These 10 Cars Are About to Become Collectors’ Gold According to Hagerty
Hagerty, a leading classic car valuation expert, identifies vehicles that are poised for rapid value increases. These 10 cars are gaining attention from collectors and enthusiasts, making them smart buys before their prices soar.
1978-1983 Datsun 280ZX
Dude, okay, the Datsun 280ZX, man, Hagerty’s calling this one out ’cause it’s like the chill grand tourer that got heavier and slower than the old 240Z, but now everyone’s realizing it’s got that classic Z vibe without the insane price tag. Turbo versions hit around 180 HP, T-tops for those sunny days, and it’s got that ’80s digital dash thing going on. Prices are at like $32,800 for a solid #2 condition one, up 138% since 2019, but they say there’s more room to climb ’cause younger folks are discovering it over the crazy expensive early Zs. Not gonna lie, the non-turbo’s kinda meh, but turbo, whoosh, boost hits and it’s fun. You know, perfect for Radwood events or just cruising without breaking the bank yet.
1981-1983 DeLorean DMC-12
Oh man, the DeLorean, HDC members picked this as their fave, and honestly, with Back to the Future nostalgia hitting hard, it’s no shock. Gullwing doors, stainless steel body that looks like a spaceship, that PRV V6 pushing maybe 130 HP, not fast, but who cares? It’s at $75,100 now for excellent ones, jumped 73% since 2019, and Hagerty figures ’80s fever will keep pushing it up. I mean, those self-lacing shoes from the movie cost half that, and they don’t drive 88 mph. Side thought: opening those doors always draws a crowd, right? Kinda the ultimate time machine, even if it flops in a straight line.
1961-1964 Jaguar E-Type SI 3.8 Coupe
Sheesh, the E-Type, Hagerty says values dipped lately, but Gen X is all over it now, up 8% interest, so rebound time at $182,800 for a good #2. That sultry body from mathematician Malcolm Sayer, 3.8-liter six snarling away, disc brakes, independent suspension, it’s the crumpet catcher Enzo wished he made cheaper. Looks fast standing still, drives like a dream on tours but yeah, gets warm inside. Not gonna lie, I’d kill for a British Racing Green one like that Harvard guy’s, feels timeless, you know? Prices might bounce back hard.
2003-2013 Lamborghini Gallardo 6-speed
Okay, Lambo Gallardo with the six-speed manual, rarer than the e-gear ones, and Hagerty loves it ’cause that NA V10 howls to 8000 rpm without turbos messing it up, all-wheel drive, Audi spaceframe. Around $157,700 now, only up 7% since 2019 while other Lambos soared, so catch-up potential huge. Feels modern, gated shifter clicks perfect, way usable daily unlike old-school ‘Ghis. Uh, manuals are like hen’s teeth though, 50% premium. Honestly, in a world of paddles, this reminds you supercars used to be about the experience, not just lap times.
2005-2008 Dodge Magnum SRT-8
Hah, the Magnum SRT-8 wagon, 425 HP Hemi V8 in a station wagon, rowdiest ever, and at $32,600 it’s still cheap after 39% gains. Derived from the 300C, does 0-60 in 5 secs like a ’69 Road Runner, practical too for family hauls. Hagerty digs the power-practicality combo nobody else did. Kinda NASCAR on rails, visibility sucks but who cares when it roars? I mean, wagons got killed by SUVs, but this one’s a cult one-of-one, grab it before it gets too hot.
1961-1972 Volvo P1800
The Volvo P1800, styled by an Italian but built tough, looks like a cheap Maserati, 1.8-liter smooth four (later 130 HP injected), disc brakes, syncro gears. $44,200 for #2, up almost 50% in five years, ’cause millennials pay more than boomers do. That guy Irv Gordon did 3 million miles on one, bulletproof. Drives modern, easy on backroads, Italian curves without the drama. Why’d it take so long? Pokey yeah, but style wins, you know?
1976-1989 Ferrari 400/412
Ferrari 400/412, big 2+2 V12 sleeper, auto or manual (manuals rarer, 50% more $$), $59,900 now, up over 50% since 2019 but still cheapest Enzo-era Ferarri. Pininfarina lines aged perfect, 4.8-liter Colombo V12 roots, 340 HP carbs then 310 injected. Haters call it boat-y, but subtle beats Countach flash now. Bring the kids, cruise highways syrupy shifts. Throws people off looking unique, love that. Parts pricey, but V12 aroma? Worth it.
2002-2006 Mini Cooper S
Mini Cooper S, BMW’s retro reboot, supercharged 163 HP whiny four, six-speed, hood scoop, fat tach. $12,000 for very good #2, barely up 4% lately so steal now. Dynamic ride, mod-friendly, 70% owners young Gen X down. Looks confident, drives alive even legal, better than GTI sometimes. Stiff yeah, rattles sneak in, but supercharger noise? Addictive. Boy-racer fun from factory, who needs more?
1997-2001 Honda Prelude
Honda Prelude fifth-gen, VTEC kicks at 5k rpm, sharp handling, ATTS on SH for corner magic. $17,400 #2, owners 13 years younger than average, millennials hunting clean low-mile ones. 200 HP, 7-sec 60, PhD precision per C/D. Tuners ate most, rust too, so survivors rare, new hybrid Prelude will hype old ones. Bidding wars coming, like that Electron Blue beauty. Golden Honda era, yo.
2002-2008 Mercedes-Benz G500
G500, the OG US G-Wagen, boxy military roots, full-time 4WD, locking diffs, 292 HP V8. $53,200 #2, auctions up 47% but prices hold as new ones hit $150k. Commands view, doors go kah-chunk, off-road goat but street hoot. Built to standard not cost, smells new at 28k miles. Celeb cliché now, but authentic before that. Tight inside, thirsty, but rugged luxury forever.
