Classic Cars That Are Growing in Value Each Year
Some classic cars aren’t just fun to drive; they’re also smart investments. Most cars lose value over time, but these vintage gems are doing the opposite. Whether you’re a collector, weekend cruiser, or just dreaming of garage gold, here are 35 cars that keep climbing in value year after year.
1967 Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray (L88)
This isn’t just a Corvette, it’s a fire-breathing rarity with racing DNA. Only 20 were made with the L88 engine, and collectors salivate over its brute power and beauty. Prices have gone past $3 million, proving that American muscle with pedigree is always in high demand.
1993 Porsche 911 Carrera RS 3.8
Air-cooled, lightweight, and track-tuned, this rare 964-gen RS is Porsche perfection. Only 50 were made, and it’s insanely collectible. Prices have tripled in recent years, and it’s easy to see why: raw performance, iconic styling, and that glorious engine sound make this a modern classic on the rise.
1970 Dodge Charger R/T 440
Thanks to muscle car fever and its unforgettable looks, the ‘70 Charger is on collectors’ radars. The R/T with the 440 engine packs a serious punch, and values have been climbing as nostalgia (and demand) grows. It’s even better if it’s Plum Crazy or has the hideaway headlights.
1987 Buick GNX
The GNX was Buick’s surprise bad boy. It was a turbocharged V6 sleeper that could embarrass Ferraris. Only 547 were made, and collectors now pay six figures for clean examples. Its sinister looks, low production run, and performance legacy make it one of the coolest ‘80s cars gaining value.
1971 Datsun 240Z
Affordable when new, the 240Z has become a JDM legend. Its sporty handling, sleek lines, and reliable straight-six engine make it a fan favorite. As younger collectors chase vintage Japanese steel, this car’s value keeps climbing, and clean originals are getting harder to find by the minute.
1969 Ford Mustang Boss 429
Built to qualify Ford’s NASCAR engine for racing, the Boss 429 is pure muscle car royalty. Only 1,400 were made, and it’s both rare and ridiculously powerful. Prices have gone past $300,000 at auctions, and its big-block thunder means this Mustang will keep flexing its value muscle.
1990 BMW E30 M3
Once a budget sports coupe, the E30 M3 is now a collector’s darling. With race-bred roots, balanced handling, and iconic boxy looks, its appeal is universal. Prices have skyrocketed as enthusiasts chase clean, low-mileage examples, especially rare colors and special editions. It’s 1990s performance gold.
1963 Aston Martin DB5
This is the Bond car. Need we say more? The DB5 is elegance on wheels with timeless styling and a sky-high cool factor. Prices have gone into the millions, especially for models with factory options. Even replicas get attention. It’s British luxury that refuses to age or drop in value.
1989 Toyota Supra Turbo (A70)
Before the Fast & Furious craze hit the MKIV, the A70 Supra was flying under the radar. The turbo model was a solid performer and a great grand tourer. As JDM fever grows, values for these overlooked gems are rising, especially clean, unmodified examples with manuals.
1970 Plymouth HEMI ‘Cuda
Brash, brawny, and rare, the HEMI ‘Cuda is Mopar royalty. With the 426 HEMI and aggressive looks, it’s a collector’s car. Some have sold for over $2 million. If you have one, hold on tight, it’s only going up.
1965 Shelby GT350
Built by Carroll Shelby, this Mustang isn’t just fast, it’s legendary. Lightweight, loud, and raw, the GT350 was a race car for the street. With limited production and performance cred, collectors are snatching them up. Values will stay strong as long as pony car passion endures.
1994 Toyota Land Cruiser FZJ80
Bulletproof reliability, timeless design, and go-anywhere capability make the FZJ80 a modern classic. As overlanding grows in popularity, demand for these rugged SUVs keeps climbing. It’s one of the few SUVs appreciating faster than your 401(k).
1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7
Lightweight, wide-fendered, and track-tuned, the RS 2.7 is the holy grail of early 911s. Only around 1,500 were built, and they’re prized possessions in Porsche collections. With values soaring into 7 figures, this featherweight performer proves that speed and scarcity make a winning combination.
1966 Alfa Romeo Spider Duetto
Made famous by The Graduate, this Italian drop-top is charming. The twin-cam engine and delicate styling have earned it cult status. It’s not the fastest car on this list, but it’s one of the most charming, and prices have risen as vintage.
1986 Ferrari Testarossa
If the ‘80s had a mascot, it might be the Testarossa. Once a depreciated exotic, it’s now appreciating as nostalgia kicks in. Those side strakes, that flat-12 engine, it’s no wonder collectors are snapping them up before they become out of reach.
1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SL “Pagoda”
Sophisticated and stylish, the “Pagoda” SL is comfort and elegance with German engineering. It’s a collector’s favorite for its timeless design and smooth inline-six engine. As classic Mercedes interest grows, so do the prices, especially for clean, unrestored examples. A classic that never goes out of style.
