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Classic Cars on the Cusp of Appreciation

As a car enthusiast, owning a classic car is a dream come true. But what makes a classic car truly valuable? To identify vehicles that are on the cusp of appreciation, we turned to two expert sources: Hemmings and Hagerty. Hemmings is the website of Vermont-based Hemmings Motor News and one of the largest online automotive marketplaces, listing over 20,000 classics from every era. Hagerty, on the other hand, is the website of Hagerty Insurance, Hagerty Marketplace, and several other auto-related brands. Both Hemmings and Hagerty specialize in older or collectible cars, and they know their stuff. For this list, we focused on cars that received a four-star collectibility rating on Hemmings' list of investment-worthy cars in 2025, as well as those that were included in Hagerty's 2026 "Bull Market" list. We limited our selections to cars valued at $120,000 or less in "Excellent" condition on Hagerty's list or on ...

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As a car enthusiast, owning a classic car is a dream come true. But what makes a classic car truly valuable? To identify vehicles that are on the cusp of appreciation, we turned to two expert sources: Hemmings and Hagerty.

Hemmings is the website of Vermont-based Hemmings Motor News and one of the largest online automotive marketplaces, listing over 20,000 classics from every era. Hagerty, on the other hand, is the website of Hagerty Insurance, Hagerty Marketplace, and several other auto-related brands. Both Hemmings and Hagerty specialize in older or collectible cars, and they know their stuff.

For this list, we focused on cars that received a four-star collectibility rating on Hemmings’ list of investment-worthy cars in 2025, as well as those that were included in Hagerty’s 2026 “Bull Market” list. We limited our selections to cars valued at $120,000 or less in “Excellent” condition on Hagerty’s list or on Hemmings’ “average value today” list. To keep our list realistic for most readers, we also limited the first year of production for each model to at least 25 years ago.

After careful consideration, we’ve identified several classic cars that are on the cusp of appreciation. Here are a few of our top picks:

* 1968 Dodge Charger: The Charger is a classic American muscle car that’s known for its powerful engine and sleek design. With a four-star collectibility rating on Hemmings’ list, the 1968 Dodge Charger is a solid investment opportunity. Prices for this model can range from $40,000 to $80,000 in “Excellent” condition, making it an affordable option for collectors.

* 1970 Chevrolet Camaro: The Camaro is another iconic American muscle car that’s popular among collectors. With a four-star collectibility rating on Hemmings’ list, the 1970 Chevrolet Camaro is a great investment opportunity. Prices for this model can range from $30,000 to $60,000 in “Excellent” condition.

* 1969 Ford Mustang: The Mustang is an American classic that’s known for its sleek design and powerful engine. With a four-star collectibility rating on Hemmings’ list, the 1969 Ford Mustang is a solid investment opportunity. Prices for this model can range from $40,000 to $80,000 in “Excellent” condition.

These classic cars are not only beautiful but also offer a solid investment opportunity for collectors. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting out, these models are definitely worth considering.

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