Supercars to 4x4s: 5 Winners From the Hagerty Price Guide
We’re halfway through the year, so it’s time for another quarterly update to the Hagerty Price Guide. (You can read about all that goes into updating the Hagerty Price Guide here.) All in all, the market continues to stabilize, yet it remains nuanced as ever. While plenty of cars are settling in price (more on that in another article), some of the vehicles that increased in value truly astonished the team. From affordable classics to blue chip examples, our biggest movers represented every level of the hobby. The following are some of the more notable examples of cars that increased in value over the last three months.
As always, if you have questions about how we arrived at these changes, you can read more about the methodology behind the Hagerty Price Guide here.
1966-72 Lamborghini Miura +22%
The rise of the Lamborghini Miura has to be one of the most surprising stories from this update. These are decidedly expensive and rare cars; however, compared to Ferrari, Lamborghini has lived for decades in the prancing horse’s shadow in the collector car world. Hagerty Price Guide founder and publisher, Dave Kinney says: “It has been exciting to see the increased recognition for what, to most—including me—is the original supercar.”
The recent spike in value may have been guided by the sale of a stunning P400 SV which went for a record-beating $4.9 million, but there is much more to the market than a single transaction. “The Lamborghini Miura is the automotive embodiment of flawed genius,” Kinney said. “It looks damn near perfect, but it could be difficult to drive or maintain. Most of the Miuras have been sorted by now, but few owners would consider using them for mere transportation.” Like it or not, Kinney said, “The Miura has achieved the status of automotive fine art.”
The idea of the automobile as fine art is a trend that has emerged within the past few years, with champions of the concept pointing to cars such as the Ferrari 250 GTO as an example. Indeed, Italian courts have ruled in favor of the GTO as a work of art. So what does this do for those of us who can’t afford a 250 GTO or a Miura? Well, when actions are taken to recognize automobiles in this fashion, it marks a significant shift in attitude toward classic cars, potentially moving them from polluting nuisances to cultural treasures. It just takes the expensive ones to garner the attention of policymakers, and viewed in that light, we all win. But what about the Miura today? Kinney said he expects “price fluctuations in the next few years, but with a continued upward trend in value for quite some time.” And with three Miuras already consigned to next month’s auctions in Monterey, we shall soon see how they fare.
1989-93 Dodge Diesel Pickups +19%
These days a diesel-powered pickup is about as novel as putting cheese on your hamburger, but in the 1980s, the American manufacturers were still finding their way as they added diesel power to their truck offerings. International was doing it back in the 1970s, and GM tried with the ill-fated 5.7-liter diesel, soon pivoting to the much better 6.2-liter motor. Ford was experimenting with diesels, but the legendary 7.3-liter Powerstroke wouldn’t hit the market until late 1994. Dodge, in partnership with Cummins, was the first to get the formula right by offering the 5.9-liter Cummins turbodiesel in their trucks starting in 1989.
The combination of the grunt of a big-block V-8 and improved fuel economy would redefine the market. Look around today and you’ll see that diesel beats out gas as the smart choice for truck owners who need an engine to do real work. The bigger surprise, though, is that a collector market is emerging for these Cummins-equipped Dodges.
It wasn’t many years ago that the real value of a 12-valve, Cummins-equipped Dodge was to pull the engine and transplant into something else. These days, though, clean examples have been emerging on a regular basis with prices starting in the $20,000 range, and exceptional specimens commanding prices upwards of $50,000 to $60,000. Believe it or not, these old work trucks have become legitimate collectors items, and your old “wood hauler,” or “beater with a heater,” or whatever you call them where you live, may now be worth restoring to show quality.
1980-93 Ferrari Mondial +17%
There are few relatively inexpensive entries to Ferrari ownership left, but the Mondial has reliably remained one way to put a prancing horse in your garage without breaking the bank. Now the price of entry just got a bit higher. Often overlooked by enthusiasts, the Mondial is finally getting some consideration.
Right now, “quirky” and “retro” are in, and the Mondial hits all those marks. It’s like a baby Testarossa at a bargain price. While they have risen in value, you can still stumble upon a sorted Mondial for $40,000 to $50,000, sometimes much less for cars with higher miles. As with any exotic, you need to keep service history in mind, and be willing to pay accordingly. Any perceived savings can be eaten up quickly by correcting deferred maintenance at your local dealer.
Most of the value uptick is in the top-of-the-market examples, which suggests strong interest in low-mileage, original cars. That said, aside from outliers, we’re still talking sub-$70,000. No matter how you slice it, the Mondial is showing some signs of upward movement, and now may be the time to take a hard look at one while they’re still relatively attainable.
