Future Classic Cars from the 80's and 90's...

So I am looking at buying a few 'future classics' for a long term investment, and wondered if anyone had any suggestions? They need to be available for less than £5k.

The ones I am currently looking at are:

BMW 850

Mercedes SL500 1992-2000

VW Corrado VR6

Nissan 300ZX

I think the Nissan 200SX would be a better long term bet than a 300ZX due to their cult status amongst the Drift fraternity.

I don't think the 850 or SL will be super desirable as they were never poster cars of their day - the previous square shaped SL is the favoured version as it has more classic looks but is modern enough to drive.

The obvious 80's choices would be either a Peugeot 205 or Golf GTi but they've started to become collector's cars already so you might have missed the boat, maybe buy a (poorly) modified one and revert to standard over time and sell on for ££££.

The Corrado (and indeed the Scirocco) never seemed to be as cool as the plain old Golf GTi, so might not have a market outside of the Veedub fanboys.

I reckon there will always be a market for good quality MX5s, they have the potential to be a cult classic like the (original) Mini or Beetle.

Longer term you always have to look at what was popular at the time that youngster lusted after but couldn't afford, so Imprezas and Evos will be the thing in 10yrs time. (Of course if you buy now, you can't just drive it about for 10yrs, it'll have to be in storage)

I think the Nissan 200SX would be a better long term bet than a 300ZX due to their cult status amongst the Drift fraternity.

 

I don't think the 850 or SL will be super desirable as they were never poster cars of their day - the previous square shaped SL is the favoured version as it has more classic looks but is modern enough to drive.

 

The obvious 80's choices would be either a Peugeot 205 or Golf GTi but they've started to become collector's cars already so you might have missed the boat, maybe buy a (poorly) modified one and revert to standard over time and sell on for ££££.

 

The Corrado (and indeed the Scirocco) never seemed to be as cool as the plain old Golf GTi, so might not have a market outside of the Veedub fanboys.

 

I reckon there will always be a market for good quality MX5s, they have the potential to be a cult classic like the (original) Mini or Beetle.

 

Longer term you always have to look at what was popular at the time that youngster lusted after but couldn't afford, so Imprezas and Evos will be the thing in 10yrs time. (Of course if you buy now, you can't just drive it about for 10yrs, it'll have to be in storage)

Yeah, the 205 and GTI are already on their way, as is the Corrado to a degree (found a 1996 one for £12k!!).

I guess the M3 Evolution maybe, I remember wanting one of them. I think for a lot of them I have missed the boat.

Trying to fins a stock Scooby or Evo is nigh on impossible!!

I think that unless they're ultra low mileage or in as new condition you need to be looking at the pinnacle vehicle for each type which would probably mean going over your budget, if looking at R129 Mercedes SL's you should be looking at SL600, SL60 AMG or SL73's as SL500's are ten a penny, if looking at a Corrado then it would need to be the G60 version etc. I'd steer clear of the BMW 8-series as they have multiple problems with electrics, the E36 M3 is worth looking into but again not at your price point. If looking at Impreza's then it would need to be a P1 or RB5 version.

The cars i'd be looking at would be things like Peugeot 106 & 306 Rallye's, Renault 5 GT Turbo's and Ford Racing Puma.

I guess the trouble is that most cars from the 80s and 90s are unbelievably ugly. I can't think of any I'd want as a "classic". I suppose the best I can think of would be a Jaguar XJS; http://www.autotrader.co.uk/used-cars/jaguar/xjs/used-jaguar-xjs-bilston-fpa-201411048739470?logcode=p

Sierra Cosworth? (I vomited in my own mouth with that one though)

Renault 5 turbo (are there ANY left?)

A 1980s Saab 900 Turbo??

Dunno, it's a real void in my opinion for potential classics.

