Classic cars have always been favorites among car enthusiasts for historical interests and their collectible appeal worth restoring or preserving. Over the years, automotive companies have built great cars that have managed to withstand the test of time. Some of these cars gain tremendous value over time, while others disappear into thin air and get forgotten completely for several reasons.
The challenge in buying a classic then becomes predicting which cars would rise in value and which ones are going down; these predictions help buyers and collectors to determine whether a car is worth of investment or not. Luckily for enthusiasts, insurance companies conduct thorough surveys to predict the future value of a vehicle for insurance valuation. This data is crucial for buyers that view classic cars as worth investments. Here is a list of classic cars and modern classics that would be worth investing in for 2021.
9 Aston Martin DB7
Based upon an aborted Jaguar F Type project, Aston Martin marketed the DB7 grand tourer as the new affordable DB4 to attract a broader market. Available as either a two-door convertible or a coupe, the DB7 was the highest-produced Aston Martin model ever.
With a 3.2-liter AJ6 supercharged inline-six engine, this Aston Martin generates 335bhp at 5500rpm and peaks a torque of 361lb-ft at 3000rpm. According to Hagerty, the DB7 is set to recover from its recent financial slump, especially when the latest James Bond film comes out.
8 Land Rover Discovery Series 1
The Discovery Series I model is unique for copying the expensive upmarket Range Rover, utilizing the same suspension, four-wheel-drive system, chassis, and derivative body design. Land Rover designed this model as a daily driver family car with full off-road capabilities, a first for the marque. The Series I is available in three-door and five-door variants, fitted with five seats and a two-jump seat option.
This model boasts fabulous upholstery trims, twin-removable sunroof panels, dashboard air vents, air conditioning, heater, rear passenger handholds, and remote radio controls. Its prices have risen over recent months, making it a good investment for this year.
7 Mini Cooper
British Motor Corporation built the Mini Cooper as a small economy car with a revolutionary design. With its space-saving front-wheel-drive and transverse engine layout, the Mini is a favorite for allowing 80-percent of its floor plan for passengers and luggage. The 1971 model is unique for its winding windows, heater system, rubber cone suspension, and larger doors with concealed hinges.
Following an announcement by the company head that the next generation smaller-stature Mini Hatch will be produced, these vintage models may attract considerable universal love. The 60th anniversary of the Mini's launch is coming up, and many insurance companies believe its value will go up despite a price stagnation between 2019 and 2020.
6 Toyota MR2 Mk3
For the MR2 MK3 model, Toyota opted to revert to the previous MK 1 model's basic lightweight formula. Marketed as the MR2 Spyder in the US, this model no longer rocked a standard hardtop roof or air-con. Boasting an all-aluminum 1.8-liter 16-valve DOHC VVTi normally-aspirated engine, the MR2 has an output of 140bhp and a peak torque of 127lb-ft.
Although the MR2 got criticized for its lack of luggage space, it is a tempting model with excellent handling, beautiful sports car aesthetics, and a contemporary Japanese model's reliability standards. Despite its qualities, this Toyota remains in the shadows of the classic car market. For this reason, the MR2 is exceptionally undervalued, making it a good bargain.
5 Ferrari 328
Considered one of the most functional and reliable Ferrari models ever, the 328 boasts a 90-degree transversely mid-mounted conventionally aspirated V8 Dino engine. This final evolution transverse engine popularized the 328 since its rear-wheel-drive, and rear-mid layout saves space. Maintenance is also easy because the engine is easily accessible without lowering it from the vehicle.
The car features an improved suspension, convex wheels, and a revolutionary anti-lock braking system fitted to its ventilated disc brakes. Considered one of the last analog Ferrari models, its sales dropped considerably between 2016 and 2019. However, insurance companies speculate that this model's desire will rise soon, and its value will subsequently increase within the year.
4 Jaguar Mark II
Built between 1959 and 1967, the Mark II encapsulates British elegance with its familiar Jaguar D-shape above the back door. Boasting an exquisite radiator grille, enlarged side windows, a heating system, wide windscreen, and large repositioned tail and fog lamps, this iconic model was available in three engine variants.
The advanced 2.4, 3.4, and 3.8-liter inline-six Jaguar XK6 engines are all paired to an overdrive transmission with an optional automatic. With its reputation as a car of choice for many British gangsters, Jaguar built 83,976 Mark II units. However, its prices remained steady over recent years until its value rocketed by more than a quarter in 2020. This increase makes this car a hot investment for 2021.
3 Ferrari Testarossa
Built to succeed the Ferrari Berlinetta Boxer, the mid-engine Testarossa is one of Ferrari's most mass-produced models. With over 10,000 units built, including revised variations, Ferrari built this model to fix previous models' problems. The Testarossa is big enough to increase headroom, storage space and prevent increasing cabin heat.
The Testarossa boasts a 180-degree naturally aspirated longitudinally-mounted DOHC flat-12 Ferrari engine that generates 385bhp at 6300bhp and peaks a torque of 361lb-ft at 4500rpm. Considered one of the most memorable vehicles of the 1980s, the car featured on the cover of Road&Track magazine nine times within five years. Despite its cyclical price valuation, this model is still a good investment.
2 Porsche 944 Series 2
Porsche built the 944 based on the 924 GTP platform, incorporating the same technology equipped in the racing model. Introduced in 1989, the Series 2 boasts a naturally aspirated 3.0-liter 16-valve DOHC V8 engine. This engine was the largest production 4-cylinder of its time and had an impressive 208bhp output.
The car features an optional Club Sport touring package, ABS, dual air-bags, and limited-slip differential. A Cabriolet version debuted later in 1989, making it the first Porsche 944 to feature a convertible body style. After an initial price soar in 2016, the Series 2's prices have been rising steadily. With many people willing to pay over the odds, this model's value and demand are bound to increase in the course of the year.
1 Renault 5 GT Turbo
Renault introduced the GT Turbo hot hatch version in 1985, featuring a modified 1.4-liter eight-valve four-cylinder Cleon engine. The engine is equipped with an air-cooled Garrett T2 turbocharger, allowing it to generate a maximum of 113bhp. Boasting a weight of 1874lb, the GT Turbo accelerates from 0-60mph in 7.5 seconds.
Compared to the standard Renault 5, the Turbo version features blocky plastic side skirts, lowered suspensions, an oil cooler, and faster steering. Over the last year, the GT Turbo’s price increased by an average of 39 percent, and insurance companies project a continued rise in value for the coming year.