With the current Corona Virus wreaking havoc of the global economy, more and more investors are seeking safer, risk-averse assets. These assets (i.e. gold, forex, physical good, etc.) offer individuals a chance to, for the lack of a better term, 'bet against' the economy. When treasury values fall, these assets grow.
There are thousands of investments one can make to protect themselves from market risk, but did you know that some of the best investment opportunities actually hide in cars? That is, the ones that will actually increase in value over time (like holding a stock until the price jumps). In 2020, some amazing classics from the 1970s are reaching their "low-point" in price; representing an opportunity for profit. In an effort to bring these hidden gems to light, here are fifteen '70s classics that are quickly climbing in value (which you need to get ASAP)...
15 1979 Fiat Spider
Before we say anything, it's important to preface this fact: we are not licensed financial/investment advisors and the list we provide is our personal opinion based off of easily accessible figures. That being said, our first entry is the tiny Fiat Spider. Since Fiat has recently revived the Spider (124 Spider), it could be a nice classic to buy while it's cheap.
Used, a late-'70s Spider can go for as little as $4,000 or less. The restored ones, on the other hand, go for closer to $15,000 - $20,000. However, just a few years ago, these cars were a couple thousand less. Who knows, the trend could continue.
14 Chevrolet Corvette C3
It's easy to get excited about the upcoming Corvette C8, but don't let it overshadow the antiques like the sharp C3. The C3 has been viewed as the 'ugly duckling' of Corvettes, yet, opinions are beginning to change. In 2015, the cost of a used C3 would barely go over $15,000. Now, though, they're price-range isn't as predictable. According to BaT Auctions sales records, the overall value of C3's is starting to go up ($20,000 to $60,000).
13 1973 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28
Unlike the other two above, the 1970-'73 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 has not already hit its low-point. In fact, right now may be the time to buy low! Apparently, Hagerty agrees in their 2018 article regarding the Z/28. From how they put it, a '73 Camaro Z/28 can set you back about $35,000 or so, while older ones go for slightly higher.
As we've seen in a few crazy auctions, the upside potential for the Z/28 is certainly there. Although, we doubt each one will sell for upwards of $100K just yet.
12 1979 Jaguar XJ-S
Though classic Jaguars can be a nightmare, in terms of maintenance, some can be a good investment. Aside from the beloved (and expensive) E-Type, there's also the incredibly successful XJ-S; produced from 1975 to '96. The newer models ('80s & '90s) are typically more expensive than the late-'70s version, as well as more reliable. However, if it's an investment you're looking for, then a $10,000+ 1979 XJ-S might be it.
11 1979 Mazda Savanna RX-7 Turbo
We all love the Mazda RX-7 FD for its looks, power, and innovation, yet, early iterations had a lot of the same characteristics. Not just the preceding FC, rather, the original FB body-style, too. Each uses a rotary engine, except the '79s which were less updated. Still, the FB offers almost all of the FD's favorites, but for a lower price.
Using the same BaT graphing as before, the FB RX-7 Turbo is promising to investors. Since 2015, prices have climbed from an average of $5,000 - $10,000 to $10,000 - $15,000 (a couple exceeding that).
10 1973 Opel GT
The younger readers amongst us may have never even heard of Opel before, let alone the Opel GT. Don't feel bad, though, 'cause a lot of enthusiasts probably don't know about it, too. Nevertheless, you should familiarize yourself with the Opel GT, as it could be a highly sought-after antique before long.
Examples of GT's selling for $20,000 or more are prevalent, but we think this too-good-to-be-true M.S.R.P. will be short-lived...
9 1973 BMW 3.0CSL
The 1970's was a great decade to be a BMW enthusiast, as evidenced by one of the coolest looking BMW sports cars ever: the 3.0 CSL. Nicknamed the "Batmobile."
