Garage Gold: The Collector Cars Ready to Cash In (and Out) in 2025.
@Hagerty Announces 2025 Bull Market List: 11 Collector Cars Poised to Gain Value in 2025.
Vroom with a View: Hagerty’s Picks for Future Auto Royalty
Every collector car tells a story, but according to Hagerty’s latest Bull Market list, some of these tales are about to get much more expensive. These 11 vehicles—from the angular allure of the DeLorean DMC-12 to the unapologetic swagger of the Dodge Magnum SRT-8—are poised to appreciate in both sentimental and financial value. But let’s look under the hood: is this a celebration of motoring nostalgia or a shrewd commodification of automotive history?
Hagerty frames the 2025 picks as a mix of affordability and potential, targeting a new wave of collectors: Millennials and Gen Z. Cars like the Honda Prelude (1997–2001) and the Mini Cooper S (2002–2006) resonate with younger enthusiasts for their accessibility and retro charm. Meanwhile, heavy hitters like the Jaguar E-Type Series I Coupe (1961–1964) and Lamborghini Gallardo 6-Speed (2003–2013) cater to those with deeper pockets and a taste for high-octane history.
But are these vehicles truly undervalued gems, or are they benefiting from a hype-driven market eager to cash in on generational nostalgia? The DeLorean DMC-12, for instance, owes much of its allure to pop culture rather than its driving prowess. With prices climbing 73% since 2019, it’s less about 88 mph thrills and more about Back to the Future dreams. Similarly, the Dodge Magnum SRT-8 has found a second life as a cult classic, but one wonders if its brash appeal can sustain long-term collectibility.
Interestingly, the list also highlights how tastes are shifting. The average model year has crept into the early 2000s, with cars like the Mercedes-Benz G500 (2002–2008) bridging the gap between rugged utility and aspirational luxury. It’s a clear signal that the collector market is embracing vehicles from an era defined by tech innovation and globalized design—a far cry from the chrome-drenched classics of yesteryear.
Yet, there’s a certain irony here. Hagerty’s narrative is about making collector cars accessible, but the reality is that even “entry-level” models on this list, like the Volvo P1800 ($44,200), require deep pockets. The “affordable collector car” might be an oxymoron in a world where demand outpaces supply, and every garage find is one viral video away from becoming unaffordable.
For all the hype, Hagerty’s Bull Market list succeeds in one critical area: igniting passion. Whether you’re an investor eyeing future gains or an enthusiast yearning for weekend drives, these cars remind us why we love them—not just as status symbols, but as machines that evoke emotions and memories.
So, whether you’re coveting the sultry lines of an E-Type or scheming to outbid for a Bronco II, remember: cars may appreciate in value, but the joy they bring is priceless. Just don’t forget to set aside some cash for repairs. After all, love for collector cars is as much about fixing them as it is about driving them.
Hagerty’s list is more than a guide to appreciating assets; it’s a lens through which we see a growing generational shift in taste, values, and aspirations. But let’s not kid ourselves—this isn’t just about love for the open road; it’s also about cold, hard cash. The collector car market, much like the stock market, is a game of timing and luck. Just make sure your heart beats faster for more than just the ROI.
From Nostalgia to Net Worth: Hagerty’s 2025 Bull Market Picks Are More Than Just a Joyride:
1978-1983 Datsun 280ZX ($32,800)
Like so many things as they age, the Datsun 280ZX got a little slower and heavier than the earlier Z cars, ultimately becoming more of a grand tourer and less of a sports car. As a result, most Enthusiasts passed it over, but are catching on to the fact that the ZX captures a lot of the appeal of the original Z at a fraction of the cost — especially when equipped with a turbocharger. Prices have increased by 138% since 2019, but Rabold’s team feels there is still room to grow.