1971-78 Cadillac Eldorado +16%
Nothing says peak 1970s personal luxury like an Eldorado. They’re big, they’re plush and they have that massive 500-cubic inch V-8, which completely ignored the crunch of rising gas prices of the era. What could be more American than that?
Well, hold on to your Uncle Sam top hat, they offered a Bicentennial edition!
It’s hard to believe now, but these were among the first instantly collectible cars. Or that’s what people thought, anyway: There was a real concern back then that due to revised federal safety regulations, the convertible would be done away with forever, and the Eldorado was supposed to be the last car with a drop top. So speculators flocked to the convertible Eldo, and stuffed them away when new. So there was an abundance of super low-mile, original cars floating around.
At one point the supply of good cars outstripped demand, driving prices down, but it seems that things are finally shifting back into the Eldorado’s favor. Generally, 1970s American cars are doing quite well in the market today, and it should come as no surprise that these Cadillacs are trading hands for better money than they have in a long time. It is still important to monitor whether or not this will be a long-lasting trend, but given the solid collectability of the Eldorado, the gain is likely to be more than a blip on the radar.
1949-71 Military Jeeps +12%
It’s a wonderful coincidence that the military Jeep would be one of our winners going into the month of July, and our Independence Day celebrations. The Jeep is the quintessential American vehicle, and has shaped transportation as much as the Ford Model T. This all-purpose, all-terrain vehicle mechanized the Allies in World War II in a way that the Axis couldn’t answer. From the beaches of Normandy to the battles in the Pacific, the little Jeep was there in support of the troops.
Following World War II, the M38 would be introduced in 1948 and serve as the primary utility vehicle through the Korean War, sharing many similarities with the civilian CJ-3 series. Further upgrades, most notably to the body, the addition of the Hurricane engine and the slightly longer wheelbase, would happen in 1952: The improved model, called the M38A1, would more closely resemble the CJ-5 that we are familiar with. This version would serve through the Vietnam War and cease production around 1971. Multiple companies would pitch in, including Willys and Ford, which built the original MB and later, the Kaiser.
Military Jeeps are universally adored and easy to work on, hence their staying power amongst fans. That crossed over to the civilian CJ, which is a darling amongst truck enthusiasts. With a low barrier to entry—good examples available for under $20,000—military Jeeps are a solid, affordable way to have fun. They are usually consistent performers without huge swings in value, so although small in dollar amount, a 12 percent increase is something to take notice of. It shows continued interest in this segment, and while few potential buyers are poised to be priced out of it, positive performance shows real health in the market.
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The Miura is no surprise. A classic analog supercar. The Cummins engines in the Dodge Ram’s were game changers. Solid engines.
Well, well, finally being noticed as a solid collector vehicle. One that is durable, dependable, and relatively easy to maintain!
Good daily driver (depending on your living environment) and decent in comfort!…haha
Them old Willys that is!
I am at a loss about your price guide when the ugliest trucks of the 80’s and 90’s are even in your price guide. You should start rating lawnmowers. Not to mention if you can even find one not full of holes.
Hi Jim, hard to believe that trucks from the 80s and 90s are over 30 years old with some approaching 40. To some these are legitimate enthusiast/collector vehicles now, while some may never warm to the idea. Regardless of where anyone stands, we aim to serve those who love them as much as we do for someone who prefers a vehicle that is a bit older.
I have a 70’s era Chevy Suburban (3/4 ton three door) with a fully restored body and interior to original and an LSA transplant. It is my favorite in a collection of otherwise common restored vehicles (Camaros, Impalas, Corvettes from the 60’s). I can tell you from attending numerous car shows over the years the Suburban has won a number of awards and always attracts huge interest by attendees. My other cars although beautiful examples might as well be invisible at the shows. The younger generations in particular seem attracted to these trucks compared to the “normal” American collector cars.
Yeah, I got a ’68 C10 (LONG BED). Those trucks are the Muscle Cars of Trucks! also have a C6…..
Thank you smart folks at Hagerty for including the first gen Dodge Cummins trucks- we have been owners of 1991, 1992 and still own a 1993 ( for past 12 yrs) regret selling the other two! These are keepers and at 300k if well maintained are still dependable trucks that tow 10k at 20mpg with ease Dodge blew it in 94-95 with new body style -had one threw it back nothing but trouble, front end etc etc looked purty though:)) other bonus? No DEF required
True! The best part of the early Dodge diesels was the engine. Those trucks started rusting before they left the assembly line. Being pickups the parts that fell off in the factory parking lot could be tossed in the bed for reinstallation by the dealer.
