4x4 and SUV Guide ›› Sports Cars that Should Go Up in Value
9 Sports Cars Holding their Value
It's not a common practice for the majority of motorists, but it's fair to say that some people will buy a car as an investment - hoping to make a profit when they sell it.
Of course, there's little guarantee that it will actually rise in desirability and selling price. So what are some of the best used sports cars with good resale valuations and how much are they likely to fetch?
Audi TT (Mk1 1998-2006)
The original Audi TT caught a lot of attention from auto enthusiasts. Plus, there are some variants that are quite inexpensive to own.
But, some of them tend to lack the raw power associated with most of the Audi 4x4 models for sale in the United Kingdom.
In spite of that:
The Audi TT has always been a "showstopper car". Despite the stunning looks, cherishing one that was fitted out with the optional (and very rare) baseball glove leather upholstery interior could be seen as a shrewd investment.
For instance, a high-end, second hand, well-maintained Audi TT with low-mileage is likely to fetch around £15,000 in the United Kingdom.
Jaguar XK8 (1996-2006)
Jaguar Cars launched the first generation of the XK series (project code X100) in 1996. The grand tourer came in two variants, a two-door coupé or a mouth-watering convertible, both powered by a 4.0-liter Jaguar AJ-V8 engine (a compact Dual Overhead Camshaft V8 piston engine).
That being said, there are several reasons why the Jaguar 2006 XK as a used sports car should go up in value, but in particular:
- It is made of aluminium.
- It gives a sharp and responsive driving experience.
- The cabin is notably superior.
Despite recent depreciations, the resale value of the XK and the XK8 appear to have bottomed out and started climbing.
The model year, service history, and condition will always reflect the highest price achievable. However, you could expect a used Jaguar XKR convertible with a 5.0-liter supercharged V8 to command well over £12,000.
Alfa Romeo Spider (1966-1982)
Resale valuations of the Alfa Romeo Giulia and Giulietta have started to increase exponentially. Even so, when the Spider became one of the 50 year old cars a few years ago it has become much more affordable.
According to figures released by "Car & Classic", the selling price of a second hand Alfa Romeo Duetto (Spider) in pristine condition could be as much as £70,000 (depending on the rarity).
Porsche Boxster 986 (1996-2004)
In pure "value-for-money terms", the original Boxster could be one of the most inexpensive Porsche models ever made.
It had a strong resemblance to the 550 Spyder and it was a cheaper alternative to the Porsche 911. As such, the Porsche Boxster 986-series helped the German automakers avoid bankruptcy.
Anyone connected with historic, classic, and vintage cars expects the price of cherished second hand Boxsters to increase. In fact, a mint condition Porsche Boxster 986 S could easily fetch more than £15,000 here in the United Kingdom.
BMW Z3 M Roadster (1998-2002)
Even though some drivers were disappointed with the regular Z3, the release of the high-performance BMW Z3 M variant changed the outlook.
Not only did they overhaul the suspension, but the addition of a 3.2-litre in-line six engine meant the change in power was significant.
It gets better:
Add a few improvements to the sleek bodywork and the outcome is a low production car that has already started to appreciate in value.
Current estimates suggest you would need to pay something around £20,000 to buy a Z3 M Roadster in the UK.
Datsun 240Z (1969-1974)
In fact, we already made a list of cars that first appeared half a century ago (1975) and many are still increasing in value.
As a consequence of that, we think the Datsun 240Z is one that should go up in value too. By and large, this car had an important role in the Z-car revolution.
Another section explains how to buy a car from auction and if you happen to stumble on a rust-free original 240Z for less than £50,000 it may well be worth a punt.
Triumph Stag (1970-1977)
The intriguing 2+2 body-style of the Triumph Stag sports tourer first hit the market in 1970 and the final model rolled off the production line in 1978.
However, its reputation for being unreliable and a bit "glitchy" took its toll.
In fact, the British Triumph Motor Company built fewer than 26,000 Stags during the entire production run.
Today, if you find one that runs smoothly and free of glitches, you could have a V8-powered four-seater convertible for the cost of most modern SUVs and crossovers.
You should expect to pay somewhere in the region of £12,000 for a 1972 Triumph Stag with average spec and condition.
Fun Fact: Most of the well-maintained classic Triumphs fetch high prices - especially the rarest examples. Still, the most expensive Triumph car ever sold at auction was a 1977 TR6 formerly owned by Elvis Presley, estimated to be worth £500,000.
Aston Martin DB7 (1993-2003)
If you agree that the DB7 saved Aston Martin - and we do - building more than 7000 units would have you believe that the car is unattainable to the masses.
Yet, we're looking at the DB7 V12 GT, and even with an appreciating value approaching £50,000, it is still one of the most collectible of all Aston Martin cars in the United Kingdom.
MG RV8 (1993-1995)
The final inclusion in this list of second hand sports cars that should go up in value is the MG RV8. MG Cars first launched it in 1992 at the British Motor Show.
Back then, they marketed it as "The Marque has returned" and they had no hesitation at setting the retail selling price of £26,500.
More than thirty years later, and having built less than 2,000 units, if you get an opportunity to buy one of these classic MGs with luxurious interior, you should expect to cough up something in the region of £25,000 - and the price appears to be getting higher each year.
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