Value Reborn - There’s something fascinating about how time can completely flip the script on value. A car that once sat unwanted in a dealership, ignored by buyers, can, decades later, be worth more than a luxurious home. What was once dismissed as outdated, strange, or impractical can suddenly become a prized piece of automotive history. |
| An illustrative scene showing a lineup of once-overlooked classic cars, now prized collectibles with values that have soared over time. (Image Reimagined by ChatGPT | Prompt by EKA) |
This remarkable transformation often happens in the world of classic cars. Many models that failed to make an impact when they were new have, over the years, gained fame for their rarity and unique backstories. Today, those same overlooked machines are sought after by collectors, commanding prices that would have seemed unimaginable when they first hit the road.
Here are seven examples, as highlighted by McKeel Hagerty, president of Hagerty Insurance—a company specializing in coverage for vintage automobiles.
7. DeLorean DMC-12 (1981-1982) Value: US $10-35 thousand
Take the DeLorean DMC-12, for example. Built only between 1981 and 1982, it looked like it had been teleported straight from the future—gullwing doors, stainless steel body, and a design that still turns heads today. Sadly, it was heavy, underpowered, and doomed by a collapsing U.S. auto market. Add to that the infamous legal troubles of its founder, and the company folded after just 9,000 cars were made. Only about 6,500 are believed to still exist, and what was once a showroom headache is now a collectible fetching $10,000 to $35,000.
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| The 1981 DeLorean DMC-12. (Picture from: ForumDonanimhaber) |
6. Amphicar (1961-1968) Value: US $26-58 thousand
Then there’s the German-made Amphicar, a 1960s oddball that could drive on land and cruise on water. It was neither the best boat nor the best car, and sales barely reached 4,000 units—far short of the 20,000 hoped for. Yet, the thing refuses to rust and has survived the decades remarkably well. Today, that quirky amphibious charm will cost you $26,000 to $58,000.
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| The 1961 Amphicar Model 770. (Picture from: Hagerty) |
5. Fiat Jolly (1958) Value: US $30-60 thousand
Some rarities weren’t just unusual—they were downright glamorous. The 1958 Fiat Jolly, essentially a beach cruiser version of the Fiat 500 or 600, catered to wealthy holidaymakers who could load it onto their yachts. Its wicker seats and fringed roof were whimsical but not enough to spark sales. Fewer than 100 remain worldwide, and its scarcity now pushes values between $30,000 and $60,000.
4. BMW Isetta (1955-1962) Value: US $30-60 thousand
In the microcar corner sits the BMW Isetta, a bubble-shaped city runabout sold from 1955 to 1962. Beloved in post-war Europe for its efficiency and tiny footprint, it flopped in the U.S. market. Today, however, its cartoon-like charm has made it a $30,000 to $60,000 collectible, often bought by collectors simply because it makes them smile. For most owners, the Isetta is a sort of "comic relief" in their collection.
3. De Tomaso Pantera (1971-1975) Value: US $42-65 thousand
The De Tomaso Pantera was another that didn’t get its due in its early years. Produced from 1971 to 1975 (though the model survived longer in other markets), it combined Italian styling with a reliable Ford V8. Sold through Lincoln-Mercury dealerships—a strange pairing for such an exotic—it didn’t move as expected. Now, it’s a hot ticket item in the $42,000 to $65,000 range.
2. Continental Mark II (1956-1957) Value: US $40 to 90 thousand
Ford’s 1956-57 Continental Mark II was supposed to be America’s answer to Rolls-Royce. At around $10,000 when new, it was as expensive as the finest imports, but the appeal didn’t translate into big sales. Only about 3,000 were built, and roughly half still exist today, making them a luxury relic valued at $40,000 to $90,000.
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| The 1956 Continental Mark II. (Picture from: StreetRodderWeb) |
1. Ford Edsel (1958-60) Value: more than US $100 thousand in good condition
And finally, the most infamous of them all: the Ford Edsel. Launched in 1958 with sky-high expectations, it promised to slot neatly above Mercury in Ford’s lineup. Instead, its styling was polarizing, its market timing disastrous, and its sales dismal. The project burned through the equivalent of $3 billion in today’s money, yet lasted barely two years, with only 118,000 made. Once mocked as a colossal flop, a pristine Edsel now commands over $100,000—proof that even failure can become gold when it’s rare enough.
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| The 1958 Ford Edsel. (Picture from: BestWayRent2Own) |
Time has transformed these once-overlooked machines into rolling pieces of history, each with a story far richer than any glossy brochure could tell. They show that popularity isn’t the only road to greatness—sometimes, the world simply needs a few decades to appreciate true character. For collectors, the real thrill comes from knowing that a car once left unsold can now stand proudly as the crown jewel of a prized collection. *** [EKA [28102014] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | VIVA NEWS | FORUM.DONANIMHABER | HAGERTY | WELLAPPOINTEDHOUSE | CONCEPTCARZ | LOTUSESPRITTURBO ]Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone.
Here are seven examples, as highlighted by McKeel Hagerty, president of Hagerty Insurance—a company specializing in coverage for vintage automobiles.
