Modern Classics: A Roundup Of Interesting Collectible Vehicles From 80s, 90s And 2000s

Overview

Way back in (March) 1954—69 years ago—Ernest Hemmings mailed out the very first copies of Hemmings Motor News. “This is the first issue of a little monthly magazine that I hope will be of real interest to the person interested in older models,” he wrote in the opening paragraph of his brand-new, four-page publication.

Those older models? Ford Model Ts, many of which were about 40 years of age—the equivalent of a car built in 1983 today. Or Model A’s, of course. The oldest of which would’ve been a mere 25 years old in 1953—the same age as a 1998 model-year automobile in 2023. The fact is, if your definition of a collector car is limited to anything older than the 1970s, ’60s, ’50s, ’40s, etc. etc., it might be time to reconsider that position. Generations of younger enthusiasts are turning to the vehicles of their youths as the “older models” that they want to enjoy again. Cars, trucks, and motorcycles from the 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s are spurring new interest and new growth in the hobby—something which we applaud and encourage. For this month’s focus on modern classics, we’ve rounded up a list of vehicles from the 1980s and newer that interest us and we’ve gauged their collectability and value. Will these all be hot future collectibles? We don’t know, but they’re noteworthy in their own ways and might help spur someone’s imagination. We think Mr. Hemmings would’ve approved.

1983-’88 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.3-16

Price new: $34,800 (1986)

Average value today: $23,700

Collectability: ***

When Mercedes-Benz wanted to go racing with its new 190 compact sedan, it turned to the wizards at Cosworth to develop a competition engine from its OHC four. The result was a 16-valve, 185-hp screamer that could rev to 7,000 rpm and survive more than 31,000 miles of wide-open-throttle running on a test track. Aside from distinctive aerodynamic aids, the rest of the “baby” Benz remained relatively unchanged—including the five-link independent rear suspension, the four-wheel disc brakes, and the uncompromising build quality. Even though engineering was a money-is-no-object proposition at Stuttgart in those days, the enthusiast press was shocked by its sticker price when it arrived in the U.S. in 1986. They’re no longer the sleepers they once were, and you won’t find one for plain old 2.3 money, but they’re still worth every penny you’ll pay.— David LaChance

1983-'89 Pontiac 6000 STE

Price new: $13,572 (1983)

Average value today: $1,375

Collectability: **

In the mid-1980s, finally realizing that its profits were at risk, Detroit began trying to fight back against the premium European sedans. Some efforts amounted to little more than people-movers dressed up with blackout trim and alphanumeric badging. Others, like the Pontiac 6000 STE, were recognized as the real deal. The Special Touring Edition was a performance version of the front-drive, A-body 6000 sedan, featuring a high-output version of the 2.8-liter, 60-degree V-6 coupled with a three-speed automatic transaxle, as well as a tuned suspension and, from 1984, a digital dash. Two-tone paint and driving lamps embedded in the grille distinguished it from lesser 6000s. Few STEs have survived, despite making Car and Driver’s 10Best list three years in a row. If you truly want to go unicorn hunting, seek out the all-wheel-drive version offered in the model’s final year.— David LaChance

1986-’89 Chrysler Conquest TSi/Mitsubishi Starion ESi-R

Price new: $19,859 (Starion, 1989)

Average value today: $3,100

Collectability: ***

Mitsubishi’s Starion sports coupe, which was also sold in Mopar dealers as the Conquest, was the Japanese automaker’s premier expression of 1980s technology and performance. The rear-wheel-drive hatch reached its peak as the turbocharged Starion ESi-R and Conquest TSi, their rally-inspired fender blisters covering deep-dish, staggered-width alloy wheels attached to available electronically adjustable independent suspension. An intercooler helped their balance-shaft-equipped 2.6-liter four engine make 176 hp through 1987, and 188 hp in its final form. While they never sold in big numbers—fewer than 49,660 were built in these years—the expensive, well-equipped flagship “Starquests” represented a unique option to buyers who might otherwise consider a Nissan 300ZX or Camaro Z28. Value guides haven’t kept up with recent auction sales, including the $40,700 that an unmodified 54,750-mile ’88 Starion ESi-R brought at Mecum in January 2023.— Mark J. McCourt

