The first half of the 2020s has been a golden era for the secondary premium automobile market. High-end collectible cars have surged in value, particularly those commanding six-figure price tags or higher. This trend mirrors the growth seen in other collectibles such as art and vintage timepieces.
One of the most striking examples of this boom was the sale of the Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR “Uhlenhaut Coupe” in 2022 for a staggering $142 million, making it the most expensive auction car in history. Although the market has since stabilized, collectible automobiles continue to fetch impressive prices at auctions worldwide, cementing their status as desirable investments for enthusiasts and collectors alike.
1. Ferrari F355
The Ferrari F355, once overlooked among modern Prancing Horses, has seen a dramatic resurgence in popularity and value. Originally produced from 1994 to 1999, the F355 was often overshadowed by other Ferrari models, but changing attitudes have led enthusiasts to appreciate its unique design, which blends elements from the 1980s and early 2000s.
Beyond aesthetics, it also offers superior performance compared to its predecessor, the 348, thanks to its 3.5-liter V-8 engine producing 375 horsepower.
Additionally, most F355 models were equipped with a traditional six-speed manual gearbox, making them more desirable than later versions with F1-derived paddle-shift transmissions. These factors have contributed to a significant 142% increase in value over the past five years.
Once valued at $111,700 in 2020, the Ferrari F355 now commands an average price of $270,700, demonstrating its rapid appreciation among collectors. Its performance credentials, including a 0-62 mph time of 4.7 seconds and a top speed of 183 mph, further enhance its appeal.
As enthusiasts increasingly recognize its blend of classic Ferrari styling and engaging driving dynamics, demand has surged, cementing the F355 as a rising star in the collector car market.
2. Ferrari 328
The Ferrari 328 has aged gracefully, transforming from a somewhat dated 1980s design into a nostalgic and highly sought-after classic. Available as both a hard-top Berlinetta (GTB) and an open-top Spider (GTS), the 328 has seen a surge in value over the past decade.
Beyond its timeless styling, one of its biggest advantages is its reliability compared to other classic Ferraris. Unlike many models from Maranello, the 328’s 3.2-liter V-8 engine does not require removal for maintenance, making it easier and less costly to service. These factors have contributed to its growing appeal among collectors and driving enthusiasts alike.
The 328’s performance remains impressive even by modern standards, with 266 horsepower enabling a 0-60 mph time of 5.5 seconds and a top speed of 166 mph. Its rising desirability is reflected in its skyrocketing market value, which has increased by 124% since 2018.
Priced at $107,900 in 2020, the model now commands an average of $241,400. With a blend of classic Ferrari charm, practicality, and investment potential, the 328 continues to solidify its place as a beloved and appreciating icon in the automotive world.
3. Ferrari F40
The Ferrari F40 remains one of the most revered halo cars in the brand’s history, celebrated as the last model personally approved by Enzo Ferrari. Built to commemorate Ferrari’s 40th anniversary and to outperform the Porsche 959, the F40’s aggressive yet timeless design continues to captivate enthusiasts.
Beneath its lightweight body lies a formidable 2.9-liter twin-turbocharged V-8, producing 471 horsepower and enabling it to become the first street-legal car to exceed 200 mph. Paired with a five-speed manual transmission, the mid-engine supercar delivers a raw and exhilarating driving experience. Limited to just 1,315 units, its rarity has only added to its legendary status.
Already a multi-million-dollar collector’s car at the beginning of the decade, the F40’s value has skyrocketed even further. In 2020, it was priced at around $1.6 million, but today it commands an average of $3.45 million—an appreciation of 116% since 2018.
Its combination of performance, heritage, and exclusivity has made it one of the most coveted Ferraris of all time. As demand for this iconic supercar continues to rise, the F40 remains a benchmark for both Ferrari’s engineering excellence and the ever-growing collector car market.
4. Lamborghini Miura
Lamborghini has enjoyed record-breaking success in the 2020s, not only with new models but also with the rising value of its classic cars. Among these, the Miura holds a special place as the brand’s first true supercar. Introduced in 1966, it features a flowing, curvaceous design by Marcello Gandini that has aged gracefully over the decades.
Unlike the sharp, wedge-shaped Lamborghinis that followed, the Miura’s elegant form remains highly sought after. Its mid-mounted 3.9-liter V-12 produces 380 horsepower, enabling a top speed of 171 mph—exceptional for its time. With only 764 units produced, its rarity has significantly driven up demand among collectors.
Over the past five years, the Miura’s market value has soared, more than doubling in price. In 2020, it was worth $1.42 million, but today it commands an average of $3.02 million, reflecting a 113% appreciation since 2018.
This surge highlights the car’s lasting appeal as both a design masterpiece and a high-performance machine. With its combination of beauty, power, and exclusivity, the Miura remains one of Lamborghini’s most iconic and valuable models.
5. Lexus LFA
The Lexus LFA, the newest car on this list, has firmly established itself as a modern classic. Initially met with skepticism due to preconceived notions about Lexus as a luxury brand rather than a performance powerhouse, the LFA quickly proved its doubters wrong.
Akio Toyoda’s vision for a world-class supercar resulted in a machine that could rival the best from Europe. Central to its appeal is the legendary 4.8-liter V-10 engine, producing 553 horsepower and delivering one of the most exhilarating exhaust notes in automotive history. As appreciation for the LFA grew, its value surged, with prices nearly doubling by 2020.
Since then, demand for the LFA has only intensified, with auction prices now reaching nearly four times its original $375,000 MSRP. In 2020, the car was valued at $685,000, but today it commands an average of $1.46 million—a 112% increase since 2018.
