Anybody who has an oldtimer or an exotic car, as well as those who are seriously contemplating getting one, surely knows that owning them can be both rewarding and demanding at the same time. At one end, many classic models look stunning and can be a thrill to drive with the right pair of hands behind the wheel. But on the downside, keeping them in good shape is usually challenging, both in terms of expenses and access to mechanics who know what to do. And to make things worse, once one decides to part ways with most of these classics, one usually finds its resale price has dropped significantly, or there aren’t many potential buyers.
Still, there are some cars out there on the market that tell a different story – models that are not only desirable but have become more expensive over time. So, in this article, we bring a hand-picked list of the Top 10 cars whose value increased the most in the last 10 years.
1994 Toyota Celica Mk6
For years, the sixth-generation Celica, which was in production between 1994 and 1999, was overshadowed by the fifth-gen model it replaced – the car that became famous around the glove because of its successes in WRC. And this was unfair, as this 2-door coupe can offer a lot, including several different engines, transmissions, and drivetrain configurations. But among all of them, the GT-Four variant is probably the most interesting, as it comes with a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine and a capable all-wheel-drive system.
Current average market price: 7.297€
Value increase in the past 10 years: +105%
1986 Toyota Supra Mk3
Whenever the Supra is mentioned, most car enthusiasts will immediately remember the iconic 4th gen model and its unforgettable role in the original Fast and Furious movie. This undoubtedly helped boost the popularity of its predecessor, the Mk3 Supra, which was in production from 1986 to 1993. As with every other model bearing this iconic nameplate, it only comes as a 2-door coupe with a selection of straight-six engines, among which the turbocharged 1JZ is the most favorable. Couple it with a five-speed gearbox and a firm suspension, and you’ll have a true roadgoing monster.
Current average market price: 16.367€
Value increase in the past 10 years: +44.5%
2003 Nissan 350Z
With cars like 240Z or 200SX, Nissan has always been good at making capable sports cars that offer a balanced blend of performance and reliability. And after a short hiatus in the late 90s, they’ve had one more go at this with a 350Z. With a V6 engine that develops 290 horsepower, a firm chassis, and lightweight construction, it has all the makings of a varsity athlete who performs well in all environments. So it’s no wonder it was a massive hit during its production run, which lasted from 2003 to 2007.
Current average market price: 18.607€
Value increase in the past 10 years: +47.2%
1991 Mazda RX-7
Once again, we return to the Fast and Furious movie and the Toretto’s flame-spitting Mk3 RX-7. But unlike many of the exaggerations depicted there, this wasn’t a special effect, mostly due to its unique, twin-turbocharged Wankel engine that develops 280 horsepower and revs up to 9000 RPM. With pop-up headlights at the front and a big spoiler at the back, the rest of this 2-door coupe is pretty stunning, too. The third-generation Mazda Mk3 was in production between 1992 and 1998.
Current average market price: 24.170€
Value increase in the past 10 years: +143%
1979 Jaguar XJ
To be a proper Jag, every Jaguar has to tick several boxes, including sporty performance, comfortable ride, and stylish design. One of the models that do all that and even a bit more, thanks to its iconic front end with dual headlights and a large chromed grille, is the Mk3 XJ. This luxurious 4-door saloon was available with the Jaguar’s famous XK straight six or, in more powerful variants, a V12. How good the third-generation XJ is probably best illustrated by the fact it was in production from 1979 to 1992.
Current average market price: 24.026€
Value increase in the past 10 years: +97.9%
1968 Chevrolet Corvette
Built throughout the decades on the same basic recipe – a big V8 engine, simple mechanics, and stunning looks – the Chevrolet Corvette has to be the best sports car made by the Americans. So, it’s no surprise these 2-seaters with fiberglass bodies are highly desirable among automotive enthusiasts. The model that saw the most noticeable increase in popularity is the third-generation C3, which had been made between 1968 and 1982. The shark-like car was available as a coupe or a convertible, and had famous, nearly indestructible Chevy small-block engines under the hood.
