From Underrated To Unstoppable
Some cars were just… cars. They hauled groceries, got dented in parking lots, and lived ordinary lives. Then something strange happened—people wanted them. Maybe it was nostalgia, maybe scarcity, or just sheer stubbornness. Whatever the reason, these once-overlooked machines are now worth a fortune, proving that hindsight has expensive taste.
Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA on Wikimedia
1. Datsun 510 ($55,000)
At first glance, it was just another compact Japanese sedan. But the Datsun 510 was lightweight, cheap, and handled like a dream, making it a favorite among grassroots racers. With a willing engine and rear-wheel drive, it punched far above its weight. Clean examples today are climbing in value as collectors recognize its motorsport heritage.
2. Honda NSX ($82,987)
It had Ferrari-like handling with Honda reliability, yet nobody cared. It was too refined for the supercar crowd and too exotic for the average buyer. But now, its lightweight chassis, mid-engine layout, and Senna’s input have cemented its reputation as one of the greatest driver’s cars ever.
3. AMC Gremlin ($49,500)
It wasn’t beautiful or fast. But it was definitely memorable. The AMC Gremlin looked like someone chopped a station wagon in half, and in a way, that’s exactly what happened. People laughed at it back in the day, but its oddball design and limited production numbers have driven up values.
4. Saab 900 Turbo ($145,000)
From its unusual ignition placement to its unconventional design, the 900 Turbo was never a mainstream choice. It offered a turbocharged punch wrapped in eccentric Swedish engineering. Saab’s disappearance cemented its status, elevating it from a forgotten oddity to a prized classic.
5. Acura Integra Type R DC2 ($151,200)
This wasn’t just another Honda. It was a razor-sharp, high-revving masterpiece that out-handled many rear-wheel-drive cars of its time. For years, it was just another tuner’s plaything. Today, clean and unmodified examples are nearly impossible to find and are worth a fortune.
No machine-readable author provided. Preddc2 assumed (based on copyright claims). on Wikimedia
6. Ford Taurus SHO ($33,000)
It looked like a regular Ford sedan. Underneath, it hid a Yamaha-designed V6 capable of embarrassing sports cars of its time. This was built for drivers who wanted serious performance without attracting attention. Once ignored, it's now a unicorn among collectors who appreciate its mix of practicality and raw driving excitement.
2nd-Ford-Taurus-SHO.jpg: IFCAR
derivative work: Johnnymeister (talk) on Wikimedia
7. Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16 Evo II ($544,000)
Back when this boxy sedan launched, few understood its purpose. It was a DTM homologation special built for track dominance. The massive wing looked ridiculous then, but now it’s a symbol of motorsport greatness, and everyone who laughed at it was wrong.
8. Classic Land Rover Defender ($220,000)
For decades, this car was just a rugged off-roader used by farmers, adventurers, and the military. Then, somewhere along the line, it became a status symbol. Vintage Defenders are now just as likely to be seen on city streets as in the wilderness.
9. Nissan S13 ($35,750)
Started as an affordable, well-balanced coupe, tuners quickly realized its potential. The Nissan S13 became a drifting legend, and as more were modified or wrecked, clean stock examples became a rare sight. Once dismissed as a used-car lot bargain, the rising demand for untouched models has sent prices soaring.
10. Nissan Skyline R34 GT-R ($392,000)
The moment it was banned in the U.S., it reached the Hall of Fame. Whether through video games, movies, or JDM obsession, the R34 GT-R’s reputation exploded. With legal restrictions easing in more countries, demand is surging, pushing its value even higher.
11. Porsche 944 Turbo ($105,000)
For years, this was the “cheap” Porsche, overlooked for not being a 911. But its balanced chassis, turbocharged performance, and 80s styling have helped it gain the appreciation it always warranted. This is why well-kept examples are disappearing fast, and finding one has become a real challenge.
12. Buick Grand National ($550,000)
Black, menacing, and way faster than it looked, the Buick Grand National rewrote the muscle car playbook in the 1980s. It even packed a turbocharged V6 that could outrun Corvettes of the era. Back then, people didn’t take it seriously. Nowadays, it's one of the most sought-after American performance cars. It also helps to be shouted out by one of the biggest rappers in the world, Kendrick Lamar.
13. Toyota Land Cruiser FJ60/FJ80 ($110,140)
For years, it was just a reliable off-road truck meant for work, not luxury. Then the Overlanding trend hit, and people saw these go-anywhere machines as icons. In today’s scenario, a well-kept Land Cruiser is a prized possession rather than just a rugged SUV.
14. Subaru 22B STI ($312,555)
Created as a tribute to Subaru’s WRC dominance, the 22B emerged as an ultra-limited production masterpiece. But by the time people realized what it was, most had been wrecked, modified, or disappeared. Now, finding an untouched one is like stumbling upon automotive treasure.
15. First Gen Ford Bronco ($434,500)
Nobody bought a Bronco in the 1960s, thinking it would become a collector’s dream. It was meant to get dirty, climb trails, and haul gear. Fast-forward decades, and these affordable off-roaders have become some of the most desirable vintage vehicles today.
Andrew Duthie from Nashville, TN, USA on Wikimedia
16. Mazda RX-7 FD ($148,000)
Lightweight construction paired with a rotary engine gave it a reputation for agility and unpredictability. While its maintenance requirements discouraged many, those who embraced its challenges were rewarded. The connection it offers between driver and machine has made it one of the iconic JDM cars.
17. VW Golf GTI Mk1 ($62,000)
It didn’t look like much, but the Mk1 GTI created the hot hatch segment. It was quick, practical, and fun—a combination that was new at the time. Its influence on the hot hatch segment is undeniable, elevating it from a simple, compact car to a standout in automotive history.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/tonysphotos/ on Wikimedia
18. Ford Escort RS Cosworth ($50,500)
With its oversized wing and rally-inspired engineering, the Escort RS Cosworth was never subtle. While it went under the radar for years, collectors have started recognizing its true value. Today, what was once considered an over-the-top hot hatch is celebrated for its motorsport heritage.
Kieran White from Manchester, England on Wikimedia
19. Pontiac Firebird Trans Am WS6 ($26,900)
Ram Air hood. Screaming eagle decals. A soundtrack that could shake windows. It was the ultimate symbol of 90s muscle car excess, and it was laughed at for a while. But, time has a way of reshaping opinions, and this American classic has returned to the spotlight.
20. Volvo 850 T-5R ($26,000)
A fast Volvo? Nobody saw it coming. The 850 T-5R looked like a family wagon, but its turbocharged engine and racing pedigree told a different story. At its launch, it surely confused people, but today, it excites them, standing out as one of the coolest sleepers ever built.
