Want to have fun driving and possibly make money? With a little luck and good advice, it is possible, according to Dave Brownell, editor of Hemmings Motor News, the publication often described as the "bible" of car collectors.
Now is a good time to buy because prices are down, Brownell says. But it is important to buy a car that one enjoys, he says. Sometimes a wise buyer can have fun with a car and watch it appreciate, too.To help consumers, Brownell is ready with some of that advice: his annual list of the "10 Most Clearly Collectible" cars. And no, he won't refund your money if the vehicle doesn't appreciate.
- 1958-61 Austin-Healey Sprite. "Many have been raced to death or reduced to bits by rust, but clean, authentic examples can still be found for under $6,000. A blast to drive. Easy to maintain. Expect 8 percent to 10 percent annual appreciation."
- 1950-54 Jaguar XK-120 Roadsters. "Look for cars restored to prize-winning condition and buy for under $50,000."
- 1961-75 Jaguar XK-E. "One of the super-cars of the century."
- 1968-69 Plymouth Road Runners. "In coupe or hardtop, this was a budget-priced muscle car when new. Good examples are still priced that way. You should be able to snap up a sound car for under $10,000, except for the 440 V-8."
- 1968-70 AMX Coupes. "One of the best-looking, best-performing cars ever built by a major independent U.S. manufacturer. Lots going for it. Modest appreciation potential."
- 1958-60 Thunderbirds. "A prize-winning, two-seat Thunderbird from 1955-57 will set you back at least $25,000. But these four-seaters can be bought for half that money - or less if it is a hardtop. Plenty of room for potential profit."
- 1959-60 Chevrolet Impalas. "Preferably the V-8 hardtops and convertibles. With the 1957-59 Chevrolet V-8s established as the premier postwar collector car."
- 1928-31 Model A Fords. "Not so much a wildly potentially profitable group of cars but rather a good buy. A true piece of rolling Americana you can maintain with a screwdriver and pliers."
- 1969-75 Triumph TR6. "The final iteration of the classic Triumph sports car before being superseded by the more modern, but problem-plagued TR-7. Decent examples for under $5,000. Best in the world for under $10,000."
- 1990-91 Buick Reatta convertible.