When it comes to investing in classic cars, not all models hold their value over time. Some once-iconic vehicles have seen their worth plummet, making them poor investments today. In this article, we highlight 20 classic cars that aren’t worth the money anymore. Whether you’re a collector or an enthusiast, it’s important to know which cars have lost their shine.
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1978 Ford Mustang II
The 1978 Ford Mustang II was a far cry from its predecessors, featuring a smaller, less powerful engine and a design that failed to capture the muscle car essence. Its 2.3L four-cylinder engine produced just 88 horsepower, and the car was plagued with quality control issues. Despite its Mustang badge, the Mustang II is widely regarded as one of the least desirable models in the line-up, making it a poor investment for classic car enthusiasts.
1980 Chevrolet Corvette
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The 1980 Chevrolet Corvette suffered from stringent emissions regulations, resulting in a significant drop in performance. Its 305-cubic-inch V8 engine produced only 180 horsepower, a far cry from the power and excitement that Corvettes were known for. The overall design and build quality also lagged, making this model less appealing to collectors and investors.
1985 Cadillac Cimarron
The 1985 Cadillac Cimarron was an attempt by Cadillac to enter the compact luxury market, but it failed miserably. Essentially a rebadged Chevrolet Cavalier, the Cimarron offered little in terms of luxury or performance. Its 2.8L V6 engine produced only 125 horsepower, and the car was criticized for its poor build quality and lackluster design. As a result, it holds little value in the classic car market.
1987 Pontiac Fiero
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The 1987 Pontiac Fiero was plagued by reliability issues and a lack of performance, despite its sporty appearance. The mid-engine design was innovative, but the car’s 2.8L V6 engine produced only 140 horsepower, and it was prone to engine fires and other mechanical problems. These issues have diminished its appeal and value among collectors.
1974 AMC Gremlin
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The 1974 AMC Gremlin was designed as a compact, economical car, but its quirky design and underwhelming performance have not aged well. Its 3.8L inline-six engine produced a mere 100 horsepower, and the car was often criticized for its poor build quality and lack of refinement. Today, the Gremlin is more of a curiosity than a valuable classic.
1982 DeLorean DMC-12
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The 1982 DeLorean DMC-12 is iconic thanks to its role in the “Back to the Future” movies, but as a car, it was a disappointment. Its 2.85L V6 engine produced only 130 horsepower, and the car suffered from reliability issues and a high price tag. The stainless steel body and gull-wing doors were unique, but they couldn’t compensate for its poor performance and build quality.
1981 Dodge Mirada
The 1981 Dodge Mirada was intended to be a luxury coupe but failed to deliver on performance and style. Its 5.2L V8 engine produced just 130 horsepower, and the car was criticized for its bland design and lack of innovation. The Mirada’s lack of desirability has resulted in low resale values, making it a poor investment.
1976 Triumph TR7
The 1976 Triumph TR7 was marred by its controversial “wedge” design and frequent mechanical issues. Its 2.0L inline-four engine produced 105 horsepower, but the car was notorious for electrical problems and rust issues. These factors have made the TR7 less appealing to collectors and have kept its value low.
1974 Ford Pinto
The 1974 Ford Pinto is infamous for its safety issues, particularly the poorly designed fuel tank that could explode in rear-end collisions. Its 2.3L four-cylinder engine produced just 88 horsepower, and the car’s overall build quality was subpar. The Pinto’s negative reputation has significantly diminished its value and appeal.
1980 Chevrolet Citation
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The 1980 Chevrolet Citation was one of GM’s first front-wheel-drive cars, but it was plagued by recalls and quality issues. Its 2.8L V6 engine produced 115 horsepower, but the car suffered from poor handling and frequent mechanical problems. The Citation’s reputation for unreliability has made it an undesirable classic.
1989 Chrysler TC by Maserati
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The 1989 Chrysler TC by Maserati was a collaboration between Chrysler and Maserati that failed to impress. Its 2.2L turbocharged engine produced 160 horsepower, but the car’s design was seen as uninspired, and it lacked the performance and luxury expected from a Maserati. The TC’s high price and lack of appeal have kept its value low.
1980 Mercury Bobcat
The 1980 Mercury Bobcat was essentially a rebadged Ford Pinto, inheriting all of its predecessor’s flaws. Its 2.3L four-cylinder engine produced just 88 horsepower, and the car was plagued by the same safety and reliability issues as the Pinto. As a result, the Bobcat is not a sought-after classic.
1975 Bricklin SV-1
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The 1975 Bricklin SV-1 was an ambitious project that failed due to poor build quality and high production costs. Its 5.9L V8 engine produced 175 horsepower, but the car was heavy and suffered from numerous mechanical issues. The SV-1’s unique gull-wing doors and safety features couldn’t save it from its poor reputation, making it a poor investment.
1980 Plymouth Volaré
The 1980 Plymouth Volaré was part of Chrysler’s attempt to compete in the compact car market, but it fell short. Its 3.7L inline-six engine produced 100 horsepower, and the car was known for its rust problems and mechanical issues. The Volaré’s lack of desirability has kept its value low among classic car enthusiasts.
1977 MG Midget
The 1977 MG Midget was a small British sports car that failed to live up to its name. Its 1.5L inline-four engine produced just 50 horsepower, and the car was plagued by reliability issues and poor build quality. The Midget’s limited performance and frequent mechanical problems have made it a less attractive option for collectors.
1988 Sterling 825
The 1988 Sterling 825 was a British attempt to enter the luxury car market in the U.S., but it failed due to poor reliability and build quality. Its 2.5L V6 engine produced 160 horsepower, but the car was known for electrical issues and frequent breakdowns. The Sterling 825’s reputation for unreliability has kept its value low.
1983 Renault Alliance
The 1983 Renault Alliance was a compact car built in partnership with AMC, but it failed to impress. Its 1.7L inline-four engine produced just 82 horsepower, and the car was criticized for its lackluster performance and poor build quality. The Alliance’s low resale value and limited appeal make it a poor investment.
1979 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme Diesel
The 1979 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme Diesel was part of GM’s push for diesel engines, but it was plagued by reliability issues. Its 5.7L V8 diesel engine produced just 105 horsepower and was known for frequent mechanical failures. The Cutlass Supreme Diesel’s poor performance and high maintenance costs have made it an undesirable classic.
1981 Fiat X1/9
The 1981 Fiat X1/9 was a mid-engine sports car that failed to deliver on performance and reliability. Its 1.5L inline-four engine produced just 85 horsepower, and the car was known for rust issues and frequent mechanical problems. The X1/9’s limited appeal and low resale value make it a poor investment.
1978 Lancia Beta
The 1978 Lancia Beta was an Italian sports car that suffered from serious rust problems and poor build quality. Its 2.0L inline-four engine produced 119 horsepower, but the car was notorious for its reliability issues. The Beta’s reputation for rust and frequent breakdowns has kept its value low.
This article originally appeared in MyCarMakesNoise.
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