I think that unless they're ultra low mileage or in as new condition you need to be looking at the pinnacle vehicle for each type which would probably mean going over your budget, if looking at R129 Mercedes SL's you should be looking at SL600, SL60 AMG or SL73's as SL500's are ten a penny, if looking at a Corrado then it would need to be the G60 version etc. I'd steer clear of the BMW 8-series as they have multiple problems with electrics, the E36 M3 is worth looking into but again not at your price point. If looking at Impreza's then it would need to be a P1 or RB5 version.

The cars i'd be looking at would be things like Peugeot 106 & 306 Rallye's, Renault 5 GT Turbo's and Ford Racing Puma.

That's a shame, I really like the 8 Series and SL's, although certainly sounds like you know your stuff.

Even the 106 Rally-E's are about £4k. I guess I've already missed the boat on quite a few of these...

Back in the day these things were once so common that they were almost the default choice family car for many thousands of British family's. Examples as good as this one however are now a very rare sight indeed. So look after this lovely old 'Dagenham Dustbin' and it can surely only increase in value:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Ford-Cortina-1-6-GL-MK4-1977-46000-miles-from-new-/261643991946?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item3ceb327b8a

I guess the trouble is that most cars from the 80s and 90s are unbelievably ugly. I can't think of any I'd want as a "classic". I suppose the best I can think of would be a Jaguar XJS; http://www.autotrader.co.uk/used-cars/jaguar/xjs/used-jaguar-xjs-bilston-fpa-201411048739470?logcode=p

 

Sierra Cosworth? (I vomited in my own mouth with that one though)

Renault 5 turbo (are there ANY left?)

A 1980s Saab 900 Turbo??

 

Dunno, it's a real void in my opinion for potential classics.

I had one of those for two years, most fun I've ever had driving. Bought it new, but it ate clutch cables for breakfast; 5 replacements in the time I had it. Just the same, I loved that car.

Is this just a giant plan to defeat the freemasons over the road?

Lotus Elan M100

Is this just a giant plan to defeat the freemasons over the road?

Pretty much. I'm just gonna park them all down my road permanently...

I had one of those for two years, most fun I've ever had driving. Bought it new, but it ate clutch cables for breakfast; 5 replacements in the time I had it. Just the same, I loved that car.

Friend of mine had a Gordini Turbo (is that the same thing?). Scared me crapless whenever I was in it. Mind you being in his previous car, a leaky Talbot Avenger automatic was equally terrifying so I guess it was his driving.

I reckon the Toyota MR2 would be a good investment. They're cheap to buy atm (but sell for a lot more in the US), styling which wont date too much and good parts supply. I'd stay away from big, heavy, large engined saloons, they're going to be white elephants imo.

Friend of mine had a Gordini Turbo (is that the same thing?).

Renault 5 Gordini was based on a mk.1, then you had a 5 Turbo 2 which was a mid-engined beast again based on a mk.1 then the 5 GT Turbo based on a mk.2, all collectable but all out of your price range as an investment.

Audi S2 Quattro...

Jaguar XKR...

Friend of mine had a Gordini Turbo (is that the same thing?). Scared me crapless whenever I was in it. Mind you being in his previous car, a leaky Talbot Avenger automatic was equally terrifying so I guess it was his driving.

 

I reckon the Toyota MR2 would be a good investment. They're cheap to buy atm (but sell for a lot more in the US), styling which wont date too much and good parts supply. I'd stay away from big, heavy, large engined saloons, they're going to be white elephants imo.

Renault 5 Gordini was based on a mk.1, then you had a 5 Turbo 2 which was a mid-engined beast again based on a mk.1 then the 5 GT Turbo based on a mk.2, all collectable but all out of your price range as an investment.

I always thought the Gordini was the luxury version, but not turbocharged? It had a leather interior, and made for comfort rather than speed, sure it had the 1.4 motor.

That mid-engine one Swanny mentions was insane, Joanna Lumley drives one around in the last Pink Panther film.

I always thought the Gordini was the luxury version, but not turbocharged? It had a leather interior, and made for comfort rather than speed, sure it had the 1.4 motor.

