It’s always a good day when you see a classic or rare car in person. That’s because it’s so uncommon, possibly due how expensive these vehicles have become. Some cars that were quite affordable a few years ago are now prohibitively expensive. With that said, these machines are only getting harder to find as time passes, so it’s no surprise that their value reflects it. Not to mention, it’s also easier than ever to buy a car, as online auctions have become quite popular in the automotive community, allowing a for a larger audience to discover and bid on cars.
However, some of these collectible machines now cost far more than they should. Sometimes, the automobile in question is a rare variant, such as a body style that was only available for one year. The issue is that other model years of the same vehicle are nearly as attractive yet are far cheaper because they’re slightly more common. In fact, many of these pricy trailer queens have reasonably priced alternatives that are far more appealing to anyone who wants to drive their impressive classic, rather than tow them to auctions. Otherwise, some models are highly desirable, regardless of rarity, but are often far too expensive to be bought for any reason other than as an investment. Besides, many of these cars won’t drive as well as their ridiculous value might suggest. If you want a reasonably priced collectible car, avoid these 20 overpriced machines.
20 Buick GNX
In 1978, Buick released the legendary turbocharged V6 Regal. While early examples weren’t too impressive, this design proved reasonably popular, culminating in the incredible Buick GNX, a murdered-out muscle car that could outrun its V8-powered competition without breaking a sweat. However, the GNX was effectively Buick’s farewell to the turbo Regal and only 547 examples were built. As a result, these turbo beasts can cost over $100k, with one example selling for $126,500 at a Barrett-Jackson auction earlier this year. In comparison, the Grand National, on which the GNX is based, is only a little less powerful, looks just as good, and can be found for under $40k.
19 Acura Integra Type R
Released in 1997, the Acura Integra Type R was a reasonably priced, compact performance coupe that showcased Honda’s VTEC engine technology, which allowed this Type R to rev to over 8,000 RPM.
While it's certainly one of the best cars Honda has sold in North America, nobody could’ve predicted how expensive Integra would become.
Five Integra Type Rs have sold for $40k or more on Bring a Trailer’s auctions, and many other examples sold for over $20k. Even considering that the Integra was an impressive performance car in its day, $40k is enough to buy a much newer and quicker car, including the new Civic Type R.
18 Chevrolet Bel Air
There are few cars that are as iconic as the Chevy Bel Air. It's become synonymous with classic American cars and is an unforgettable piece of Americana. Today, the most popular years for the Bel Air are the ’55 to ’57 cars, which can be had for between $30k to $80k. The value of any particular example depends on the year, engine, and body style, among other factors. The reason for its popularity is likely due to its styling, but there are other American cars from that period that also feature extravagant and distinctively 1950s styling while being cheaper and less common at car shows.
17 1993-2002 Toyota Supra
There are many reasons to like the final-generation Toyota Supra.
Whether it’s the timeless styling, the incredible 2JZ straight-six, or just because it looked cool in The Fast and The Furious, the Supra was destined to become a classic. Unfortunately, this caused the model to become unbelievably expensive over the years.
Finding a decent example that costs under $40k is challenging, but many have asking prices closer to $60k, and some get even more expensive. A pristine 1994 twin-turbo, automatic Supra was auctioned off on Bring a Trailer for a jaw-dropping $80,500. The Supra is a great car, but it’s simply not worth that much.
16 1968-1970 Dodge Charger
The Dodge Charger, particularly the ’68 to ’70 models, is one of the best-looking cars to ever star on the big screen. It’s sleek, sexy looks are unrivaled by any other muscle car, and its powerful engine choices can make it a tire-burning machine. When it comes to value, however, the classic Dodge Charger will generally yield ridiculous asking prices.
There aren't many ’68 to ’70 Chargers in decent, running condition for under $50k.
If that’s not expensive enough, clean examples can run closer to $70k, but the rarest and most desirable Chargers will far exceed the six-figure barrier.