1992 Acura NSX
Honda’s supercar broke the mold. It was reliable, easy to drive, and precision-built. Early NSXs are rising fast in value as collectors realize how revolutionary this car was. Lightweight aluminum, a screaming VTEC engine, and Ayrton Senna’s input? That’s collector-car catnip, and prices are trending up.
1979 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 6.6
Thanks to Smokey and the Bandit and muscle car nostalgia, the Firebird Trans Am is on the rise. The 6.6-liter V8 isn’t subtle, and neither is its price chart, which keeps going up every year.
1964 Jaguar E-Type Series I
Enzo Ferrari called it “the most beautiful car ever made,” and he wasn’t wrong. The Series I E-Type has elegance and performance in equal measure. Its curvy body and inline-six make it a collector’s dream. Prices are rising, especially for early models with covered headlights.
1991 Mazda RX-7 (FC3S Turbo II)
Lightweight and rotary-powered, the second-gen RX-7 is finally getting the love it deserves. Once a tuner’s playground, clean stock examples are getting rare and valuable. And as JDM classics go up, JDM classics are going up.
1967 Chevrolet Camaro SS
The ’67 Camaro SS was Chevrolet’s punchy answer to the Mustang, and collectors can’t get enough. With its aggressive styling, roaring V8, and first-year status, it’s a winner. Prices are going up as nostalgia fuels demand, and let’s be honest, who wouldn’t want to own this beauty?
1969 Dodge Charger R/T
Thanks to “The Dukes of Hazzard” and pure American muscle, the ’69 Charger R/T is an icon. With a growling 440 and timeless fastback design, its value has gone up. It’s not just a car, it’s a statement, and collectors are paying big bucks for clean, unrestored versions.
1991 Acura NSX
This was Japan’s first supercar, and it changed the game. With Ferrari looks, Honda reliability, and Ayrton Senna’s input on the suspension, the NSX is no longer underappreciated. Early models are spiking in value, and purists love the manual transmission and analog feel.
1984 Ferrari 308 GTS
Magnum P.I.’s ride of choice is aging like a fine wine. The 308 GTS has vintage Ferrari charm and that classic wedge shape. Once considered a “budget Ferrari,” it’s now a collectible with rising values.
1991 BMW M3 (E30)
The E30 M3 was a motorsports legend. Light, agile, and track-ready, it became a cult classic overnight. Prices have gone up big time in recent years as enthusiasts chase the dream.
1965 Shelby Cobra 427
You’re looking at one of the most desirable cars ever built. The 427 Shelby Cobra is raw power on four wheels with a V8 under that tiny hood. Originals fetch millions, but even replicas are going up.
1970 Datsun 240Z
The 240Z was Japan’s first real sports car export success, and it’s now a collector’s darling. With European styling and bulletproof reliability, it’s no wonder values are going up. Find one with original paint and minimal rust? Jackpot. These are going up fast with no signs of slowing.
1966 Ford Bronco
Vintage SUVs are hot, and the original Bronco is the top of the heap. Simple, rugged, and cool, it’s been reborn as a collector favorite. Prices for clean first-gen models have doubled in the last 10 years. Whether restored or stock, this boxy off-roader keeps climbing.
1983 Porsche 944
The Porsche 944 is finally getting the love it deserves. Its balanced chassis and front-engine layout offer a fun and affordable way into classic Porsche ownership. But not for long. Enthusiasts are snatching them up, and values are climbing fast.
1971 De Tomaso Pantera
Once overlooked, the Pantera is now a hot collectible. Prices have skyrocketed as enthusiasts rediscover its exotic looks, throaty power, and head-turning rarity. This cat is officially out of the bag.
1989 Mercedes-Benz 560SL
The 560SL oozes timeless class with its boxy elegance and solid engineering. Once the ride of choice for Wall Street execs and movie stars, it’s aging well. Enthusiasts are snatching them up for comfort, style, and bulletproof reliability. Classic luxury never really goes out of fashion or value.
1978 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40
These workhorses were built to outlast a tank, and they kind of did. The FJ40’s no-frills charm, off-road chops, and vintage appeal have sent values through the roof. Restored models can command six figures. It’s the hip retro SUV everyone wants in their driveway, especially as overlanding gets trendy.
1963 Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray Split-Window
That split rear window isn’t just for show, it’s a money maker. Only produced for one year, the ‘63 Sting Ray coupe is a unicorn in Corvette history. Sleek lines, fierce performance, and pure Americana make it a collector’s dream. Prices have been rising fast, and there’s no slowing this Sting Ray down.
1986 Porsche 944 Turbo
Once considered the “poor man’s Porsche,” the 944 Turbo is now far from it. With balanced handling, punchy power, and rising scarcity, it’s a collector’s favorite. Prices are going up as enthusiasts are discovering its goodness.
1964 Porsche 911
The OG 911 started it all. Lightweight, air-cooled, and masterfully engineered, early 911s are the holy grail for Porsche fans. As prices for all 911s go up, the first-gen models are leading the charge.