Its limited production run, cutting-edge engineering, and unique status as Lexus’s only true supercar make it one of the most coveted collector cars of the modern era. With its blend of performance, exclusivity, and timeless appeal, the LFA’s status as a legendary supercar is firmly secured.
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6. Ferrari Testarossa
The Ferrari Testarossa, one of the most iconic poster cars of the 1980s, has seen its value double over the past five years. Many Gen Xers and Millennials who once admired it from afar now have the means to own one, fueling its surge in desirability.
However, nostalgia isn’t the only factor behind its rising value. The Testarossa’s bold styling, with its flowing lines and signature “cheese grater” side strakes, makes it one of the most visually distinctive cars of its era.
Beyond its striking looks, it was also a serious performer, featuring a mid-mounted 4.9-liter V-12 that produced up to 434 horsepower in later versions. This power enabled the Ferrari flagship to accelerate to 60 mph in just 4.7 seconds and reach a top speed of 196 mph.
Once priced at $175,200 in 2020, the Testarossa now commands an average of $352,400, reflecting a 101% appreciation since 2018. Its combination of unique design, strong performance, and historical significance has made it a highly sought-after collector’s car.
As demand for classic Ferraris continues to grow, the Testarossa stands out as both an investment and a dream car for enthusiasts looking to relive the golden age of 1980s supercars.
7. Porsche Carrera GT
The Porsche Carrera GT is often considered the purest embodiment of the supercar concept. Launched in 2004, it arrived just before driving became increasingly dominated by electronic aids and automation. Unlike modern supercars, the Carrera GT features a six-speed manual transmission, making it a dream for purists who crave an unfiltered driving experience.
Despite its analog nature, it remains a cutting-edge performance machine, powered by a naturally aspirated 5.7-liter V-10 that delivers 603 horsepower. With a top speed of 205 mph and a 0-60 mph time of just 3.5 seconds, it remains one of the most thrilling and engaging Porsches ever built.
This combination of raw performance and exclusivity has made the Carrera GT one of the most collectible Porsches of the 21st century. In 2020, it was valued at $985,000, but its price has since soared to an average of $1.85 million—an 88% increase since 2018.
As modern supercars continue to prioritize automation, the Carrera GT’s status as a last-of-its-kind, manual-transmission masterpiece has only solidified its appeal. For collectors and enthusiasts alike, it represents a perfect blend of engineering excellence, driving purity, and long-term investment potential.
8. Acura NSX (First-Generation Refresh)
The first-generation Acura NSX has gained significant recognition among collectors in recent years, reaffirming what enthusiasts have known all along—it’s one of the best sports cars of the past three decades.
When it debuted in 1990, skepticism surrounded the idea of a high-performance Acura, much like the doubts that later accompanied the Lexus LFA. However, the NSX proved itself with its striking, low-slung design and impressive performance.
The refreshed version, produced from 1997 to 2005, featured a larger 3.2-liter V-6 engine producing 290 horsepower, allowing it to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds. Its balance of reliability, precision handling, and everyday usability set it apart from its European rivals.
Over the last five years, the NSX’s value has risen by 74%, reflecting its growing status as a collector’s dream car. In 2020, the model averaged $117,800, but today, it commands around $205,000.
Despite this price surge, demand remains strong, driven by its reputation as one of the most well-engineered and timeless sports cars ever built. With its combination of performance, style, and exclusivity, the NSX continues to captivate enthusiasts and investors alike.
9. Porsche 911 (993 Generation)
The Porsche 993 generation, produced from 1995 to 1998, has emerged as one of the most desirable iterations of the 911. As the last model to feature an air-cooled engine, it holds a special place among enthusiasts who consider it the pinnacle of classic Porsche engineering.
This generation also introduced several rare and exclusive variants, including the high-performance GT2, which packed a 3.6-liter twin-turbocharged flat-six producing 444 horsepower. Additionally, Porsche offered numerous paint-to-sample options, making certain 993s even more collectible.
Over the past five years, demand for the 993 has surged, driving its value up by 73%. In 2020, the average price hovered around $321,900, but today, it has soared to $555,600.
The combination of its historical significance, limited production, and thrilling performance has made it a prized asset for collectors. As the last air-cooled 911, the 993 continues to be celebrated as one of Porsche’s greatest achievements, ensuring its status as a highly sought-after classic.
10. Ferrari F550
The Ferrari F550, introduced in the mid-1990s, marked a significant return to the brand’s front-engine V-12 roots, a layout not seen since the Daytona’s discontinuation in 1973. Its 5.5-liter V-12 engine was not only powerful, producing 478 horsepower, but also capable of setting records, including a 100-mile run at an average speed of 190.2 mph in 1998.
Designed by the renowned coachbuilder Pininfarina, the F550 combined performance with a sleek and timeless exterior, making it a standout among Ferrari’s modern classics.
Over the past five years, the F550 has seen a significant rise in value, appreciating by 72%. In 2020, the average price was $191,700, but today, it has climbed to $330,300. Its blend of speed, style, and historical significance has made it a favorite among collectors, further cementing its status as one of Ferrari’s most desirable grand tourers.
The first half of the 2020s has demonstrated that the collectible car market is more dynamic than ever. While traditional marques like Ferrari, Porsche, and Lamborghini continue to dominate, the inclusion of brands like Lexus and Acura underscores the evolving nature of collector preferences.
The focus on driving experience, historical significance, and rarity ensures that the market remains vibrant and diverse. As we move further into the decade, it will be fascinating to see which models emerge as future classics and how the market continues to evolve in response to shifting collector interests and economic trends.
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