18 Once-Worthless American Cars Now Worth a Fortune - Boomer insight

Andy Peters

18 Once-Worthless American Cars Now Worth a Fortune

The car market is full of surprises, and some of the cars we thought were junk have actually become far more valuable in recent years. Sometimes, it’s because they’re so rare, and other times, it’s because people appreciate them more now than in the past. Let’s take a look at 18 of these cars and what’s made them so much more valuable now.

1965 Ford Falcon

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The 1965 Ford Falcon wasn’t exactly much to shout about back in the day, as it was a little too simple and straightforward. But that’s exactly why people love it so much today, especially compared to the overly complicated vehicles we have today. Many people want a taste of the ’60s without all the flash.

1980s Buick Grand National

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Once upon a time, people hated the 1980s Buick Grand National because of its size, although many people think a bit more positively about it now. Many of them are impressed by its turbocharged V6 and impressive performance. It’s no wonder that it’s so popular at auctions and car shows.

1970s Chevrolet Chevelle SS

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When it was released, the 1970s Chevrolet Chevelle SS was certainly a beast on the road, but it didn’t always get the recognition it deserved. Fast-forward to today and many collectors love this model because of its powerful V8 engine and classic look. Its value has soared in a way that nobody could’ve predicted all those years ago.

1960s AMC AMX

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Sadly, many other cars overshadowed AMC’s 1960s AMX when it first came out, which is why it seemed so worthless. But all these years later, its limited production numbers have meant that it’s a pretty rare find. Lots of car collectors are actually on the hunt for it, and this has caused its market value to increase quite a bit.

1980s Chevrolet Corvette

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Can you get any more American than a Chevy? But not all of them have been so beloved, as critics hated the 1980s Corvette because of its underwhelming performance and dated design. Over time, though, collectors have come to appreciate its role in Corvette history, and restored models can fetch a pretty good price.

1980s DeLorean DMC-12

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Before it appeared in the “Back to the Future” movies, the 1980s DeLorean DMC-12 was infamous for being too expensive and not having the performance to back it up. After the movies, it became a collector’s item. Both film fans and car lovers are willing to pay top dollar for a well-maintained model.

1990s Jeep Grand Cherokee

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During the ’90s, the Jeep Grand Cherokee was just another family SUV that looked boxy and didn’t stand out much. But it’s now become popular with people who prefer a sturdier build, and many people love its classic design. More and more people want a piece of this throwback car, and the prices show that.

1980s Ford Bronco

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The 1980s Ford Bronco is now living a second life as a collector’s dream. Thanks to its no-nonsense, can-handle-anything attitude, lots of people have fallen in love with it once again. The price of a restored model has shot up and proves that, sometimes, the ones that are a little more rough around the edges are the ones that steal the show.

1971 Plymouth Hemi Cuda

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Many people ignored the 1971 Plymouth Hemi Cuda when it first came out because it wasn’t exactly fuel-efficient. Today, though, it’s a hot commodity because it’s so rare and has a beast of an engine. And, let’s be honest, it looks pretty cool. Many collectors are chasing after them, which has made their prices go through the roof.

1964 Chevrolet Impala SS

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The 1964 Chevrolet Impala SS wasn’t exactly a flop when it first came out, but people didn’t really get what made this vehicle so good until recently. These days, people looking to relive the glory days are attracted to its smooth lines and classic muscle car feel. Its cool factor means it’s getting more love and fetching higher prices than ever before.

1979 Pontiac Trans Am

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No chase movie was complete without a 1979 Pontiac Trans Am, although it was overlooked when it first hit the streets. But now, it’s making a comeback as people have fallen in love with its boldness and engine. After all, you just can’t beat the iconic bird decal on the 1979 model, so many car fans are keen to get their hands on this model.

1972 Ford Maverick 

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In the past, people saw the 1972 Ford Maverick as a basic and affordable option. It was just for people who needed to get around, and nobody could’ve predicted that it would’ve aged so well. Many collectors prefer its simple, no-frills design and the ease with which modifications can be made to it.

1990s Dodge Viper

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During the early 1990s, the Dodge Vipers were mean machines that sadly didn’t get the respect they deserved. Thankfully, those days are gone, and collectors value this car’s sheer power. It gives them a driving experience like no other vehicle around, although its limited numbers mean they’re not easy to find.

1969 Mercury Cougar

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Since it was released, the 1969 Mercury Cougar has been in the Mustang’s shadow, but it’s finally getting its moment. This is mostly because it’s slightly more luxurious than its Ford cousin, along with its elegant lines. No matter what year it is, people care about both style and grace when choosing a car.

1970 Oldsmobile 442

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The 1970 Oldsmobile 442 has mostly been overlooked because of other muscle cars that seem to do things a lot better. Now, though, it’s become a highly sought-after prize for anyone who really knows their stuff. It’s a real standout at any car show, mostly because of its raw power and sharp appearance.

1985 Chevrolet Camaro IROC-Z

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Once, the 1985 Chevrolet Camaro IROC-Z was just another cool car on the block, but people have come to appreciate its perfect ’80s appeal. After all, it’s got all the performance and style that defined that era. It pays to keep things classic, and this car’s unique look has made it more popular than ever

1973 Plymouth Road Runner

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Thanks to people’s changing tastes and tighter emission regulations, the 1973 Plymouth Road Runner wasn’t as widely loved as its early versions. But it’s hard to deny that it has a unique charm, which is why it has found a new audience today. It’s the kind of car you can never truly count out.

1994 Ford Mustang Cobra

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The 1990s are coming back in style all these years later, and the 1994 Ford Mustang Cobra is the perfect example of this. Even though it didn’t make waves when it first came out, it’s become a classic nowadays. Many people love its mix of modern technology and old-school muscle that’s unlike anything you’ll find today.

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