Collecting classic cars is a prime opportunity to immerse yourself in the history, artistry, and science of automobile innovation. A classic car can also be a wise investment if you can accurately track the make and models the experts are expecting to increase in value.
By purchasing a classic car for cheap and refurbishing it with the help of a trusted junkyard stocked with rare vintage parts, you can dramatically increase the resale value of a popular classic vehicle. If manual labor isn’t your strong suit, consider investing in a classic car forecasted to skyrocket in value this year. That way, you can dodge the hours of restoration-related tasks (i.e., rust removal, part replacement, etc.) and still rake in a considerable profit.
One of the best resources for predicting classic car values is Hagerty Insurance, specializing in vintage vehicles. Each year, Hagerty releases the Bull Market list, which forecasts the classic cars that will rise in value for the following year.
Read on for a complete analysis of the top 10 classic cars that the industry expects to rise in value in 2022.
How to increase the value of your classic car
Before exploring the classic cars set to rise in value, understand that unseen forces outside your control don’t always dictate the value of a classic car. There are several ways you can take matters into your own hands and increase the value of your classic car.
One of the most important factors to consider when investing in a classic car is whether or not the parts match. A classic vehicle with all the correct parts is often defined as “original” or authentic, thus being more attractive to potential buyers.
If you find yourself with a classic car missing a part, there’s no need to despair. There are plenty of resources available for finding rare or unusual automobile parts, including a junkyard stocked with hidden gems.
Aside from checking that all the parts are correct, you will also want to thoroughly inspect your classic car for minor scratches or superficial damage. If the classic car is in questionable condition, expect the value to trend downward.
Finally, always make sure that the tires on the car are in good condition. Bad tires not only devalue your classic car, but they are a safety risk for anyone driving the vehicle. If you need to replace the tires, follow the principle of matching parts and do some research to confirm that they are the historically correct tire style for the classic car.
Now that you possess a basic understanding of the factors that influence your classic car’s value, it’s time to check out the gold mines on four wheels dominating 2022.
1963-1967 Mercedes-Benz 230SL
The Mercedes-Benz 230SL is an iconic combination of sportiness and luxury comfort, all wrapped up in that beloved 1960s car style. Aesthetically, the 230SL is perhaps most recognizable from its “Pagoda” roof shape and clean silhouette.
Mechanically, the 230SL has a great design, with quality steering technology and crumple zones for safety. The car features a 170-hp engine, and while later models had stronger engines, classic car experts assert that the original 230SL has the best value when it comes to engines in pristine condition.
1965-1970 Cadillac DeVille
Nothing says classic car like the 1960s Cadillac DeVille. The low and long shape of the car is elegant and sensual, with the subtle tailfins adding a confident flourish.
Although car collectors have tended to prefer older Cadillac models in the past, a recent increase in the values of the 1965-1970 Cadillac DeVille suggests that these large cars may be coming into fashion.
1966-1967 Pontiac GTO
The Pontiac GTO is a bold muscle car that will turn the eye of any collector. In true muscle car fashion, the Pontiac GTO fits a powerful engine into a tiny body.
Although the concept of the muscle car was first introduced in 1964, the GTO was established as a distinct model in 1966, making a Pontiac GTO from this era a special piece of car history.
1969-1974 Ferrari 246 Dino
The 1969 Ferrari 245 Dino stands out from the Ferrari models released immediately before by having a V-6 engine, which, at the time, was a significant difference from the usual Ferrari style.
Between the perfectly curved body design and good steering and braking, there’s no wonder why the Ferrari 246 Dino is expected to increase in popularity soon.
1975-1993 Volvo 245
While it’s not the “cool guy” that mainstream car collectors are used to, the classic Volvo 245 has started to develop a bit of a cult following.
These boxy vehicles have always put quality over style, which experts say is about to pay off. Buying a cheap Volvo 245 and taking care of the engine will likely pay off as more collectors become aware of the car and the brand’s fantastic mechanical features.
1979-1985 Mazda RX-7
The Mazda RX-7 is a small sports car designed to highlight the rotary-powered engine, a feature that Mazda was quite committed to during the 1970s. True to Mazda’s promise, this little car packs a serious punch, offering significant speed and engine power.
1983-1997 Land Rover Defender
In a departure from many of the sleek sports cars on this list, the 1980s and 1990s Land Rover Defender is anticipated to be a major up-and-comer in the car collector world.
The classic Land Rover Defender has a rugged authenticity that many niche car collectors find enchanting. With few Land Rovers from this period in good condition on the market, you will have to pay attention to the ebbs and flows of the Land Rover craze to land a good deal.
1985-1995 Suzuki Samurai
Who doesn’t love the Japanese take on the traditional Jeep style? The late-twentieth-century Suzuki Samurai is likely to charm off-roading vehicle lovers with its sweet, curvy design and tough endurance on many terrains.
1992-1995 Porsche 968
The 1990s Porsche 968 is a delightful addition to the Porsche lineage. The rounded and compact body design is especially distinct. Although the Porsche 968 got beat out by the competition in the 1990s when it came to horsepower, today’s drivers are likely to appreciate both the style and gas-conscious engine.
2008-2012 Tesla Roadster Sport
A thorough classic car guide is not complete with looking at the trends in the modern classic sector. Currently, the 2008-2012 Tesla Roadster Sport is predicted to be the new favorite for modern classic car collectors. This model holds a special place in contemporary car history, proving that a car can still be cool with an electric engine.
Final thoughts
Tracking the upcoming trends and industry reports is a crucial aspect of making a good investment when it comes to classic cars. I hope this guide to the Hagerty Bull Market list has inspired you to get in on the car collecting game.