1987 Chevrolet 1/2-Ton Pickups

Price new: $14,000 (1987 R10/V10 4x4)

Average value today: $26,000

Collectability: ****

Millennial truck enthusiasts have helped boost the popularity of GM’s already popular 1973-’87 pickups (those can be subdivided by the front-end styling into 1973-’80 and 1981-’87). Though values for nice examples have climbed, these trucks are a still great way into the old-vehicle hobby. They’re plentiful, mechanically straightforward, infinitely repairable, and adaptable to a wide variety of modifications. The aftermarket has supported these trucks for decades, so sheetmetal and trim pieces are readily available. We’ve singled out ’87 in particular as a collectible because it was the final year before the 1988 redesign, and Chevrolet offered the 350 with electronic throttle-body fuel injection as an option in half-tons. The 305 was still the base V-8 and also equipped with throttle-body injection. The most budget-friendly of the bunch nowadays is a two-wheel-drive, half-ton with an 8-foot box. A four-wheel drive will command more money.— Mike McNessor

1981-'85 Jeep Scrambler

Price new: $7,300

Average value today: $29,000 (1985)

Collectability: ****

The CJ-8 or Scrambler was AMC Jeep’s bid to compete in the popular mini-truck market. You don’t have to be an automotive engineer to see how they made that happen: The wheelbase of the CJ-7 was stretched about 10 inches and the CJ’s backseat area was pulled out into a cargo bed increasing the rear overhang from 27 inches to 50 inches. Add a half cab and… voila (!), a mini 4x4 pickup. There was a bare-bones Scrambler and two trim levels above that: SR Sport with stripes and Scrambler hood callouts; and SL Sport with the stripe kit and exterior chrome bits. The ’82-’85 Laredo package piled on the chrome, added side steps, and dressed up the cockpit with carpets, a steering wheel cover, a tachometer, and more. The Scrambler didn’t sell all that well in its day. Production peaked in its debut year at 8,335 and fell steadily to 1,050 in 1985. Today we’d shop for a nice SL Sport or a Laredo with the 258 six and a Tremec T-176 four-speed. Values for these have really climbed, so be prepared to see $30,000-plus asking prices for nice examples.— Mike McNessor

1987 Callaway Corvette

Price new: $52,000

Average value today: $30,000

Collectability: ***

It made the November ’86 cover of Car and Driver under the line, “All-American Heroes:” an ’87 Callaway Twin-Turbo Corvette paired up with Indy 500 champ Bobby Rahal for some spirited testing. The 345-hp ’Vette didn’t disappoint, laying down a 13-second quarter mile at 108 mph, .84 g on the skid pad, and topping out at 161 mph, according to C/D. These cars were crazy expensive when new: The car Rahal drove stickered for $52,585—more than $20,000 over the base price of a Corvette. If you could afford it, you placed an order at a Chevrolet dealer and once your Corvette rolled off the line, it was shipped from Bowling Green, Kentucky, to Callaway Engineering in Old Lyme, Connecticut. In ’87, about 120 coupes and 63 convertibles were built. These are late-’80s performance icons but owning one today could be a mixed bag. Nice examples trade for approximately half or less of what they cost new, and parts for C4s, let alone special C4s, can be expensive. Callaway is still in Old Lyme and has a reputation for standing behind all of its cars, so support is available. But if there was ever a case of buying the best example you can, rather than a fixer upper, this would be it.— Mike McNessor

1990-'97 Lincoln Town Car

Price new: $27,986 (1990)

Average value today: $10,800

Collectability: **

In 2009, Car and Driver made a show of rescinding the 1990 Car of the Year award given to the second-generation Town Car by its sister publication, Motor Trend. They sneered at everything—the anemic 302-cu.in. V-8, the huge turning circle, and the “float-tuned suspension.” What C/D missed, and MT got right, was that the Town Car was one of the last, and very best, of a dying species, the great American land yacht. Lincoln had freshened it up considerably with European-influenced aero styling and, in 1991, the addition of rear disc brakes and the new SOHC 4.6-liter V-8. Still, the Town Car remained a relic, riding on the ancient, rear-wheel-drive Panther platform. It didn’t matter. Buyers adored it, snapping up 150,000 in the first year alone. If you’re pining for legroom, a quiet ride, a colossal trunk, overstuffed seats, power-assisted everything, and two tons of road-hugging weight, you, too, may be Town Car material.— David LaChance

