The classic car world goes through phases. As tastes change and new people start participating in the hobby, the landscape shifts in response. A few times every year, collector and classic vehicles are rated by insurance agents for their value and sell-ability. For instance, a Hagerty Vehicle Rating (HVR) of 50 indicates that a vehicle is keeping pace with the market overall. Ratings above 50 indicate above-average appreciation, while vehicles below a 50-point rating are lagging behind the market (based on a 0-100 scale, the HVR is not an indicator of future collectability, however).
Twenty-eighteen is a great year for truck appeal, with upward HVR movement for Chevy C10s, Ford Broncos and Jeeps. Other 2018 winners include 1971–73 Buick Rivieras, 1992–2002 and 1979–85 Mazda RX-7’s respectively, 1949–67 Volkswagen Beetles, 1990–98 Mazda MX-5 Miatas and 1998–99 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR’s. Even though 1976–89 Porsche 911 Carrera Turbo 930’s and 1994–2004 Ford Mustangs make the “loser” list for 2018, both motor vehicles companies celebrated historic years – Porsche with its 70th Anniversary, Ford producing the 10 millionth Mustang – and the cars are still popular (see below).
» Stay up-to-date with Classic Auto’s Project C10, powered by American Modern, an original video series from Classic Auto Insurance that chronicles the restoration of a 1965 Chevy C10 truck to a beautiful restomod worthy of car show display.
25 Hot Collector Vehicles
SUVs and trucks continue to make a strong showing on Hagerty’s Hottest 25 Collector Vehicles list and 2018 is no exception. Classic Broncos, Jeeps and Suburban’s sit toward the top of the list. In the #1 spot are 60’s and 70’s era Broncos (96HVR), with their quirky, boxy shape favored by younger enthusiasts, their value holding at about 200% in the last decade. “Demand for good first-gen Broncos just doesn’t seem to be satisfied,” according to Hagerty valuation editor Andrew Newton. What other vehicles make the list? Take a look.
1966-1977 Ford Bronco
1973-1987 Chevrolet C/K Series
1992-2002 Mazda RX-7
1955-1983 Jeep CJ-5
1973-1991 Chevrolet Suburban
1960-1966 GMC C/K Series
1993-1995 Ford SVT Lightning
1955-1959 Chevrolet Trucks
1971-1973 Buick Riviera
1960-1966 Chevrolet C/K Series
1973-1991 Chevrolet C/K Blazer
2000-2006 BMW M3
1993-1996 Cadillac Fleetwood
1967-1972 Chevrolet Suburban
1973-1987 GMC C/K Series
1990-1997 Lincoln Town Car
2003-2006 Chevrolet SSR
1978-1983 Porsche 911
1990-1999 BMW 8-Series (E31)
1978-1979 Ford Bronco
1967-1972 Chevrolet C/K Series
1967-1972 GMC C/K Series
1947-1955 Chevrolet 3100
1999-2005 Porsche 911
1974-1983 Jeep Cherokee
» Custom 4-Door Bronco Unique Tribute to Ford Motor Company
Hot Highlights for Agents
For an agent, keeping up with what’s hot in the collector car market informs your discussions with insurance clients. Do you know American models still dominate the list of most-loved cars? Chevys and Mazdas from the 60’s to the 90’s are massively popular, with thousands of devoted fans buying them every day. The Ford SVT Lighting from the mid-90’s makes an appearance at #7 on the list, likely due to its power under the hood and its fandom among Gen X and Y-ers who are rekindling memories of 90’s truck style. The sleek early 70’s Buick Riviera swaggers in at #9 with its boat tail, reminding everyone how it rocks the prestige car market when first introduced.
Watch Video – This stunning Buick Riviera looks worn out when the owner starts a do-it-yourself restoration that brings back its luxury with a glossy Candy Ruby Red body and finely detailed leather and ostrich skin interior.
What Makes the Biggest Leap?
Collectors and agents alike are always interested to see which car makes the largest gain on the list since last year. This time the honor goes to the 1963–83 Jeep Wagoneer, which makes a massive leap from 540th place to 23rd. Why? Pure nostalgia. It is the world’s first luxury SUV, appealing to every dad who dreamed of paneled doors and cushy seats. The Wagoneer’s appeal even bleeds over onto other similar vehicles, like older Jeeps and Range Rovers. If an SUV has boxy retro style, look for it to remain popular with your customers for years to come.
The Classic Auto Insurance Difference
As an independent agent, your goal is to find the best protection possible for your collector clients. Saving them money strengthens the loyalty they give you and keeps them coming back. In partnership with Classic Auto Insurance, you can offer the coverage and options a collector wants, tailoring policies to fit their needs and doing it for less than what a standard auto policy might cost. Agent partners also enjoy a minimum commission of 10% for every new and renewed policy. To become a referring agent, contact us today.
Learn more about how to fully protect a classic »
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