Five historic vehicles to focus on in the near future

Hagerty, the British insurance company, has compiled the top ten of the long-term rising models in the UK, including 5 historic cars

Five classics to buy today and enjoy tomorrow too, with a view not only to passion but also to investment. This is what Hagerty has identified, a British insurance company that has also been active for years with services for owners of classic cars. The company has listed ten models to keep an eye on, including five classics that will offer a revaluation bonus in the years to come. The analysis was conducted by reviewing sales figures and comparing them with market price guides compiled by experts. A process supported by a monitoring of the demand to find any growth related to the models. As a general trend for 2022, the result is a wide and diverse selection of vehicles, from a racing oldtimer to a family van, passing through a timeless utilitarian. Let’s see them better one by one.

The 5 vehicles with the highest “value for money”

MG TB (1939-1940)

It is the rarest of the MG T series. Launched in May 1939, only 379 were produced. With the previous 1936 TA roadster it had minimal differences: only the air intakes on the hood and the spoked wheels of the TB, which however it also had the XPAG engine, smaller but more powerful. Hagerty’s choice to include it among the Oldtimers to focus on is due to the fact that the model is very likely to be considered very popular in the next historic motorsport events. In addition, 84 percent of the T-Series that the insurance company has brought up for auction in the past two years have been sold. And TB also has the competitive advantage of rarity. In addition to spare parts still on the market and simple mechanics.

Renault 4L (1961-1994)

Deliberately spartan, super-sprung and practical like few others, the Renault 4L, or Quatrelle, as it is called in its homeland, is one of the most popular and popular Renault of all. Not only in France but also in Europe: except in the UK, where few have been sold. Now, in the last two years, among His Majesty’s subjects, the auction value of the spacious 4-cylinder engine and 4-speed gearbox – umbrella handle – has risen by as much as 39 percent, despite low sales. And recent auction results confirm the rise with prices beyond Hagerty’s estimates. Therefore, we must think that prices will continue to rise.

Volkswagen T3 Camper (1979-2002)

The T3 was the third and last generation of the legendary Volkswagen Transporters with rear engine. Wider, heavier and squarer than its T2 predecessor, it was available in diesel and petrol versions. Production ended first in Germany, in 1991, and the following year in Austria, while it continued until 2002 in South Africa for the nation’s market. That the previous vans with the rounded windshield and even with the “split screen” have grown in value in recent years is undeniable. And the pandemic helped keep the trend. But although less beautiful than its ancestors, the T3 impresses with substantial elements such as improved handling and safety. For this, according to Hagerty, it represents a great deal. Moreover, the first versions also offer the charm of air cooling.

Triumph TR6 (1969-1976)

The version is not designed by Giovanni Michelotti like the previous TR4 and TR5 but it was modified directly by the German Karmann, which built the body in 1969. Here are the main features: 2.5-liter 6-cylinder, injection engine for the British market and with carburetors for America. Manual transmission, 4 gears, overdrive, independent rear suspension, front disc brakes. Plus optional hardtop and walnut dashboard. It is a car that can be found at an affordable price, particularly if it comes from the USA where, with over 94 thousand units sold, it has been very popular. A rust-free TR6 with Stars and Stripes could be a smart purchase as the model’s value has risen 13 percent over the past 24 months, according to research from the insurance company. The percentage of sales at international auctions has also risen: up to 82 percent.

Rolls-Royce Camargue, 1977-1986

At the time of its launch, the Camargue was the most expensive production car in the world. But since it has also been somewhat controversial and underappreciated, very few have been sold. Between 1975 and 1986 Hagerty reports a total of 531 examples built, proposed at a price of 29,250 pounds, equivalent more or less to 291 thousand today (about 343 thousand euros). Extremely safe and comfortable to drive as is the tradition of the House, the Rolls-Royce Camargue is now enjoying its golden moment with an auction sales percentage reaching 83 percent this year for the best examples. Against 46 and 50 percent in 2015-2016. In Europe, in the past few months, two cars of this model have changed hands for over 100 thousand euros and, looking through the adverts of private individuals in the United Kingdom, the requests are currently higher than Hagerty’s estimates. A sign that prices are rising.

But that’s not all: among the “yougest”, Hagerty’s report puts the spotlight on the Renault Clio Williams, produced from 1993 to 1995. While the Modern Classics on the list include two Italians, one also in name: the Ferrari 458 Italia and the Maserati 3200 (1998-2002). The other two are: Porsche Boxster, produced from 1996 to 2004, and Mini Cooper R50.