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If you’re looking for a way to make money and partake in the classic car ownership that you’ve always dreamed of, you could pick a classic that will appreciate. It might be tricky to identify which cars will appreciate, but it could be worth your while. Fortunately, Hagerty identified some of the hottest car investments in the classic car market for 2022, like the Nissan Skyline GT-R R32 and Dodge Charger 440. If you don’t already have one, it might be too late to grab these cars.

  • Nissan Skyline R32 GT-R
  • Pontiac Firebird Trans Am Special Edition
  • Dodge Charger 440
  • Alfa Romeo Duetto Spider

How much is a Nissan Skyline R32 GT-R?

A 1990 Nissan Skyline R32 GT-R will set you back around $320,000. OK, maybe a little context would help. According to Hagerty, the 1990 Nissan Skyline R32 has increased in popularity and value tremendously. While a limited-release 1990 Skyline R32 homologation unit would have set you back $159,000 earlier, it now demands a bonkers $320,000 in concours condition. 

Still, if you want the non-homologated variant, expect to pay around $160,000 for a concours-level example. You could save money by finding a #2 condition car, but you should still expect to spend about $100,000. It seems wild that a car from 1990 would make a list populated by much older classic cars, but its bump in popularity and value certainly warrants attention!

The Pontiac Firebird Trans Am Special Edition is one of the cars you can’t afford any more

You might remember the big gold chicken from the cult classic, Smokey and the Bandit. Even if you don’t, you’ll undoubtedly recognize the black and gold Pontiac Firebird Trans Am that solidified itself in muscle car fandom. Further, the Trans Am Special Edition clearly illustrates its popularity with its rising value. To snag a driver-quality example, you’ll have to spend around $63,100. However, if you really want to cringe, you’ll have to shell out $144,000 to get a concours-level car; still nowhere near as much as the Skyline.

How much is a Dodge Charger 440?

The Dodge Charger is a mighty classic car with a dedicated fan base, and the Charger 440’s value reflects that. According to Hagerty, the 1966 and 1967 Dodge Charger 440s are up 36% in value since their last update. However, the principal gainer was the 1967 Dodge Charger 440, which now demands a $38,900 premium for a driver quality example. That might seem like a lot, but it’s certainly less than the venerable Skyline.  

The Dodge Charger, like this 1967 model year, made Hagerty's list of popular and expensive classic cars.
1967 Dodge Charger | Fred Enke, The Enthusiast Network via Getty Images

Is the Alfa Romeo Duetto Spider a good classic car to buy?

With its rounded body lines and drop-top La Dolce Vida demeanor, it’s difficult not to fall in love with the little Alfa Romeo Duetto Spider. However, your wallet might not forgive you for falling for the car. Hagerty says that the Duetto Spider has increased in value by 40% since April, bringing the prices of the car way up. For instance, buying a concours-level example will set you back around $125,000. 

The Alfa Romeo Duetto shows off its classic good looks.
Alfa Romeo Duetto Spider | Getty Images

Should you invest in classic cars like the Skyline?

The Nissan Skyline, like this later model, is on Hagerty's list of popular, expensive classic cars.
Nissan Skyline GT-R | National Motor Museum, Getty Images

While the ship may have sailed for cars like the 1990 Nissan Skyline R32 GT-R, you can still snag classic American muscle cars, JDM gems, and old-school European coupes for a bargain. Each one can potentially explode in value, if not put a smile on your face. Scroll down to the following article to read about other collectible cars!

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