1991-'98 Mazda MX-3 GS

Price new: $16,095 (1991)

Average value today: $6,200

Collectability: ***

Imagine if Mazda had offered a sport-coupe companion to the Miata roadster, something with a little more power, a pair of useable rear seats, and a hatchback—sort of a Miata GT. Well, they did, in a way. While the base MX-3 had an unremarkable 1.6-liter four, the GS was blessed with the smallest V-6 in production, a sophisticated OHC, 1,844-cc, 130-hp, all-alloy unit. Built on a front-wheel-drive platform derived from the 323/Protegé, MX-3 had a five-speed gearbox as standard equipment, with a four-speed automatic optional. Weighing in at a scant 2,300 pounds, the MX-3 could sprint from 0-60 in just over eight seconds, puting it in Volkswagen GTI territory. The automotive press fell in love with the MX-3, but buyers seemed more interested in alternatives like Mazda’s own MX-6 and RX-7 coupes. Will scarcity help values in the future? Well, it couldn’t hurt.— David LaChance

1993-'96 Jaguar XJS 6.0L Convertible

Price new: $82,550 (1995)

Average value today: $27,000

Collectability: ****

Jaguar’s controversial flagship luxury-sports coupe that succeeded the iconic E-type would become a bona fide star in its own right over its 20-year life. The final series of V-12-powered XJSs were the most powerful, best sorted examples, and the open body style had universal appeal. Starting in 1993, the SOHC engine displaced 6.0 liters, up from 5.3, with 278 (1993-’94) or 301 (1995-’96) horsepower channeled through a new four-speed automatic. Sybarites luxuriated in the soft-top’s full-leather interior, which gained “+2” rear seating, and enjoyed the admiring glances at its body-color exterior trimmings, 16 x 7-inch alloys, and trendy trunk lid spoiler. In that period, it’s believed just 1,786 standard V-12-powered XJS convertibles were built, production being highest in 1994; a mere 11 left Browns Lane the final year. The XK8 that followed was wholly modern but lacked the prestige inherent in the XJS’s V-12, which enthusiasts seek today.— Mark J. McCourt

1995 Ford Mustang GT

Price new: $22,000

Average value today $14,000

Collectability: ***

This generation of Mustang, launched in 1994 and codenamed “SN95,” was Ford’s attempt to give its wildly successful pony car a fresh look and feel without ditching tried-and-true Fox platform underpinnings. On a redesign budget of $700 million, the SN95 emerged with styling cues that honored the ’65 Mustang yet reflected ’90s trends. The new Mustang GT was down on horsepower and 200 pounds heavier compared to its predecessor, but it had better road manners. The interior was more sophisticated and polished, sporting a “dual cockpit” dash intended to hark back to the 1969 and ’70 Mustangs. Reworked bucket seats were comfortable, a tilt column was standard issue, and the thick, four-spoke steering wheel bore the galloping horse logo. So why the ’95 model year? It was the final year for the pushrodded 5.0 as the 4.6 overhead, modular cam V-8 would take over in ’96 and point the way forward. If we were in the market, we’d be looking for a nice GT with a five-speed manual. Maybe even a convertible. Better still—a 240-hp Cobra or Cobra convertible for some added kick.— Mike McNessor

1995 Jeep Wrangler

Price new: $12,500

Average value today: $15,000

Collectability: **

Hardcore Jeepers nicknamed it the “Wrongler.” The Jeep YJ Wrangler made its debut sporting a set of rectangular headlamps in ’87, in the wake of news reports warning about Jeep CJ rollovers as well as millions in lawsuit settlements paid out in death and injury cases dating back to the early 1970s. The new name, those headlamps, the kink in the grille—all signs pointed to an attempt to distance this Jeep from the CJ. The YJ’s chassis still had leaf springs at all four corners but its track was widened from 55.8 inches to 58 inches, using axles shared with the Cherokee. Panhard rods were added, as were thicker front and rear anti-sway bars, and the steering was upgraded, all with parts shared with the Cherokee. Off-roaders and Jeep traditionalists sneered, but YJ production reached more than 600,000 from 1987-’95. The 1995 model year is a safe bet because by then gearbox issues had been worked out, the fuel-injected 4-liter six and fuel-injected 2.5 four were on tap, and improvements were made to the Dana 30 front axle late in the model year. Special editions have long been a Jeep thing, and we’d shop for the top-level Sahara, or the one-year-only Rio Grande applied to the base model Wrangler S.— Mike McNessor

