Very few cars roll off the showroom floor and rise in value. For the vast majority, depreciation is a part of life. The cars that buck this trend are the classics. Vehicles that captivate a gearhead's heart and mind. The vehicles that bring back memories or were lusted after since youth. But, some of these examples aren't as immediately obvious as say, a highly-prized Ford Capri RS3100.
Not all these cherished vehicles started off life as fan favorites. For some, they were outright flops. Much like the Ford Edsel. And it is the passing of time that has given them cult status. They are often cars that had sunk to almost throwaway values. But, whether it be down to rarity or exclusivity, they have risen from the rust pile to new heights.
Famed for being a nation of gearheads, Britain has seen a sharp increase in classic car values. This has elevated several once-worthless cars into the financial stratosphere. With top examples pulling in big bucks, thanks to the recent boom. Here are 10 British cars that were worthless a decade ago (but they're worth a fortune today).
10 The Jaguar XJS (Up To $75,000)
The Jaguar XJS had a tough job from the outset. With big Jaguar E-Type shoes to fill, it failed to impress as much as its predecessor. Powered by a 5.3-liter V12, it delivered upwards of 270hp depending on specification. Performance was brisk, rather than outright fast.
Used values for the Jaguar XJS plummeted to below $5,000. No one wanted a gas-guzzling, mechanically complex Jaguar. Once offering average performance, now considered something of a chic classic, prices have skyrocketed. The Jaguar XJS has finally come of age.
9 The MK5 Ford Escort RS2000 (Up To $35,000)
Classic Fords tend to bring a lot of attention, especially those with an RS badge on the rear. But, the MK5 Ford Escort RS2000 never garnered the cult following of its historic siblings. It offered weak performance when compared to cheaper rivals. It was decidedly average.
Overlooked by those more interested in speed, the MK5 Escort RS2000 languished in the cheap seats. Still part of the RS family, interest has grown in the model. The 4X4 version is particularly sought after. Making 150hp from its 2.0-liter engine, it will hit 60mph in 8 seconds.
8 The MG RV8 (Up To $60,000)
Built as an ode to the MGs of old, the RV8 packed plenty of fan appeal. A factory-built restomod powered by a 3.9-liter V8. Output was modest at 187hp and 231lb/ft of torque. MG RV8 acceleration was rather impressive, hitting 60mph in as little as 6.9 seconds.
Something of a rarity, interest has always been strong in the MG RV8. The latest boom in modern classic ownership has seen the MG RV8 become an iconic car, blending old-world appeal with more recent technologies. The best examples are getting very pricey as a result.
7 The Rover Coupe 220 Turbo (Up To $18,000)
At a time when Rover was more renowned for producing boring cars, the 2-Series coupe appeared. A svelte coupe rocking Targa roof panels, it could also be specified with a turbo. That meant 197hp from a 2.0-liter engine, adding up to a 0-60mphg time of 6.1 seconds.
Despite being very fast, the Rover 220 Turbo was not particularly reliable. It was also prone to rust. Many examples were subjected to a thrashing and then sold as scrap. This makes the Rover 220 Coupe Turbo a very rare find. And now, it's quite a valuable vehicular commodity.
6 The Morris Minor (Up To $35,000)
The humble Morris Minor has an enormous fan base. It's a fitting rival to the Volkswagen Beetle for its kooky appeal. Affectionately called the Moggy, they come in an enormous array of styles with a plethora of engines. This is no speed machine, but more of a shuffling companion.
Many have been butchered over the years. Taken apart and converted into Rat Rods, street sleepers, or simply parted out. Original cars are getting harder to find. This means prices for those specific time-capsule vehicles have shot up. Keep it original, and cash in.
5 The Vauxhall Carlton GSi 3000 (Up To $25,000)
Having always played second fiddle to the mighty Lotus Carlton, the GSi 3000 has its charms. An executive barge boasting a 3.0-liter 24-valve engine pumping out 204 hp. That was a lot of power for the time in the UK. Given a prod, it would launch to 60mph in 7.4 seconds.
A favored tool by the British Police, it was a great highway hauler. Many clocked up huge mileage and were relegated to the scrapyards. A hard-to-find sedan, the Carlton GSi 3000 is not a much hunted-down classic. Finding a tidy, rot-free example is tough, but it's worth it.
4 The Austin Metro Turbo (Up To $30,000)
The Austin Metro was introduced as a more modern Mini. It offered better accommodation, a nicer interior, and more modern engines. They were also loved by beginner drivers and the elderly. Cheap to buy, cheap to run, and even cheaper to maintain. Metros were boring.
The Metro Turbo, however, was a wild child. A big turbocharger was strapped to a 1.3-liter engine to make 95hp. It would scamper to 60mph in 8.8 seconds. It was never a popular hot hatch due to the image, which is why getting hold of one today will cost a pretty penny.
3 The Reliant Regal (Up To $15,000)
Three-wheeled Reliant cars are British icons. Dreadful to look at and dreadful to drive, they have become a much-loved institution. Created to offer budget motoring to the masses, they are as inspiring as a plain white loaf of bread. But, they do have a certain appeal.
Elevated to super-stardom thanks to a certain comedy show, the Reliant Regal is instantly recognizable. Unloved and unwanted by most thanks to its looks and dire performance, many were crushed. So, tracking down a looked-after offering has become increasingly difficult.
2 The Triumph Spitfire 1500 (Up To $38,000)
The Triumph Spitfire 1500 offered a great starting point for classic car enthusiasts. It was a cheap purchase, and renovated on a tight budget. It was quite slow though. The underpowered 1.5-liter engine generated 53hp, resulting in a tardy 16-second 0-60mph stroll.
Often sourced as a gateway classic, the Triumph Spitfire 1500 is fast becoming a cherished vehicle. It offers that quintessential British motoring experience. Slow, prone to breakdowns, and requires regular maintenance. They do look fantastic and are a collectible classic.
1 The Jensen Interceptor (Up To $125,000)
The general British public missed out on muscle cars, but for the elite wealthy few, the Jensen Interceptor was on offer. At its heart lay a selection of brawny American iron V8s that put out over 300hp and made an incredible noise. Mated with British styling, it was fantastic.
But, like most big-engined cars in the UK, used prices tumbled. There was a lack of interest in the model during the nineties, and they could be bought for peanuts. Having now re-found its feet, the Jensen Interceptor makes for an interesting classic. One with a deep voice.