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Cars for future appreciation

pdplot

Yoda
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Question - if you had $25,000.00 to buy one or more classic sports cars (no muscle cars) with a view towards future appreciation, in other words currently undervalued in your opinion, what would it or they be? Conversely, what would you stay away from?
 
My money and "future appreciation" are never used in the same sentence.
but I dream about an E-type.
 
I think I'd stay away from British sports cars. Those of us who are into them are aging and at some point I think there's going to be a big sell-off with not a lot of takers. I'd focus on something that might appeal to younger folks now in their 30s or 40s. Maybe a Porsche Boxster or Cayman or BMW M Roadster. Do your research first though as each has some problems (IMS bearing for Porsche, differential mount on the Bimmer that will need to be addressed if not already taken care of). Frankly, I'm not a big fan of cars as investments but if you've got $25k to play with, at least you can get some fun out of these and you may have to hold them for some time before you see any appreciation.
 
Where would you put $25K today? Banks are paying less than 1%;stock are too risky;bonds will lose value if inflation comes back - at least buying one, two or 3 collector cars will give you some enjoyment along the way with the possibility of capital appreciation. Look at the prices some of these cars are bringing at auction. Look at Healey prices. MGA prices. Porsche prices!
 
Ferrari Mondial (any running model before the T with semi decent service records), Acura NSX, Lotus Esprit (a decently sorted 87 or up), Nissan Skyline GTR (r32's are being imported now, r33 are coming in a couple years), a good unmolested MkIV Toyota Supra Twin Turbo (getting very difficult to find one that hasn't been modified, and they can go way over $30k).
 
My sense is that there is a huge appetite for European Cars with American engines - One of the few deals left seems to be the Bitter. There is also a huge market for hot rods - especially early 40's 50's 60's conversions.
 
Early Land Rover Defenders? They're going out of production ..
MG ZR, ZX etc, fewer & fewer around.
TVR-Cerbera 4.5 Coupe 2d 4475cc with the current weak £ it's in the mix of $25000 ish.
 
Old Packards! 30s and 40s. :encouragement:
 
I don't think any car we think of as a ~classic sports car~ that is valued today for under $25K will appreciate significantly without some unforeseen external event - like a blockbuster movie that features a certain car. (e.g. Back to the Future).

Maybe an early Elan would be ok short-term if they're still available at that price. Longer term my money'd be on microcars and maybe a few everyday American & Japanese cars.
 
"Old Packards! 30s and 40s. :encouragement:"

That would be cool. I also think old Cadillacs of the same vintage would do well.
 
Since the call was for sports cars:

240/260Z
Porsche 912 (IF you can find one that cheap!)
Porsche 914 (Ditto)
Karmann Ghia (Get one while you can!)
Early '70s Alfa Spider (Boattails are pricey)
Opel GT
MG T series (Though the really nice ones are getting out of the range)
Bugeye Sprite
Other "usual suspects" are already out of reach
 
Various early VWs. It's amazing how they're rising in value.
 
I might be in the minority,but I can't ever bring myself
to buy any car as an investment.I buy what I like.Of course,I rarely
make any money on vehicles.
 
I'm thinking an MG WA or SA. Big salon cars always stand out.
 
DeTomaso
 
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