13 Classic Cars That Are Predicted to Skyrocket in Value

By Adam Garcia | Published

Related:
15 Once-Famous Buildings That Were Demolished (and Why It Happened)

Classic car collecting blends automotive passion with investment savvy. Certain vintage vehicles remain oddly undervalued despite their historical significance, driving dynamics, and increasing rarity.

The market constantly evolves, with once-overlooked models suddenly becoming the next must-have acquisition for serious collectors. Here is a list of 13 classic cars that industry insiders and market watchers believe will see their values climb dramatically in the coming decade.

Porsche 944

DepositPhotos

The 944 sits in the shadow of its famous 911 cousin – though that’s rapidly changing. Its near-perfect weight distribution makes for handling that punches well above its price bracket.

Values have inched upward recently as collectors recognize what enthusiasts have known for years: it delivers a genuine Porsche experience without the six-figure investment. Turbo models fetch a premium, yet even they haven’t reached their ceiling.

Toyota FJ60 Land Cruiser

DepositPhotos

This boxy utilitarian SUV combines legendary toughness with surprising comfort. As vintage 4×4 prices climb, the FJ60 remains – for now – somewhat attainable compared to its predecessors.

The growing overlanding movement hasn’t helped keep prices down! Clean examples without excessive modifications grow scarcer each year, pushing values steadily northward for these capable machines.

BMW E30 3-Series

DepositPhotos

These quintessential 1980s sports sedans defined their category with razor-sharp handling. While M3 variants have already skyrocketed beyond reach for many enthusiasts, standard models like the 325is offer 90% of the experience at 30% of the cost – though probably not for long.

Their analog driving feel, mechanical simplicity, and cultural significance create the perfect storm for appreciation. Though BMW produced thousands, finding well-preserved examples is becoming increasingly difficult.

Mercedes-Benz R129 SL

DepositPhotos

These technological tour de forces from the ’90s represent peak Mercedes engineering – built like bank vaults with styling that hasn’t aged a day. Early six-cylinder models offer the best value proposition, though V8 and V12 variants command justifiable premiums.

Bruno Sacco’s timeless design language gives these roadsters visual gravitas that newer models struggle to match. They’re transitioning from “used luxury car” to “appreciating classic” territory as we speak.

Acura NSX

DepositPhotos

Honda’s aluminum wonder brought supercar dynamics to the masses – without the temperamental nature of its Italian competitors. First-generation models showcase a beautiful minimalism in both design and driving dynamics that’s vanishingly rare today.

Developed with input from Formula One champion Ayrton Senna, these mid-engine marvels offer handling purity that modern electronic systems can’t replicate. Manual transmission versions have already begun their value climb.

Jaguar XJS

DepositPhotos

Long dismissed as an inadequate successor to the legendary E-Type, market perception has finally shifted for this misunderstood grand tourer. Later examples (1991-1996) avoided most early reliability gremlins while maintaining the car’s aristocratic proportions.

That magnificent V12 powerplant delivers torque everywhere in the rev range – something turbo mills can’t match, regardless of horsepower claims. Good examples grow increasingly elusive each year.

Audi Ur-Quattro

DepositPhotos

This rally-bred pioneer revolutionized performance cars with its innovative all-wheel-drive system – technology now standard in virtually every high-performance vehicle. The turbocharged five-cylinder produces a sound unlike anything else on four wheels.

Despite historical significance that rivals contemporary Ferraris, these technological trailblazers remain surprisingly accessible – though their moment in the spotlight approaches rapidly. North American examples command a premium due to their scarcity.

Volvo P1800

DepositPhotos

Swedish sensibility meets Italian-inspired design in this understated sports coupe. Made famous through ‘The Saint’ television series, these robust machines offer classic ownership without constant maintenance headaches.

The shooting brake ‘ES’ variant with its glass hatchback defies categorization – and commands higher prices accordingly. Their reputation for durability means many survive, though truly exceptional examples remain elusive.

Ferrari 456

DepositPhotos

Often overlooked among Maranello’s creations, this front-engine V12 grand tourer represents astonishing value in today’s market. Produced in limited numbers during the 1990s – with many details finished by hand – the 456 delivers a driving experience that justifies the prancing horse badging.

The gated manual transmission examples provide a mechanical interaction that’s disappeared from modern sports cars. As entry-level Ferrari prices continue climbing, this sophisticated GT seems bizarrely undervalued.

Alfa Romeo GTV6

DepositPhotos

Penned by design master Giorgetto Giugiaro, this characterful coupe packs one of the most sonorous six-cylinder engines ever produced. Transaxle layout yields near-perfect weight distribution, creating handling dynamics that embarrass many newer sports cars.

The Busso V6 engine alone deserves preservation status – its polished intake runners visible through the hood bulge hint at the mechanical symphony within. Finding examples without rust issues gets harder yearly.

Datsun 510

DepositPhotos

This humble Japanese sedan earned respect by beating established European marques on racetracks worldwide. Its independent suspension and responsive four-cylinder engine created the template for modern sports sedans.

These unassuming performers practically invented the “giant-killer” category through SCCA victories against much more powerful competitors. Most succumbed to rust or modification years ago, making original examples increasingly valuable to collectors seeking accessible classics with legitimate racing heritage.

Volkswagen Corrado

DepositPhotos

VW’s limited-production sports coupe delivered driving dynamics that rivaled dedicated sports cars while maintaining everyday usability. The supercharged G60 models offered impressive performance, though the later VR6 variants remain most sought after for their unique narrow-angle six-cylinder.

Its active rear spoiler which automatically deployed at highway speeds demonstrated engineering sophistication uncommon at its price point. Their relatively low production numbers ensure long-term collectibility as 1990s designs continue to gain appreciation.

Saab 900 Turbo

DepositPhotos

These architectural wonders on wheels showcase Swedish design philosophy through their function-first approach. The wraparound windshield and aircraft-inspired ergonomics create a driving environment unlike anything else.

Their innovative use of turbocharging—particularly in SPG/Aero models—delivered performance that belied their practical hatchback packaging. With Saab now defunct, these cars represent the final flowering of a unique automotive philosophy that prioritized safety, performance, and individualism in equal measure.

Automotive Investments With Soul

DepositPhotos

These vehicles transcend mere transportation or investment status—they capture pivotal moments in automotive evolution. Their tactile controls, distinctive soundtracks, and mechanical honesty provide experiences increasingly absent from contemporary automobiles.

While no investment comes without risk, these classics combine appreciation potential with genuine driving pleasure. Their dwindling numbers and growing collector interest suggest acquisition timing may be critical for enthusiasts seeking both emotional and financial returns on their automotive passions.

More from Go2Tutors!

DepositPhotos

Like Go2Tutors’s content? Follow us on MSN.