15 Nissan Skyline GT-R R34
When it comes to iconic JDM machines, there’s nothing quite like the R34-generation Nissan Skyline GT-R. This Skyline GT-R has become a highly desired sports car, especially in America, where the model is generally illegal to purchase until 2024 due to the country’s import ban on cars that are less than 25 years old. Throughout the web, R34 Skylines generally sell for around $50k to $60k, and extremely rare, American-legal examples can cost up to $80k or more, according to Autotrader. Despite the strong market for the R34 GT-R, earlier R32 examples are far more affordable, legal to import into the USA, and still impressive and exclusive machines.
14 Volkswagen Bus
Volkswagen’s old air-cooled machines are classics that are recognized throughout the world for their reliability and their unique styling. Likely due to its friendly appearance, the Type 2, better known as 'the bus,' has become incredibly popular and valuable. Original models can have six-digit asking prices with certain body styles, such as the much sought-after 21-window. That’s a lot of money for an underpowered van from the ‘60s. In comparison, clean late-model examples can cost up to $30k, though they're less attractive. Similarly, other classic Volkswagens, such as the Beetle and the Thing, can be quite affordable yet are still just as iconic.
13 1963 Corvette
Given the nameplate’s long run, it’s hard to say which Corvette is the definitive model, but the 1963 version comes close. The first year of the new C2 generation, the ’63 Corvette, debuted its new striking appearance, featuring the iconic split-window design. However, Chevrolet removed this incredible detail after only one year. As a result, ‘63 split windows will easily surpass the $100k range in the right conditions. However, the other C2 Corvettes are every bit as good to drive and are still incredible looking while often costing significantly less. That strip of metal, attractive as it is, simply isn’t worth it.
12 Dodge Challenger Demon
Today’s muscle car sweetheart is the Dodge Challenger Demon. With 840 horsepower, this blocky American coupe is quicker through the quarter mile than some hypercars. It truly is an incredible machine, if a single-minded one. In some regards, it’s even a bargain with a base price of around $85k. However, good luck finding one for that price, as some dealerships list these satanic beasts for over $110k online. While the Demon is still a very quick car for that price, it’s a hard sell over the Hellcat, which can be found for under $75k, and it’s still blisteringly quick and far tamer on the road.
11 Jeep Grand Wagoneer
A rather perplexing addition to the collectible SUV market is the Jeep Grand Wagoneer. It’s hardly the most expensive car on this list, as clean examples can run over only $30k, but the Wagoneer isn't an ordinary collectible car. It’s neither particularly luxurious, capable off-road, nor rare. It’s not even that old, as its final production year was 1991. This big Jeep simply runs counter to most classics. It’s also strange to say that an ‘80s Jeep can be worth more than a new one. For comparison, Chevy Suburbans from the same period can be found for only a few thousand dollars.
10 Land Rover Defender NAS
In many parts of the world, the Land Rover Defender is a popular workhorse. Given how these off-roaders have been frequently used and abused over their long production run, Defenders are generally not worth too much. However, the American models, frequently designated 'NAS,' are something different.
Only offered in North America from 1993 to 1997, the NAS Defenders didn’t sell in big numbers and offered unique equipment. Unsurprisingly, they can get quite expensive.
Two-door 90 models can cost over $70k, and the rarer, four-door 110 Defenders can surpass the six-figure barrier. Ironically, imported examples usually cost far less in the US than the models built for the market.
9 Porsche 911
Porsche enthusiasts can be some of the most dedicated automotive fans in the world. This group usually has a strong draw towards the classic air-cooled 911s. Given that these rear-engine German sports cars were quite exclusive when they were new, it’s unsurprising that they remain quite costly as classics. Despite the styling remaining largely the same until 1998, these unique sports cars will vary greatly in price, as it depends on the year and model. Just don’t expect to pay much less than $40k for a nice 911. If you’re looking for later air-cooled examples, particularly a turbocharged model, you may be looking at a six-figure bill.
8 Shelby Cobra
There are few cars as legendary as the Shelby Cobra. Carroll Shelby crammed a huge Ford V8 in this small British roadster, giving it unparalleled performance. No other automaker sold anything quite like the Cobra, making this beast rather unique.
This means that a prospective buyer may have to be willing to drop over one million dollars on a genuine, original Cobra.
The biggest drawback, at least to those who want to actually drive their car, is that many kit car Cobras exist, all of which cost a fraction of the original car’s value while offering a similarly exhilarating driving experience.
