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These 5 Classics Started 2025 with Big Gains
Happy New Year and welcome to 2025! On our calendar, January means big auctions, as well as a time to reflect on the previous year and debrief. It is also when we release our quarterly update of the Hagerty Price Guide. In the big picture, 2024 saw the previously hot collector car market cool down and settle. However, the collector car market has become more nuanced than ever, and while many collector vehicles have settled or stumbled, exceptional examples are still bringing out motivated buyers.
As the year drew to a close we still observed some notable value increases, but those gains were conspicuously smaller than the huge increases we became accustomed to seeing earlier in the 2020s, and the more noteworthy increases are mostly found in the less expensive segments of the hobby. Let’s look at the price guide’s biggest winners, measured by percentage increase across all conditions, in detail below.
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.
1981-93 Dodge W-Series Pickups
Average increase: +16%
Six months ago, we visited this series of Dodge pickup and here we are again. The trucks of note then were the burly Cummins diesel-powered models, but now it appears the rest of the series has decided to catch up. The third generation D/W series (“D” for 2WD, “W” for 4WD) saw a major face lift in 1981 as well as a rebrand to “Dodge Ram,” a name that sticks to this day. Many of these updates were cosmetic to give the series a refreshed look, but Dodge also tightened up engine options, with a basic Slant Six through 1987 being replaced by a V-6, two V-8 engines with the 318 and 360, and a diesel offering in the form of the six-cylinder mill from Cummins.
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D/W-Series trucks closed out the year strong. The four-wheel drive W-Series performed especially well, with some good trucks selling in late 2024 for prices far outpacing price guide numbers, and this went for both gas- and diesel-powered trucks. Two-wheel drive models fared well, too, with values gaining seven percent on average. Good Dodge trucks of this era do not materialize often. Much of this has to do with a lack of the restoration support Ford and GM trucks enjoy, compounded by Dodge’s lower production numbers. That said, good trucks are making it onto the market and enthusiasts are eager to snatch them up regardless of what’s under the hood, though Cummins-powered examples remain king in this market.
1991-96 Chevrolet Caprice Station Wagon
Average increase: +13%
Chevrolet’s fourth generation Caprice marked the end of an era for GM, leaving the full-size, rear-wheel-drive market to Ford’s Panther platform. These cars were built in the hundreds of thousands and were the transportation of choice for families, taxi companies and police departments alike. The “whale body” Caprice is held in affection amongst Gen-X and Millennial enthusiasts who grew up with them.
We’ve been watching the rise of station wagons in general over the past several years. From family commuters to high horsepower sport wagons, it’s a phenomenon that keeps growing. Which is good news for Caprice wagon owners who saw their cars increase 13 percent on average in value over the past few months. But that surge is only a small piece of the puzzle. While driver to project grade cars saw only modest bumps, a surprising amount of excellent condition cars hit the market at the end of 2024 and sold extremely well, prompting a big jump on condition #2 (“excellent”) cars, widening the value gap between them and #3 (“good”) condition examples.
While a driver-quality Caprice wagon still costs in the neighborhood of $10,000 a clean, lightly used example is now approaching $30,000. Whether this phenomenon is just increased willingness of buyers to pony up for the rare excellent condition car, or if this is collector recognition remains to be seen. Either way, if you’ve been hanging on to a nice Caprice wagon, chances are you’ll be pleased with the news.
1981-83 DeLorean DMC-12
Average increase: +11%
John Z. DeLorean’s attempt at creating a full-blown car company was an ambitious and gutsy, but between money problems and the high-profile drug bust involving John Z. (who would later be acquitted on grounds of entrapment), the whole enterprise died a sad end before the car could really get off the ground. The infamous stainless steel sports car got a second wind in 1985 with Back to the Future and became a pop culture icon. Aside from pop culture, the DeLorean received the accolades of car reviewers who found the car to be quite good although it lacked any sort of real power. Road & Track even said “it may well be that the DeLorean will become a cult car, purchased for status reasons by persons wishing to be seen as individualists.”
For years, the DeLorean enjoyed reasonable pricing, but over the past five years it saw real growth in the market, and the past few months saw another sizable surge as a couple of exceptional cars traded in the deep $100,000 range and other excellent-condition cars approached the six-figure barrier. While good (condition #3) to fair (condition #4) cars did not enjoy such a lift, it’s clear that there is a strong appetite for DeLoreans and buyers are willing to pay up for exceptional ones. We will have to see if these strong numbers bring more great cars to market, but for now the future looks bright.
