10 Cars From the '80s And '90s That Are Now Secretly Collectibles

Gen-Xers and even some Millennials are coming to grips with the fact that everything cool they grew up with is now retro. A classic car is one that is only 20 years old, which means that a 2005 Chevrolet Malibu is now a valuable collectible, or maybe not. The point is, that cars from the '80s and '90s, which seem relatively recent for a lot of people, are now vintage rides, but that's no reason to trigger an existential crisis. In fact, it's completely awesome that the cars of one's youth are now worth collecting.

Everyone knows about Italian supercars, German performance rides, JDM sports cars, and even American muscle in terms of collector cars, but there were all kinds of killer vehicles from the 1980s and 1990s that are building cult followings. Most people recognize an Acura Type R, Buick GNX, or DeLorean DMC-12 as great neo-vintage rides, but would be surprised to learn there is a growing movement of people who dig on the Suzuki Samurai. Here are some of the best 30 to 40-year-old cars that have secretly become collectible.

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Plymouth Laser (1990-1994)

Current Market Value: $8,175

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The Plymouth Laser was overshadowed by its more famous siblings, the Mitsubishi Eclipse and Eagle Talon. Despite sharing the same turbocharged 2.0L 4G63T engine as the Lancer Evolution, the Laser quietly slipped into obscurity. Today, however, this turbocharged AWD coupe is emerging as one of the 1990s' hidden gems. With its capable AWD system and turbocharged power, the Laser RS Turbo AWD remains an underrated gem. While it never gained the recognition of its DSM siblings, unmodified examples are becoming increasingly rare, and enthusiasts are beginning to take notice.

Plymouth Laser Values:

• Average Auction Price: $8,175
• Low Auction Price: $5,300
• High Auction Price: $11,000
• Hagerty Concours Value: $25,800 (1993)
• J.D. Power High Retail: $2,700 (1992)

Powered by the same 195 horsepower 2.0-liter engine found in the Lancer Evolution and paired with an AWD system, the Laser RS Turbo AWD offered a thrilling driving experience with an impressive torque of 203 pound-feet. While it didn’t earn the recognition it deserved back in the day, its rising collectibility is undeniable as more enthusiasts take notice of its unique blend of performance and rarity.

Toyota Celica All-Trac (1986-1989)

Current Market Value: $8,631

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The Toyota Celica All-Trac, particularly the fifth-generation model, is one of the most underrated turbocharged performance cars of the 1980s. Built as Toyota’s answer to the growing demand for all-wheel-drive performance cars, the Celica All-Trac was a formidable machine on the rally circuit, with a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine producing up to 200 horsepower, paired with a sophisticated AWD system. This combination made it an ideal competitor for the likes of the Subaru WRX and Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution when they were still in their infancy.

Toyota Celica All-Trac Values:

• Average Auction Price: $8,631
• Low Auction Price: $500
• High Auction Price: $23,446
• Classic's Most Recent Price: $6,295 (1988)
• J.D. Power High Retail: $4,700 (1989)

With its sleek, angular styling and aggressive stance, the Celica All-Trac stood out as a true performance car, offering a glimpse into the future of Toyota’s sports cars. Yet, despite its potential and success in motorsport, it never gained the same widespread recognition as some of its contemporaries, leaving it to be somewhat overlooked in the collector world. Today, however, clean examples of the Celica All-Trac are becoming increasingly rare, and enthusiasts are beginning to realize just how special this car is.

Buick Reatta (1988-1991)

Current Market Value: $9,598

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The Buick Reatta was unlike anything else in Buick’s lineup, a low-production, two-seater luxury coupe built with an emphasis on craftsmanship. Hand-assembled at the Reatta Craft Centre in Michigan, this stylish grand tourer was Buick’s attempt to create a premium personal coupe that could rival European brands. Despite its innovative approach, it never quite captured mainstream success, making it an overlooked classic today.

Under the hood, the Reatta featured a 3.8-liter V6, producing up to 170 horsepower. While not a performance powerhouse, it delivered smooth and refined power, perfectly suited for its grand touring nature. The Reatta also came with cutting-edge tech for its time, including a digital dashboard and touchscreen controls, features that were well ahead of their era.

