A Collector's Dream: 10 Classic Cars That Have Appreciated In Value

Classic Cars Are Among Top Investment Options

Among assets that hold value, vehicles are probably one of the worst things to invest in. The majority of vehicles depreciate up to 20% in the first year and then 15% each year, leaving owners with very little resale value. However, some cars may be in stark contrast. These are collectibles that have the potential to surge multi-fold within years or even months. Thus, classic cars remain a classic investment option. Here are 10 such classic cars that have significantly appreciated, as per Hotcars.

1. 2008 Nissan 350Z Nismo

As per the Hotcars report which uses Hagerty data, the average value of a 2008 350Z Nismo has appreciated by a whopping 78 percent in the past two years. The car’s limited availability adds to the surging demand in 2023. It is one of the most exclusive Nissans with only 1,613 units sold in the U.S. In the current market landscape, the 350Z Nismo could fetch anywhere between $43,900 and $55,600, given the car is in excellent condition, the report mentioned.

2. 2003-2008 Nissan 350Z

Another Nissan 350Z with a distinctive design has also been appreciated by a lot. Due to its reliability, and widespread aftermarket support, the car has also appreciated by 78% in value as per the Hagertydata. Models that are in excellent condition can fetch anywhere between $24,400 and $32,100 for car owners looking to sell. As per the Hotcars report, most 350Z owners are still baby boomers, thus the increase in interest in the vehicle is mostly from buyers under 40.

3. 2001-2010 Lamborghini Murcielago

The Lamborghini Murciélago produced between 2001 to 2010 has several attributes that make it a special supercar. It was the first car to introduce the innovative "e-gear" transmission, which allows for automated shifting without the need for a clutch pedal. Further, a limited number of Murciélago models came with a traditional six-speed manual transmission. Thus, due to these unique attributes, the historical significance of the value of the car has appreciated over 48% in the past four years. Today, the used model can fetch anywhere from $356,000 to $441,000.

4. 2008-2015 Audi R8

One of the most exceptional Audi models, the R8 excels in both performance and comfort. The limited edition production car has an impressive motorsport heritage. The car has been attracting collectors from across the states as the value of its models has appreciated by over 37% in the past four years, as per Hagerty. Used models of the Audi R8 can fetch up to $228,000 as car enthusiasts from all generations appreciate the R8, adding to the growing demand.

5. 2004-2010 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren

The first production car to come with a full carbon-fiber monocoque, the SLR McLaren is a highly valued car in the auto market. As per Hagerty, the price of a used SLR McLaren can go up to a whopping $473,000, reflecting a 37% appreciation in value since 2019. The grand tourer is only expected to appreciate more offering a great return on investment for buyers. This car also attracts great interest from millennial collectors driving up its value in the US.

6. 1968-1970 AMC AMX

The true two-seat American muscle car, the AMC AMX is a great investment for car enthusiasts for several years to come. As per the Hagerty report, the car’s value has appreciated in value by over 28.8% in the past four years. This car has also seen increasing interest from younger buyers who want a piece of the limited-production car. With only 19,134 units of the car ever produced, the used models can fetch between $33,300 to $48,000. Further, its impressive performance makes the AMX a collector’s dream.

7. 1983 Mazda RX-7 GS

The classic 80s-era sports car, the 1983 RX-7 GS has gained significant popularity among collectors in the recent past. Like the other models in the RX-7 lineup, the 1983 RX-7 GS is expected to rise in value over the coming years, as per Hagerty. The model has seen a 26 percent rise in value between 2020 and 2023, it can fetch anywhere between $28,400 and $44,500, suggesting that the GS is an extremely hot property.

8. 1979-1985 Mazda RX-7

Another classic from the Mazda lineup, the RX-7 comes with a unique Rotary Engine and an incredibly 50:50 weight distribution. It is yet another classic model that has gained rapidly growing interest from young collectors in recent years. As per Hagerty, the value of RX-7s in excellent condition has jumped about 136% since 2016. The notable interest driven by millennials and Gen Xers has pushed the price of the car up to $44,500 in the US.

9. 1983-1997 Land Rover Defender

The vintage Land Rover Defender is a rare exotic car that is scarce and in high demand. The Defenders in North America have witnessed a 47% increase in valuation since 2016. Further the ease of availability of parts and club support, the car is reportedly undervalued due to the high number of units available in the market. However, the Hagerty report predicts that the car’s value can potentially skyrocket in the coming years due to its unique appeal.

10. 2001-2004 Chevrolet Corvette Z06

The limited production 2001–04 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 is one of the best 400-hp used sports cars that any collector can get their hands on. As per Hagerty's report, the car’s value has tripled since 2021 and the value of Z06s in contours condition has risen by 24 percent since 2022. In the current market scenario, the car can sell for anywhere from $40,500 to $55,200. Further, due to its demand across generations, the Z06’s value is only expected to rise.