We pick the 10 most undervalued classic cars

By Jim Prueter

(October 4, 2015) January in Scottsdale, Ariz., is the place to be for the vintage, classic and collector car spectacle known as Scottsdale Collector Car Auction Week. Buyers, sellers and spectators flock from around the world to attend the half-dozen events that this year broke multiple records and over $228 million in sales.

Most of the news was focused on the very top of the market where thirty-one cars sold on hammer bids of $1 million or more including a record $8.25 million for a 1958 Ferrari GT California long wheel base Spider by Gooding & Company and a whopping $4.6 million for the original George Barris customized Batmobile by Barrett-Jackson.

The very top of the collector car market has been very strong according to Rick Carey, Auctions Editor for sportscardigest.com who tracks auction sale prices and trends to provide information and perspectives on the business.

But only a few can afford those kinds of collector cars and prices so we put together a list of cars in what experts consider to be undervalued or emerging and therefore affordable collectible classics:

1970-1973 Datsun 240Z – In many regards the “Z” was really the first Japanese sports car because it offered performance, comfort, style, value and reliability. They came in gorgeous reds, yellows and orange and look like they should bring $40,000 - $60,000 today, but they can easily be had for less than $15,000. 1971 240Z pictured at top.

 
1969 - 1970 Ford Mustang Mach 1 428 Cobra Jet – Because it’s a “Ford” and not a “Shelby” its largely been overlooked and certainly undervalued. It was powered by the exact same motor and all the performance, style, and technical interest of a Shelby GT 500 but sells for about half the price.

1964 – 1970 Pontiac GTO – There has been no discernable bump in Pontiac values given the demise of the brand and GTO much less respect and bring much smaller prices than a big block Chevrolet Chevelle Super Sport.

1967 – 1975 Full-Sized American Convertibles – From Ford, GM and Chrysler here is a group of cars that are overlooked and hugely undervalued but starting to get a bit of attention. You can buy an excellent example for around $15,000 sometimes less. Convertibles just 10-years older already sell between $25,000 to $125,000 (Pictured 1970 Chevrolet Impala)

1965 – 1975 Station Wagons – Their mystique from the 50’s and 60’s have made them much more popular then they were just 5 or 6 years ago but you can still find excellent ‘65 – ’75 examples for as little as $8,000 - $10,000. As they get older they’ll get more desirable and more expensive. Try to find one with a fun color – yellow, red, blues all look good and be sure it has a luggage rack. (Pictured 1970 Ford Country Squire)

Oddball Cars – These are design mistakes and in a sense so out of place they’re underrated as a collectible car. Good examples include the 1975 AMC Pacer X Levi addition with denim seats, a 1973-74 VW Thing, or even a 1985-1991 Yugo. But be certain it’s in top condition.(Pictured 1973 VW Thing)

Professional Cars – Limousines, hearses, ambulances and the macabre are all undervalued. Most of these have always been professionally maintained and when you find one they are almost 100% original with nothing needing to be done to it.  They’re not for everyone but they can be a lot of fun and always stand out at a car show or party (Pictured 1970 Cadillac Ambulance)

1965 – 1985 Pickup Trucks – They have universal appeal and never go out of style. You can buy a very nice truck in original condition for as little as $7,500 - $10,000 and even take it to Home Depot on the weekend. (Pictured 1965 Ford F-100)

1969-1973 Triumph TR6 – A wonderful, brawny and gorgeous true British sports car that’s powerful and spirited. An excellent lower mile original can be had for as little as $15,000.

1972-1975 Porsche 914 2.0 – Underrated, mostly unappreciated and certainly undervalued, the Porsche 914 is important for what it was not….a Porsche 911. Rarely seen the 914 is fun to drive and excellent examples can be had for as little as $8,000 - $12,000.