If Time Travel Were Real These Are the Cars We'd Go Back to Buy
If we could hop in a time machine and scoop up a few cars from the past, there's no question: we'd go after the ones that are now worth a fortune. Back then, they were just cool daily drivers or fun weekend cruisers. Today? They're rolling goldmines.
But it's not just about flashy designs or big engines. These cars carry stories of innovation, rebellion, racing triumphs, and cult followings that turned them into legends. They've gone from overlooked to iconic, and collectors can't get enough.
We didn't just throw darts at a wall of vintage car posters. This list is built from verified price tracking tools like Hagerty's Valuation Tool and Classic.com, along with auction records and enthusiast sources. Every car here has one thing in common: its value has seen a dramatic rise over time, and it's still climbing.
These cars represent a mix of American muscle, Japanese performance, European craftsmanship, and motorsport history, all of which contribute to their skyrocketing prices. Sources include Hagerty's Valuation Tool and Classic.com.
The Shelby GT350 is a legendary American muscle car that epitomizes 1960s performance. With a powerful 306-hp V8 engine and its aggressive design, this car helped define the era.
According to enthusiast site 1965 GT350 Mustang, only 562 units were made in 1965, making it incredibly rare today. Its high-performance capabilities and connection to Carroll Shelby's racing legacy have driven its value up, with prices far outpacing those of standard Mustangs from the same period. Hagerty says you can expect to pay $468,000 for one in good condition.
The Plymouth Superbird is an unmistakable piece of automotive history, developed for NASCAR dominance. With its distinctive nose cone and massive rear wing, the Superbird was built for aerodynamics and speed, powered by a 426 Hemi V8 engine.
Its iconic design and rarity have made it one of the most desirable collector cars today. Depending on the sources, only between 1,920 and 1,935 were produced in 1970, and their prices continue to climb, driven by both racing pedigree and unique styling. According to Robb Report, the most expensive Superbird ever sold for $1.65 million at auction a few years back. However, the same car only managed to bring in $418,000 when it went under the hammer again earlier this year.
The 1963 Corvette is one of the most iconic models in the history of American sports cars. Known for its innovative split-window coupe design and the powerful 327 V8 engine, this car was a turning point for the Corvette line.
The combination of style, performance, and rarity has turned the 1963 Corvette into a highly sought-after collector's item, with values increasing steadily over the years. According to Hagerty, only 10,594 1963 split-window coupes were produced, and these days, they sell for $116,000 in good condition, an 18% increase since last year.
With its powerful 427-cubic-inch V8 engine and lightweight design, the Shelby Cobra 427 S/C is a legendary roadster that set the benchmark for performance. As per Hagerty, its original run was very limited, making it a rare and valuable collector's item today.
Its racing pedigree and stunning looks have driven its price into the stratosphere, with models now fetching millions at auctions, making it one of the most coveted cars on the market today.
The AE86 Corolla, lovingly referred to as the 'Hachi-Roku' by JDM enthusiasts, has become an icon in automotive circles. Originally an affordable, everyday car, the AE86's rear-wheel-drive layout and lightweight nature made it ideal for drifting and racing.
Over the years, its status as a cult classic has been cemented through a starring role in the Initial D anime and multiple video game appearances, making it one of the most sought-after JDM cars in the process. Today, prices are climbing as enthusiasts continue to appreciate its contribution to motorsport and its timeless design. It seems not all Redditors can agree whether it's actually worth the money, though.
Introduced in 1990, the Acura NSX stunned the automotive world with its Ferrari-like performance, but at a fraction of the price, leading to Car and Driver calling it a "fighter jet for the road."
Powered by a mid-mounted V6 and featuring a lightweight aluminum body, the NSX was engineered for precision handling and reliability. As an early Japanese supercar, the NSX has seen its prices rise dramatically, especially with the resurgence of interest in the first-gen models following the release of the second-gen NSX. Classic.com reports that the average NSX has sold for roughly $150,000 the last year.
The Mazda RX-7, particularly the third-generation FD3S, is renowned for its unique rotary engine and its lightweight, balanced chassis. Its smooth, high-revving engine, coupled with its sleek design, makes it a beloved icon among sports car enthusiasts.
As rotary-powered cars become rarer, the FD3S's value has skyrocketed, particularly among collectors who appreciate its high-performance abilities and distinct engine. According to Classic.com, the average selling price is around $40,000, but most of the RX-7s listed on there right now are much more expensive than that!
The Nissan Skyline GT-R R32 is the original "Godzilla" in the world of performance cars. With its advanced technology, all-wheel drive, and the legendary RB26DETT engine, the R32 dominated motorsports and earned a cult following.
As Japan's most famous and elusive performance car, it has become highly sought after, with prices reaching new heights as more buyers realize its motorsport heritage and rarity. Classic.com lists the average R32 price around $50,000, but that includes the lesser GTS version. Most of the GT-Rs are priced well beyond the $60k mark.
The Toyota Supra MK4, equipped with the legendary 2JZ-GTE engine, has become one of the most iconic Japanese performance cars ever made. Its role in the Fast and Furious franchise further cemented its status.
As demand grows for these turbocharged legends, prices for clean, low-mileage examples have climbed, making it one of the most desirable cars of the 1990s. According to Classic.com, the average Supra sells for $75,000. However, that includes the less desirable naturally aspirated models. If you want a turbocharged Supra, be prepared to part with $100,000 or more... sometimes, a lot more!
The E30 BMW M3, introduced in 1986, is hailed as the car that helped define modern, compact performance cars. Its 2.3L four-cylinder engine, combined with rear-wheel drive and agile handling, made it a true driver's car.
Over the years, the E30 M3's status as a motorsport icon has driven up its value, and clean examples are now highly coveted by collectors and driving enthusiasts alike. According to Classic.com, the average price paid for an E30 M3 is around $75,000, but if you want a low-mileage car in excellent condition, it'll set you back much more than that!
The 190E 2.5-16 Evolution II, introduced in 1990, is one of the rarest and most desirable Mercedes-Benz cars of the era. Built for homologation to compete in the DTM (German Touring Car Championship), the Evo II boasts a 2.5L 16-valve engine and stunning aerodynamic enhancements.
With only 500 examples produced, its rarity and racing pedigree have made it a sought-after collector's item, with prices continuing to rise as enthusiasts appreciate its historical significance. Fifteen years ago, you could buy one of these in Germany for around $50,000, these days, they're listed on Classic.com for $280,000, with some examples selling for more than half a million dollars.
The Porsche 911 Turbo (993), produced from 1995 to 1998, is often considered the last of the true air-cooled 911s. With its 3.6L twin-turbocharged engine, it offered blistering performance, but also great reliability and daily usability.
As the final air-cooled 911 before the introduction of water-cooled engines, the 993 has become highly desirable among Porsche enthusiasts, and its value has risen significantly in recent years. Hagerty reports that 933 Turbo prices start around the $130,000 mark, and cars in excellent condition are closer to $400,000.
These 12 cars have not only survived the test of time but have become legends in their own right. From the streets to the racetrack, each one of these vehicles represents a unique moment in automotive history, and their skyrocketing values reflect their growing significance in the hearts of collectors.
Whether you're a performance enthusiast or a lover of classic design, these cars prove that some vehicles are more than just modes of transport; they're investments, cultural icons, and dreams on wheels.
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