10 late-model classics for your Gen X dream garage

The next batch of Gen X dream cars from RM Sotheby’s Youngtimer Dream Garage goes up for sale in Fort Lauderdale this weekend. If you’ve missed out on previous sales of this impressive collection of desirable cars from the ’80s, ’90s, and 2000s, now’s your chance.

The collection leans heavily on German, Japanese, and British cars, but features a few American and French favorites. We asked our valuation team to pick out some standouts from the collection, and they made a few suggestions for other cars in the auction that fit the bill.

1988 Nissan 300ZX Turbo ‘Shiro Z’

Estimate: $20,000–$25,000
Lot 1012 RM Sotheby’s

Collectors love later Z32s, but have so far been slow to pick up on the Z31. Hagerty valuation specialist Andrew Newton thinks that might finally change with this sale. “The Shiro wasn’t just a cosmetics package.” he says. “It had performance upgrades as well, which bodes well for collectibility.” Gone was the electronic-adjustable suspension, replaced with lighter, simpler analog suspension. The cloth Recaros and unique gauges help set it apart from the luxury leather and digital interior standard on the 300ZX. The highest auction result we’ve seen recently was an $18,150 car at Mecum Kissimmee last year. Like that car, this one has 30,000 miles so it isn’t quite like new…but you’d spend a lot of time searching for another one this nice.

1995 Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1

Estimate: $50,000–$60,000
Lot 1018

Valuation specialist Andrew Newton says several things make this ZR-1 among the most collectible of the breed: “It’s a final-year 1995, which typically commands $3000–$4000 more than earlier ZR-1s. It’s Competition Yellow, a rare color that buyers pay a premium for. Finally, it has a sub-1000-mile odometer reading.” He adds: “Low-mile C4s seem to be the only ones commanding strong money right now.” If it meets its low estimate it’ll be the most expensive ZR-1 we’ve seen at auction in a couple of years.

1993 Jaguar XJR-S

Estimate: $25,000–$30,000
Lot 3009

We’ve seen limited-production XJ-Ss sell for much more in the UK, and this one has the potential to raise the bar here in the States. These sporty V-12 models are very rare, with only 100 made for the U.S. market. Each was handbuilt by JaguarSport around a unique 6.0-liter V-12 with a forged steel crank, as opposed to the more common 5.3-liter version.

2009 Aston Martin DBS

Estimate: $80,000–$100,000
Lot 1013

This handsome beast sports a super rare manual transmission and fewer than 9900 miles on the odometer. Need we say more?

1994 Bentley Touring Limousine

Estimate: $30,000–$40,000
Lot 1017

Reportedly the only one made, this behemoth uses a 6.75-liter V-8 and a column-shifted GM automatic transmission. If you’re looking to get the most from your money, this may be the car for you based purely on its price per pound. It’s packed with ’90s luxury items, including a VCR and cocktail cabinet. It may not be the perfect car to drive to Radwood, but it’s the perfect car in which to be driven to Radwood.

1995 Porsche 968 Cabriolet

Estimate: $30,000–$35,000
Lot 3014

Cabriolets bring less than coupes, but all 968 prices have risen sharply and this one currently sits at the high end of the value range. At 21,000 miles this is certainly a well-kept example. Gooding got over $40,000 for an automatic-equipped coupe, proving these cars are on people’s radars.

1984 Renault 5 Turbo 2

Estimate: $80,000–$110,000
Lot 3015

The Turbo 2 isn’t quite as hardcore as the bonkers Turbo 1, which gets you pretty close to Renault’s truly crazy rally racers. But it’s still a mid-engine widebody hot hatch with the strongest of rally ties, and that makes it cool as well. Realistically priced, too, according to our valuation team.

2004 Dodge Ram SRT-10

Estimate: $60,000–$70,000
Lot 1065

Demand for these beasts has been climbing. Why? Because: V-10. In a truck. What more do you need to know? The most expensive we’ve seen at auction is $64,900 at Mecum Kissimmee two years ago. So this one has the potential to be a breakout sale if it goes very far past its estimate.

2003 Audi RS6

Estimate: $24,000–$28,000
Lot 3016

The hotter Audi models from the 2000s haven’t popped up at many auctions, but this was one of only 1200 sold in the US in 2003, which might make it desirable enough to be considered collectible.

1991 BMW M5

Estimate: $55,000–$65,000
Lot 3181

E34-generation M5 prices have come up quite a bit to reflect the increased interest and this 31,000-mile survivor looks to be a great example. RM’s pre-sale estimate for this red over silver M5 is right at the top of our value estimate.