If you have up to $50,000 or more, these mid-range classics appeal to car enthusiasts’ passion and offer affordability, charm, and a promising avenue for investment. Here are 27 vintage cars with potential for appreciation.
27. Land Rover Defender 110 Hard Top (1990-2016)
The Land Rover Defender 110 is a stylish car that won’t bankrupt you if you invest in it. The car has coil springs, making it easier to drive. There is a reason why the Land Rover Defender 110 was being produced for a long time – it is a great car.
26. Amphicar (1961 – 1965)
The Amphicar is not like other cars, because it was produced to be able to be amphibious. It wasn’t exactly the best car for land and water, but it did look good. Hey, sometimes style is more important than actually working well, right?
25. Toyota 4Runner (2003-2009)
The Toyota 4Runner was great for its off-roading capabilities and it added some glitzier trims and features. Still a standard mid-size luxury SUV, this generation of 4Runner might have seemed ordinary, but it is likened to being the best out there.
24. Maybach 57 (2003-2012)
The Maybach 57 was a beaut of a car. It may not have gotten you a lot of miles per gallon, with only 10 in the city and 15 on the highway, but it was sure a looker. Sometimes you just have to get a car to give you some class, okay?
23. Chrysler TC by Maserati (1989-1991)
The Chrysler TC by Maserati wasn’t produced for very long, making it a special car. It had a detachable hard top and a convertible top that was cloth-lined and came in two different colors, tan or black. It had Italian leather on the inside and stainless steel panels. The coolest feature? A plug-in CD player that costs a little extra money.
22. Porsche Cayenne (2003-2006)
The Porsche Cayenne is a luxury car. There were different models when it originally came out – the S and the Turbo. It is better to look at these two within the years 2003 and 2006 because that was when it was in its first generation, making it fresh and new.
21. GMC Typhoon (1992-1993)
The GMC Typhoon could go from 0 to 60 in 5.3 seconds. That is very fast! This car might have only been on the market for a very short amount of time, but it was nothing if not impressive. It was offered in a different of array of colors, but many people preferred it in black.
20. Lamborghini Countach (1989-1991)
The 25th-anniversary edition of the Lamborghini Countach is one that is special, and not just because it is an anniversary car. The car’s design was amped up, making it different than previous models. It went from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 4.7 seconds! Now that’s a fast car.
19. Ferrari Testarossa (1984-1996)
The Ferrari Testarossa was around for quite some time. With almost 10,000 of these cars being produced, it is safe to say that it was a quality car that many wanted. This two-door coupe is stylish and has a five-speed manual transmission (which is impressive for the time it came out).
18. Cadillac Eldorado (1992-2002)
The 12th generation of the Cadillac Eldorado seems to be the best! It was the final generation created and it was a little longer and wider than the previous versions. It also had a more powerful V8.
17. Mercedes Benz S Class (2001-2006)
The Mercedes Benz S Class had a lot of different names (way too many to list here). Earlier models of the S Class were known for not being so reliable, but once Mercedes Benz kept adding updates to the vehicle, it became more and more reliable with fewer recalls.
16. Land Rover Series II (1958-1961)
The Land Rover Series II was wider than the previous model. Due to the wider frame, there was more room in the vehicle. This boasted a possible of 12 seats, meaning it could be classified as a minibus in the UK.
15. Aston Martin DB5 (1963-1965)
The Aston Martin DB5 is so cool that it was in a James Bond movie! It was in a couple of them, that’s how cool it is. The inside was also a sight to behold because it had reclining seats, wool pile carpets, and electric windows.
14. Porsche 911 (1964-Present)
The Porsche 911 has been around for a long time and is still in production (none of the other cars on this list can boast that feat). It could fit a total of four in it back in the day, but the backseat was kind of small. To be fair though, the older versions of this car are the cooler versions of it.
13. The Volkswagen Beetle (1938-2003)
The Volkswagen Beetle has a bit of a dark history that I am not going to get into here (it is best if you just look it up on your own). It is also one of the longest-in-production cars in history, spanning 65 years.