7 Hummer H1
The Hummer H1 was a luxury off-roader that was based on a rough military truck. While it was quite capable on the trail, its uncomfortable four-seat arrangement made it a rather poor road vehicle. However, it's unique styling, off-road performance, and military underpinnings are enough to justify any cost to the right buyers, leading to some ridiculous asking prices. Don’t plan to pay less than $50k for one of these trucks. However, the nicest examples, particularly low-mileage H1 Alphas, can cost well over $120k. Given how impractical and expensive this 12-year-old truck is, it makes far more sense to spend that money on a brand-new Mercedes G-Wagon.
6 Ford Mustang Mach 1
There's no American car that’s more well-known and highly regarded than the Ford Mustang. Despite frequently being referred to as a muscle car, early examples weren’t as performance oriented as its competitors. The Mach 1 was an attempt to give Ford’s pony some extra performance or perhaps, just the appearance of it. Under the hood was generally the fairly average 351 small-block V8 or a 302 in ’71 to ’73 models. Those latter models were also considerably larger and less attractive than the originals. Usually costing around $30k, your money would be better spent on a more iconic and better-looking original Mustang.
5 DeLorean DMC-12
The DeLorean is one of the most unique cars ever built. Its mid-engine design, unpainted stainless-steel body, and gull-wing doors make it stand out more than any million-dollar supercar can. It doesn’t hurt that it starred in Back to the Future either.
Given that these are usually priced between $30k and $50k, it may sound like a good deal, but that’s overlooking one important aspect of this bizarre vehicle. While it certainly has sports car looks, it can’t back them up.
Mounted behind the driver was a lethargic 2.8-liter V6, which put out 130 horsepower. That’s not a lot for a compact hatchback, let alone a mid-engine sports car.
4 Tesla Roadster
Despite the company’s recent controversies, Tesla remains a popular and trendy electric car company, and it all started with the Tesla Roadster. Based on the Lotus Elise, the Roadster was a tiny electric sports car that brought electric power to the attention of the automotive world. It was quick, with Car and Driver recording a zero-to-60 time of 4.4 seconds. Today, these Roadsters average around $60k, with some going far north of that price. For that money, one could buy a new Tesla Model S, which starts at about $63k after savings, according to Tesla’s website, and it’s quicker, too.
3 Acura NSX
The mid-engine layout is rarely available on cars that fall under the six-figure mark, but Honda decided to make a somewhat affordable supercar killer. Surprisingly, the company was successful, building the highly regarded NSX, which was sold under the Acura brand in North America. Even without ludicrous power or straight-line speed, this Honda could run with real supercars. It’s not hard to find early examples reasonably priced under $60k. However, newer models, particularly facelifted cars built from 2002 onward, can be shockingly expensive, with some having asking prices in excess of $100k. There are real used supercars available for that sort of money.
2 1959 Cadillac
The 1959 Cadillac is the definitive Cadillac. It’s the model that comes to mind whenever anyone pictures the brand in his or her head. This land yacht is easily recognizable due to its gigantic rear fins, which make it one of America’s most beautiful and iconic cars. However, this incredible luxury barge can get quite expensive, with some less desirable body styles and trims falling at around the $30k range and more popular examples costing around $50k. The ultimate Eldorado Biarritz convertible, however, can go for well over $100k. While the lower-end models may seem quite affordable, nice examples of the following model years, including convertibles, can be had for under $40k.
1 Plymouth Prowler
The hot-rod-inspired Plymouth and Chrysler Prowler frequently receives hate for perceived subpar performance and divisive styling. However, it wasn’t all that slow when it was new, as its 214-horsepower, later 253-horsepower, V6 was respectable. Even though the seven-second zero-to-60 time Car and Driver recorded with an early example sounds painfully slow today, that was once acceptable. It was even lightweight, coming in at just over 2,800 pounds. However, priced around $30k and sometimes more, that performance becomes unbearable in 2018. Real hot rods with V8 power and comfortable interiors are available for that kind of money.
Sources: Autotrader, Hemmings, Barrett-Jackson, Car and Driver