Investing in collectible cars can be a lucrative venture, offering a blend of passion, nostalgia, and potential profit. While predicting a car’s future value with certainty is never guaranteed, certain vehicles are more likely to appreciate over time than others. Much like stocks or lottery tickets, some cars seem to have an innate ability to attract future value, and their prices rise steadily. The DeLorean, for example, experienced a surprising resurgence, aided by its role in Back to the Future. With that in mind, here are ten undervalued cars with strong potential to appreciate, offering savvy investors an opportunity to own a piece of automotive history.
1983–1997 Land Rover Defender
The Land Rover Defender, produced from 1983 to 1997, remains a sought-after collector’s item, with its rugged charm and distinctive design. Despite its relatively high production numbers, its rarity in the U.S. market makes it especially valuable. Since 2020, the Defender’s value has appreciated by 26%, and non-North American versions have seen an even more significant increase of 47% since 2016. Thanks to its enduring appeal, accessibility to parts, and the growing demand for off-road vehicles, the Defender is a strong candidate for future value growth.
1979–1985 Mazda RX-7
Mazda’s first-generation RX-7, manufactured between 1979 and 1985, is a sports car that has garnered attention for its unique rotary engine. The RX-7 offers excellent handling thanks to its 50/50 weight distribution and light body. Values of RX-7s have surged by 26% between 2020 and 2021, driven by an influx of interest from younger generations. The vehicle’s distinctive rotary engine and the simplicity of its design make it both fun to drive and easy to maintain. These factors contribute to its growing appeal among car enthusiasts, making it an excellent candidate for long-term investment.
1983 Mazda RX-7 GS
Among the various RX-7 models, the 1983 RX-7 GS is particularly appealing to collectors. It combines the classic design of the 1980s with the performance features that made the RX-7 line famous. The value of this model has appreciated by 26% between 2020 and 2021, indicating a strong upward trend. As more millennials and Gen X collectors seek vintage sports cars from this era, the RX-7 GS is likely to continue its appreciation. Its combination of affordability, performance, and increasing demand make it a smart choice for any automotive investor.
1968–1970 AMC AMX
The AMC AMX, produced between 1968 and 1970, is one of the rarest and most unique American muscle cars. With its two-seat layout and powerful V8 engine, the AMX stands out among muscle cars. Its value has appreciated by an impressive 28.8% since 2019, with an increasing number of younger buyers entering the market. The limited production of only 19,134 units, combined with its distinct design, gives the AMX a rarity that makes it an excellent investment. As younger enthusiasts continue to seek out these classic muscle cars, the AMX is set to increase in value.
1985–1993 Saab 900 Turbo
The Saab 900 Turbo, produced from 1985 to 1993, stands as a unique piece of automotive history. Known for its turbocharged engine, aerodynamic design, and comfort, the 900 Turbo was a favorite among European car buyers. Over the years, its value has increased by 33%, driven by growing interest from younger generations. The Saab 900 was also ahead of its time with innovative features such as being the first car to offer a cabin air filter. As interest in vintage European vehicles grows, the Saab 900 Turbo is likely to appreciate further in value, making it an appealing investment for collectors.
2008–2015 Audi R8
The Audi R8, produced between 2008 and 2015, is a stunning example of performance and design. With its roots in motorsport, the R8 has established itself as one of Audi’s most iconic models. Since 2019, its value has risen by 37%, as interest in the R8 continues to grow across multiple generations of car enthusiasts. The R8’s blend of luxury, performance, and racing pedigree makes it highly sought after by collectors. The car’s rising insurance premiums and increasing demand suggest that the R8 is likely to continue its upward trajectory in value.
2004–2010 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren
The Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren, produced between 2004 and 2010, is one of the most distinctive supercars of the 2000s. With its carbon-fiber monocoque and impressive V8 engine, the SLR McLaren stands out as a vehicle of exceptional performance and technological advancement. Since 2019, its value has appreciated by 37%, and it is now considered an undervalued exotic car compared to peers like the Porsche Carrera GT and Ferrari Enzo. With a growing base of younger buyers, the SLR McLaren’s rarity and status ensure its potential for continued value growth.
2001–2010 Lamborghini Murcielago
The Lamborghini Murcielago, produced between 2001 and 2010, is an iconic supercar known for its extreme performance and striking design. The Murcielago’s value has increased by 48% since 2019, driven by its limited production, distinctive design, and significant role in Lamborghini’s history. The introduction of the “e-gear” transmission and its rarity further enhance its appeal. With growing interest from the next generation of enthusiasts, it’s expected that the Murcielago’s value will continue to rise, solidifying its place as a collectible car.
2003–2008 Nissan 350Z
The Nissan 350Z, produced between 2003 and 2008, has become a favorite among car collectors due to its distinct styling and reliable performance. Its value has surged by 78% since 2021, reflecting growing interest in this Japanese sports car. With a wide aftermarket community, reliable engineering, and relatively affordable maintenance, the 350Z offers a great investment opportunity for buyers looking for a car that combines fun, practicality, and potential for long-term value appreciation.
2008 Nissan 350Z Nismo
The 2008 Nissan 350Z Nismo stands out even more due to its limited production, with only 1,613 units sold in the U.S. This exclusivity makes it even more desirable among collectors, and its value has also appreciated by 78% since 2021. With its performance enhancements and distinctive design, the Nismo version of the 350Z is likely to continue gaining value. Its combination of rarity and enthusiast appeal makes it an excellent choice for any investor looking for a collectible sports car with significant upside potential.
While the future of classic cars is always uncertain, investing in undervalued models with the potential for appreciation is a smart move for enthusiasts and investors alike. The ten vehicles mentioned here—ranging from the Chevrolet Corvette Z06 to the Nissan 350Z Nismo—represent a diverse selection of cars with a strong likelihood of rising in value. Whether driven by performance, rarity, or historical significance, these cars are expected to become increasingly desirable, making them excellent investments for the future.