Remember when classic cars were all from the 1950s and ‘60s? I do, because I grew up in the ‘70s when a lot of them were just used-up old cars. But by the time I was in high school in the late ‘80s, they were the stars of all the local shows. First-gen Mustangs and Camaros, Tri-Five Chevys, even run-of-the-mill Plymouth sedans we’re suddenly cool.
There’s a reason for that, and it’s pretty simple. The guys (and gals) driving those ‘50s and ‘60s relics were simply reliving their four-wheeled high school fantasies. The kids were out of the house, and the house itself was nearly paid off. The job was secure and the retirement fund was, well… funded. In short, there was finally enough spare time and cash to throw at that dream ride that once eluded them in their pimply-faced youth.
The pattern has repeated itself pretty reliably ever since then. As popular vehicles approach 30 years old, most have been through the hands of numerous owners, often unceremoniously. Their values bottom out from wear, tear, and general neglect. The cruelty of this mechanical attrition greatly reduces their numbers. And then, as if in unison, the forces of supply (ample cash and time to fund a dying dream) and demand (dwindling worthwhile examples of once-cool cars) intersect to make them hot once again.
And now it’s happening with my own high school dream cars, which are now in the thick part of the bell curve when it comes to values. Everything I look back on longingly has suddenly gotten expensive, at least the good examples. Even the bad examples seem to find buyers. The market is hot right now for cars and trucks from the late 1980s and early 1990s.
Timing is Everything
To be fair, I have managed to jump on several cool late-‘80s and early-‘90s classic cars before they became unreasonably attainable. A couple of second-generation VW GTIs have graced my garage, along with a nice California-acquired ‘91 BMW 318is coupe. My only problem is I sold all of them before the market got hot. I sold the last one of these – the BMW – more than a decade ago for a mere $4,000. A good one now is easily three times that.
My current project is a 31-year-old Range Rover, a first-year long-wheelbase model. I’ve had it six years now and got it for a relative steal ($1,800). In that time, this particular model has become desirable as inventories of clean, original units have all but disappeared. I’ve watched with great excitement as fair-condition equivalents routinely close through online auctions for $30 grand or more.
Currently fully disassembled for a full restoration as my daughter is off to her first year of college, I realize I’ll probably miss the window to capitalize on its value peak. But that’s okay by me. Like so many other enthusiasts who’ve watched the ebbs and flows of the classic cars market, I’m happy to have snagged the exact car I’ve always wanted at the right time and for a fair price.
As a true car enthusiast, what more can you ask for?
List the hot 80 Or 90s
So the younger guys can start saving
These before they dump them