Five Fun-to-Own Classic Cars
From American muscle to imported innovative cars, there are many classic cars that you can choose from to add fun to your driving — and if you pick the right classic car, they can be a good investment, too. Here are five of our favorites that are relatively inexpensive to buy, easy to maintain, and add long-term value to your garage.
Chevrolet Corvette
The first of the true American sports cars, the Corvette is one of the most collected vehicles in North America. Originally designed as a concept car for the GM Autorama by Harley Earl, the 1953 EX-122 Corvette prototype was so popular that GM pushed the car into production in only six months. The Corvette became available for sale in June 1953, and its eighth generation is still in production today.
Fun Fact: The first two years of the Corvette were the only years that didn’t offer a V8 engine. The GM Blue-Flame straight six engine was the original offering, featuring fuel injection, was chosen for its lightweight and torque output.
While there are rare and desirable models that carry hefty price tags, more common models have very reasonable price tags and still maintain their value. With fiberglass bodies, rust is usually not an issue and parts are easy to get.
Also, because Corvettes are plentiful, you won’t impact the long-term appreciation by adding your own personal touches if you customize your Corvette the way you like it. Swapping wheels, upgrading engine performance, repainting, and adding air conditioning or other custom touches are almost expected improvements among Corvette owners.
Acura NSX
Acura’s first super sports car, the Acura NSX is relatively new, but is beginning to gain in collectability. Manufactured from 1990 to 2005, the NSX transformed the image of the Japanese sports car. A mid-engine two-seater, the NSX featured supercar performance with reasonable daily driver comforts. It was manufactured by Honda (sold as an Acura in the U.S.) and featured the Honda 3.0L V6 V-TEC engine. The light weight of the NSX combined with the mid-engine concept made the car handle nimbly and perform as well as many exotic sports cars. Combined with Honda’s legendary reliability, maintenance was minimal, especially compared to the other super coupes of the era.
(Image Source: Motor1.com)
Although fewer than 10,000 were produced in the original 15 years of production, finding a first-generation NSX is fairly easy and the prices are reasonable. And since it was produced by Honda/Acura, parts are readily available and routine maintenance is reasonable.
NOTE: In 2016 Acura released the second generation of the NSX. The 2020 Acura NSX is the ultimate sports car. So if you’re interested in a NEW Acura NSX, contact Neil Huffman Acura at Oxmoor.
Volkswagen Beetle
A hippie classic from the 1970’s, the vintage VW Beetle represents freedom and love. Because the Beetle is very simple mechanically, it’s a car that’s fun to work on for weekend wrenching and easy to keep running in top condition.
Designed by Ferdinand Porsche, the original Beetle featured a rear-mounted air-cooled engine originally rated at only 25 horsepower. Still, the Beetle had a top speed of about 60 mph and could cruise all day at that speed. Later versions increased to 35 then 40 horsepower, but today, modern upgrades are available to boost that little engine up to well over 100 horsepower for spirited performance.
The Beetle’s simple design gave rise to several variations, including the Type 2 Bus, the Karmann Ghia, and the Type 3 – which itself is available in notchback, fastback, and wagon versions. All of these are collectible as well and share many of the same parts and mechanical features of the Beetle.
In 1972 the Beetle surpassed the Ford Model T as the highest production motor vehicle in the world. With over 21 million built by the end of its production, a Beetle in fair condition is relatively easy to find at a reasonable price. Both factory and aftermarket parts are also readily available to customize your Beetle the way you like.
Datsun Z-Series (Nissan Fairlady)
The groundbreaking Datsun 240Z launched the popularity of Japanese sports cars in America. Featuring a sleek design, plenty of power in a lightweight chassis, and a reasonable price, the Z-cars were very popular. Combined with increasing emission regulations and the gas crisis, the popularity of the Z-car helped Nissan get a foothold for the eventual acceptance of Japanese cars in the States.
Later models, the 260Z, 280Z and 300Z, are variations of the earlier 240Z, all of which are based on the Nissan Fairlady design. Later versions offer more refinements and creature comforts, but all offer great looks with outstanding sports car performance. All the versions are popular among collectors, although the original 240Z is the most collectible and fetches the highest value.
MAZDA RX-7
Mazda began production of the Mazda RX-7 in 1978. Featuring a sexy exterior and a cozy race-inspired interior, Mazda lead designer Matasaburo Maeda designed the Mazda RX-7. The sharp wedge design, the low, sweeping hood was made possible by the compact yet powerful Wankel rotary engine. Mazda spent nearly 20 years perfecting the rotary engine for everyday use in passenger vehicles. Featuring a high power-to-weight ratio, the rotary engine-powered Mazda RX-7 was quick, handsome and well built.
The design allowed the rotary engine to be installed behind the front axle, for a well-balanced vehicle with a low center of gravity and great handling dynamics. Because of the inherent smoothness of the rotary engine, very little vibration or harshness are ever experienced, even at high revolutions.
Because of its inherent balance and high power-to-weight ratio, the Mazda RX-7 is a very popular base to customize as a road rally vehicle. It’s also a fun sporty car to enjoy on weekend road trips through your favorite winding canyon roads.
Collecting cars is a great hobby, but if you’re looking for a new or used car to drive, check out the various makes and models that Neil Huffman Automotive Group offers Louisville, Clarksville and Frankfort, IN, customers.