Looking at the price history of certain cars, it's clear that their values have skyrocketed in the previous decade or two. While some models' values have risen tremendously in the last few years, the global used cars market has increased significantly. For instance, the base price of a 1994 Toyota Supra Turbo was $40,250. Prices of fourth-generation Supras, particularly stock low-mileage Turbos, have soared in the last years. One sold for $121,000 on Bringatrailer.com a few months ago, and two others were auctioned for more than $175K.
This is not, however, the most expensive example ever sold. That honor is reserved for the iconic orange Toyota Supra that the late Paul Walker drove in The Fast & Furious, which sold for an eye-popping $550,000 at auction in 2021. According to a recent Financial Review story, the value of rare classic cars is rising "faster than gold". Cars with historical significance, such as those that pioneered new technology or boosted market expectations, can become collectible. A car's racing history adds to its attractiveness, as does association with a well-known designer, racer, or maker, such as Raymond Loewy or Carroll Shelby.
The market for particular in-demand models has done better than collectibles like as coins and stamps over the last decade, sometimes even outperforming the entire stock market index. With that in mind, let's take a look at the prices of some of today's most popular cars about 10-20 years ago.
10 Audi RS2 Avant (1994)
For the majority of Audi enthusiasts, the RS2 Avant is a legend. It was only produced for one year, was created in part by Porsche, and introduced the "RS" moniker to the general public. Without the RS2 Avant, there would be no Audi RS cars today.
It's also rare, as Audi only produced slightly less than 3,000 units, none of which were sold in the United States. Thus, while the majority of Audi aficionados adore the RS2, American Audi fans are completely enthralled with it. That's why the automaker's first RS model is currently on the market for an eye-watering price. On Bring a Trailer, the Audi RS2 Avant was listed and sold for $77,500.
9 Mazda RX-7 FD3S
One word comes to mind when describing the Mazda RX7: iconic. There are few high-performance cars that can boast such a cult following, especially years after the production was discontinued. As a result of its prominence in popular culture (such as Vin Diesel's character driving one in the first Fast & Furious movie), its distinctive appearance, remarkable performance, and unusual characteristics (rear-wheel drive, rotary engine, lightweight, etc.), the Mazda RX7 has developed a loyal following among enthusiasts.
If you've been looking to buy one, you've probably noticed that they're not available for a low price. On Bring a Trailer, a 4k-mile 1994 Mazda RX-7 Touring was listed and sold for $77,500.
8 BMW Z8 (2001)
Inspired by a rare, expensive, and beautiful 507 of the late 1950s and propelled by a famous drive train from a super sedan, the BMW Z8 has been a collectible since the day it went on sale more than 20 years ago. The 507 was a failure due to its high price, and BMW was determined not to repeat the error. To this purpose, the Z8 was priced starting at $128,000.
Though it is not inexpensive, there were a few reasons for the six-figure sum. A complex aluminum space frame supports the Z8, and each car is hand-finished at the BMW facility in Munich. Today, most Z8s sell for between $150,000 and $250,000. Prices vary according to mileage, condition, and color. One Z8 was sold for $206,000 on Bringatrailer.com two years ago. So, what makes it so valuable? There are several causes for this, the most important of which being rarity, the Z8 was produced in less than 6000 units.
7 Nissan Skyline GTR R34 (1999)
The Nissan Skyline is possibly the most legendary of all the 1990s/early 2000s Japanese "icon" cars. Only the Toyota Supra comes close, but even then, we feel the Skyline GTR is one of the most sought after vehicles of all time — despite the fact that its importation into the United States was banned.
If you've been paying attention to classic car prices in recent years – particularly in the last 12 months – you'll know that the price of a Nissan Skyline GTR R34 has skyrocketed. For instance, this Midnight Purple II R34 GTR was listed and sold for $310,000.
