USA TODAY International Edition
THE MOST COLLECTIBLE CARS OF THE PAST 30 YEARS
Price momentum, overall buzz combine to offer a few surprises among more obvious classics
The history of the Detroit auto show features a dizzying array of showstoppers, oddities, total duds and everything in between. ❚ Only time can tell which vehicles end up becoming truly collectible. ❚ As the show makes its final run in January before moving to June in 2020, we’re taking a look back at the most collectible cars since the event was renamed the North American International Auto Show in 1989. ❚ A few usual suspects and a few surprises make the top 10 list cultivated exclusively for USA TODAY by classic car insurer and valuation firm Hagerty.
The list – based on analysis of price momentum and overall buzz – includes classics such as the Chevrolet Corvette and less obvious vehicles such as the Honda S2000.
“This list is in many ways reflective of the fact that there is a generational shift going on with enthusiasts,” Hagerty executive Jonathan Klinger said.
The number of people interested in a vehicle helps it qualify for the list. “It’s not just about value,” Klinger said. For example, the Porsche Boxster that debuted in 1993 can be had for only $13,800 in very good condition.
“It illustrates that you don’t have to have six figures of disposable money sitting around,” Klinger said. “Here’s a great car for less than $20,000.”
Then again, the Porsche 911 RS America, which debuted in 1992, makes the list at $204,000.
We can dream.
From the way-back machine, here’s Hagerty’s list of the top 10 most collectible cars that made their global or North American debuts at the Detroit auto show since 1989 (in alphabetical order):
Acura Integra Type R (global debut, 1997)
Estimated value: $63,800 “Starting with the older millennials, there’s a growing interest in these ’90s Asian imports,” Klinger said.
Acura NSX (North American debut, 1990)
Estimated value: $60,100
The NSX has enduring appeal, Klinger said.
BMW 850CSi (North American debut, 1994)
Estimated value: $89,800
The price of this vehicle has jumped 77 percent over the past three years, according to Hagerty’s price guide. “This is a car that was not as recognized in the enthusiast market until” recently, Klinger said.
Chevrolet Corvette (global debut, 1997)
Estimated value: $20,900 “Interest in the Corvette transcends generations,” Klinger said.
Dodge Viper GTS Coupe (global debut, 1996)
Estimated value: $51,200
The Dodge Viper is a perennial favorite. “There’s been some recent interest in the Viper timed with it going out of production,” Klinger said.
Ford F-150 Raptor (global debut, 2015)
Estimated value: $83,000 “We’re such a heavily dominated SUV and pickup society, so it only stands to reason that younger people who grew up in that could be drawn to vintage variants,” Klinger said.
Honda S2000 (global debut, 1999)
Estimated value: $25,000 “That is viewed as an absolute gem of a car,” Klinger said. “There’s definitely a cult-like following of those cars.”
Mercedes-Benz 500E (North American debut, 1991)
Estimated value: $54,700 “That was a car that was seen as a tremendous value for what it was for a long time. In recent years, it has increased in value,” Klinger said.
Porsche 911 RS America (North American debut, 1992)
Estimated value: $204,000 “Any vehicle that Porsche has made, aside from the more recent SUVs they’ve produced in great numbers,” is collectible, Klinger said.
Porsche Boxster (global debut, 1993)
Estimated value: $13,800 Some models are so collectible the brand asks buyers to agree not to sell them for a time, Klinger said. Though buyers may refuse, they may lose out on a chance to buy one in the future.