1981-90 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ60/FJ62
Average increase: +9%
Land Cruisers make another appearance to our list of significant movers. The 80-Series model was a big winner back in October, but now we turn our attention to the 60-Series. Introduced in 1981, the 60-Series Land Cruiser offered creature comforts to make them more livable as a commuters than previous models, all while maintaining the Land Cruiser’s famous go-anywhere capability.
While not as expensive as the 80-Series that followed it, the 60-Series has a devoted following that reveres it for its ruggedness and overall usability, not to mention Toyota’s famous reliability. While the best examples are now fetching close to six-figures, excellent quality trucks saw the largest surge last year, going from a somewhat palatable price of around $40,000 to the mid-$50,000 range. Don’t despair, though, as driver quality trucks are still commonly available at lower prices, with good condition #3 examples in the $30,000 range and trucks with needs at just around $10,000. The continued increases in values of Land Cruisers, however, proves that there is a high demand and enthusiasts are snatching up whatever models they can get their hands on.
1958-60 Edsel
Average increase: +9%
Those who do remember the Edsel brand mostly think of it as Ford’s big failure in the late 1950s. To be fair, the idea behind it was not so different from what GM and Chrysler were doing at the time. It was an upper mid-tier car that aimed to compete with the likes of Buick, Oldsmobile, and DeSoto. However, at the time their styling wasn’t well-received and quality was inconsistent. Plus, Ford introduced this all-new brand during a recession, which never helps. Edsel ceased to be a brand in just three years of existence, after losing FoMoCo over $250M.
Edsel is a niche marque amongst enthusiasts today and values rarely change at a big clip, but we did observe a decent lift in values the past three months. A handful have come to market, selling publicly and offered for sale at surprisingly high numbers. And while asking prices are just that—an ask—the trend is in the positive. While most of the movement was relegated to four-door models, it is clear that there is still life in ’50s American classics, even the ones that lurk just outside of our attention.
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Wish you guys would give the ’36 Fords a complete rundown. We both drive Lexus rx 350, 2004 & 2013 With zero troubles. So why rag on them here?
A neighbor has one of that generation of Land Cruisers, and it looks pretty good, if a bit faded.
Bought an FJ-60 new in 1983, $14K-something sticker. Seemed like a lot of money at the time. 4-speed had a comfortable top end of 45-50 mph. Atrocious mileage, single digit. Still, had it for 12 years and 120K miles.
It’s because not everyone can afford an 80K or 100K vintage collector car; I certainly can’t! I’m happy that I could afford a 1996 Cadillac Sedan de Ville with low milage that I can enter in shows. As for the 1996 Chevy Caprice, I have seen a few at shows, as well as remembering when they first came out in 1996; I prefer the style of the 1986 Chevy Caprice Classic 2-door sedan. To each their own!
My first car was a 96 caprice with an LTI and I did some small mods to it and back at that time, it destroyed most daily drivers on the road. Was actually very reliable but you were not catching many looks in that thing. Underrated but ugly as hell.
Boy I don’t know. Seems like the whole hobby of car collecting has eroded away like every other fun thing in America. Dealers have scooped up ( or taken in on consignment 90 % of what’s out there) and the average guy simply can’t afford the really cool stuff.
I’m thinking of picking up a Hot Wheels Camaro and parking it at every car show I can find- with a big sign on the windshield that says “ Isn’t this stupid?!!”
I mean really, the guys that pushed a little Hot Wheels car across the kitchen floor at age 8 are now rolling down the street in their “ high fallootin, massively pollutin, 60,000 dollar GTO with drum brakes and bias ply tires”- unless of course they’ve dumped 200 large into it and gone the Resto Mod route.
Either way, by some measure it’s arrested development, and they might have been better off listening to their History teacher than reading the Car Craft magazine discreetly tucked into their textbook. Basically they’re 60 years old going on 9. Kinda pathetic when you think about it.
People must be getting desperate, or there’s nothing else decent out there for sale. Either way, keep them all.
