10 Classic Sedans That Are Surprisingly Affordable Collectibles

When you think of a “classic” or a “collectible”, you probably think of a muscle car or an exotic car. However, there is a quickly proliferating segment of family sedans that are gaining traction as collectible vehicles. Automakers are leaning more towards nostalgia as a trend. It also shows that car buyers are buying more and more classics.

Therefore, it would make sense as to why these family sedans are seen as collectible vehicles. We mostly stuck to the late 80s, 90s, and early 2000s for these collectible vehicles, but there are plenty that are still relevant and just as sought after from the 1970s.

In this article, we’re going to highlight 10 classic sedans that are surprisingly affordable, but simultaneously prop up a strong collector attraction. If you want a daily driver or something to keep in your garage as a keepsake, we’ve got cars for you.

In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, including Hagerty, and Edmunds. The models below have been ranked based on their current retail value.

10

1999 Saab 9-5

Current Retail Value: $1,639

One reason the Saab 9-5 could be looked at as a collectible, is that it was the very first vehicle, when it was introduced in 1997, to have ventilated front seats. The first generation came in two powertrain variants with a turbocharged four-cylinder, which was rare for the time.

Performance Specifications

Although not as modern looking as the final generation of the 9-5, the first generation offers incredible modernity. The interior offers a partially digital interface and button layout that rivals a lot of cars from even the 2010s.

9

1992 Buick Park Avenue

Current Retail Value: $1,812

In today’s money, the 1992 Buick Park Avenue cost between $49,670 and $62,145 for the Ultra trim level. Now, you can easily pick one up for $1,812. Sure, these might not be seen at this moment as collectibles, but they feature an extensive amount of technology that was impressive for a GM of the time.

Performance Specifications

The Ultra comes with a wide variety of features that you might not even find in some cars today. It has six-way power-adjustable front seats and memory seating on the Ultra trim for the driver. It also comes with a dual-zone automatic climate control and a digital gauge cluster.

8

1999 Chrysler 300M

Current Retail Value: $1,908

The Chrysler 300M was the first modern attempt at reinvigorating the Letter Series Chrysler vehicles. These were sporty sedans from the 1950s and 1960s. Of course, the most modern interpretation of that can be seen in the 300 and 300C.

Performance Specifications

The Chrysler 300M has a luxurious look and interior that features an impressive number of features. It came with available heated seats and a dual-zone automatic climate control system. It also has a premium Infiniti sound system with a CD changer.

7

1995 Lexus LS400

Current Retail Value: $4,175

While the first generation is a collectible and an icon in its own right, the second generation improved upon this with modern-day features. It simultaneously kept its reliability and smooth ride. In particular, Lexus improved on the NVH and is often regarded as one of the quietest cars from that era.

Performance Specifications

Although it is large in overall size, the Lexus LS400 has an understated look about it and has an interior that has not only aged gracefully but could also stand the test of time that would be comparable to some standard cars from the early 2000s.

6

1992 Lincoln Town Car

Current Retail Value: $5,700

The second to last generation Lincoln Town Car is one of the quintessential American luxury sedans that has ever existed. It features a body-on-frame design that elicits a smooth ride. Albeit it still has a boxy exterior, it does have a slightly more aerodynamic shape.

Performance Specifications

It even came with a Cartier edition that featured leather upholstery, wood trim, a gold exterior color, and a premium JBL audio system. Although it was considered a luxury car, it was still considerably reasonably priced in comparison.

5

1993 Ford Taurus SHO

Current Retail Value: $7,400

The Ford Taurus, second generation SHO, is a definite contender for a collectible car because of its sleeper sedan status for what’s supposed to be an A-typical family sedan. Ford took what was one of the best-selling cars of the time and turned it into a race car.

Performance Specifications

The standard Taurus typically had 140 horsepower, while the SHO turned it up to 220. Not much changed with the interior on the SHO, but it was still very much a sleeper hit. This generation in particular is also difficult to find online.

4

1986 Mercedes-Benz W124 E-Class

Current Retail Value: $8,000

Anywhere you look on the road, somewhere, there is a Mercedes-Benz W124 still puttering around town. That just goes to show you that these things really do stand the test of time and could be, if maintained properly, a collectible in the future.

Performance Specifications

The naturally aspirated 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder diesel engine is so incredibly durable that it got the nickname “over-engineered.” This era of Mercedes-Benz is also considered by many to be the “golden age” of Mercedes.

3

1991 Volvo 240

Current Retail Value: $13,200

The Volvo 240, no matter what the year, is always going to be a collectible for those who own or are looking to purchase one. They are often applauded for their incredible durability and reliability, coupled with their impressive crash safety.

Performance Specifications

There have been many examples to reach 300,000 or more miles, but they are still holding strong in the market with a value of a little over $10,000. It’s often referred to as a “tank” because of the crumple zones, reinforced door frames, and safety belt systems.

2

1995 Audi S6 Quattro

Current Retail Value: $14,500

Any Audi from this era is going to have one foot firmly planted in the past and in the future. In the past, in the sense that it still features mechanical and analog features that prop it up as a serious racer and a fun-to-drive machine.

Performance Specifications

It has one foot in the future, as you can start to see the modernity of these vehicles’ interior designs as well as the exterior layouts. It’s also exclusively a manual transmission and often looked at as a sleeper car, plus it was limited in its production.

1

2000 BMW M5

Current Retail Value: $27,500

The BMW M5 from this era might be the most expensive on this list, but it’s also quite possibly the most sought-after BMW that isn’t the 3.0 CSL. It’s surprisingly still affordable for how rare and collectible it is. There were also only 20,000 units made.

Performance Specifications

At the time, the M5 became the benchmark on which all other sports sedans were judged. It’s just that good. It also has a timeless BMW design with a smaller/linear front end and a plush, near-modern interior. Put the M5 next to any modern sports sedan, and it might take the cake every time.