With the classic car market remaining healthy and the interest in Japanese sports cars being stronger than ever, thanks in part to film and TV, many once-affordable vehicles, like the Nissan GT-R, have seen huge value increases in recent years.
A quick skim through the classifieds and referring to Hagerty’s Online Valuation Tool will show potential buyers that many once overlooked or unloved models are now gaining attention as enthusiasts and collectors speculate on which cars will fall under the classic spotlight and rocket in value.
So here are five classic JDM cars that are now more expensive than ever and five that are still surprisingly cheap.
10 More Expensive Than Ever: Mazda RX2 ($92,000)
Originally based on the Mazda Capella platform, the RX-2/Cosmo had much sportier 'coke bottle' styling, rear-wheel-drive, and was powered by that most unusual of engines, the German-designed Wankel rotary.
Naturally aspirated, the 2.3 liter unit produced a respectable 130 hp, would rev eagerly around to 7,000 rpm whilst quick use of the 4 speed manual would see the little Mazda crack 60 mph in a mere 8.8 seconds.
9 Still Surprisingly Cheap: Subaru SVX ($5,300)
Known as the Alcyone in Japan, this space-aged Subaru featured unusual window-within-window side glass, all-wheel drive and was fitted with the companies’ signature Boxer engine, putting out a naturally aspirated 231 hp.
Only supplied with an automatic, the futuristic SVX would hit 60 mph in 7.3 seconds and, thanks to its all-wheel-drive setup, proved to be a highly capable all-weather, practical sports coupe for those seeking something different.
8 More Expensive Than Ever: Toyota 2000GT $589,000
A Halo model the Toyota 2000GT was produced in collaboration with Yamaha between 1967 and 1970 and has become known as Japans first Supercar. Power came from a specially tuned 2-liter straight six that put out 150 hp and 130 lb ft of torque.
With only 337 road going versions made, the Toyota 2000GT is highly sought after by collectors and rarely come up for sale. Even rarer is the Roadster version. Created specifically for the James Bond film You Only Live Twice, only 2 were ever made, with one selling in 2018 for $1.2 million.
7 Still Surprisingly Cheap: Toyota Celica GT $7,400
Often referred to as the Japanese Mustang by car enthusiasts, the Celica GT clearly resembled a scaled down version of the Pony car with its ‘Liftback’ rear end and some obvious muscle car inspired styling additions.
The 2.0-liter 18R twin-cam engine is a reliable unit making 128 hp in stock form and was fitted with a five speed manual as standard, strut-coil chassis and a five link rear, making it a big deal for a '70s era car.
6 More Expensive Than Ever: Nissan Fairlady Z 432R $800,000
By taking the 160 hp S20 engine from the Skyline GT-R and dropping it into the Fairlady Z body, the visionary engineers at Nissan created an instant legend, the mighty Fairlady Z432R.
With only 420 cars built, some being used for police use in Japan and the majority racing, it is believed only 19 road versions exist. One of the rarest Z cars ever made the Z432R takes its name from having 4 valves per cylinder, 3 carburetors and 2 camshafts.
5 Still Surprisingly Cheap: MK1 Toyota MR2 $9,600
Offering classic mid-engine sports car thrills on a shoestring budget, the first version of the Toyota MR2 comes with a keen to rev 1.6-liter 16-valve engine capable of 122 hp and a sub 8 second 0-60 mph time.
Mechanically reliable and solid, the biggest worry is either rust or poor modifications made by a previous owner. Superbly balanced, those seeking ultimate 80s thrills can seek out a supercharged version for a vastly increased performance boost.
4 More Expensive Than Ever: Nissan Skyline 2000 GT-R $131,000
Built within a short window from September 1972 to March 1973 the Skyline GT-R was a stunning two-door masterpiece that saw a meager 1113 coupe units manufactured thanks to the oil crisis and the public’s perception of costly to run performance cars.
Known as a true ‘Holy Grail’ collector vehicle, the 2000 GT-R features 4 wheel independent suspension and that high-revving S20 engine producing 160 hp and 130 lb ft of torque enabling a 7.3 second 0-60 mph time.
3 Still Surprisingly Cheap: Nissan 300ZX $11,000
Classed as a design icon, the Nissan 300ZX Twin Turbo offers blistering performance from its 3.0-liter V6 blown power plant, with a muscular 280 hp ensuring that 60 mph snaps by in under 6 seconds.
Able to weather high mileages with ease, the standard fir HICAS steering system and advanced suspension set-up allow for spirited driving, whilst T-tops ensure that the engine howl and turbo whistle are enjoyed fully.
2 More Expensive Than Ever: Toyota Corolla AE86 GTS $40,000
A rear-wheel-drive sport compact immortalized in the cult anime Initial-D, the AE86 GT-S packs 112 hp and 97 lb ft torque in a lightweight shell, making it an ideal drift car or unassuming street racing tofu delivery machine.
The all-aluminum 4A-GE engine, bearing a striking resemblance to a Cosworth BDA, would allow the Toyota to scramble to 60 mph in 8 seconds whilst the LSD, Macpherson suspension and keen steering allowed for superb handling.
1 Still Surprisingly Cheap: Mitsubishi Starion $9,300
One of the first Japanese sports cars to be offered with electronic fuel injection, the Mitsubishi Starion was available during its lifespan with both 2.0 liter and 2.6 liter turbocharged engines. Power ranged from 150 to 200 hp and made for scintillating performance.
Released in various specifications, the wide body versions released in 1985 are fast becoming a sought after classic and, with a sub 7 second 0-60 mph time, offer a great future collectible or platform for tuners to create something very special.