Classic cars as an investment: These 7 classics promise great increase in value

Classic cars are in demand as a permanent investment – if the timing is right and something is invested to preserve value. But which classic cars promise an increase in value and which modern classics have an increase in value? This often depends on which generation of buyers dominates the market. Anyone who started driving in the 1990s is more likely to buy a vehicle from this era. Accordingly, classic cars from this time are in demand. In general, it is fast youngtimers from the late 80s and early 90s that have recently increased in value particularly strongly and are among the most popular classic cars.

Why do some classic and modern classics have more value added than others?

What makes models like the BMW 5 Series E34, the Mercedes W124 or the Volvo 850 T5-R so attractive? "On the one hand, this is due to the fact that those who thought these cars were great in their youth want to buy back a piece of that youth – and are now financially able to do so," explains Frank Wilke of Classic Analytics, the expert office for classic vehicles. These customers are primarily concerned with driving pleasure and not with tinkering with the old treasures themselves: "They therefore prefer to buy a car in good condition now and pay more money for it than if in a few years there are only restoration objects on the market."

However, the growth rates of grandfather's old Opel Rekord Diesel are limited. Even former mass-produced cars such as the VW Golf II or Audi 80 (B3, B4) are becoming classic cars with an increase in value not only because of their age. As a GTI, on the other hand, the Golf is a classic car with promising price development thanks to the additional horsepower. An Audi 80 is not automatically unpopular either. Collectors, for example, are increasingly looking for the coupé version of the B3. As a result, the market value of the Audi Coupé Quattro 2.3 20V (1988 to 1992) has almost doubled in the past five years. However, it should be remembered that the doubling of the price can quickly be eaten up by the investments for value retention – this includes care, spare parts and repairs, among other things.

Classic cars after the combustion engine out: What's next?

In addition to the driving pleasure of the cars from the 80s and 90s, the screwdriver-friendliness is one reason for the increasing demand. From the noughties onwards, "electronic overkill" came to many models, says market expert Wilke. But there is also the question of whether classic cars will soon become worthless. After all, no new cars with combustion engines are to be registered in the EU from 2035. It is difficult to say how this will affect the classic car market. But the ban can have a positive effect, because vehicles that have already been registered will still be allowed to drive on the road after 2035.

But what makes a car a classic car and when do we speak of a modern classic? The classification of classic cars is only available for vehicles that were first put on the road at least 30 years ago. In addition, they must be in their original condition as far as possible. In the English-speaking world, by the way, one speaks of classic cars. Classic cars are used there to refer to older people and not cars. When a car is a modern car is not precisely defined. As a rule, however, these are vehicles that are at least 15 years old.

Classic and modern classics as an alternative investment with an increase in value

Inflation and uncertain stock markets make alternative investments such as classic cars or youngtimers with increased value interesting. To do this, the vehicles must be well maintained and in perfect condition – stationary damage must be avoided at all costs. Particularly rare and historic classic cars regularly fetch millions in proceeds at auctions. The majority of cars will not achieve such prices. Nevertheless, it is worthwhile to invest in classic cars as well as youngtimers. You should be patient, do not buy overpriced and keep an eye on price developments.

Here are seven young and classic cars that can serve as an investment and have increased in value particularly strongly in recent years. All market values refer to cars in so-called condition 2, i.e. free of defects, and with slight signs of use (source: Classic Analytics).

BMW 540i (E34) Touring (1993 to 1996)

Legends from Munich are Franz Beckenbauer and the BMW 5 Series E34 from 1988 in equal measure. Hardly any other model stands for an era of legendary engines more than the E34. Its in-line six-cylinder engines run silky smooth and are almost indestructible with a little care. From 1992 onwards, the two eight-cylinder models 530i and 540i went one better. They were the first mid-size BMWs with a V8 engine.

If you are looking for a youngtimer with an increase in value, you should opt for the 540i. It tops the 218 hp of the BMW 530i once again and sprints across the roads with 286 hp. In terms of driving values, it hardly differs from a 525i six-cylinder. Although it only has 192 hp, it has a lighter engine. The E34 Touring was the first station wagon in the 5 Series family. But the most strongly represented among the youngtimers of the BMW 5 Series from this time is the sedan version on the used car market. Within the family, the 540i is the top model and therefore particularly sought-after – examples with manual transmissions are really rare. Our overview shows how good the BMW 5 Series E34 is.

Source: Daimler AG

In 1995, Mercedes launched the W210 series. The sedan offers comfort and space at a high level. The serious rust problems of the sheet metal body damage the vehicle's image.

