Collectible Sports Cars

You're driving along in your new computer-calibrated super-comfy techno-rocket, and all seems right with the world. But then you see it. A bright red roadster from the past goes zinging by in the fast lane, top down and the occupants grinning from ear to ear as heads swivel in each car it passes. Sure, you could easily outrun the roadster's antique European engineering with any number of modern Japanese imports, but, boy, does it bring back memories!

Nostalgic Appeal
Classic sports cars are still in plentiful supply, with prices ranging from free to well into seven figures. Although these nostalgic rides are no match for a modern car in terms of performance, durability or comfort, they have strong personalities and clean, uncluttered styling frequently lacking in modern mass-market automobiles. And they usually hold their value or even appreciate over time, a positive experience compared to watching the value of a new car drop like a stone as you drive it off the dealer's lot.


Buying an older sports car is more difficult, though, than walking into a shiny showroom and plopping down your checkbook. Some models are relatively reliable while others are prone to frequent breakdowns, even when properly maintained. All older sports cars require mechanical attention in the form of regular tune-ups and adjustments, and finding parts and service will be more of a challenge than with current models. Sports cars built in the 1980s and later usually require less mechanical attention than earlier ones, with 1970s models generally being the least durable due to driveability problems relating to the primitive emission control systems introduced at that time.


You may already have a favorite car that you've wanted since the cutest blonde in town had one when you were in high school. Or maybe it's a fire-breather that dominated the racetracks when you were too young (and poor) to afford one. Or you may not have a particular model in mind, but the idea of tooling around in a classic convertible sounds like fun. In any case, some sports cars are better deals than others.

Best First Sports Cars
Many sports cars that are still excellent choices for fun driving and can be had for $2,500 to $10,000. MG built the highly successful MGA, MGB and Midget sports cars for years and parts are both available and affordable from a number of sources. They are also easy to work on, so any competent mechanic can figure them out (or you may opt to do your own service).