No one considers the 1980s—a decade perhaps best known for the K-car—a standout era for automobiles and a growing number of collectors are embracing these “youngtimer” cars.
BUY
1983–92 Volkswagen Golf Mk II GTI.
Volkswagen created the hot-hatch segment in the 1970s with the Rabbit GTI, a car that perfectly combined performance and practicality in an affordable package. The Golf GTI Mk II that was introduced in 1983 offered a bit more space and performance in a car that’s still FUN to drive.
Prices are rising alongside buyers’ interest in the car, a trend that will surely continue. That makes now a great time to buy. Prices have climbed 5–10 percent over the last several years and cars in Condition #2 (Excellent) command five figures. Buying now is a wise decision.
SELL
1975–85 Ferrari 308
If you have a Ferrari 308 you’ve been thinking of selling for a tidy profit, now’s the time to sell. The broader market for vintage cars from Maranello has been cooling, and although a Condition #2 (excellent) 308 still commands more than R2.0 million their popularity is waning.
Why? Because that kind of money will put you in any number of cars with more style, better performance, or greater cachet. Values peaked in 2016.Prices have slid steadily since then, and saw another significant drop earlier this year.There’s no reason to think the trend won’t continue.
HOLD
1982–91 Porsche 944
You can make a solid argument that the Porsche 944 is the best of the front-engine “transaxle Porsches.” It’s a handsome car with beautiful styling, solid performance, and reasonable running costs (for a Porsche). And like every car that ever rolled out of Stuttgart, prices have climbed steadily. There’s still some room for growth, and owners may want to sit tight just a bit longer before selling.
Buyer interest peaked in 2016, and after a slow, two-year descent, it’s beginning to climb again. If you’re thinking of selling, you’d be wise to wait.