These sound like the words of someone who has zero personal experience. I own a 91 D350 Cummins that has been the most dependable vehicle I’ve ever owned, and still no rust….hmmm. Even though it’s far from prefect with all the years on it, I was offered $12K for it a couple years back, and wondered if the guy was just yanking my chain, but I just couldn’t let her go. I suppose that was an early indication of what this report conveys!
My husband drives his 94 everyday (missed the good years listed by just a hair)! It has been converted with a flat bed and boxes on the side as he is a working general contractor! This truck rarely lets him down! Whether traveling city streets or winding dirt roads, that truck holds a load of tools and supplies while handling any type of terrain.
Sorry but the Miura was always a highly collected car and considered a “work of art.” As I recall probably the first Italian exotic to break $1mil many, many years ago. I argue that this appreciation has alway been there but perhaps you are seeing more transactions to make this assessment?
Hi Stephen, I am not sure if the Miura was the first Italian car to break $1 million, I would be less surprised if it was a Ferrari if I’m being honest. Either way, the Miura has been desired and collected for decades, however when a car of that level makes such a large leap in value, it is important to take notice. There are a handful of transactions a year and through our relationships with marque experts, we do track these closely, so a jump in value of this magnitude is less to do with being caught unaware, and more to a legitimate shift.
About 10 years ago could pick them up for about $500k, whereas 275s were hitting over a Mill, and that’s not even mentioning GTO, TR etc. that had been over a Mill long before
Ex high end and exotic broker/dealer who went to BJ and Mecum all the time
Good to see the Eldorado finally getting some love. I have owned almost a dozen of these beasts over the years and have always enjoyed everything but filling up the 26 gallon fuel tank. LOL. At 10 mpg that doesn’t last all that long either. Seriously, a correction to the headline the 77 & 78 examples did not come with the 500 cid engine. While it was the same block it was de-bored to 426 cid in an effort to respond to the gas crisis of the mid 70’s. Additionally, as most of the readers probably know the convertible was discontinued with the 76 model. While the 76 bi-centennial is the most collectable I believe the 75 & 76 electronic fuel injected cars are also worth a little premium. There were only 200 electronic fuel injected examples of the 500 cid engine spread across the entire Cadillac line and 1,000 in 76 also spread throughout the model lineup. I don’t know if anyone knows how many Eldorados came with this option but they are fairly rare. Living here in California my 76 needs to be smog inspected every couple of years and I’m somewhat convinced that the fuel injection is part of the reason why the car has never failed the actual smog inspection. It did fail the vapor recovery part of the test once due to a bad gasket seal at the gas tank sending unit. Also the 75 and above models we de-tuned to run on unleaded gas and everything older on leaded fuel. A warping 180 hp out of a 500 cid unless you have one with fuel injection at 215 hp. The older cars had a more respectable 400 hp rating. Enjoy one if you have one.
I share your towering admiration for the big Caddies, which I sense the resonance of the Old Man himself, Henry Martyn Leland. I am building a ’59 Coupe Deville, into which I am shoe horning a bored and stroked 500 CI from a ’70 Eldorado. It displaces about 535 cubic inches and will make about 800 HP with a Borla 8-stack EFI induction system and Boogeyman aluminum heads. Sometimes a case needs to be overstated for emphasis.
I’ve got a soft spot for the ‘44 Willys in my garage that’s unrestored, mostly original and clearly under insured.
The standard WWII Jeep based on prototypes from Bantam, Willys & Ford was built quickly (and relatively cheaply) with an expected life in combat of 6 weeks.
The M38, introduced in 1950 and built through 1953 incorporated lessons learned from the original. It featured a better electrical system and stouter drive train (transmission, transfer case and axles) while retaining the simple, efficient L134. While I love my original, the M38 in my mind is the ultimate Jeep. I’ve owned a CJ2A, a CJ7 and currently own an XJ. The newer Jeeps are wannabes. They’re not as simple or reliable and they don’t have Flat Fenders.
Follow the M38 link. It’s a great read as well
Agreed ! REAL Jeeps have flat fenders & ROUND headlights !
Cool looking, but useful only for side roads in this day and age
I bout a very good M38A1 for $11k and spent another $10 restoring it. I figure it should hold its value.
It gets more attention than my other cars.
If you want a show quality WWII Will us or For do produced Jeep, they can be quite expensive if done CORRECTLY…with the right parts, in other words not a mix of Willys/Ford/and civil and repro pieces.
Yes, people will notice and it will be priced accordingly.
