Five Classics That You Should Consider in 2024
Day by day, the sun rises higher and higher, which is a clear sign of the soon-to-start hobby vehicle season. Before you make a decision to buy a classic, it is important to do thorough preliminary research and find out the exact purpose of the car. This article can help guide you as the world of classic cars is truly nuanced. The presented estimates are based on real data, thus helping you in making a difficult decision.
But what should you know? Where should you invest your hard earned money? The world of classic cars can seem daunting, with so many eras, makes, models and body types to choose from. It is important to think about how you are actually going to use the car.
First of all, you have to ask yourself, is the investment going to be a show car that shows itself only at shows and that too if there are no rain clouds in the sky? Will it be your faithful everyday vehicle, bought to enjoy the commute to work every morning? Maybe you want to try your hand at classic racing. Whatever your reason for buying a car, owning a classic is food for the soul and a worthwhile investment for the wallet, so we’ve picked five of the best classics to buy in 2024, in our opinion. Whether it’s a pure investment or a combination of investment and enjoyment, we encourage you to join this wonderful world. So, without further ado, let’s dive into it.
1. JAGUAR XK8/R
A beautifully designed modern classic, the XK8 and the later 400 horsepower “turbo charged” XKR represent excellent value for money. When buying, we recommend avoiding copies manufactured before 1999, which have the problem of wear on the cylinder walls, namely, the aforementioned cylinder walls are covered with a layer of “Nikasil”, which did not justify itself. In addition, when buying earlier models, make sure that the plastic motor chain cover is in good condition or has been replaced with a metal spare part beforehand.
In the last 18 months, the price of the car has shown an exemplary increase. With a good deal, there is a chance to find them today for €10,000. €15,000 can buy a very exemplary copy.
2. LAMBORGHINI COUNTACH
At the other end of the spectrum, we find a car designed for a person with slightly deeper pockets. For this, the cult brand Lamborghini, specifically one of the most iconic models of the 80s, the “Countach”, which has already been produced since 1974!
All the lessons learned from developing the iconic Miura were applied to the Countach. It was engineered by Paolo Stanzan and penciled by Marcello Gandin. Their creation was more than spectacular, and despite the slightly difficult handling, the Countach became an invaluable icon of the Italian brand, thanks in part to the V12 engine designed by the legendary Giotto Bizzarrini.
The price of the model has been constantly on the rise, the most valuable of them being the limited production LP400 “Periescopio” and the 25th anniversary model. For these rarer copies, prices can reach up to a million euros. But does such an investment pay off? Absolutely.
It only takes one look at this 1975 Lamborghini Countach LP400 “Periscope” model to fall in love instantly.
3. DATSUN 280ZX
Interest in the Japanese remains high. Alongside well-known “JDM” names like the Skyline, Supra, Impreza and RX-7, the Datsun 240Z continues to grow in popularity. Arguably one of the best looking Japanese cars, the Datsun 240Z is rightfully a highly revered classic car. You should not prematurely think that it has defects, the most unpleasant of which is rust.
Fast forward nearly ten years and we find its successor, the 280ZX model. Its fan base is also growing steadily in the wake of its ancestor, which makes this model a very potential investment.
Not quite as lightweight as the 240, the 280ZX has a much more refined overall feel, retaining the rugged, simple and reliable engineering of its predecessor. The rarity is even greater if you go for an early 80’s turbo model. Since the prices of the 240Z have become quite high year after year, the 280ZX is a very potential investment and an almost certain price increaser. For example, the 1980 Datsun 280ZX from California below looks like a decent copy and is on sale for €18,500.
4. BMW E90 M3
BMW M series cars are always a smart investment. It is enough to look at the prices of the previous generations to quickly understand in which wind the prices of the successors also move. If, for example, the E39 M5 was on sale for €10,000 in 2011, now these cars are sold for three times more. Now you might be thinking that the E90 M3 is not a classic car by any means, but it came out 17 years ago. It’s not quite on the same level as, say, the Jaguar E-Type, but there’s no denying that it has the hallmarks of a future classic. And this is largely due to his power source.
Namely, the E90 series M3 used a V8 instead of the standard R6 engine for the first time. In the next generation, the Germans returned to the classic six-cylinder engine, therefore adding a little specialness to the E90. Body variants included a four-door sedan, the E92 coupe and the E93 convertible. Prices are increasing and the current price range is between €15,000-€35,000.
5. FORD CAPRI
Fords, especially the fast and sexy ones, are in the limelight at the moment, and this lighting threat shows no signs of fading. Since Capri falls into both of these unnamed categories, it’s no big surprise that Capri has a place on our list. The beauty of the Ford Capri is that there is a model for everyone. The model line starts with the base model with a working volume of 1.3 liters, and goes on to the faster 2.3, 2.8 and 3.0-liter V6 engines. The top end is crowned by the sought-after top model 280 and, of course, the RS2600 and RS3100 versions that have gained recognition in motorsport.
An ideal project car thanks to the cheap, readily available parts and simplicity that makes them fun to work on. Choosing a Ford Capri depends largely on budget, but the potential for return on investment is high. An immaculate Mk1 costs €35,000, and a decent Mk3 2.8 costs between €10,000 and €12,000. For example, the price of a late model Ford Capri 2.8 Injection Special from 1985 can reach 20,000 euros.
Source: carandclassic.com
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