Earlier this month, Hagerty published an online story titled “5 Old Favorites Losing Value in a Cooling Market.” Yes, Hagerty is an insurance company for collectible vehicles, but it also publishes a market value guide and keeps track of market trends. As such, Hagerty has determined there are five vehicles that are currently showing a decline in value in today’s market, so we thought we’d dig into ClassicCars.com and find some of these better values available to you — just click on a title or image to be taken to the five respective classics being offered on ClassicCars.com.
1976-86 Jeep CJ-7
The CJ-7 is the Jeep of my youth, the OG of off-roaders that even its improved successor, the “YJ” Wrangler, simply couldn’t beat in the minds of Jeep fans. I know the square headlights didn’t sit well with some, never mind that the CJ-7 was the quintessential Jeep to both off-road fans and this guy (moi!) who’s not into Jeeps. During its tenure, the CJ-7 was available with fours, sixes, and V-8s, which is unique within Jeep history.
This 1984 Jeep CJ-7 answers the question, “Why can’t you have cold A/C, power steering, four-wheel power disc brakes, tilt steering, power windows, and a nice radio in a Jeep?” A 258ci straight-six may lack the power of the 304 V-8, but its reputation as a durable, torquey engine could make you forget about the AMC mill. A clean CARFAX, California history, and stack of receipts from the build make it a surprise that it’s still here for $17,995.
1968-72 Buick GS
We have four choices here: GS 350, GS California, GS 400, and GS 455. Focusing on the bread-and-butter model, the GS 400 had everything going for it, but its successor, the GS 455, is the model (offered from 1970-72) that really upped the Gran Sport’s reputation, especially in Stage 1 form.
The prices of GS 455 Stage 1s have gotten quite high these days, but they’re still less than equivalent Chevys or Pontiacs. This 1970 Buick GS 455 Stage 1 is not cheap, although it’s reasonable enough to sit up and take notice. Its black exterior is a plus to many and the contrasting Burnished Saddle interior is a nice change from the gothic feel of black inside and out. Other features include console automatic, three-spoke steering wheel, power front disc brakes, Buick’s famous 15-inch mags, aftermarket tachometer, and 3.64 gears (meaning no air conditioning). For $58,900, wouldn’t you rather own a Buick?
1950-67 Volkswagen Type 2 Transporter
If you keep up with auctions, you know the Type 2 Samba, with its extra windows on the roof, go for several shekels (and that’s an understatement!). In turn, lesser Type 2s get pulled up in value as they follow in the Samba’s footsteps. This is especially true of those that were built before 1968. The post-1967, second-generation Type 2 simply doesn’t demand the same enthusiasm, though it could be seen as improved based on the longer wheelbase, larger engine, redesigned rear suspension, and 12-volt electrical system.
This 1967 Volkswagen Type 2 has all the looks of the pricey ones but foregoes the windows of the Samba. Ask yourself: Are the windows really worth all the extra wampum? When you consider the asking price of $42,500, probably not! This one has the right colors, right stance, and the right amount of minor modifications to make the slow drive more comfortable and enjoyable, as evidenced by the “Chillseeker” decal.
1970-72 Chevrolet Corvette LT1
When the facelifted 1970 Corvette appeared, you immediately would have noticed the triangular parking lights, egg-crate grille, matching side vents, rectangular exhaust pipes, and, notably, new fender flares. However, the new LT1 350 was arguably the biggest news: 11.0:1 compression, four-bolt mains, solid lifters, high-lift camshaft, forged steel crank, and more. It was rated at 370 horsepower, falling to 330 horses in 1971 thanks to lowered compression, then 255 net horses for ’72. A four-speed was the only transmission available.
This LT1-powered War Bonnet Yellow 1971 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe is backed by the most desirable of the available transmissions: the M22 “Rock Crusher” close-ratio four-speed. A tan interior likely wasn’t the first choice to pair with the gilded hue, but they sure look good together. Other features include headers, Rally wheels, aftermarket AM/FM with cassette, and a propensity to rev high and give big-blocks a run for their money.
1966-77 Ford Bronco
If you told me the prices these vehicles would be garnering, I wouldn’t believe you. But with a finger on the auction pulse, we know these vehicles — stock or restomodded — command strong prices and respect. Hagerty says the first-generation Bronco has tumbled 12 percent but is still pricey, suggesting you can still expect to pay $50,000 or more for a driver. What will we find on ClassicCars.com?
How about this $56,000 1972 Ford Bronco Sport? Dare I say this Grabber Blue/Wimbledon White example is pretty? Plus, the Sport trim level gave you vinyl door trim, bright moldings inside and out, chrome bumpers front and rear, floor mats, and more, so it felt more like a car. An arguable positive is the incorrect 351W, as Broncos of this vintage only came with a tepid straight-six or 302 V-8, though the transmission remains the three-speed manual on the column. Dig the wheel covers!
