When you hear the term “collectible cars,” what does that mean? If you’re a long-term investor, you might define it differently from someone who wants to make one right choice.
Plus, your budget matters. In 2018, for example, a 1963 Ferrari went for a cool $70 million. Why so much? Fewer than 40 of these beauties were built. This car won the Tour de France race in 1964 and placed fourth in Le Mans. Because this particular race car was never involved in a crash, its silver and yellow paint remains unmarred.
Now, there aren’t many people who intend to spend that much. To help you find your ideal investments, here are vehicles that experts recommend as hot collectibles.
1996-2002 Dodge Viper GTS
According to Forbes.com, this car is one of the hottest collectible cars in 2020, a model to buy and hold onto. They call the Dodge Viper GTS “One of the most outrageous domestic sports cars ever built,” thanks to its V10 and “heavy-handed muscular styling.” A 1997 model is currently going, on average, for $47,800-$55,900—and, if Forbes’ prediction is accurate, this number will more likely go up than down.
When the 1997 version debuted, Motor Trends said the following: that it provides “pure, unvarnished, wet-your-pants performance.” They also noted that, if you peek under the hood, “‘civility’ will be the last thing on your mind.”
1999-2005 Ferrari 360 Spider
Forbes also includes the Ferrari 360 Spider in their list of hot collectible cars. Interestingly enough, as this car edges towards becoming vintage, it’s been labeled as a collectible, rather than an exotic, including by at least one insurance company. (FYI: here’s our post on affordable exotic cars, if that’s more your thing.)
The reality is that Ferraris aren’t cheap but, if you’re looking to make a significant investment, a 2002 model can be bought in the range of $82,200-$89,600.
And here’s one more quote from Motor Trend, this time when the 2000 Ferrari 360 Spider model came out. “Sight, smell, touch, sound, and taste—those are the senses we have at our disposal, at least so far. Trust me, driving Ferrari’s new 180-mph hair dryer will overload the first four.”
1972–75 BMW 3.0CSL
Meanwhile, in 2019, Hagerty dubbed the BMW 3.0CSL as the car to celebrate—and invest in. This is the vehicle that catapulted BMW into the motorsport world, with design elements then copied by other designers over the years. Rarity adds to its value, with 1,265 3.0 CSLs manufactured. Plus, because—officially, at least—none of these stunners were imported into the United States, it can quite challenging for someone in America to get their hands on one.
By 1973, this vehicle earned the nickname of Batmobile—remember that show?—because of its incredible speed. In that year, the Batmobile won the European Touring Car Championship, also winning the title in 1975. (This is also the car that won in 1976-1979, years going past those that are being recommended as the hottest collectible cars.)
You’ll need some bucks in your pocket, with the 1973 model having prices between $218,500-$264,700.
1997-2004 Porsche Boxster
This is also a recommendation by Hagerty, as they note how a contemporary journalist called this car “so much fun that it’s gotta be a sin.” Demand was so high for these vehicles that Porsche put their plans on hold for the S model because assembly lines were already maxing out.
Here’s the good news for investors who aren’t planning to pay six figures for a car. A 2003 model can be typically be found from anywhere between $13,800 and $17,200—giving you all the thrill of a serious investment at a more affordable price.
Protecting Collectible Cars
So, whether you’ve been able to snag one of these treasures or have other collectibles to cherish, they’ll need treated with kid gloves.
Some people love to drive their collectibles, feeling as though that’s a big part of the enjoyment. Others? Well, they’d be horrified by the thought of taking a precious classic on the road. If you drive yours, it makes sense to be super aware of the environment to prevent even a fender bender. It’s best to avoid wet roads that can cause rust (cars in the past weren’t coated by protective electrolysis), as well as salted winter roads that are practically an invitation to corrosion.
Find a mechanic you trust and have the maintenance done on time. If you can find one who knows how to regularly clean collectible cars with extreme care, so much the better. Also, store them appropriately.
Here’s something else that can help you to maintain your vehicle’s value: low mileage.
Rail Ryder System
Whenever you need to transport your collectible car, it just makes sense to use custom enclosed car trailers that allow you to protect your investment on the road while keeping the mileage down. And, when it’s time to load your vehicle onto your collectible/exotic car trailer, it’s crucial to avoid scratching and denting your beautiful investment.
This is where the Rail Ryder system comes in. This trailer track system allows you to load your car onto the trailer without needing to drive it in (which means you won’t need to climb out of the car’s window, ever again!). Here are helpful videos about the trailer rail system. Questions about the custom enclosed trailer for sale? Contact us online or request a quote!