Sometimes I have to wonder if we’ve just lost touch with what the public wants in older vehicles. If you’re even remotely familiar with the term “overlanding”, you’ll recognize the market for these Land Cruisers. It’s very difficult to find low mileage, uncustomized models these days. You show up around a group of outdoorsy 30 year olds with a Land Cruiser and I’ll guarantee someone will ask if it’s for sale. They’re worshipped by that generation. They realize how rugged and indestructible they can be. We might consider Tri-fives as collectible to our 60-80 year old generation, but younger folks are interested in Land Cruisers and Caprice wagons, especially LT-1’s. We have to realize our generation doesn’t decide what’s collectible to our kids and grandkids. When we complain about what someone finds valuable or interesting, we’re just showing our age, not our wisdom.
Well said! I am a 62 year old automotive engineer and can’t understand why these “straight line, high horsepower, fuel consuming, poor braking, poor handling 60’s muscle cars are priced into the Stratosphere. I have 2 (2008 coupe and 2010 Drop top) XKR Jaguars (from the Ford era)…and they didn’t “break the bank” for me. Also a 1993 imported Hilux Surf RHD diesel. Love them all….and all reliable….well engineered. I suggest looking to reliability and performance instead of “following the crowd” or “nostalgia”…..you might find some great hidden gems and get some great deals. I worked for Michelin for a number of years and their (our) mantra was that Quality and Engineering always rules.
Other than the Edsel, which could be construed as a legitimate “classic” of sorts, none of the remaining four vehicles would be welcome in my driveway at ANY price. I still can’t get used to the term “classic” being applied to cars similar to the ones on this list……even with the small “C”. They are simply middle-aged, used cars that used to be suitable for demolition derbys, until some people, for reasons unknown, started paying silly money for them.
Always loved the Deloreans. Something really different. I was driven around in one a couple yeas ago; and it was obvious that the weak engine needs to go. A 6 cylinder Ford Eco-Boost engine would add about 80-100 HP to the package
and make it into a decent highway cruiser.
I keep looking for five Classic vehicles but may you skipped over the article, they all fall under the J&S category.
Uncle Doug, your my new hero, except you give the Edsel too much credit for being one of car histories biggest flops, I have a 1968 Camaro convertible SS, a 1989 Corvette convertible, first year for a rag top to come back & a trunk just to finish it off, a 1989 MB 560 SL, red & palamino, 2008 BMW 6 series M6 V 10 convertible, 2002 Porsche 996 convertible, and I just let a mint condition Cadillac Allante pearl white , black rag top, now these are a couple of classics that will not only increase in value but always look turn a head.
Well said! I am a 62 year old automotive engineer and can’t understand why these “straight line, high horsepower, fuel consuming, poor braking, poor handling 60’s muscle cars are priced into the Stratosphere. I have 2 (2008 coupe and 2010 Drop top) XKR Jaguars (from the Ford era)…and they didn’t “break the bank” for me. Also a 1993 imported Hilux Surf RHD diesel. Love them all….and all reliable….well engineered. I suggest looking to reliability and performance instead of “following the crowd” or “nostalgia”…..you might find some great hidden gems and get some great deals. I worked for Michelin for a number of years and their (our) mantra was that Quality and Engineering always rules.
I do carpentry and Home Remodeling, my current 86 Caprice Wagon is my work vehicle. This is the fifth wagon I have used since I started back in the mod 80’s. Its a rare day that I don’t get a thumbs up or when someone tells me how they remember the wagon their family had growing up riding in the original third row seat. Just like other classic cars these wagons do the same in reliving memories. I used to pick up another wagon easily for under $1K. Now good ones are easily three times that price (am often a lot more) because they are becoming “classic”. I kind of laugh at everyone in their “SUV’s” because on my opinion they are really just driving station wagons.
When I look at really odd or unpopular cars, I think about the day it was sold new. Someone just had to have it … they may or may not have gotten really excited about bringing it home, but they ponied up $$$$ cash and jumped in that putrid color sedan or coupe along with its weird option list with no sex appeal and brought it home. Makes me scratch my head sorting out automobile attraction.
A butt for every seat like the man said.
A family example here. My in-laws bought a new beige 65 Plymouth Barracuda. The Mustang 2+2 was also available at the same time. No brainer to me but my wife learned to drive in the Plymouth ( she says it was so odd she felt like she was sitting in the floor reaching up to the wheel)! Her first personal car was her 66 Emberglo Mustang.
Just saying…..