Before The Gold Rush: 5 Affordable Classic Sports Cars
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Remember those stories you always hear about the 'one that got away?' Do you reminisce about muscle cars sold before the current pricing bubble—when they were just thirsty used Detroit iron or Swiss-cheese Porsche 911 shells that could now fund a college education? It’s extremely difficult to predict which vehicles will become investment-grade opportunities, and which will simply disappear into the back lot at your local secondhand dealership.
Nonetheless, I’m willing to take a stand on five models (for now) that are still affordable enough for almost any enthusiast to purchase today, but which might not be able to claim bargain status that much longer. Each of these cars was mass-produced to the point where clean examples abound—if you know where to look and the stench of being a commoner has so far kept collectors at bay.
Here's a look at five affordable classic sports cars you should jump on before the gold rush dooms them to a life trapped in some millionaire's climate-controlled garage.
Porsche 944
Stay away from the Turbo and enjoy the S2's powerful four-cylinder engine and cheaper maintenance.
Think of the Porsche 944 as the proto-Boxster, the car that proved an entry-level option from Stuttgart could pull its own weight on both the street and the track. The best part about the 944—aside from the stunningly low pricing of driver-quality models—is that the car kept improving year after year. My pick for the best of the lot is the 1989 to 1991 Porsche 944 S2, which offered 208 horsepower from its 3.0-liter four-cylinder engine, along with 50/50 weight distribution and a five-speed manual transmission. Stay away from the Turbos, because their maintenance schedules are a little too intensive given their value. But the S2 is a solid classic sports car buy.
BMW 325is
Steel-bumper cars still look good, but plastic-bumper models command a premium.
Everyone knows about the E30-generation BMW M3, which has already pegged the auction meter too hard to be considered affordable, but the BMW 325is is a perfectly acceptable sports car alternative. Introduced in 1987, this two-door coupe delivers 168 horsepower and 164 pound-feet of torque from a smooth 2.5-liter inline-six (available with a 5-speed manual), and it features sleeker looks than the standard 325i along with excellent handling for its time. Pick up a plastic-bumper late-built model (1990-1991) for the cleanest design offered during the E30 era.
Mazda RX-7
Don't be scared by the twin-turbo rotary drivetrain.
Was there ever a more beautiful Japanese car released to the masses than the 1993-1995 Mazda RX-7? The car's gorgeous curves were backed up by one of the best chassis ever to leave Mazda's factories, and a 1.3-liter twin-turbo rotary engine good for between 250 and 260 horsepower, depending on which model you are looking at. I know a lot of you skipped ahead to the next section as soon as you read the words 'rotary engine,' but with the strong community support and modern engineering options available to RX-7 owners, there's little reason to be frightened by the car's unconventional drivetrain. Enjoy the sublime driving experience while it's still priced to sell, as unmolested examples have already begun to climb in the estimation of collectors.
Datsun 240Z, 260Z, 280Z
Check carefully for rust, but that's the only real weakness for the Datsun Z cars.
Forget the 1970-71 Datsun 240Z, as these rare coupes have already succumbed to either rust or predatory pricing. Aim instead for the 1972-1978 models, which run the gamut from the last of the 2.4-liter, straight-six 240Zs to the in-between 260Z and the ultimate fuel-injected, five-speed 280Z. The Datsun package includes a lightweight design, parts that interchange between all eight years of production, exceptional (up to 180 ponies) power given the emissions environment of the time, and dead-simple repairs. Remember how crazily classic 911 prices escalated in what seemed like the blink of an eye? Don't be victimized when the same thing happens here.
Toyota MR2
It's the affordable Ferrari-like sports car design that's somehow Toyota's best-kept secret.
This is the only one I'm a little iffy on. The Toyota MR2, which was available from 1984 all the way to the mid-1990s in the United States, has all the right elements: mid-engine design, available supercharged or turbocharged drivetrains, and near-exotic looks (especially for post-1989 models). Even given its 200 horsepower turbo engine and available T-Tops, the MR2 has failed to attract any real collector interest, which means there are hundreds of great used models available at rock-bottom prices. Buy the MR2 simply to drive it, and if it ever appreciates, well that's just a bonus.
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This article is meant to provide general guidance only. Automotive maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation may depend on vehicle-specifics such as make and model. Always consult your owner's manual, repair guide for specific information for your particular vehicle and consider a licensed auto-care professional's help as well, particularly for advance repairs.