If you’re a collector of classic cars, check out this comprehensive guide to the latest and best collector’s cars to keep an eye out for.
Whether you participate in car shows, push the limits on the track, or simply love cruising around the countryside in a fine automobile, there is a car that best suits you.
After doing proper research, vintage collectible cars can be a sound investment as returns have beaten the broad stock index in the past decade. While gaining a return on investment may be motivation for some collectors, you’ll also receive joy dividends everytime you fire up the engine. Should your investment not pan out as you had hoped, at least you got to enjoy the sublime feeling of cruising in one of your favorite vintage cars.
So if you’re looking for the next vehicle to add to your fleet, read on to learn about some of the best collectors cars available today.
Lamborghini Countach
The Lamborghini Countach is the supercar of a generation and gave Madonna a run for her money in the 80’s bedroom poster real estate war. Produced from 1974-1990, the wonderful team at Lamborghini only put out 2,049 of these bad boys.
The average price for a Countach hovers around $370,000, but can be upwards of a million depending on the model and condition. The car evolved quite a bit during its 16 year production run.
With its iconic scissors doors, which were a first for a production car, roaring V12, and cab-forward layout, this is one of the top cars for collectors and will remain so for a very long time.
Ferrari F40
The Ferrari F40 is probably already on your radar, but it’s not one to be overlooked by collectors of luxury cars. It reached a peak price cresting $900,000 last summer, and values are expected to rise.
With only 1,315 total F40s produced, this particular Ferrari will be the crown gem of your collection.
1985-89 Toyota MR2
Though Toyota isn’t necessarily known for producing outstanding sportscars, there are a few hidden gems in their lineup. The Toyota MR2 is one of them.
Deriving its name from “midship-engine runabout two-seater,” this lightweight, light-powered, 70’s energy crisis-inspired sportscar is sure to provide thrills for the driver. A 1.6 liter, twin-cam, 16-valve four producing a whopping 112 horsepower is more than enough to boost this 2,400 lb Japanese Ferrari Jr around corners.
Keep your eye out for this affordable 80’s collector’s car for a surprisingly delightfull experience on the road.
Peugeot 205 GTI
Once a regular in the supermarket parking lots, the 205 GTI was the trendsetter in 80’s hatchbacks. The 1.6-liter engine produces 105hp. Peugeot released a 1.9 liter a few years after the initial release in 1984. Combined with a lightweight build and responsive handling, this car is still a joy drive.
This one falls into an affordable price range for collectors. It has sold recently between $14,000 for a clean runner and $40,000 for a pristine example. This one is sure to bring an air of nostalgia to anyone who views it.
Ford Bronco
With the new release of the 2020 Bronco, interest is higher now than ever before. First-gen bronco prices have skyrocketed, but second and third-gen are still phenomenal cars for collectors.
Ford launched the Bronco in 1965 as an alternative to the Jeep CJ-5. The first-gen models were more compact than the latter ones, which developed more into a pickup truck with a cab topper.
1994-96 Buick Roadmaster Estate Wagon
This might seem like an odd companion to have on the same list as a Ferrari, but this gentle giant is a throwback to the age of family wagons.
Already archaic upon its arrival in 1991, the 170-hp, 5.0-liter, V-8, boasted luxuriously soft leather sofa seating including a rear-facing child seat. The pillowy soft Dyna Ride rear air suspension pairs exceptionally well with the miles of faux wood ornamentation.
The rear hatch folds down and also opens to the side and can swallow an 8×4 sheet of plywood in one bite. It has a towing capacity of 7000 pounds which puts today’s crossover SUVs to shame!
The 94-96 years are the best choice for collectors, as they come standard with the 260-hp LTI V-8 from the Corvette. This last great American road hog feels right at home floating down the highway on clouds of whipped cream.
1972-1975 BMW 3.0CSL
This one coupe was the start of so much of BMW’s celebrated iconography.
It marks the beginning of the M motorsports division. It also introduced the Hofmeister kink, an upturned rear window line that has been used over and over again in BMW designs and imitated by countless others. This is the first time we’ve seen the four-round 5″ headlights on a BMW, and it introduced the iconic blue, purple, and red BMW racing stripes.
The CSL began with a 180-hp, 3.0 Liter carburated model introduced in 1971. By the end of production in 1975, they were manufacturing a 206-hp, 3.2-liter injected inline-six. The coupe is comprised of thinner steel and some aluminum panels to shave over 400 lbs off the final build.
These babies are quite scarce in the US because none were officially imported. This is a European specialty which makes it highly collectible in the states.
Volvo P1800
Volvo may not be the make that comes to mind when thinking about collectible cars, but the 1800ES stands out amongst Volvo’s otherwise ordinary lineup.
This attractive 60’s sportscar became famous after a starring role as Roger Moore’s ride in The Saint. Its popularity is bolstered today by the release of the 2021 Volvo P1800 Cyan; Volvo’s first car with a starting price of $500,000.
If you’re lucky enough to get your hands on a mint 60’s model with low mileage then you’ve found a real gem. Volvo took over production in ’63 to ensure higher quality, so ’63 and later models might be more prevalent.
Ultimate Collectors Cars to Keep an Eye on
We’ve covered some hot collectors cars in every price range from a few grand to upwards of six figures. From supercars to family wagons, there is something here for every collector. Keep your eye out for any one of these models for a rare and unique addition to your collection.
Check out our blog for more info on classic cars that you’ll surely enjoy.
