by Mike –
As collector car prices have increased over the past few years many of us have been priced out of certain collector cars. However, there are still some interesting cars available for under $50,000 USD that would be fun to own and drive or show or race or whatever the plan.
More and more modern cars (1980 or later) are falling into the collector car category (like the Chrysler Crossfire), or will do so soon (like maybe the Aston Martin DB11, although this one is well above $50k USD).
Here are some of my favorite collector cars in the under $50k USD price range, starting with the Porsche 928.
Porsche 928
Originally Porsche thought this front engined water cooled V8 would replace the 911. However, the market had different ideas. These cars were not well loved by Porsche people for years. Now with the rising prices of the 911 and the 356 models collectors are looking to the 928 and realizing that it is a fine luxury GT car and can be had at a very reasonable price.
The 928 is Porsche’s only coupé powered by a front-mounted V8 engine, and the first Porsche production V8 powered model.
The 928 introduced several innovations such as the “Weissach Axle”, a passive rear-wheel steering system that provides increased stability when braking during a turn.
The engine sizes ranged from a 4.5-liter producing 219 hp to a 5.4-liter producing 345 hp. The transmissions included a 5-speed manual and a 3 or 4-speed automatic for various models.
Number made: approximately 61,000 from 1978 – 1995
Hagerty Price Guide value for a condition 2 example: there is a wide value range because of the various model differences – $21,700 for a ’78 base 928; $75,900 for a ’95 928 GTS.
Sports Car Market Pocket Price Guide median price: $10,260 for a ’78-’82 928 to $54,000 for a ’93-’95 928 GTS.
Not everyone likes the looks of the Porsche 928 but I do.
Let us know what you think in the Comments.
Next will be a car made in Japan.
Mike, agreed. The 928 is a great and under appreciated car. Prices have really taken off in the last few years, but are still affordable considering how much car you get for the money. Good choice.
My pal, who has had a lot of cars, loved his 928. He said it was fun and reliable (and he isn’t one to mince words about the cars he didn’t like). I’ll vote with Rob and say it’s a solid choice. BTW, did you ever see the article about the fellow in Germany who made an enlarged VW Rabbit/Golf body and somehow fit it around a 928? He loved coming up on other cars on the Autobahn and zooming by…
The 928 was a game changer for Porsche, front engine, H2O cooled, transaxle in the rear, etc. Clearly, Porsche felt this was the future layout for sports/GT cars, the 924 was a similar layout project done for VW/Audi who cancelled it at the last minute. It then became a Porsche in name and replacement for the 914, although it was built by Audi.
It was a good car with a lot of teething problems in the first years, they did really get their act together with the 928S4 in 1987. Al Holbert set a production car land speed record with an early 928S4 of over 170 MPH at Bonneville. The major problem with ownership is the very low production numbers which makes the unique parts VERY expensive if/when needed.
The current issue of “Automobile” magazine has a great profile of the Porsche 944 S2 as a collectible classic that won’t break the bank. Worthwhile reading.