Inflation has increased prices on just about everything, and this holds true for quite a few collector cars. In fact, a 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe sold for $143,000,000 in 2022! The collector cars gaining the most value in 2023 might surprise you, as they have historically possessed a mid-range value.
Which collector cars should you buy right now so that you can max out their value within the year? Here are five collector cars that might make for some solid investments as their value is expected to increase a lot in 2023.
Before we delve into which cars make this list, it is important to know that these cars range in style. Some are known for being historically affordable vehicles while others are much more show-y. They truly make for a unique line-up of strong investment opportunities for classic car collectors.
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1985-1997 Bentley Turbo R
First up is the Bently Turbo R, ranging in years from 1985 to 1997. The Turbo R was originally launched onto the market in 1985, and its turbocharged 6.75-liter V8 engine helped set it apart from its top rivals by delivering an astounding 328 horsepower.
The Turbo R has recently experienced a boost in popularity, so within the next one or two years, it could sell for a lot more than its current $13,500 ‘good condition’ value. It has been slower to rise in value than other collector cars, but that could change soon.
1990-2001 Lamborghini Diablo
The Lamborghini Diablo hails from the 1990s and has some truly distinctive styling choices. This super-cool supercar houses an immensely powerful V12 engine and was made to be a head-turner with its upward opening doors and low profile.
As far as 90s supercars go, it is priced relatively low at about $165,000. Compared to the Ferrari F40, this is affordable. However, there has been renewed interest in the Diablo from the Gen X crowd, so the Diablo’s value could easily rise quite steeply.
1989-2001 Mercedes-Benz SL R129
High quality and high class meet in the Mercedes-Benz SL R129. Outfitted with a retractable roll bar, the SL R129 was innovative for its focus on safety features. A slew of V6 and V8 engines came on the R129, and a V12 was eventually added to the line-up.
Collectors are starting to eye the R129. A R129 in excellent condition costs about $23,645. Nicer models are showing up at auctions, and this trend is expected to continue into 2023.
2000-2010 Lotus Elise S2
The Lotus Elise originally experienced a good deal of success after it was launched in the 1990s, and it endured three generations until production halted in 2021. The second-generation Lotus Elise is technically not yet a classic, but the S2 was a much-improved model to its successor. The 1.8-liter Toyota VVT engine and more engaging performance dynamics made the S2 a lot more fun to drive.
Buyers of this British sports car will be spending about £20,000 ($24,291.35 USD) in early 2023… in Britain. Stateside, however, the price is quadruple the British price tag. Globally, the Lotus Elise S2’s price tag is expected to rise as Lotus switches over to manufacturing all-electric vehicles.
1962-1980 Triumph Spitfire
Meant to rival the MG Midget and Austin-Healey Sprite, Triumph released the first Spitfire all the way back in 1962 to considerable success. All these years later, this little two-seat roadster can still be found for purchase, along with parts listed in good condition.
Given that 320,000 models sold throughout the world from 1962-1980, finding one should be a breeze for those wanting a cool DIY project. The Spitfire’s value has historically been consistent enough, but over the last two years, the Spitfire’s value has risen approximately 27 percent. Their average cost is now $33,000, according to Hagerty.
Which One Will You Buy?
All five of these collector cars are good investments, and they are relatively easy to find on the market. If you have the time, think about buying a fixer-upper for cheap and giving it the TLC it needs. The payout in terms of value might end up being immense within the next year or so.