Buick Reatta Values:

• Average Auction Price: $9,598
• Low Auction Price: $1,700
• High Auction Price: $38,500
• Hagerty Concours Value: $29,700 (1991)
• J.D. Power High Retail: $5,925 (1990)

The Buick Reatta, a rare handcrafted luxury coupe, was ahead of its time in terms of both design and technology. With only around 21,000 coupes and 2,400 convertibles ever produced, the Reatta is quickly becoming a rare find. Despite its limited appeal when new, its low production numbers, classic styling, and forward-thinking features, like a digital dashboard and touchscreen controls, are making it a sought-after collectible. If you're looking for a forgotten gem from the '80s with rising potential, the Reatta is worth keeping an eye on.

Saab 900

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Pontiac Grand Prix (1988-1996)

Current Market Value: $9,924

1990 Pontiac Grand Prix Front 2/4 Shot

Pontiac’s Grand Prix, particularly from 1988 to 1996, was a standout in the performance sedan segment. The Fifth Generation saw a range of engine options, including the 3.4-liter V6 introduced in 1992, which produced 215 horsepower and 215 pound-feet of torque. This engine offered solid performance for its time, blending practicality with surprising power. The front-wheel-drive layout and sportier suspension contributed to a dynamic driving experience, while features like the heads-up display added a unique touch.

Pontiac Grand Prix Values:

• Average Auction Price: $9,924
• Low Auction Price: $2,400
• High Auction Price: $21,500
• KBB Fair Purchase Price: $1,769 (1995)
• J.D. Power High Retail: $6,050 (1990)

The fifth generation Grand Prix lineup included several engine configurations, with the 3.4-liter V6 marking a shift towards more performance-oriented models. As these cars age, well-maintained examples have become increasingly rare, and certain configurations are starting to gain attention from collectors. This combination of everyday usability and unexpected performance makes the Grand Prix a hidden gem, with its value likely to rise as more enthusiasts rediscover its appeal. Later models, such as the Eighth Generation Grand Prix, would continue to push performance boundaries, introducing a V8 engine.

Isuzu Impulse (1981-1992)

Current Market Value: $10,962

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Everyone remembers the "Joe Isuzu" commercials from the 1980s for the simple fact that it was bizarre that an automaker would use an obnoxious pathological liar to sell their vehicles. Unfortunately, not many actually remember any Isuzu models, but they did manage to make some cool rides that people are starting to rediscover. One that is attracting attention is the sporty three-door Impulse coupe. These cars came loaded with every feature Isuzu offered, and the only trims were turbo or non-turbo.

Isuzu Impulse Values:

• Average Auction Price: $10,962
• Low Auction Price: $2,500
• High Auction Price: $20,000
• Edmunds High Value: $7,738 (1991)
• J.D. Power High Retail: $3,425 (1991)

Despite having a ten-year run in the North American market, only 2,300 were ever delivered, making them extremely rare. That, however, is not reflected in the prices yet, as this is a cool collectible that is within reach. With an average Classic.com auction price that is just north of 10k, it's possible to score a great example for next to nothing. This black 1991 Impulse Turbo AWD with only 27,000 miles on the odometer sold for just $18,940 a few months ago. People are now waking up to this forgotten gem and these affordable prices won't last.

Honda CRX (1984-1987)

Current Market Value: $11,283

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Honda grew into a dominant automaker in the 1980s by producing well-made, practical, and affordable cars. Actually, this editor's dad grenaded a transmission on an '81 Accord right after the warranty expired, so not everyone is sold on their reliability, but that's their reputation. They were also known for making some seriously yawn-inducing rides, but in 1983, they came out with the CRX, which was a lot more interesting. In fact, it was a sporty-looking three-door liftback proto-hot hatch.

Honda CR-X Values

• Average Auction Price: $11,283
• Low Auction Price: $2,700
• High Auction Price: $41,401
• Hagerty Concours Value: $35,400 (1987)
• J.D. Power High Retail: $2,225 (1987)

By the late '80s, the CRX was the official ride of cute Madonna-wannabe high school girls, but it has since found a home with street racers and drifters. It was a fun car back then, and even more fun now with performance upgrades. These Hondas can be picked up on the cheap, which leaves plenty of cash left over to soup them up. The black 1987 CRX Si pictured above is in immaculate shape with 69,000 original miles, and it only cost some lucky bidder $16,000 last year on Bring a Trailer.

1998 to 2000 Lexus GS 400 sunset shot

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Toyota MR2 (1985-1989)

Current Market Value: $13,129

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The Toyota MR2 is simply one of the most fun-to-drive cars ever conceived, but it doesn't quite get the recognition of the Supra, which was bigger and badder-looking. With a bit more family history, this editor's step-mom had an '89, and it was a blast to speed around in, even if she didn't exactly give permission to take it out. This was the mid-engine mini-sports car the Pontiac Fiero wished it was, with superior acceleration and handling, as well as a better MSRP. It also pre-dated the Mazda MX5 Miata, and beat it with a cooler design.