1998-'99 Toyota RAV4 Soft Top

Price new: $16,798

Average value today: $3,175

Collectability: **

Over its nearly 30 years of availability in the U.S., Toyota’s bestselling RAV4 has become utterly ubiquitous, about as pleasantly vanilla an efficient transportation device can be. This wasn’t always the case, though—in its first generation, this “cute ute” (as such unibody proto-crossovers were then called) was briefly available as a semi-open-top two-door. Like some of its contemporaries, the front- or all-wheel-drive trucklet came in two- and four-door forms, with the short-wheelbase two-door a popular lifestyle choice. Toyota enhanced its flair with a stowable sunroof panel and fold-down vinyl rear roof with removable curtain windows. The only performance penalty was a bit more body shake, the 125-hp, 16-valve 2.0-liter four-cylinder and 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic being unchanged. As modern RAV4s disappear into the scenery, fans of the model can stand apart from the crowd in a charmingly adventurous late-1990s Soft Top.— Mark J. McCourt

1999-'03 BMW M5

Price new: $73,875 (2000)

Average value today: $33,000

Collectability: ****

When the engineers at BMW dropped a 395-hp, 4,941-cc V-8 into the 5 Series, they turned an outstanding sedan into the one against which all others would be measured. The numbers alone—0-60 in 4.8 seconds, a 13.2-second quarter mile, and a top speed electronically limited to 155 mph—would be plenty for any car’s résumé. That you could embarrass Corvette drivers with four of your friends aboard, relaxing in leather-lined luxury, was just overkill. Oh, and did we mention the six-speed manual? Without the need to resort to vulgarity to sell cars, the 5 Series’ stylists were allowed to create a subtle, understated design. Cognoscenti could distinguish the M5 by its unique front and rear end treatments, round foglamps, and diminutive deck lid spoiler; the rest would know it by the snarl of the V-8 from the four chrome exhaust tips as it passed. Though it still enjoys a strong following, you can find examples in the sub-$25,000 range.— David LaChance

2004-'07 Chrysler Crossfire

Price new: $34,895 (2006, all variants average)

Average value today: $7,500 (2006, all variants average)

Collectability: ***

One of the least recalled yet most interesting products of the DaimlerChrysler era was the Mercedes-Benz SLK-based Chrysler Crossfire. This high-fashion two-seater—available as both a coupe and convertible—was imported, having been constructed by Karmann in Osnabrück, Germany. The model was Chrysler’s first own halo sports car since the TC by Maserati, as the Prowler had been for Plymouth (later, it too wore Chrysler badges) and the Viper was for Dodge. The standard Swabian 215-hp, 3.2-liter V-6 offered 151-mph capability; the AMG-derived, firmly suspended, supercharged 330-hp SRT-6 version (auto-only—a manual was offered with the lesser engine) approached Corvette levels of performance. Crossfires weren’t big sellers, globally: It’s thought that 42,907 coupes, 2,571 SRT-6 coupes, 29,036 convertibles and 1,500 SRT-6 soft tops were built. At the time, prescient automotive journalists called them cult cars. Cheap today, they may be future concours fodder.— Mark J. McCourt

