Most cars lose value right after delivery. Others, like old wine, only get costlier with age. These exceptional vehicles defy the laws of depreciation due to factors like their heritage, cultural and technological legacies, and limited production. For these reasons, their owners are never in a hurry to dispose of them. 

Porsche 911 (993) Turbo

As the last air-cooled 911, the Porsche 911 Turbo features a 408-horsepower twin-turbocharged 3.6-liter flat-six engine, whale-tail spoiler, and all-wheel drive. Due to its limited manufacturing numbers, the Porsche 993 Turbo’s value appreciates, with pristine examples commanding upwards of $200,000.

Ferrari 250 GTO

Ferrari produced only about 36 units of the 250 GTO, each featuring a 300-horsepower 3.0-liter V12 engine and reaching 174 mph. The car achieved significant racing victories, including a class win at the Nürburgring 1000 km. One unique 1962 model was sold for $51.7 million in November 2023.

Lamborghini Miura

Many experts believe the Lamborghini Miura, produced between 1966 and 1973, is the first supercar. With only 764 units manufactured, its rarity and powerful 350-horsepower V12 engine enhances its desirability among collectors. According to Hot Cars, the Miura has appreciated substantially, with prices ranging from $1.5 million to $4.9 million.

Toyota Supra (MK IV)

Well-preserved units of the Twin Turbo variant can command prices upwards of $200,000, with low-mileage models fetching more at auctions. Factors like a growing collector base and limited availability due to its age contribute to this growing trend. Produced from 1993 to 2002, each unit features a powerful 2JZ-GTE inline-six engine.

Ford GT (2005–2006)

The Ford GT features an impressive 550-horsepower supercharged 5.4-liter V8 engine and a six-speed manual transmission. Auction prices have soared from an average of $254,835 in 2013 to over $618,000 for well-maintained pieces. Heritage Editions fetch above $600,000, a trend bolstered by young enthusiasts.

Honda S2000

This iconic car, produced from 1999 to 2009, showcases a high-revving 240-horsepower 2.0-liter inline-four engine. Prices average around $32,674, while specific variants, like the S2000 CR, reach as high as $108,000. As fewer examples remain on the market, experts predict that S2000 values will keep climbing.

BMW E30 M3

E30 M3’s success on the racetrack, iconic styling, and driving dynamics have made it one of the most revered and sought-after BMW models ever. Well-preserved pieces of the Sport Evolution variant have fetched above $225,000 at auction, as reported by Hot Cars. Still, its value continues to appreciate significantly as it ages.

Datsun 240Z

In 1970, the price of a Datsun 240Z was around $3,500 (approximately $23,300 today). Today, the 240Z is increasingly recognized as a collectible classic, with values ranging between $38,000 and $55,000. Exceptional models, like the Series 1 cars, have even surpassed six figures at auction.

Aston Martin DB5

Launched in 1963, the Aston Martin DB5 features a 330-horsepower 4.0-liter inline-six engine and is famously associated with the James Bond franchise. Like the James Bond piece that sold for approximately $6.4 million in 2019, most DB5s can often fetch more than $1.3 million at auctions.

Chevrolet Corvette (C2)

Chevrolet’s Corvette C2, known as the Sting Ray, offers a fuel injection system, a lightweight fiberglass body, a sophisticated chassis, and independent rear suspension. Certain configurations, like the 1963 split-window coupe, are rare, and the Corvette’s rich racing heritage enhances its market value.

Mazda RX-7 (FD)

Its perfect weight distribution and rear-wheel-drive layout make it one of the best-handling sports cars.  The RX-7’s soaring market value is driven by limited production numbers and a passionate fan base. Information by Top Speed shows that recent auction sales range from $23,700 to over $137,000.

Shelby GT350 (1965–1966)

Shelby designed the GT350 for street and track performance. With a powerful 306-horsepower 4.7-liter V8 engine, the initial run of 100 street models was built to meet SCCA homologation requirements. Only 521 street models were eventually released, and well-preserved examples often sell for six figures at auctions.

Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione

The company behind the car released only 500 coupes and 329 spiders of the 8C Competizione. This model, designed by Wolfgang Egger, featured a Ferrari-sourced 450-horsepower 4.7-liter V8 engine, lightweight leather seats, and polished aluminum accents. Its desirability among collectors pushes its value to about $375,000.

Porsche Carrera GT

Between 2004 and 2007, Porsche produced about 1,270 units of the Carrera GT. Desirable features include a carbon fiber chassis and manual transmission with a beech wood gear knob. Initially costing $440,000, the GT now sells for $1.3 million, with some auction sales exceeding $2 million.

Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing

As the first production car to feature direct fuel injection, the Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing could reach about 162 mph. The car’s lightweight tubular spaceframe construction contributed to its agility and speed, earning it victories at the Mille Miglia and Le Mans. Today, well-preserved models exceed $1 million at auctions.