Classic Cars That Are Rising in Value This Year 𝟚𝟘𝟚𝟝 𝔼𝕕𝕚𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟

Looking to invest in a classic car?

Discover the top vintage vehicles gaining value in 2025. From JDM icons to forgotten muscle cars, these classics are on the rise.

Introduction: Why Some Classic Cars Are Gaining Value Fast

Not all classic cars are created equal—some appreciate faster due to rarity, pop culture, performance, or a surge in nostalgic demand. If you’re considering buying a vintage vehicle in 2025, it pays to know which models are heating up in the market.

This year, we’re seeing sharp value increases in certain segments, particularly:

1. Rad-era 1980s and 1990s cars
2. Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) imports
3. Analog sports cars with low production numbers
4. European classics that were previously underappreciated

Whether you’re a collector or investor, here are the classic cars rising in value in 2025, and why they’re worth a closer look.

1. 1993–1998 Toyota Supra (Mk4)

1. Estimated Value Increase (YoY): +20–30%
2. Why It’s Rising: The Mk4 Supra is the poster child of 1990s JDM performance, especially after the “Fast & Furious” legacy. With clean, unmodified examples becoming rarer, collectors are paying premiums.
3. Bonus: Twin-turbo 2JZ engines are legendary for reliability and tuning.

✅ Investment Tip: Look for factory-stock, manual transmission models.

2. 1991–1994 Nissan Figaro

1. Estimated Value Increase: +15–25%
2. Why It’s Rising: Once overlooked as a quirky kei car, the retro-styled Figaro is becoming a collector favorite, especially among younger buyers who value style and uniqueness over power.
3. Bonus: Limited production of just 20,000 units.
   

✅ Investment Tip: Low-mileage imports with original interiors are in demand.

3. 1987–1993 Ford Mustang (Fox Body 5.0)

1. Estimated Value Increase: +18–28%
2. Why It’s Rising: Muscle car enthusiasts are rediscovering the Fox Body. The 5.0-liter V8 makes it fun to drive, and parts are still affordable.
3. Bonus: Clean LX or GT models with 5-speed manuals are especially hot.

✅ Investment Tip: Factory paint and untouched wiring harnesses signal good ownership history.

4. 1975–1980 Mercedes-Benz W123 (300D/240D)

1. Estimated Value Increase: +12–20%
2. Why It’s Rising: The W123 is gaining a cult following for its overbuilt quality and timeless design. Diesel variants are surprisingly sought-after.
3. Bonus: These cars can rack up 500,000+ miles with proper maintenance.
   

✅ Investment Tip: Look for rust-free examples from dry climates like California or Arizona.

5. 1990–1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata (NA)

1. Estimated Value Increase: +15–22%
2. Why It’s Rising: The NA Miata defined the affordable roadster category. Its light weight, pop-up headlights, and analog driving experience make it a modern classic.
3. Bonus: Enthusiasts are now restoring them, not just racing them.
   

✅ Investment Tip: Seek out special editions (like the “M Edition”) for maximum resale potential.

6. 1984–1989 Porsche 944 Turbo

1. Estimated Value Increase: +20–30%
2. Why It’s Rising: For years, the 944 was overshadowed by its 911 siblings. Now, collectors are recognizing its balance, power, and rarity—especially the Turbo versions.
3. Bonus: Porsche quality + ‘80s vibes = strong appreciation.

✅ Investment Tip: Service history and working electronics are crucial—944s are expensive to repair.

7. 1989–1994 Nissan Skyline GT-R (R32)

1. Estimated Value Increase: +25–35%
2. Why It’s Rising: The R32 is the OG “Godzilla.” Now fully legal in the U.S., demand is skyrocketing, especially for clean GTRs with low kilometers.
3. Bonus: ATTESA AWD system and RB26DETT engine offer track-ready performance.
   

✅ Investment Tip: Verify import paperwork, VIN match, and avoid modified high-mileage cars.

8. 1970–1974 Datsun 240Z

1. Estimated Value Increase: +15–25%
2. Why It’s Rising: The original Z-car continues to rise in value due to its design, driving experience, and JDM collector interest.
3. Bonus: Rising Japanese classic demand has made the 240Z a blue-chip collector’s car.

✅ Investment Tip: Original SU carburetors, dashboard, and period wheels increase value.

9. 1992–1996 Chevrolet Impala SS (LT1)

1. Estimated Value Increase: +10–18%
2. Why It’s Rising: A full-size performance sedan with muscle-car heritage, the Impala SS is becoming a sleeper hit among collectors.
3. Bonus: The LT1 engine is powerful, reliable, and simple to modify.

✅ Investment Tip: Look for garage-kept, low-mileage examples with clean leather interiors.

10. 1981–1985 Toyota Celica Supra (Mk2)

1. Estimated Value Increase: +15–20%
2. Why It’s Rising: This early Supra generation blends retro ‘80s design with respectable performance and Toyota reliability.
3. Bonus: Rarer than Mk3/Mk4 Supras and finally getting attention.

✅ Investment Tip: Sunroof and P-Type (Performance) models with flared fenders are more valuable.

Bonus Trends to Watch in 2025

1. Digital dashboards and pop-up headlights are gaining nostalgia value
2. Cars from video games (Gran Turismo, Need for Speed) are boosting demand
3. Manual transmission premiums are stronger than ever
4. Low-mileage, unrestored survivors fetch more than fully restored models

Final Thoughts: Buy Now or Regret Later

Classic cars are no longer just weekend toys—they’re appreciating assets. Whether you’re into JDM legends, American muscle, or European sleepers, 2025 is full of smart buying opportunities.

But don’t wait too long. As more investors and enthusiasts enter the market, prices will continue to climb, especially for original, low-mileage, and well-documented cars.