 

That mid-engine one Swanny mentions was insane, Joanna Lumley drives one around in the last Pink Panther film.

You could be right, a little research shows it started as a trim level and then changed to a turbo when the Golf GTi came out, every day's a school day!

BMW 635...on Ebay for £4k.

BMW 635...on Ebay for £4k.

 

635 is a lovely car but a money-pit if you run into trouble. Personally as a VW man I'd go for the Corrado VR6 Storm (leather trim)...not overly complex with a bullet-proof engine. The "VW Scene" is very strong so it should be a good investment and easy to move it on at a profit.

I always thought the Gordini was the luxury version, but not turbocharged? It had a leather interior, and made for comfort rather than speed, sure it had the 1.4 motor.

 

That mid-engine one Swanny mentions was insane, Joanna Lumley drives one around in the last Pink Panther film.

No definitely turbo charged. Theres one here http://www.swva.co.uk/renault-5-gordini-turbo-1983/

They werent amazingly fast by todays standards, but they were hairy - 110bhp was a lot of power for that frame and skinny tyres.

No definitely turbo charged. Theres one here http://www.swva.co.uk/renault-5-gordini-turbo-1983/

 

They werent amazingly fast by todays standards, but they were hairy - 110bhp was a lot of power for that frame and skinny tyres.

Ah superb, that's exactly what my Dad had when they first came out, same colour too - I remember it well!!

- Alfa Romeo GTV V6 (96 onwards)

- Vauxhall VX220 Turbo (one for the 00's)

Fiat Barchetta? Low miles, distinctive paint job, decent price.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201410158242592/sort/default/usedcars/quicksearch/true/onesearchad/used%2Cnearlynew%2Cnew/model/barchetta/postcode/bn68qb/radius/1500/page/1/make/fiat?logcode=p

Fiat Barchetta? Low miles, distinctive paint job, decent price.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201410158242592/sort/default/usedcars/quicksearch/true/onesearchad/used%2Cnearlynew%2Cnew/model/barchetta/postcode/bn68qb/radius/1500/page/1/make/fiat?logcode=p

Looks pretry good apart from the paint job, which is horrendous!!

Looks pretry good apart from the paint job, which is horrendous!!

It is, but tbh its the kind of thing I'd buy as a weekend car! (Some) people want their hobby car to be different from the workaday silver, black or dark blue.

It is, but tbh its the kind of thing I'd buy as a weekend car! (Some) people want their hobby car to be different from the workaday silver, black or dark blue.

I couldn't agree more with this, I'd absolutely love one ... I now have bad thoughts. My garage could do with an occasional car like that in it ... I have a feeling my wife is going to kill me in the morning as I'm off to trawl Autotrader ..........

And wow ... http://www.autotrader.co.uk/used-cars/fiat/barchetta/used-fiat-barchetta-radlett-fpa-201410188317528?logcode=p

Perfect project car! Paintwork is sh*t, interior needs looking at, but it's cheap as anything - has to be a proper future classic, right??

Edit: Although that one isn't great, the doors don't align and are a different colour and maybe it's been in a crash. This one looks better: http://www.autotrader.co.uk/used-cars/fiat/barchetta/used-fiat-barchetta-fpa-201411108881593?logcode=p

Look at what is the classic cars booming now from the 50s to 70' now and translate that to the 80-90s. What you or others may think are ugly now, are the nostalgia for the kids coming through. Classic cars are about reliving youth. That's why you see loads of 60s something driving around in soft top sports cars.

No definitely turbo charged. Theres one here http://www.swva.co.uk/renault-5-gordini-turbo-1983/

 

They werent amazingly fast by todays standards, but they were hairy - 110bhp was a lot of power for that frame and skinny tyres.

