people even drive cars like that anymore? Do they keep them in a glass case somewhere on a secluded estate?
ShawnG
UltimaDork
12/2/21 3:40 p.m.
In reply to Snowdoggie (Forum Supporter) :
They're locked up safe and never seen. They're an investment now, not a car. It's a shame too.
If they do get driven, they don't get driven anywhere but right back home. You can't leave it some place. You drive it out of the garage, drive it around and drive it right back in the garage.
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By David S. Wallens
Photography Courtesy the Dealers