Toyota MR2 Values:

• Average Auction Price: $13,129
• Low Auction Price: $4,300
• High Auction Price: $30,750
• Hagerty Concours Value: $56,800 (1988)
• J.D. Power High Retail: $30,700 (1988)

Toyota continued to produce the MR2 all the way until 2007, but the first-gen W10s were the best, in terms of styling and affordability. They are actually still pretty wallet-friendly, even as collectors are starting to realize what an amazing, undervalued retro ride it is. This 39,000-mile 1988 MR2 Supercharged five-speed sold at auction for $42,250, which is a good bargain. Top examples can, and do, go for over $50,000, but it's still possible to find kick-ass deals, which probably won't last for long as this is a secret collectible that has been let out of the bag.

Volkswagen Golf (1984-1992)

Current Market Value: $15,232

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Contrary to popular belief, the Volkswagen Golf was not named that because it resembles a golf cart. "Golf" is actually from the German word "Golfstrom" which means "Gulf Stream." That seems like a more appropriate name for an aerodynamic sports car than a compact hatchback, but the Mk2 second-gen Golfs were surprisingly quick. Though they had low horsepower I-4s, the cars were super-light so they had a great power-to-weight ratio that made them zippy as hell.

VW Golf Values:

• Average Auction Price: $15,232
• Low Auction Price: $1,922
• High Auction Price: $87,000
• Hagerty Concours Value: $38,800 (1992)
• J.D. Power High Retail: $3,350 (1992)

The hot hatch is a segment that is, well, hot and fans are grooving on retro rides like the 80s Golf. Whether they keep them bone stock original or give them a little spice for street performance, it's a car that is priced right for fun and adventure. There's a pretty huge gap between what J.D. Power and Hagerty value an excellent example of an 80s/90s VW Golf, but that just means there's one for every budget. This red 1992 GTI 16V was the most recent top seller, going for $87,000 at auction last year, which shows how collectible these cars have become.

Subaru BRAT (1979-1994)

Current Market Value: $15,535

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Long before the Interwebz was going crazy trying to figure out if a dress was blue or white, people in the real world were arguing whether a Subaru BRAT was a car or a truck. The correct answer is yes, it's both. It is, however, more of a car in stature and stance, which is where the argument came from. It was also something that seemed weird at the time, but has become a beloved ride from the 1980s, with a growing number of fans.

Subaru BRAT Values:

• Average Auction Price: $15,535
• Low Auction Price: $4,000
• High Auction Price: $33,000
• Hagerty Concours Value: $32,900 (1985)
• J.D. Power High Retail: $1,750 (1985)

The best way to tell if a car has become a collectible is if people are restoring them. This dark blue and silver 1985 BRAT GL was refurbished with a body refinish, a new interior, and a mechanical overhaul. It was sold for $25,000, but examples just as nice can be found for $10,000 less, making it an affordable piece of '80s history. It's also not uncommon to find BRATs that have been customized and decked-out, because this really is a quiet, but growing collector car.

Side shot of a red 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata parked

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Mitsubishi Starion (1982-1989)

Current Market Value: $16,821

3/4 front view of 1986 Mitsubishi Starion ESI-R

Speaking of cars that were ignored in their heyday, The Mitsubishi Starion is one of the most tragically underappreciated rides of the 1980s. Even like the badge-engineered Conquest, which was sold under the Dodge, Plymouth, and Chrysler names, this amazing turbo sports car didn't get a lot of attention. While the Lamborghini Countach had a starring role in Cannonball Run, the Starion was stuck playing second-fiddle in the truly awful sequel, Cannonball Ball Run II.

Mitsubishi Starion Values:

• Average Auction Price: $16,821
• Low Auction Price: $6,300
• High Auction Price: $40,700
• Hagerty Concours Value: $48,600 (1986)
• J.D. Power High Retail: $3,650 (1986)

This is another sporty ride that collectors are rediscovering, as a reasonably-priced classic. Even the high auction sale of $40,000 and the Hagerty Concours value of nearly $50,000 is not extreme for a desirable thing of beauty like the Starion. This red 1991 Starion ESI-R sold for $16,750, which is the literal definition of Grand Theft Auto. The car was completely restored and only had 20,000 miles on it, which is practically brand new. This auction was back in 2020, so chances are it has been flipped recently for nearly twice the price.