What Classics Should You Buy in 2024?

If you’ve already seen our feature advocating buying a classic in 2024 then you should be well primed to actually get out there and pick one up. Along with our The Time is Now series where we highlight classics we think will increase in value in the future there’s plenty of information out there to help you. But what should you get? Where should you invest your hard earned? The world of classics can seem daunting with so many eras, makes and models to choose from. Not only that but you have to think long and hard about how you intend to actually use the thing should you decide to take the plunge and get involved.

Will it be a show pony, only ever breaking cover to attend events when the sun is shining? Will it be your trusty daily, purchased to bring some joy back to the regular commute? Or perhaps you might be wanting to try your hand at classic and historic motorsport. Whatever you choose, owning a classic is nourishment for the soul so we’ve picked five of what we think are the best classics to buy in 2024. Whether it be as an investment or a project we wholeheartedly encourage you to join this wonderful world of classics. So, without further ado, let’s dive in.

1) Jaguar XK8/R

Speaking of our The Time is Now articles we featured the Jaguar XK8 back in 2022 and we still maintain that these luxury powerhouses are still ripe for the picking. A beautifully styled modern classic the XK8 and later 400bhp supercharged XKR represent fantastic value for money. Stay away from pre 1999 cars with Nikasil cylinder linings and make sure the plastic timing chain guides on earlier models are in good nick or have been replaced with the later metal items.

Prices have already risen since our feature 18 months ago but you can still pick these up for sub 10 grand. £15-20K will bag you a very nice example of an XK8, however and later, top spec XKR models with decent mileage can be closer to £30,000 for the best out there. This well-presented, low mileage 2001 Jaguar XK8 coupé could be snapped up for as little as £7,000.

2) Lamborghini Countach

At the other end of the spectrum, and for those with deep, deep pockets is the Lamborghini Countach. Poster boy for those of us that grew up in the ’80s the Countach has actually been around since 1974! With lessons learned from the previous Miura, Lamborghini assigned engineering duties to Paolo Stanzani and handed the crayons to Marcello Gandini. What they managed to produce was nothing short of magnificent and despite being a bit of a handful the Countach went on to define the Italian brand and become a true motoring icon, thanks in part to the inclusion of Lamborghini’s legendary Giotto Bizzarrini-designed V12 engine.

Prices have been rising steadily with no sign of waning, especially the limited production LP400 ‘Periescopio’ and 25th Anniversary models. For these rarer examples you’re looking at prices that can tip a cool million. But will you see a decent return on investment? Absolutely. As long as you don’t bin it into a tree. We’ve picked the most expensive model on the site for giggles (and to prove our point) but one look at this 1975 Lamborghini Countach LP400 ‘Periscopio’ and you’ll be in love.

3) Datsun 280ZX

Interest in Japanese classics remains high and along with the usual suspects of Skylines, Supras, Imprezas and RX-7s, the Datsun 240Z continues to be perennially popular among JDM fans the world over. Arguably one of the best looking Japanese cars ever built the Datsun 240Z is rightly revered in the classic world but that doesn’t mean it isn’t without its faults, rust being the most glaring. Fast forward almost ten years to its successor, the 280ZX and interest isn’t nearly as earnest, but devotees of the Japanese classic car scene are catching on.

Not quite as agile as the 240, the 280ZX is a much more refined proposition that retains the rugged, simple and reliable engineering of its predecessor, making it an accessible classic. Performance is still admirable too, especially if you opt for an early ’80s turbocharged car. With prices of 240Z models becoming more and more prohibitively expensive a good 280ZX could be a shrewd investment as we’re sure prices will rise. This ex-California 1980 Datsun 280ZX is super clean and up for £16,995 with the potential to make an offer.

4) BMW E90 M3

Much like our recent Subaru BRZ video we thought we’d look at what potential future classics there are to add to this list. BMW M cars will forever be a smart investment. You just have to look at prices of previous generations to quickly understand the way these later models are set to go. We remember buying an E39 M5 for £9,000 way back in 2011. Sadly we didn’t keep hold of it because now they’re going for three times that amount, but it just goes to help vindicate what we’re saying. Now you may be about to write in to tell us that the E90 M3 is far from being a classic, but it did come out 17 years ago. Not quite in the vicinity of say, the MGB, granted, but you can’t deny it has future classic written all over it, thanks in part to its engine.

The E90 series M3 saw a departure from the usual straight six-cylinder in favour of a V8. The Germans then reverted back to a six-pot for the subsequent generation, making the E90 that little bit more special. Body styles included not just the four-door saloon but also the E92 coupé and E93 convertible. All models are in scalded cat territory as far as performance is concerned, too, as is par for the course with M3s. Prices are levelling out but £15-30K is about the current range. This limited edition 500 convertible, with all of its optional extras, is listed as no reserve.. Very tempting…

5) Ford Capri

It’s no secret that we love the Capri here at Car & Classic. Take a look at our video on the subject and we’re sure you’ll be convinced of its virtues. Fords, especially the fast, sexy ones, are very much enjoying their time in the limelight, and this particular illumination doesn’t show any signs of dimming. With the Capri falling into both of those categories, in varying degrees, it’s no surprise that it makes our list of classics to buy in 2024. The beauty of the Ford Capri is that there’s a model for everyone. From the bottom spec 1.3 to the raucous 2.3, 2.8 and 3.0-litre six-cylinders. Then there’s the final and highly desirable 280, not to mention the race-bred RS2600 and RS3100 incarnations.

Perfect as a project car due to cheap, readily available parts and a simplicity that makes working on them a doddle, picking a Ford Capri will very much come down to budget but the potential for a decent return on investment is high. A pristine Mk1 can be upwards of £30K with a decent Mk3 2.8i setting you back the best part of £8-10,000 depending on condition. This late model 1985 Ford Capri 2.8 Injection Special could potentially fetch over £15,000.