If you're lucky, you can find an original 3.0 (in OK condition) for as low as $15,000, while restored ones can go anywhere from $50,000 to as much as $270,000 in extreme circumstances. Seeing the price volatility as it is, it would be shocking to see its value go higher.
8 1972 Datsun 240Z
The JDM favorite Datsun 240Z has been around for many decades. To this day, it still looks amazing and is cost-effective, too! Ones in need of repair could go for about $5,000 or less. Other examples show them growing upwards of $40,000. Buying one now might end up being a good investment for the future.
7 1972 Volkswagen Super Beetle
The original VW Beetle is among the earliest instances of mass-produced vehicles in Germany. Even now, Volkswagen has a lot of success to credit towards the Beetle. Nowadays, since so many Beetles have been modified, junked, or destroyed, the prices are slowly going up (from what we've observed over the years).
If you want one that's "faster" than the standard Bug, the Super Beetle is what you need. The best part, though, is that nearly anyone can afford them; priced around $12,000. A short time ago, it would've been a couple-thousand less...
6 1977 Nissan Skyline GT-R 2000
When discussing 1970's-era Nissans, especially Skylines/GT-Rs, the prevailing example is often the Hakosuka GT-R. However, don't overlook its similarly aged big brother, the Skyline GT2000. The GT2000 is the epitome of 'Japanese muscle car.' The "Kenmeri" GT2000 has also mimicked other classic Nissans in terms of value, such as the R31, R33, and R34 GT-Rs.
Barn finds of these will be the cheapest, coming in at over $20,000, usually. At auction, however, expect to be price gouged like crazy. Ones like this one are $70,000+, and that's the low-end. Get them before their MSRP consistently stays above $100K.
5 1976 Lotus Esprit
Being James Bond can be more affordable than you'd expect. At least, when you swap out the trademarked Aston Martin DB5 for a '70s Lotus Esprit. Yes, you too can have a Bond-approved ride and for a fraction of the costs. The late-'70s Esprits pale in comparison to the 1990's/2000's versions; ~$25,000 versus $50,000+. It also showcases the upside potential for antique Esprits.
4 1976 Porsche 914/4
Towards the end of our list we have a severely overlooked classic: the Porsche 914/4. These little puppies are what you'd anticipate from Porsche; small, maneuverable, and (somehow) managing to hold a six-cylinder inside it. Snag one today for close to $20,000, and it may just be worth double that before too long.
3 1976 Volkswagen Golf MKI GTI
As we've stated before, the classic VW Beetle was instrumental to Volkswagen's success. Still, there's another vehicle of theirs worthy of praise: the V.W. Golf GTI (MKI). This car was responsible for the 'hot hatch' category we have today. Without it, the budget sports car market wouldn't be the same.
However, since V.W. made so many, a MK I GTI isn't expensive at all. From what classic.com says about the matter, we can see that the MKI's value is just beginning to build up. Perhaps we'll see some record-breaking sales figures in the near future.
2 Ferrari 308 GT4 2+2
Ferrari (back in the 1970s) decided to make several off-shoots of the outstanding 308, similar to what they still do with current models. The difference, though, is that not that many stood out beyond the GTB and GTS. Of course, we're talking about the Ferrari 308 GT4: the 'ugly duckling' of sorts.
Yet, because not many like the GT4, they're still less than $100,000. Surprisingly enough, some are as little as $35,000, while the rest fluctuate around the $50,000 bracket. Hopefully, the 308 GT4 stays cheap for a bit longer.
1 1972 Volvo 1800ES Shooting Brake
Ever heard of the Volvo 1800/P1800? No? Well, how about its even more obscure and rare sibling, the 1800ES Shooting Brake. As the name would suggest, it's a wagon version of the standard P1800. Because of their rarity and uniqueness, their value has started to skyrocket.
A nice 1800 Shooting Brake will set you back anywhere between $10,000 to $25,000, with some coming closer to $40,000. Only time will tell whether that number keeps going up or not...