11 Hot Classic Cars You Should Buy Before They Go Out

Latest edition of Hagerty’s annual Smart Classic Car Investment Collector’s Guide offers options ranging from $12,000 to $183,000

It doesn’t take just a billionaire to make some money while driving a great classic car. For the past few years, Hagerty’s annual bull list has suggested that cars at various price points should appreciate in value over the next 12 months, and the just-released 2025 guide brings us back to digital classifieds.

It’s an eclectic list, offering cars from six different decades and every body style imaginable, from SUVs to roadsters (including a V8 estate). But just as important, these 11 vehicles range in price from as low as $12,000 to over $180,000.

1978-1983 Datsun 280ZX ($32,800)

These downturn-era Zs were initially overlooked while collectors flocked to early Datsun sports cars, but prices have increased 138% since 2019 and are still likely to rise.

1981-1983 DeLorean DMC-12 ($75,100)

It’s a cultural icon with mid-engine Lotus DNA and a backstory that reads like a Hollywood movie script, but you can still buy a DMC-12 for less than a new Porsche Cayman.

1961-1964 Jaguar E-Type SI 3.8 Coupe ($182,800)

RELATED: Jaguar Just Made Two New E-Types 50 Years After Production Ended

Do you think the E-type is just an old man’s car? Hagerty said Gen-X interest increased 8% last year, which could push depressed prices back up.

2003-2013 Lamborghini Gallardo 6-speed ($157,700)

At half the price of the new Temerario hybrid and equipped with a six-speed manual gearbox, the Gallardo is the best value supercar available.

2005-2008 Dodge Magnum SRT-8 ($32,600)

It’s not fast, but the SRT-8’s 425-horsepower (431 PS) Hemi sounds like sin, and the fact that it’s wrapped in wagon body only makes it hotter.

1961-1972 Volvo P1800 ($44,200)

Hagerty says the P1800 is proving popular with younger buyers who like its looks and don’t care that it’s not the last word in driving excitement.

1976-1989 Ferrari 400/412 ($59,900)

Wait, a V12 Ferrari designed on Enzo’s watch costs $60,000? Pininfarina GT values ​​have increased by 50% since 2019, but these Pininfarina GTs still look on the low side.

2002-2006 Mini Cooper S ($12,000)

The comeback Cooper S has hardly aged well, and the supercharger whine is as mesmerizing as ever. For just $12,000, there’s no reason not to buy it.

1997-2001 Honda Prelude ($17,400)

This year’s only Japanese model is another car catching the attention of younger buyers. They won’t stay this affordable for long.

2002-2008 Mercedes-Benz G500 ($53,200)

The new G-Class costs as much as a supercar, but you can buy an older G-Class that looks almost the same for less than a modern GLC.

1984-1990 Ford Mustang II ($15,600)

Vintage SUVs are in high demand right now, but the price of the second-generation Bronco is still unbelievable. Get in there before the price explodes.