There was a time when these cars sat ignored on used lots, rusting away in garages or selling for pocket change. Fast forward to 2025, and some of them now command six figures. From Japanese performance to American muscle and European style, these cars climbed from forgotten to fame.
Toyota Supra Mk4
When the Supra Mk4 hit Canadian roads in the 1990s, it was quietly appreciated by tuners but ignored by most of the market. The twin turbo inline six engine, often called bulletproof, could handle massive power with stock internals. As imports surged in the early 2000s, prices stayed low. Then the Fast and Furious franchise made the Supra a poster car, and the collector world caught on. Today a clean six speed twin turbo can fetch well over one hundred thousand dollars at auction. Even automatic examples are now commanding huge premiums.
Porsche 944 Turbo
The 944 Turbo was once labeled the “cheap Porsche” and for years sat in the shadow of the iconic 911. But its front engine layout gave it near perfect weight distribution, and its performance was underrated. Over time, people realized how well it handled and how tunable the turbocharged engine was. Original condition examples have doubled or tripled in value over the last five years. Add in Porsche’s rising brand value, and the 944 Turbo now enjoys classic status with strong investment appeal.
Ford Bronco First Generation
In the 70s and 80s, the original Bronco was used up and tossed aside. Most were farm trucks or hunting rigs. They rusted quietly in fields and fetched peanuts in the used market. Then collectors started restoring them, and celebrities began showing up with mint Broncos. Suddenly, the demand surged. Early models with uncut fenders and manual gearboxes now fetch huge sums, especially if factory original. The revival of the modern Bronco only made the vintage ones more desirable.
BMW E30 M3
The E30 M3 was built to win races, not collect dust. When new, it was expensive and rare, and many buyers overlooked it for bigger luxury sedans or cheaper 3 Series options. But motorsport fans knew the truth: this was one of the greatest handling cars ever built. Lightweight, high revving, and razor sharp. Enthusiasts started scooping them up when they were still affordable. Now, finding a clean example under seventy thousand is nearly impossible, and mint examples often climb past six figures.
Acura Integra Type R
This was a car that was thrashed, stolen, and stripped for parts more often than it was cherished. For years, few outside the tuner community appreciated it. Yet it was an engineering masterpiece. Hand built engines, factory seam welding, and a pure driving experience. Canada got a decent share of Type Rs, and survivors are now hot property. Auction prices have skyrocketed in the last three years, and finding one with original paint and low mileage is rare.
Dodge Charger Daytona 1969
When the Daytona debuted, its wild styling with the nose cone and huge rear wing scared off everyday buyers. Dealers could not move them, and some were converted back to regular Chargers. Decades later, NASCAR fans and muscle car collectors realized how special they were. Only a few hundred were made with the legendary 426 HEMI engine. These cars now command well over two hundred thousand dollars, and some trade hands privately for even more.
Land Rover Defender 90
Defenders were the tool of choice for farmers, adventurers, and anyone who needed to get muddy. Canada’s few gray market examples were beat up and used hard. But something changed. As 25 year import laws opened the gates, a flood of restored Defenders entered the country. Their simple charm, rugged ability, and military history made them cool again. Prices shot up, especially for short wheelbase 90 models with diesel engines and vintage styling.
Nissan Skyline GT R R32
Nicknamed “Godzilla,” this car dominated Japanese and Australian racing but was never officially sold in North America. When Canadian import laws allowed 15-year-old cars to enter, the R32 was the first GT-R to arrive. At first, it was seen as a quirky gray market car. Today, it is a cult icon. The RB26 engine and all wheel drive platform deliver stunning performance, and values have jumped as JDM fans scramble to get clean ones.
Mercedes Benz 190E 2.3 16
This Benz was a homologation special developed with Cosworth for Group A racing. The suspension was adjustable from inside the cabin, and the engine revved like a sports car. Still, it looked like a basic 190E sedan to most buyers. Only recently has its motorsport pedigree been appreciated. Values are climbing quickly, especially for low mileage Canadian delivered models with full service records.
Chevrolet Corvette C2
There was a time when mid-year Corvettes were just used classics. In the 80s and 90s, they were everywhere, often sitting outside under tarps or sold for cheap at estate sales. Not anymore. The split window 1963 coupe is one of the most desirable American classics. C2 Corvettes, in general, have shot up in value due to their beautiful styling and strong performance. Even base models now cost serious money.
Datsun 240Z
When the 240Z arrived, it was a revelation. Cheap, fast, and reliable. It wiped the floor with overpriced British sports cars. But years of rust and abuse wiped many off the map. For a while, you could barely give one away. Now, clean early models with original paint and matching numbers are bringing in serious collector dollars. The rise of JDM appreciation only added fuel to the fire.
Volkswagen Karmann Ghia
This quirky coupe was always more style than speed, but that has become its charm. Once a budget Beetle alternative, it is now appreciated as a coachbuilt European classic. The sweeping lines and simplicity are finally getting the recognition they deserve. With VW’s classic popularity rising, clean Karmann Ghias have become surprisingly valuable in the collector world.
Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 1977
This car defined cool in the late 70s but faded into obscurity by the 90s. Emissions choked engines, and overproduction hurt its image. But nostalgia is powerful. As people rewatched Smokey and the Bandit and started searching for old Trans Ams, prices began to climb. Today a well optioned 77 Trans Am with T tops is no longer a cheap thrill. Restored examples are pulling in real money at shows and auctions.
Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40
Rugged and dependable, the FJ40 was a working tool around the world. For years, they were tossed aside as newer models came along. Then the collector world woke up. These simple machines became a symbol of analog off road adventure. Restored examples now bring in more than some European classics. Buyers love the mechanical honesty and undeniable character.
Mazda RX 7 FD
The FD RX 7 always had fans, but the rotary engine scared off most buyers. Maintenance was tricky, and many were driven hard and modified poorly. But the curves, the lightness, the response—it all adds up. Now with the JDM boom, prices are soaring. Even cars that sat under covers for years are being pulled out and rebuilt. This one is no longer a hidden gem. It is a full blown icon.
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