This is especially true for well-motorized and generously equipped models. Because the E-Class with the four-eyed face offers fine comfort and a generous amount of space. When searching, you should reach for the V8 engine without detours. They are particularly popular and cause the prices for this youngtimer to rise - therefore recommended as an investment. Even an E 420 or 430 offers a tight 279 hp. The AMG versions such as the E50 or E55 are even more powerful with around 350 hp. The well-preserved examples of the AMG model cost almost 20,000 euros. At a new price of around 150,000 marks, however, this is still a bargain. You can get more impressions in our buyer's guide to the Mercedes-Benz E-Class W210.

This is what you need to look out for with the Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG W210:

• With the V8, you have to replace the guide rails of the timing chains at about 200,000 kilometers.
• Loud clacking noises indicate malade hydraulic tappets.
• Beware of maintenance backlogs, AMG-specific spare parts in particular are expensive.
• Check the body, underbody, engine mount and strut mounts for corrosion.

Model	Market value 2015	Market value 2020	Market value 2022
Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG W210	8,000 euros	17,500 euros	19,150 euros

Opel Calibra 16V Turbo 4x4 (1992 to 1994)

Even as a new car, the Opel Calibra was a sales hit. As a youngtimer on the threshold of classic cars, it is a real investment. Unlike its predecessor Manta, the sports coupé from Rüsselsheim not only looks sleek – it also drives like it. The Calibra 2.0i 16 V can reach over 220 km/h. Initially, it was available with 150 hp, later only with 136 hp. The C20XE engine is considered one of the best four-valve engines of its time. That's why Opel also installed it in the Kadett GSi 16V, Vectra and Omega. In 1992, the 2.0i 16V was additionally equipped with a turbocharger – the result is the top model: the Calibra Turbo 4x4. But the sleek appearance was not just optics. Its aerodynamics made it a real sensation and earned it the nickname "Aerodynamics World Champion".

The sports coupé showed the limits of the competition with all-wheel drive, six-speed manual transmission and a whopping 204 hp. At that time, a top speed of 245 km/h was not only a top value for an Opel. Today, well-groomed turbo candidates are rare and sought-after – especially when it comes to one of the coveted special editions. Opel did not skimp on the special models. They have names such as "Keke Rosberg", "Cliff Motorsport Edition" or "DTM Edition". In the nineties, the Calibra also celebrated many successes in the German Touring Car Championship (DTM). A tip: As an alternative to the rare Calibra Turbo 4x4, the 2.5 V6 with 170 hp is also suitable – an upcoming classic car that is suitable as an investment. You can find out what else the Opel Calibra can do as a used car in our test.

 

You have to pay attention to this with the Opel Calibra:

• Check the sills, wheel arches and longitudinal members on the spring mounts of the rear axle for rust.
• With the engines, it is important to ensure that the timing belt is changed regularly.
• There are plenty of replacements for wear parts, but it is more difficult with the sheet metal and interior.
• Beware of craft shops: Many Calibra have been victims of tuning.

Model	Market value 2015	Market value 2020	Market value 2022
Opel Calibra	7,800 euros	15,000 euros	20,100 euros

Audi Coupé Quattro 2.3 20V (1988 to 1992)

The basis for the Audi Coupé and the Cabriolet is the Audi 80 (B3), which was introduced in 1986. The robust technology makes the speedster a classic car with a good increase in value. This is also ensured by the fully galvanized, rust-immune body. Even today, the endurance runner drives as a limousine on German roads. The Audi Coupé combines the technical advantages of the B3 with a more modern look. The shortened wheelbase of the two-door model is particularly dynamic. In addition, there is a chic hatchback with spoiler. Visual changes make the difference: the hatchback with spoiler and the shortened wheelbase clearly distinguish the coupé from its basis, the B3.

You can cruise casually with the coupé with the two-liter four-cylinder engines (113 or 115 hp). One of Audi's specialties, however, is the five-cylinder engine. The sonorous 2.3 E produces 133 hp. The engine with four valves per cylinder is even more fun. The 2.3 20V has 170 hp (later 167 hp) under the hood. For a mid-size Audi 30 years ago, that was an enormous amount of power. And many a Mercedes or BMW driver looks irritated when he is overtaken by the initially inconspicuous coupé.

This is what you need to look out for with the Audi Coupé Quattro 2.3 20V:

• Rust hardly occurs. If it does, this indicates accident damage.
• Body parts of the sedan do not fit because of the different wheelbase.
• Spare parts for wear parts come from the well-stocked VW Group shelf.
• A fine alternative to the rare 2.3 20V is the 2.8 E with six-cylinder (174 hp).

