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Getting In On The Ground Floor: Hottest Collectible Cars To Buy And Hold

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As with any investment, the smart money gets in early, buys low and hopefully sells high. That’s likewise true if you’re looking to build a portfolio of collectible cars. While vintage Ferraris can set well-heeled collectors back well into seven figures, you don’t have to be fabulously wealthy to own a potentially valuable vintage ride. 

According to the experts at classic car insurer Hagerty, you can find some vehicles that could well become the next hot items at a classic car auction selling for reasonably affordable prices.

To that end Hagerty has issued its annual “Bull Market” list of enthusiast-oriented models that are rising the fastest in value and popularity., comprised of 10 cars and one motorcycle. The list was created using data from the Hagerty Price GuideHagerty Valuation Tools, Hagerty auction research and requests for insurance quotes. Some may still be on the pricey side for those on a tight budget, but many can be found selling for reasonable amounts of money and can serve as daily drivers if well maintained.

According to Hagerty Magazine editor-in-chief Larry Webster, this year’s assortment of rising stars is made up of models those who attended high school back in the 1990’s found to be among the most drool-worthy. “The high school graduates of the late ‘90s are now in their late thirties, and like every generation before them, they are investing in the cars of their youth,” says Webster. “The difference is they love imports, SUVs and cars that are more modern, affordable and fun to drive than conventional classics.”

Among younger enthusiasts, it seems front-wheel drive is no longer a negative attribute, and while classic coupes and sport-utility vehicles are hot items, older sedans are definitely not.

Here’s a look at the hottest future collectibles to buy and hold for possible future appreciation, according to the vintage car mavens at Hagerty:

1996-2002 Dodge Viper GTS

One of the most outrageous domestic sports cars ever built, the Dodge Viper helped bring Chrysler back to prominence, both for its V10-flavored performance and its heavy-handed muscular styling. It was lacking in terms of comfort and sophistication, compared to other sports cars at the time, but gave no quarter in terms of heart-pounding acceleration. Hagerty says you can grab a 1997 version for $47,800-$55,900.

1990-95 Volkswagen Corrado

All but forgotten in the annals of automotive history, the Volkswagen Corrado was a livelier and more stylish alternative to the Golf hatchback upon which it was based. Pricey when new, Hagerty says examples in excellent condition are selling for less than VW GTIs of the same vintage are commanding. For example, a 1990 Corrado in good shape can be found for around $5,700-$8,000.

1999-2005 Ferrari 360 Spider

Okay, even used Ferraris don’t come cheap, but they seem to have a knack for building in value down the road. Styled by Pininfarina, Hagerty says this gorgeous-looking sports car’s design has aged well and that it’s gaining more of a reputation as a vintage collectible than a used exotic. A growing number of them are now being covered under Hagerty’s vintage auto policies rather than daily-driver insurance. A 2002 model is estimated at $82,200-$89,600 which is about half of what it sold for when new.

1994-98 Ducati 916

Frequently hailed as one of the most beautiful motorcycles ever built, the iconic Ducati 916 is noted for its curvaceous cladding.  Hagerty says it’s catching on with motorcycle enthusiasts for riding pleasure and collectors for its sheer aesthetics. A 1995 model can be found on the market for $10,700-$13,300.

1971-80 International Harvester Scout

Vintage sport-utility vehicles have been rising in popularity among collectors in recent years, with older Ford Broncos and Toyota FJ40s being in particular demand. Hagerty says the unabashedly boxy International Harvester Scout is gaining traction among Gen Xers and is rising in price. The biggest problem here is that so many of them have since rusted out and were retired to auto graveyards. Most that survived need extensive restoration. A 1979-vintage Scout in good condition sells in the $25,500-$32,500 range; it went for a mere $7,212 when new.

1988-91 Honda CRX Si

Quick, affordable and with imbued with sharp handling abilities, the sportiest rendition of what was otherwise a small front-drive car was extremely popular back in the day. According to Hagerty, younger collectors who grew up with the CRX Si are again showing great interest in the vehicle. A 1989 model is already appreciating in value at $11,200-$15,300.

1997-2001 Acura Integra Type R

This is the car we’d bet some executives at Acura wish was still in production. The Type R was the sportiest Integra – you could tell by its large rear-wing spoiler ­– and is said to be one of the best-handing front-wheel drive models ever built. Unfortunately, Hagerty says Type Rs in top shape are hard to find, not to mention pricey, with an example from the 2000 model year valued at $40,700-$51,200.

1984-2001 Jeep Cherokee

That’s right, you mom’s old SUV is becoming collectible. Hagerty says the Cherokee’s rugged styling makes it is more appealing to younger buyers than Ford Explorers of the same era. It’s also both plentiful and affordable in the resale market, with a 2000 example estimated to go for $7,600-$10,400.

1998-2002 BMW M Roadster

A latter-day take on classic European open-air two-seaters from the 1960’s, Hagerty says the sportiest rendition of BMW’s Z3 has zoomed upwards in value by 22-to-31 percent, depending on the model year. At that, roadsters in good condition are selling for about half the price of comparable M Coupes, with a 1999 example valued at $21,000-$27,200.

1970-76 Porsche 914

Older Porsches are typically popular items among collectors, and Hagerty says the angularly styled 914 is the cheapest way to get behind the wheel of a vintage model. Developed in association with Volkswagen (which was once the car’s biggest criticism), Hagerty says younger enthusiasts are seeking out old 914s for their top-notch handling and relative affordability, at least among Porsches. A 1976 model is valued at $32,900-$50,500.

1970-95 Land Rover Range Rover

An unlikely candidate for collectability, Land Rover literally invented the luxury SUV genre. Hagerty says the original Range Rover appeals to millennials and Gen Xers for its classic styling. They first came to the U.S. in 1987. Unfortunately, Range Rovers are known to be problematic and costly to keep running, so we’d say proceed with caution. You’ll  ind a 1995 model in good condition listed for $20,500-$30,300.

You can read the full article on Hagerty’s 2020 Bull Market here.

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