2001-'05 Porsche 911 Turbo

Price new: $116,000

Average value today: $80,000

Collectability: ****

The 996-series 911 has made every “affordable Porsche” buyer’s guide in recent years as prices for older air-cooled 911s soared. The 1999-’05 996 was powered by an all-new liquid-cooled flat-six engine codenamed “M96,” whose design was shared with its entry-level stablemate, the Boxster. While generally reliable, the M96 has been haunted by reports of intermediate shaft bearing failures that sometimes occur—often with catastrophic consequences. The 2001-’05 996-series 911 Turbo uses a different engine design that enthusiasts refer to as “Mezger engines,” after Porsche engineer and racing powerplant maestro Hans Mezger. This engine was developed for FIA GT3 Cup racing, homologated in the 1999 GT3 911, and then fitted with a pair of turbochargers to power the 996-series 911 Turbo. The design of the 3.6-liter Mezger engine in the Turbo has its roots in the air-cooled era, but it’s liquid cooled and had four valves per cylinder. The good news about the 996-series 911 Turbo, whether coupe or cabriolet, is that it’s a great sports car with 00-plus-hp, standard all-wheel drive, and Porsche handling. The bad news is, none of this is a surprise to Porsche-ophiles so these cars typically command premium dollars—though they’re more affordable than their predecessor, the 993-series 911 Turbos.— Mike McNessor

2006-'09 Pontiac G6 Convertible

Price new: $31,000 (all years/variants average)

Average value today: $6,000 (all years/variants average)

Collectability: **

Folding hard-roof convertibles were trendy in the Aughts, having trickled down from luxury and premium brands to popular automakers like Chrysler and Volkswagen. In this vein, GM offered the two-seat Cadillac XLR and the four-place Pontiac G6 Convertible. Riding on the global Epsilon platform, the midsize G6 offered pleasing style and reasonable passenger accommodations, albeit not for luggage—the complex roof supplied by Karmann USA retracted in less than 30 seconds but cut trunk space from 12.6 to 2.2 cubic feet. Thankfully, this Pontiac had adequate punch from a standard circa-220-hp 3.5-liter V-6 or a slightly more powerful optional 3.9, both turning the front wheels via a four-speed automatic. Open-G6 production was low, with first-year sales of around 22,000 units eventually dwindling to 2009’s roughly 3,400. Perhaps otherwise unremarkable, this car represented Pontiac’s final convertible, so survivors are worthy of preservation.— Mark J. McCourt

2007-'10 Saturn Sky Red Line

Price new: $27,895 (2007)

Average value today: $16,000

Collectability: ***

The world might not have been ready for a Saturn that resembled a shrunken Corvette and could run with a Porsche Boxster, but that’s just what it got, thanks to one of the best friends an enthusiast ever had, Bob Lutz. It was Lutz who pushed GM to produce the Sky and its Pontiac sibling, the Solstice, arguing that the time was right for “an affordable, pure roadster.” The Red Line version has a direct-injection, turbocharged and intercooled 2-liter Ecotec four that belts out a very un-Saturn-like 260 horsepower. Initially, the Solstice/Sky twins outsold the Miata, but then came GM’s bankruptcy, and the end of the line for Pontiac and Saturn. (The Red Line is virtually identical to the Solstice GXP, but we’ll give the nod to the Saturn for its edgier styling, which still looks fresh.) Orphan status may be hurting values at the moment—we saw one sell at auction recently for less than $12,000—but we expect a bright future for the Sky.— David LaChance

2008 Saab 9-3 Turbo X

Price new: $42,510

Average value today: $6,350

Collectability: ***

Saab pioneered turbocharging in regular-production cars in 1978; 30 years later the Swedish automaker gave its fans a commemorative present in the head-turning, high-tech 9-3 Turbo X. Offered in both Sport Sedan and SportCombi wagon ($43,310) forms, this model cloaked a 280-hp 2.8-liter DOHC turbo V-6, new Haldex XWD (read “Cross-Wheel Drive”) all-wheel drive with electronic limited-slip rear differential, and an ultra-sport chassis, in Darth Vader-spec Jet Black Metallic paint with titanium-colored trim and 18-inch, split-three-spoke alloys. The black-leather interior sported a special instrument cluster with a 900 Turbo-inspired boost gauge. Six-speed-manual examples offered sub-6-second 0-60 sprints. Just 629 Turbo X’s came to the U.S.—238 automatic and 211 manual Sport Sedans, and 90 automatic and 45 manual SportCombis. Classic.com reports numerous 2008 Turbo X auctions where sale figures represent multiples of book value.— Mark J. McCourt