Not a mention anywhere of the 70-72 Mavericks which are now extremely rare, especially the V8 Grabbers, which are not even included in Hagerty’s valuation tool. Yet the junky outdated 1990 Ram trucks that nobody liked then or now get included? Shameful.
Mavericks, are extremely cool! Sadly they just didn’t move in value as much as the cars on the list. Believe me, would’ve happily included them if they did, but they should be discussed regardless, thanks for the suggestion.
Well, seeing as how the headline says Winners from the Hagerty price guide, and not the vehicles Mike loves and hates, that is what they went with.
Well back when dodge put that cummins in their trucks in 89 I was working for ford/dodge as a mechanic, Ford and chevy diesels were boat anchors and always have been. If Ford would have pulled their heads outa their butts and got that cummins before dodge did, Ford would have sewed up the truck market for decades to come. The cummins engine at that time was a far superior eng to any of them out there and stayed that way for 10 years until cummins had to screw with that 12 valve engine and turn it into a less reliable eng in 1999 then again in 2003, all downhill from there for the cummins. The Cummins engine is still the more reliable diesel on the market with 2 less cyl than ford or chevy but can perform with either of them, although it has flaws just like all this new junk has. The old 12 valve cummins 89-98 can not be beat for reliability and ease of maintenance and extremely cheap to maintain. Really, how fast do you need to get from point A to point B. The 89-93 cummins with low miles and excellent shape will bring $50k plus, so Hagerty is low on their valuations of them, a 98 12 valve quad cab with low miles and excellent condition will bring $70k , do your research before you make a fool of yourself.
false. The 6.9L international ford started installing in 85 (I think) is a beast. I have 7 or 8 of them as convenience trucks, so I don’t have to drop a trailer of the daily driver or I leave them permanently hooked up. They sit for 7-9 months between uses sometimes. The day I need one I jump in start it and drive to where ever I need to go the registration is the only problem if DPS is around. All of mine have 40-50000 showing and have rolled at least once. I rolled one twice while I was in school. The 7.3 is the same motor just opened up a bit. IDI or direct inject doesn’t mater they are the best motors ever pot in light trucks for longevity and reliability.
In reference to the Dodge diesel a major caution in regard to diesels now is the proliferation of biodiesel at the pumps. I have owned diesel pickups for many decades and just recently sold the last one I will ever own (late model Ram). Discussing biodiesel is like touching the third rail but here is my view and experience that will not change no matter what is said. I live in a state that is a major soy bean producer with a powerful farm lobby and a sympathetic ear with politicians. We have a set of regulations and tax incentives for the fuel wholesalers and retailers that results in anything other than 15% soy based biodiesel being scarce if not totally unavailable. I can find none within a 50 mile radius of my home and have heard that is generally true statewide. I recently received an important warranty update and advisory from Stellantis voiding diesel engine warranties for Ram diesels if greater than 5% blend is used with limited exceptions. Regarding biodiesel blends they advise to never keep the same fuel for more than 30 days, change engine oil and filter twice as often, and change the fuel filter with every oil change. I sold the truck within a week. The high biodiesel content has disabled my infrequently used Kubota tractor (non EGR) with clogged fuel filters several times. With biodiesel the fuel loosens old buildup, blows by piston rings diluting crankcase oil if not burned off, and results in problems particularly for infrequently driven vehicles and or vehicles driven short distances. Mercedes also recommends blends not exceeding 5% so people with RV’s such as Sprinter conversions that may be parked for long periods are also at risk. In summary I wonder if diesel collector vehicles such as the featured Ram would be at risk. And yes I realize big rigs use biodiesel blends but their fuel tanks turn over frequently and they are driven long distances thus burning off crankcase dilution mitigating the oil change frequency issue. I can tell you truckers try to avoid purchasing fuel in my state as all the interstate truck stop chains here only dispense 15%
I believe the Eldo needs a headlight alignment.
My senses were roused by two of the vehicles, the muira and the mondial. The Muira is the most beautiful, out of reach, work of art. The mondial is exactly the opposite to me, it represents a compromised Ferrari.
The Mondial is just too slow. To pay for classic Ferrari maintenance and upkeep for something slower than a mid-80s 305 Z-28 just doesn’t make sense.
It is amazing the the Ghibli SS still seems to run under the radar and is a master designers best work of art.
You are absolutely right AA Lancaster. The triad of ultra-exotic Italians in the late 1960’s were the Miura, Daytona and Ghibli. Look at the current values of the other two. And of course, the 4.9 SS (and Spyder) were the most desirable of of the Ghibli line.