More customers are turning to the used car market as new vehicle production stutters thanks to a variety of issues, including the recent microprocessor shortage. Costs have skyrocketed because of rising demand and a scarcity of used vehicles, with some pre-owned cars now commanding greater prices than new cars.For many people, collecting used cars isn't just about the money. Anyone who is a gearhead, and even some who aren't, understand that having some cool rides in your garage is more interesting than stocking up on precious metals or liquor bottles. Not only will you be able to enjoy the life-affirming sensation of driving a thrilling vintage car, but your new hobby may also earn you some money. According to recent research by AXA Art, the value of a quality MGA increased 47 percent in a decade–a figure that possibly outweighs your retirement fund. Because secondhand automobiles, particularly full-size pickup trucks, are in such high demand, some customers are willing to travel hundreds of miles to get what they want, despite the price. Buying a historic car can be a good long-term investment, outperforming art, real estate, and even gold in some situations. To be sure, you'll need to conduct a lot of research, not to mention a thorough check, before putting your spare cash into an old car, but the possibilities are there.

10 1983-1992 Ford Ranger

via cardomain

In contrast to the early versions, the 1989 model year received a mid-cycle update that introduced more features and more comfortable seats to the lineup. These days, it's modest, but it's still a daily driver.

1995:1996 Ford Ranger, purple, off road track via ranger-forum
ranger-forum

It was mass-produced and mass-dismantled; the Ranger tarnished quickly, and a series of owners drove many instances into the ground. Enthusiasts are looking for the cleanest trucks that are still available. They may still have nice ones for less than $4,000.

Related: Here's How The 2022 Ford Ranger Compares With The New Volkswagen Amarok

9 1986-1992 Jeep Comanche

via Jeep Comanche For Sale

Jeep, like its American competitors, desired a piece of the 1980s compact pickup truck market that was controlled by Japanese automakers. Because the Comanche was light enough that a four-cylinder motor would suffice, AMC created a four-cylinder that had many of the proportions of the original AMC straight-six engines and used it as the Comanche's base power plant.

Via: Pinterest

The Ford Ranger and Chevrolet S10 outsold the Jeep Comanche in 2018, so locating a good one in 2019 will take some time. For a tidy, repairable example, budget at least $5,000.

8 1988-1991 Chevrolet S-10 Baja

1989 Chevy S10 Baja
via gmauthority.com

The Chevrolet S-10 was not the first tiny pickup truck, but it is the first that the company designed without consulting a Japanese partner. The vehicle was originally intended for light-duty haulage and deliveries rather than as a true off-roader, but when the Baja package was added for the 1988 model year, it transformed into one.

S-10s that haven't been Baja-field may be had for as little as $1000, but the cost of pristine, low-mileage versions, is gradually climbing.

Related: We Can't Stop Staring At These Awesomely Modified Chevy S10 Pickup Trucks

7 1989-1991 Dodge Dakota Sport Convertible

Red 1989 Dodge Dakota Sport Convertible in parking lot
Doug DeMuro

The Dakota Sport Convertible had a very simplistic design, comprising a single metal roll bar and a basic mechanical top. When the top is folded down, steel cables on either side support it as it hangs into the bed. The design got praise from the people.

Red 1989 Dodge Dakota Sport Convertible rear view
Doug DeMuro

ASC, which stood for American Sunroof Company at the time but subsequently became American Specialty Cars, completed the alteration. Only about 4000 units were produced, so rarity is another reason why buying these as soon as possible is a good idea.

6 1946 Hudson Pickup

via CLASSIC

Hudson is most renowned for its rakish late-'40s automobiles and NASCAR success, making it one of the most iconic independent companies in automotive history. It did, however, offer a handsome car-based pickup for only two model years, which has had a cult following almost since it rolled out of the factory.

via Mecum Auctions

The Hudson pickup, which cost $1,100 for a long time after its release, has received a lot of attention and fame over the years, making it worth over $50,000.

Related: Here's What Everyone Forgot About The Hudson Hornet

5 1946-1956 Dodge Power Wagon

1948 Dodge Power Wagon
via Mecum

The Dodge Power Wagon is always the answer for classic American tough-as-nails pickups. Surprisingly, this WWII-era vehicle continued in production until the late 1970s, mostly unmodified. Collectors are primarily interested in vintage trucks, which date from 1946 to 1956. The Power Wagon was the first series of mass-produced, medium-duty 4x4 trucks, and was derived for civilian use from the military Dodge WC Series.

A Power Wagon could be purchased for $1,627 in the early 1950s. Immaculately repaired models are now worth up to $65,000, which is a significant increase in value over the previous 60 years, and the graph keeps on going up.

4 GMC Syclone

1991 GMC Syclone Pickup
Via: YouTube

The GMC Syclone, a turbocharged V6-powered pickup that could out-sprint a Chevrolet Corvette, was produced in 2995 units. In the collector automobile world, it's extremely desired, and it's valued accordingly. If you can find one, expect to pay around $15,000 for a good Sonoma GT.

1992 GMC Sonoma GT: A Softer Syclone
via MecumAuctions

Only 806 were built, and by the late 1990s, a large portion of the manufacturing run had begun to show signs of wear.

3 1978-1987 Chevrolet El Camino

A Mexican Made Chevy El Camino 1987 Model
via meecum.com

The base El Camino, the El Camino Classic, and the El Camino SS were all available in 1977. The base El Camino and the powerful El Camino SS models were brought back for 1978, along with new Conquista and Black Knight variants.

via mecum.com

The manufacturing price of the El Camino SS was $5,000. The El Camino's production run totaled 54,286 vehicles, with no specific breakdown for the SS. A 1987 El Camino in decent health is worth $9,000, according to Hagerty. Prices rose in 2016 and are anticipated to continue to rise in the future. It's best to stick with petrol-powered V8s from the 1980s, which fit the car's personality perfectly and are also dependable.

Related: 10 Coolest Modified Chevy El Caminos We've Ever Seen

2 1957-1959 Dodge Sweptside

via Mecum Auctions

The Dodge Sweptside truck has everything you'd expect from a fine '50s pickup, and it's one of the most costly collectible pickups today. Dodge always does things a little differently, in more ways than one.

Because of its scarcity and rarity, it is a pricey addition to collectors' garages. At least they have auctioned a few for $100,000 or more in the last few years. Because there are estimated to be less than 200 left, the expensive prices will continue. Back in the 1950s, a new one would have cost $2,124. Clean ones can now fetch up to $60,000 on the open market.

1 1956 Ford F-100

via Motor Authority
1956 Ford F-100

Ford pickup trucks are at an all-time high in terms of popularity. The F-100 has a reputation for being one of the most durable pickups on the market, and its stylish, original design in the 1950s and 1960s made it a public favorite, with sales skyrocketing. The F-100 is surely a true classic pick-up truck.

via Motor Authority
1956 Ford F-100

Even though it was small enough to fit into a standard-size parking space, the first-generation F-100 could handle about the same amount of cargo as the larger F-100 when properly equipped. These workhorses cost $1,611 when they have first introduced 61 years ago. A restored version is currently valued at about $65,000 and their prices are rising by the day.