Pontiac Trans Am (1977-1979)

Thanks in part to the incredible success of Smokey and the Bandit, Pontiac sold hundreds of thousands of Firebirds in just a few years. The black-and-gold special edition Trans Ams from the late 1970s were wildly popular. But in the ’80s and ’90s, their giant « screaming chicken » hood sticker and bold lettering fell out of fashion.

Well, eventually everything that’s out of style comes back around again as retro cool, and these awesome machines were rediscovered about five years ago. Soon, prices jumped. In the early 2000s a descent Trans-Am with the highest output W72 Pontiac 400 cid (6.6-liter) V8 could be had for less $10,000. Today, cars with relatively high mileage that are descent drivers are $15,000. Want a pristine car with low miles? That could cost $30,000 to $60,000 at an auction.

The original BMW M5 (E28) was imported to the US for only one year, and came in only one color combination—black with a tan interior. Our first taste of BMW sport sedan goodness was tantalizing. The big 3.5-liter straight six, directly related to the engine in the M1 supercar, could hustle this sedan to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds. Back in the 1980s, nothing with four-doors could touch it.

Despite its rarity, the black beauty stayed relatively cheap for a long time. It was possible to get a very nice low mileage M5 for less than $20,000. But in the past few years it has been rediscovered—and coveted. Today, it’s the high mileage cars that go for that kind of money. The retro M5 is so hot we’ve heard reports of dealers asking close to $100,0000 for cars with less than 40,000 miles.

The FJ40 was Toyota’s answer to the Jeep CJ. The stout machine with the inline six-cylinder engine is known for its reliability and rugged drivetrain, with a transfer case and axles strong enough to handle American V8 power.

Not long ago, these trucks were just fun, affordable 4WD rigs. They traded hands for about the same price as Jeeps did, and even the best had trouble cresting $20,000. Over the last five years these SUVs have surged. It’s possible to still find a solid FJ for a handyman on a budget. But the really good ones seem to be selling on eBay for $20,000-$40,000. The most pristine original or professionally restored FJ40s cross the block for up to $100,000 at the big car auctions.

Porsche 911s have always been collectible, and the rarest and most potent models sell for simply ridiculous amount; recently, a 1973 2.7 RS sold at auction for an eye-watering $891,000, and some top 911s have neared (and cleared) $1 million. These days, however, just about every air-cooled (pre-1998) Porsche 911 has seen its stock rise.

According to the Sports Car Market Pocket Price Guide, back in 2008 a mid-70s « big bumper » 911 was valued between $8,000 and $13,000. Today those same cars are worth $20,000 to $25,000. The 911s from the 1980s that were relatively inexpensive a few years ago are now $30,000 today.

One look at the gorgeous Ferrari 308 and readers of a certain age will no doubt think of Magnum P.I., or perhaps Christie Brinkley driving one in National Lampoon’s Vacation. It’s an iconic sports car. But it is also one that Ferrari made a lot of. No matter. Ferraris of nearly any vintage are becoming collectible, rare or not.

In 2011, a Ferrari 308 in excellent condition would bring just under $40,000. Merely good ones could be bought for around $30,000. That’s right: For the price of a fully loaded minivan you could have a Ferrari with sexy bodywork, smooth V8 power and deft handling. Now, according to Sports Car Market, an excellent car ranges from $45,000 for early 1980s models on up to $120,000 for the rare fiberglass bodied examples. The early steel-bodied cars (1975-1979) are valued in the $80,000 range for an excellent model.