You're correct tim, just realised what I was thinking of was the Monaco;

https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=renault+5+monaco&biw=1440&bih=785&tbm=isch&imgil=Y5eOh9T1467bSM%253A%253BFy-v_fW4zdmBsM%253Bhttp%25253A%25252F%25252Fwww.carandclassic.co.uk%25252Fcar%25252FC455962&source=iu&pf=m&fir=Y5eOh9T1467bSM%253A%252CFy-v_fW4zdmBsM%252C_&usg=__6E-fqEm4QepNM5qCfa-mg33HBeY%3D&ved=0CCoQyjc&ei=FetkVPbAHqLW7Aaz9oCQBg#facrc=_&imgdii=_&imgrc=Y5eOh9T1467bSM%253A%3BFy-v_fW4zdmBsM%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.carandclassic.co.uk%252Fuploads%252Fcars%252Frenault%252F4456197.jpg%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.carandclassic.co.uk%252Fcar%252FC455962%3B500%3B373

Not really my cup of tea, but the only old Renault that would interest me at all would be a first generation Clio Williams - the better examples of which are now making strong money I see.

Honda CRX VTEC - revolutionary car for its day

Toyota Mk1 MR2 Supercharger

(if you can find either without too much rust, mechanically they're bulletproof.)

On the subject of Jap Crap I think the late 80s Hondas are very distinctive - the thin nose and angular lines really stand out. Late 80s Prelude or even a Civic Aerodeck

Clio Williams Mk1

Alfa 164 Cloverleaf

BMW M535i (should be in budget unlike the M5)

Celica GT4 Carlos Sainz if you can find an unmolested one

Most of the Mk1 MX5s are slowly dissolving these days - some of the rare special editions claim a premium. I've got a RS-Limited - carbon fibre bucket seats, LSD - only 500 made worldwide. I think an absolutely stock ultra-low mileage old dear's MX5 is a bolt-on future classic - preferably a UK car 1.8 in red (most of the red ones have gone pink)

(most of the red ones have gone pink)

This is a motoring forum. We post the politics in the Muppet Show.

How about any of the following:

Porsche 928

Porsche 944

Porsche 968

928 are money pits. That said I've always wanted one.

944 and 968 are future classics

928 are money pits. That said I've always wanted one.

 

944 and 968 are future classics

I do like those 968's - can get some decent deals on them if not a little over the £5k budget.

I got the chance (I now work at a Mercedes/BMW specialist) to drive one of these monsters the other day - a second generation Mercedes CL600 from the early naughties identical to the car picture below.

In many ways a utterly wonderful but quite ridiculous car. These cars are a coupé version of the S Class super saloon and ride on a chassis that is only marginally smaller. Being a 600 it is a much rarer car than the relatively common V8 engined '500' and its huge 5.8 V12 motor was as smooth as a smooth thing - but nowhere near as silent as the old V12 you used to find in a Jag. The owner told me you can effectively switch-off half of its 12 cylinders for improved fuel economy. You can get a good one for well under our £5k limit and if rarity is any guide to future classic status then ask yourself when was the last time you saw one of these on the road?

Mercedes 190e Cosworth

want ^^

Series 1 RS turbo. Great fun, easy to tune and good looking too.

Mine was lowered 50mm on 17" wheels and had 280 bhp......and had to replace 2 engines!

Total money pit but loved it!

Vw corridor vr6

Mitsubishi evo

Just bought a corrado as it happens

Renault gtt used to love them but likes been said very few std decent examples, and they seem to be £4-5k

A classic modern Peugeot?

A contradiction in terms you may think, but I'm not so sure because I reckon that these 406 Coupe's are timelessly pretty things and, coming form such humble origins, perhaps not that many decent examples are left on the road now:

A classic modern Peugeot?

 

A contradiction in terms you may think, but I'm not so sure because I reckon that these 406 Coupe's are timelessly pretty things and, coming form such humble origins, perhaps not that many decent examples are left on the road now:

 

I think you may be right actually, Pininfarina styling as well I believe. Be interested to see what good examples are around.