Classic cars are currently finding a strong market among vintage collectors, car enthusiasts, and long-term investors. These classic cars are not only valued for their antiquity and rarity; they’ve also earned their value by playing a great part in the history of the automotive industry.

Which cars appreciate in value?

Specific models and makes are skyrocketing in prices and if you’re set on making a serious buck not just in Australia but anywhere in the world, we've listed down some models you should consider investing in.

Vintage and collector cars for sale in Australia

Vintage and collector cars are vehicles with historical significance. They’re sought-after because of what they’ve contributed to thelandscape of car design. They’ve introduced new technologies ormassively improved the driving experience for consumers.

Popular vintage and collector cars:

Porsche 911

This classic car produced from 1965 to 1973 was iconic at the time because of its “small bumper” build. It was one of the fastest racing cars during its era and was the entry point for many to club-level racing. Today, it sells for over $250,000 and can still go up in value as it becomes rarer. The Porsche 911 used to be the cheapest way to get into racing, but now sports one of the highest price tags for classic cars.

Aston Martin

An Aston Martin can fetch up to $1 million in resale price. Vehicles made from the 1960s to the 1970s are the most coveted among collectors and investors. Models to watch out for include the Aston Martin DB4 (1958 to 1963), DB5 (1963-1965), and DB6 (1965-1970). Only 4,000 of these classic cars combined were sold around the world since they were first manufactured, making them such a hot commodity today.

Mercedes-Benz

The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Coupé and Roadster (1952-1963) are selling for over $1 million in today’s market. Meanwhile, the 1969 Mercedes-Benz 280 SL Pagoda and the 190 SL (1955-1963) are steadily increasing in value making them a great investment.

Modern classic cars

Modern classic cars are vehicles from the late 1980s to the early 2000s. Sometimes, cars manufactured in the mid-2000s are included as well depending on who you’re talking to. These modern classic cars may not have the rich history vintage and classic cars have, but they have great potential in the years to come.

Popular modern classic cars:

Nissan R34 Skyline GT-R

Manufactured from 1998 to 2002, the R34 Skyline GT-R was known as “Godzilla” for its powerful, all-wheel drive performance. It could provide speeds of up to 493 horsepowerdepending on thevariant.It was equipped with a six-speed manual, four-wheel drive, and active rear LSD. The R34 was heralded as the turning point for today’s supercars. Is it any surprise that this car can garner up to $525,000?

BMW E30 M3

What made the BMW E30 M3 stand out was its body style straying from the standard E30 S3 Series. This iconic look makes it even more valuable now. This car was equipped with the BMW S14 inline-four engine and a five-speed manual gearbox. Depending on where these cars were sold, you can get an engine with or without a catalytic converter. On average, the price of a BMW E30 M3 could be upwards of $70,000.

Mazda MX-5

When Mazda launched the MX-5, it was an instant classic as consumers were clamouring for a more affordable roadster. The MX-5 was a low-cost, lightweight sports car that was not only popular but delivered top-notch performance. To top it all off, it had an iconic look and design that made it instantly recognisable. Today, the classic MX-5 is outpricing the newest MX-5 at online sales and auctions.

Future Holden collectibles

Holden spearheaded Australia’s modern auto industry with the first Australian-built car. In 2016, General Motors, Holden’s parent company,announced that it was stopping local manufacturing and discontinuing the Holden brand in Australia and New Zealand. The news spiked Holden car values, especially for limited edition and high-performance models.

Popular future Holden collectibles:

Holden GTS

The last iteration of this high-powered sports car was built in 2017 with the HSV GTS-R W1. Already, the Holden GTS and its many iterations are being considered up-and-coming classics because of their incredible engineering and performance. Today, a GTS model could sell for up to $150,000.

Holden ClubSport

Holden ClubSports have been manufactured since 1990 until 2017. It’s still a bit too early to call these cars a classic, but they are steadily headed in that direction. Like older Holden cars like the Torana and Monaro, the Holden Clubsport will increase in value over time. They’re part of the Holden Special Vehicles line which only adds to their draw.

What affects car values in Australia?

When buying or selling classic cars in Australia, remember that their value could appreciate or depreciate given certain factors which include:

Rarity and availability

The rarer a vehicle is, the more valuable it is on the market. Likewise, if a car is easily available then its value will reflect that. If a car was a limited edition, has unique features, or other special characteristics, then its value appreciation can be higher through the years.

Condition

A classic car in good condition is going to sell for a higher amount compared to one that isn’t well-maintained. The closer a car is to its original stock condition, the more value you can get for it. If a car has been modified or upgraded, then it might decrease in value because it’s no longer totally authentic. Also, classic cars with early production numbers usually have a higher value.

Historical significance

A classic car that pioneered new technology or raised the bar for other cars will be worth more as time goes on. A vehicle’s historical significance is an important attribute that many car collectors, enthusiasts, and investors look at before buying a classic car. If a car has a history of winning racing competitions, that works well in its favour as well.

Previous owners

Aside from a car’s attributes and its place in history, another factor that can boost a classic car’s value is who its previous owners were. Cars owned by famous motorsport drivers, celebrities, or celebrated personalities will likely have a higher value.

Read Also: Popular & Iconic Classic Cars To Spice Up Your Life

What do youneed to do before investing in a classic car?

Before you start searching for classic cars in Australia for sale, make sure you do your due diligence. Follow these tips to ensure your classic car investment is worthwhile:

Do your market research

Get the pulse of the market to see how you can better maximise profit from your investment. Look up the different classic cars on the market and figure out which ones best suit your investment goals.

Check the car thoroughly

Before you invest in a classic car, do a test drive first and inspect it thoroughly. The problem with classic cars is that they’re old. That means they could have underlying issues related to age that might hurt your investment. Have the car professionally inspected and review the maintenance records to ensure the car’s quality.

Get a good low rate classic car loan

Your investment is only as good as your loan—so make sure you get a stellar one. Shop around and compare rates from different lenders. Ensure that the loan terms available suit your financial situation and investment goals. Talk to lenders and discuss your investment goals so you can find the best loan.

Achieve your investment goals sooner with a low rate classic car loan. At Aussie Car Loans, we can help you find the best classic car loan available at the best rates possible. Our experienced brokers are here to make the loan process easier and more streamlined. Call 1300 889 669 or apply online!

FAQs

What is the current market trend for classic car investments in Australia?

In recent years, the classic car market has been booming with some investors seeing massive returns on their investment. Although the sales of classic cars were impacted by the pandemic, sales are ramping back up at auctions and online.

What are some tips for first-time classic car investors in Australia?

First-time classic car investors must be abreast with the latest trends in the classic car market. Network with car collectors and join classic car clubs so you have a better idea of what’s going on and what cars are in demand. Above all, ensure that you’re well-researched and have the funds to cover your investment.

How do I find reputable dealers and sellers of classic cars in Australia?

You can go online to find reputable classic car dealerships or talk to fellow investors and car enthusiasts to find trustworthy classic car sellers.

What are some factors to consider when determining the potential appreciation of a classic car in Australia?

Factors that affect a classic car’s value include:

  • Historical significance
  • Condition
  • Rarity and availability
  • Documentation
  • Previous owners