1981-1983 DeLorean DMC-12 ($75,100)
When new, the DeLorean DMC-12 was a statement car, a pop culture phenomenon and an automotive Greek tragedy all rolled into one shiny coupe. With ’80s nostalgia having a moment, no other car is as poised to benefit. DeLorean DMC-12 prices have shot up more than 73% since 2019. For perspective, a reproduction pair of the self-lacing shoes from Back to the Future cost half as much as an excellent DMC-12, and they can’t even reach 88 miles per hour.
1961-1964 Jaguar E-Type SI 3.8 Coupe ($182,800)
First displayed at the Geneva Motor Show in 1961, the Jaguar E-Type coupe’s sultry lines still stir the soul, and its six-cylinder engine makes the heart race. Values have retreated substantially over the last three years, but that has brought them within reach of a new generation of enthusiasts. Gen X interest has increased by 8% in the past year alone, which could prompt prices to rebound.
2003-2013 Lamborghini Gallardo 6-speed ($157,700)
The Gallardo’s normally aspirated V-10 and optional 6-speed manual are reminding enthusiasts that a car’s driving experience is always more important than its spec sheet—a lesson today’s supercars possibly overlook. Gallardo prices have inched up 7% since 2019 but significantly trail other Lamborghinis’ appreciation during that time. Due to this growing gap, it looks like a great time to grab a Gallardo.
2005-2008 Dodge Magnum SRT-8 ($32,600)
When Dodge packaged the rear-wheel-drive Magnum SRT-8 with a 425-hp V-8, it created one of the rowdiest station wagons in history. Few cars before or since have combined power and practicality to such a degree, and even fewer are available at such an affordable price — excellent Magnum SRT-8s can still be had for around $32,000, even after their 39% increase over the last 5 years, making them a relatively affordable cult classic.
1961-1972 Volvo P1800 ($44,200)
What it lacks in speed, it makes up with in style — the Volvo P1800’s Italian curves make it look much more expensive than it is. Next Gen collectors appreciate that equation and consistently pay more for these cars than older enthusiasts do, which is a good indication that these Swedish coupes will continue to appreciate.
1976-1989 Ferrari 400 / 412 ($59,900)
The Ferrari 400 / 412’s original sins are its 2+2 seating configuration and its automatic transmission, which have historically been enough to counteract the car’s classic Pininfarina style and V-12 engine. The car’s design has aged impeccably well, though, and market movement for the brand has left the 400 as the last affordable Enzo-era Ferrari. Values have ticked up more than 50% since 2019, but at around $60,000 they are comparatively underpriced.
2002-2006 Mini Cooper S ($12,000)
The new Mini was one of the high points of the retro design craze at the turn of the millennium, capturing both the aesthetic and driving enjoyment of the original, but in a fresh way. The ride is dynamic, the package is compact, and the $12,000 price for a very good example is objectively cheap. The Mini has only increased 4% over the last 5 years, making its value proposition too good to last.
1997-2001 Honda Prelude ($17,400)
The fifth-generation Prelude is easy for the uninitiated to overlook, but its sharp handling, stout build quality and accessible entry point have put it squarely in the sights of younger collectors. The average Prelude owner’s age according to Hagerty insurance data is 13 years younger than the typical enthusiast. If you know, you know, which emerging enthusiasts clearly do.
2002-2008 Mercedes-Benz G500 ($53,200)
The first Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen to be sold in the U.S. has all the military ruggedness and boxy utilitarian looks that any diehard SUV fan could ask for, with enough luxury appointments to be worthy of the three-pointed star. Sky-high prices of newer G-Wagens only make the predecessor look even more attractive, and the market seems to agree: the number of 2002-2008 G500s offered at auctions has increased by 47% over the last 12 months, while sell-through rates and prices haven’t suffered.
1984-1990 Ford Bronco II ($15,600)
While the rest of the vintage SUV market has appreciated greatly, the Ford Bronco II mini “Ute” has remained budget friendly. Its low price and loads of ’80s charm give it strong youth appeal (38% of buyer interest coming from Gen Z and Millennials), which is expected to result in sustained demand. Affordable fun—whether that comes off-road or at RADwood—doesn’t usually stay affordable for long.