12. Shelby Mustang (1965-1966)
The Shelby Mustang is not only a good-looking car but it also has some impressive specs. It has a four-speed manual transmission and front disc brakes, which only scratches the surface of all the car was capable of. It was originally made for racing, so it might not be the most comfortable car in the world.
11. Lamborghini Miura (1966-1973)
The Lamborghini Miura was one of the fastest cars in the 60s, with its rear mid-engine and two seats. The development of the car had racing and regular driving in mind, making it a car for those who loved cars.
10. Triumph TR6 (1968-1976)
The Triumph TR6 is a classic two-door convertible sports car. It features a 2.5L straight-6 and a 4-speed manual transmission. Enthusiasts love this timeless design and spirited driving experience. Prices are hovering around $15,000 currently, offering an affordable entry point. It offers an investment opportunity for those seeking a piece of British motoring history.
9. Ford Capri (1969-1986)
Evolving from the design of the Mustang, the Ford Capri is a fastback coupe built by Ford Europe. It’s been dubbed the “European Mustang.” Engines ranged from 1.3L to 5L and came in I4, V4, V6, and V8 varieties. If you spend the time to find a fully original one, it can be a worthwhile investment to hang onto.
8. Datsun 280ZX (1978-1983)
The Datsun 280ZX is also known as the Nissan Fairlady Z and Nissan Fairlady 280Z depending on the market. It’s known for its classic Japanese styling and reliable performance. This 3-door fastback features a 2L or 2.8L engine with turbo options. Enthusiasm for the Japanese market is on the rise, so this could be a savvy investment.
7. Jaguar XK8 (1996-2006)
The Jaguar is a two-door grand touring car that comes in hatchback coupe and convertible body styles. The first generation was marketed as the XK8, as it featured the all-new Jaguar AJ-V8 in 4L or 5L options and a 5 or 6-speed automatic transmission. The convertible models are in high demand, especially those with low miles and few owners.
6. Alfa Romeo Spider (Duetto, 1966-1993)
The Alfa Romeo Spider a.k.a. the Alfa Romeo “Duetto” is a two-seat convertible roadster. The early models are especially sought after. These vehicles are affordable, yet elegant. This classic open-top driving experience holds a huge appeal to motoring enthusiasts. The later models offer exceptional value making them a good long-term bet.
5. Mercedes-Benz SL (R107, 1971-1989)
The Mercedes-Benz SL R107 boasted an iconic design. This is the only roadster offered by the German manufacturers and its robust build quality is second to none. It remains a highly sought-after classic. This two-C convertible offered a detachable roof. This vehicle is considered an excellent investment. Over two-thirds of the 300,000 units produced were sold in the US.
4. Chevrolet Corvette C3 (1968-1982)
The Chevrolet Corvette C3 is rising in popularity, making it a good choice for automobile investors. This model featured striking body lines and a powerful V-8 engine. Variations ranged from 5.0L to 7.4L. The 7.4L engine generated 390 HP. Transmission ranged from three-speed manual and automatic to four-speed manual and automatic.
3. BMW 2002 (1968-1976)
The BMW 2002 is credited with launching the brand’s sporting reputation. BMW offered a sportier version for the US, including a dual-carburetor 2002 ti producing 118 HP. In 1971, they introduced the 2002 tiii with the fuel-injected 130 PS with 128 HP reaching a top speed of 115 mph. the BMW 2002 offers a nice long-term investment priced around $15,000-$20,000.
2. Porsche 944 (1982-1991)
This is the perfect vehicle for collectors seeking to own a Porsche without the high-end price tag. This renowned German front-end classic offers a thrilling driving experience. It’s known for its balanced performance and timeless design. Over 163,000 of these were produced worldwide. Engines ranged from 2.5L to 3L with either 3-speed automatic or 5-speed transmission.
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1. Jaguar XJS (1975-1996)
A taste of British luxury at an affordable price. The Jaguar XJS is known for its distinctive long hood and sleek lines. There are various engine options. It’s a sophisticated choice for those on a mid-range investment budget. The convertible models were in high demand, and the coupe could be next.
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