6 Subaru Impreza WRX STi 22B (1998)
On Bring a Trailer, 1998 Subaru Impreza WRX STi 22B sold for 6 figures - $312,555. The car is one of just 424 produced, all of which are right-hand drive. Initially limited to 400 units for the Japanese market, Subaru later opted to make an additional 24 units for international markets. What is it about the WRX STi 22B that makes it so special? Subaru was the manufacturer to beat in rallying during the 1990s, owing in part to the efforts of star driver Colin McRae. The success resulted in the introduction of the first Impreza WRX, or World Rally Experimental, in 1992, followed two years later by the first Impreza WRX STI.
Then, in 1998, the Impreza 22B STI became the most iconic model. It commemorated Subaru's hat trick of World Rally Championship titles between 1995 and 1997, as well as the company's 40th anniversary. The car was equipped with a larger 2.2-liter engine and a wide-body design similar to rally cars. Additionally, it was marketed exclusively in the coupe body style that was available at the time.
5 Ford GT (2006)
The first-generation Ford GTs were limited to slightly over 4,000 units. While that may seem like a lot when compared to second-gen supercars, keep in mind that the Heritage Edition models were only produced for the 2006 model year, with a production limit of 343. These supercars are desired for that reason alone, but there's a lot more to them.
The Ford GT is a two-seater with a mid-engine design, inspired by the all-conquering GT40 race vehicles that defeated Ferrari at Le Mans and won the legendary 24-hour race four years in a row. The chassis is made of aluminum and features a front and rear double-wishbone suspension. The vehicle's exterior body panels are manufactured from super-plastic aluminum, and it rides on 18-inch front and 19-inch rear wheels. So when you factor in its rarity, incredible style, and desirability, it ends up costing you roughly $450,000 in today’s money.
4 Lexus LFA (2012)
The LFA is a very limited-production vehicle; only 500 units were planned from the start, with only a handful made each month by Lexus' top craftsmen. Such cars are typically difficult to come by, let alone put to use on a racetrack.
The Lexus LFA (2012) starting price in 2011 was roughly $375,000, and its currently average price is $750,000. The reason this car is so expensive is that it's almost fully customized: it has a one-of-a-kind engine, transmission, interior, gauge cluster, dashboard, design, and so on, none of which are shared by any other Lexus model. This vehicle was designed entirely from the ground up.
3 Porsche 959 (1988)
It's no exaggeration to state that the Porsche 959 was the most technologically advanced vehicle of its era. True, the 959 was based on the outdated 911 and retained the rear-wheel-drive air-cooled flat-six engine, but it also included a slew of cutting-edge technologies, making it a true watershed event for the Stuttgart-based manufacturer. This is the true story of a genuine legend.
The Porsche 959 has increased significantly in value since its introduction; where they originally sold for $225,000, they now sell for an average of $875,000
2 Ferrari F50 (1996)
The F50 is without a doubt one of the most iconic vehicles of the 1990s, since it symbolizes Ferrari's 50-year history of continuous development and fusion of road and racing technology. The supercar allowed Ferrari's most devoted customers to experience performance and exhilaration previously reserved for Formula 1 racers. Only 349 examples were made with the last one rolling off the assembly line in July 1997.
This is one of the reasons why F50 is one of the most sought-after Ferrari Supercars among investors and aficionados alike. For $4 million, a one-of-a-kind Ferrari F50 in mint condition can be yours.
1 McLaren F1
McLaren is well-known for producing some of the finest driving cars on the market, and the F1 is no exception. The F1 was the world's fastest production car, a record it has held for nearly 30 years. When it was launched in the mid-1990s, it cost between $800,000 and $1 million.
Today, you’ll pay more than $20 million for the pleasure of owning one of the mere 106 that were built. It’s that legendary! A highly sought-after collector car due to its rarity and significance in auto history, the McLaren F1 became the most expensive car auctioned in 2021 and the most expensive McLaren F1 ever sold. It was sold for $20.5 million.