Current average market price: 32.432€
Value increase in the past 10 years: +29.7%
1992 Maserati Ghibli
The Mk3 Ghibli is the perfect example of a car that excels in more than one way. Manufactured between 1992 and 1998, this 2-door coupe embodied what Maserati was and still is. At one end, it had a spectacular bi-turbo V6 engine, whose two turbochargers helped develop 330 horsepower. Besides staggering performance, Ghibli also offered a lot of luxury, including leather upholstery and wood trims throughout the interior. And, of course, being an Italian sports car, this Maserati looks breathtaking from every angle.
Current average market price: 32.633€
Value increase in the past 10 years: +39.4%
1969 Alfa Romeo GT Junior
Alfa Romeo holds a special place among petrolheads, and cars like the GT Junior illustrate perfectly why this is so. At its time, this was only the entry model to the Alfa’s range, but it offered all the excitement as its more mature – and expensive – siblings. It came with a 1.3 or 1.6-liter engine, rear-wheel drive, and pristine handling, making it an instant hit among those who enjoy blasting down twisty roads. During its production run, which lasted from 1965 to 1977, more than 100,000 of these light 2-door coupes were made.
Current average market price: 40.904€
Value increase in the past 10 years: +41.2%
1994 Ferrari F355
While every Ferrari is a masterpiece in its unique way, some are just slightly better than others. One such model is, without a doubt, the F355, which was introduced in 1994 and remained in production for five years. This 2-door masterpiece from Maranelo was available in three body forms – berlinetta, targa, or convertible – each having its virtues. But the most impressive feature, as with any other Ferrari, is the engine – a naturally aspirated V8 that produces 380 horsepower and propels the car to nearly 300 km/h.
Current average market price: 111.935€
Value increase in the past 10 years: +31.7%
1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RS
The Carrera is the Porsche 911 model that tributes to their successful participation in Mexican cross-country races in the 50s, much similar to, for example, Mille Miglia in Italy. Furthermore, the RS stands for Rennsport, which is a German word for Race Sport, a lightweight, stripped-out version made for homologation purposes. Compared to standard cars, it has an air-cooled 2.7-liter flat-six with then-revolutionary Bosch fuel injection, stiffer suspension, and a unique ‘ducktail’ spoiler at the back. Being such a purpose-made vehicle, the 911 Carrera RS was only in production in 1973.
Current average market price: 432.610€
Value increase in the past 10 years: +64.9%
Top tips on buying a future best-buy classic
So, these were the models whose value saw the most noticeable increase in the past 10 years. But at this point, you’re probably wondering how to spot those cars that may do the same in the future, and as such, could be an excellent investment opportunity. Well, if we’re honest, this is more like a stock market, so there is no exact or definitive way of predicting future trends with certainty. There are, however, some tips and tricks to help you narrow down the list and spot something more likely to become sought-after in the future.
Start by thinking about all the cars that were quite popular or exquisite in their day, but then got forgotten, which usually makes them cheap. Then, after checking the current market prices and availability, make a list of models you’re interested in and which are within your budget. The next step is to figure out which of these cars sell faster than others, as this might be a good sign of steady demand. And from there, you just need to wait for the right car to show up in the ads.
Once you’ve found a car that you’d potentially buy, the next step is more-less the same as it would be with any vehicle. You need to check the vehicle’s condition and service history while paying close attention to any defects. The latter is crucial when it comes to classic or rare cars, as fixing even a seemingly minor flaw may be challenging and expensive. So, to avoid any unpleasant surprises, try to find out all about the particular model’s common weak spots and things that are costly to repair.
Lastly, having bought a car for which you’re hoping to become a classic, you’ll want to make sure it is and stays in the best possible shape. This, of course, involves regular maintenance and a detailed inspection at least once a year, which should reveal anything that might be on its last legs. But if having an older car, your worst enemy will be corrosion, as many oldtimers tend to rot a lot. So, if you spot even a tiny rust spot, have it checked and fixed immediately before it spreads out like wildfire.
Conclusion
Besides being fun to own and drive, a classic car can be an excellent investment opportunity. That is, of course, if you have picked the right model and kept it in pristine shape. But if you had, selling it might be as joyful as owning it…
