The classic car market is celebrating a buoyant end to the year, that’s according to data released by insurance firm Hagerty. Using data from the cars that generate the most enquiries, we present the 10 cars in reverse order. If you sold a Peugeot 205 GTI or Audi Quattro at the beginning of the year, you might want to look away now.
10. Mercedes-Benz 450 SLC: 21.4% increase
2016 value: £10,200
2015 value: £8,400
The 5.0-litre 450SLC was built to allow Mercedes-Benz to go racing in the 1978 World Rally Championship. Of all the cars featured on the Hagerty list, we think this one offers the best value for money. Just over £10,000 to secure what is undoubtedly far more interesting than anything offered by Mercedes-Benz today.
9. Citroen SM: 26.5% increase
2016 value: £34,125
2015 value: £26,975
Speaking of things far more interesting… Values of the Citroen SM continue to head north, as the market wakes up to the fact that this was one of the coolest creations of the 1970s. Part Citroen, part Maserati, the SM was a victim of circumstances beyond its control.
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8. Ford Capri 2.8i: 28.0% increase
2016 value: £13,950
2015 value: £10,900
We remember a time when you couldn’t give a Ford Capri away. Today, even the lowly four-cylinder cars command a sizeable premium, but six-cylinder Capris attract the most interest. In March 2016, a Ford Capri 280 ‘Brooklands’ sold at auction for £54,000…
7. Porsche 944 Turbo: 31.0% increase
2016 value: £21,875
2015 value: £16,700
As 911 values continue to spiral out of control, it’s logical that some magic dust would be sprinkled over other Porsche models. Not too long ago, you could secure a 944 for a nominal amount. Today, the 944 Turbo has broken the £20,000 mark.
6. Jensen Interceptor III: 36.9% increase
2016 value: £51,250
2015 value: £37,425
Meanwhile, this Anglo-Italian grand tourer has enjoyed a remarkable 2016, with values shooting up from £37,425 to £51,250. That’s an increase of 36.9%.
5. Porsche 928 GTS: 67.6% increase
2016 value: £33,850
2015 value: £20,200
Hagerty says: “Front engine Porsches have been rising rapidly across the board for the last 18 months. The 928 is just starting to be considered for the superb sports that it is – a huge commitment by Porsche to their support and restoration has helped this.”
4. BMW 3.0 CSL: 70.8% increase
2016 value: £83,800
2015 value: £49,050
Wow. Just wow. A year ago we were reporting a 1.1% increase in values, but a further 70.8% increase has seen the 3.0 CSL break through the £80,000 mark and on its way to six figures.
3. Aston Martin Lagonda S1: 71.6% increase
2016 value: £62,725
2015 value: £36,550
Not to be confused with the wedge-tastic Lagonda S2, the Aston Martin Lagonda S1 was a four-door version of the Aston Martin V8 (pictured). Only seven were ever built, so we’re surprised to discover that Hagerty receives so many enquiries about this limited-run car.
2. Peugeot 205 GTi 1.6: 84.8% increase
2016 value: £11,275
2015 value: £6,100
Hagerty says: “Over the summer of 2016, Peugeot 205 GTIs rocketed in value, with exceptional examples achieving over £30,000. The difference between fair and concours examples is huge.”
1. Audi Quattro RR: 151.2% increase
2016 value: £47,925
2015 value: £19,075
Congratulations if you bought an Audi Quattro at the start of the year. Values of the desirable 20v RR model have skyrocketed over the past 12 months, up a massive 151.2%. Fire up the appreciator…