Model	Market value 2015	Market value 2020	Market value 2022
Audi Coupé Quattro 2.3 20V	6,800 euros	12,000 euros	14,600 euros

Porsche 944 S Coupé (1986 to 1988)

It is one of the world's most iconic sports car brands: Porsche. Owning such a speedster from Zuffenhausen comes with a price – especially if it's going to be a 911. The alternative is called 944, which certainly has its fans. This is due to the transaxle design, which also characterises the 924, 928 and 968 models. Thanks to the front engine and the gearbox installed in front of the rear axle, the weight distribution is very balanced. The 944's road holding is great and remains safe even in fast corners. The price development shows that the 944 as a classic car is a good investment.

Unlike the 924, where the engine initially came from Volkswagen, the engineers for the 944 relied on "pure Porsche" from the very beginning. The engine range starts at 150 hp, followed in 1986 by the 944 S with a four-valve engine and 190 hp. Thanks to the low kerb weight of less than 1.3 tonnes, the power output is still more than enough to drive the 944 S in a sporty way. The 944 is a classic car with a promising price development.

This is what you need to look out for in the Porsche 944 S Coupé:

• The 944 is a fairly inexpensive entry into the world of classic Porsches.
• However, spare parts are expensive, a Porsche is not an Opel. This is especially true for the interior. The cockpits are prone to cracks.
• The timing belt should be changed every 80,000 kilometers.
• Check the rear axle mounts, front axle, brake carrier, fenders and seat rails for rust.

Model	Market value 2015	Market value 2020	Market value 2022
Porsche 944 S Coupé	13,200 euros	17,800 euros	21,600 euros

BMW Z3 2.8 Coupé (1998 to 2000)

It is still a youngtimer, but in a few years the BMW Z3 is likely to become a popular classic car as an investment. At the beginning of the 1990s, the renaissance of the roadster began. Introduced by the Mazda MX-5 and continued with the Mercedes-Benz SLK and the BMW Z3. The Munich-based company further developed the roadster in 1998 with the coupé version. Fans christen it "sneaker", but in fact the two-seater looks like a smart sneaker.

Source: BMW

At the beginning of the 90s, the roadsters celebrated their comeback. BMW followed suit in the mid-90s with the chic Z3.

The dynamic look underlines the sporty driving style of the Z3. The 2.8-liter entry-level engine already convinces with 193 hp. And in under seven seconds, the roadster sprints from 0 to 100. In addition, the mechanically fine sound of the in-line six-cylinder engine is inspiring. This also applies to the 3.0i (231 hp) introduced in 2000. The M 3.2 Coupé is a special feature. Its engine produces 321 hp. All Z3 Coupés are on their way to becoming youngtimers with an increase in value, because their number of units was significantly lower than that of the open-top roadster. Another advantage of the coupé: The body is stiffer and therefore moves less, and you don't have to deal with worn tops.

 

This is what you need to look out for with the BMW Z3 2.8 Coupé:

• The Z3 Coupé and Roadster are technically almost identical.
• Many spare parts come from the three-series volume model.
• Rust problems are rare, except for poorly repaired accident damage and the punches for door locks and wheel arches.
• Check the front axle and brakes for wear.

Model	Market value 2015	Market value 2020	Market value 2022
BMW Z3 2.8 Coupé	12,500 euros	19,800 euros	21,600 euros

Volvo 850 T5-R (1994 to 1996)

In Germany, the Volvo 850 had a hard time at first. But in the meantime it is well on its way to becoming a classic car with a promising increase in value. Volvo initially gave the 850 a new front-wheel drive – unusual for such a large Swedish model. Initially only available as a sedan, the station wagon followed in 1993. A good move by Volvo, because now the 850 was really selling. More than 700,000 units of the 850 were built, half of which were station wagons.

Youngtimer fans already appreciate the angular look of the Volvo 850. Classic car collectors are likely to feel the same way soon. The corners and edges are accompanied by a wide range of engines. Even the turbos are not quiet pedals, the 850 R and T5-R with up to 250 horsepower really make a ruckus. This is how the solid Volvo becomes a real family Porsche. All you need is a little courage to color: The 850 T5-R was only available in green, black and the bright "Merkur yellow". The Volvo will be a good classic car as an investment despite the unusual colors.

This is what you need to look out for with the Volvo 850 T5-R:

• With regular timing belt changes, the motors are good for very high mileage.
• The solid technology also makes the Volvo 850 a real long-term car.
• The coolant hoses tend to leak.
• Galvanized sheet metal hardly gives rust a chance.

Model	Market value 2015	Market value 2020	Market value 2022
Volvo 850 T5-R	5,900 euros	15,000 euros	32,200 euros

7 classic and modern classics as an investment

Source: BMW

With the new series, BMW is developing the first station wagon for the 5 Series family. The 540i Touring is rare on the used car market, the sedan models dominate.

In 1995, Mercedes launched the W210 series. The sedan offers comfort and space at a high level. The serious rust problems of the sheet metal body