Hagerty, the classic car valuations and insurance provider, has released its list of best classic cars to buy in 2017. The list focuses on cars that are poised to be strong investments in terms of value growth and smiles-per-dollar.
“One of the most exciting trends emerging is younger enthusiasts driving interest in newer vehicles,” said McKeel Hagerty, CEO of Hagerty. “Well-preserved vehicles from the 1980s and even the 1990s—some from long-term ownership—will continue to come to market as demand increases.”
Using a combination of their Hagerty Price Guide, Hagerty Vehicle Ratings and internal data, the company recommends the following models as strong buys for 2017 (including average prices).
Hagerty’s #1 pick for 2017: 2000 BMW M3.
1. 2000-2006 BMW M3 ($20,000)—BMW’s earlier M cars have been blazing hot over the past three years and newer offerings are still much more expensive, which makes the E46 M3 coupe particularly attractive.
2001 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe.
2. 1997-2004 Chevrolet Corvette ($15,000)—The oldest C5 Corvettes are now 20-years-old and fully depreciated. They are also objectively better cars than C4 Corvettes but trade at a similar price. Z06s have the best long-term prospects, with their lower production numbers and higher power output.
3. 1971-1972 Dodge Challenger ($18,300)—Not even close to recovering from the muscle car crash of 2008, Challengers are starting to rise to the top in interest.
1970 Dodge Challenger.
Demand for these as measured by Hagerty is the highest it has been since 2012, and value increases are likely to follow. Great looks, name recognition and tire-smoking power for less than $50,000 makes these muscle cars particularly enticing.
1968 Dodge Charger.
4. 1968-1970 Dodge Charger ($26,100)—Like its younger Challenger sibling, Hagerty has observed a 5-year high in interest for 1968-70 Dodge Chargers. Unlike the Challenger, these cars recently exceeded their previous high. Values should continue to steadily increase, providing a relatively safe way to invest in 375 vintage horsepower.
2004 Dodge Viper.
5. 2003-2006 Dodge Viper ($50,000) – If there is a theme to this list, it’s adrenaline, and the Dodge Viper delivers. Early Vipers are officially collectible with top values now reliably exceeding $50,000. Newer examples offer the same thrills for a little less money, and plenty exist with nearly no miles on the odometer.
Ferrari Enzo.
6. 2003 Ferrari Enzo ($2,300,000)— Is anything better than a low-production, Ferrari hypercar? Not really, especially in terms of recent appreciation. If you can find one in good condition with documentation and service history (and can afford it), buy with confidence. Where other aging poster cars sometimes fall into pricing purgatory (not new enough to be competitive, not old enough to be classic), the Enzo has earned widespread respect.
1977 Ford Bronco.
7. 1966-1977 Ford Bronco ($18,500)—Boxy 1970s SUVs are popular among Gen X and Millennial buyers, with first-generation Broncos being well-liked in particular. Values have been rising for several years now, but given recent activity and the popularity among younger enthusiasts, they aren’t likely to get cheaper any time soon. They scratch the same itch as a Toyota FJ40s but trade for significantly less.
Plymouth Superbird. Photo courtesy Morven.
8. 1970 Plymouth Superbird ($233,000)—With their exaggerated length and cartoonish rear spoiler, the Plymouth Superbird is off-putting to some, but interest in Mopars is reviving and the Superbird is one of the apex cars of the era. As rare as Superbirds are (production figures range from 1,920 to nearly 3,000), there is never a shortage of them on the market and interest is ratcheting up.
2010 Porsche GT3.
9. 2007-2011 Porsche 911 GT3 RS ($180,000)—Porsche 911 GT3 RSs have become one of the most popular additions to high-end collections in 2016, and for good reason: rare, lightweight and racy. Lots of these are destined to be hidden away as instant collectibles. If that’s your plan, look for one with a rare combination of options or colors. Of course, you could always treat it as an investment in happiness and just drive it until the wheels come off.
1994 Toyota Supra Turbo Coupe.
10. 1993-1998 Toyota Supra Turbo ($40,000)—Twin-turbo MkIV Supras were one of the fastest production cars of the 1990s and were fixtures in contemporary go-fast movies and video games. It’s no surprise they are lusted-after today by collectors who are just starting to get serious about car ownership. Stock, manual transmission-equipped examples are next to impossible to find, which makes them exceptional candidates for explosive growth.