Not every car is celebrated the moment it rolls into showrooms. Some models flop on arrival, too strange, too flawed, or too far ahead of their time. Yet decades later, those very shortcomings can turn into character, giving the car a second life as a cult classic. These ten machines prove that yesterdays disappointments often become todays most collectible icons.
DeLorean DMC 12 (1981–1983)
When it launched, the DeLorean was marketed as the future of sports cars, with stainless steel panels and gullwing doors. Unfortunately, the underwhelming 130 horsepower V6 and frequent build issues left critics unimpressed, and sales never took off before the company collapsed in scandal. Yet Hollywood changed its fate. Back to the Future transformed the DMC 12 from a flop into a legend. Today, surviving cars command anywhere from $65,000 to over $100,000 depending on condition, a far cry from the clearance prices dealers once begged buyers to pay in the 80s.
BMW 8 Series (1990–1999 E31)
BMWs E31 8 Series looked like something from a sci fi movie, with its pop up headlights and sleek wedge design. It packed V12 power and cutting edge features, but the price was astronomical during a recession, and buyers werent lining up. Production quietly ended with fewer than 31,000 built worldwide. Fast forward to today and collectors see it as a rare, sophisticated GT that was simply misunderstood. Clean V12 examples now fetch $40,000–$60,000 in North America, and prices are climbing as enthusiasts recognize it as a true 90s halo car.
AMC Pacer (1975–1980)
The Pacer was AMCs bold attempt at a futuristic compact. Unfortunately, its bulbous glass heavy design and thirsty straight six engines appeared at the worst possible time, the oil crisis. Critics mocked it mercilessly, calling it the fishbowl. Sales sputtered, and AMCs finances collapsed soon after. Yet time has been kind. Quirky design lovers embraced the Pacer, and its cameo in Waynes World sealed its cult status. Today, pristine Pacers can bring $15,000–$25,000, far beyond what anyone expected for a 70s punchline.
Porsche 914 (1969–1976)
Born from a Porsche Volkswagen joint venture, the 914 was meant to be affordable fun. Instead, it was dismissed as not a real Porsche thanks to its VW sourced engines and modest power. Yet the cars mid engine balance made it a brilliant handler, something critics overlooked. Decades later, enthusiasts appreciate its purity, and values reflect the turnaround. Where $5,000 once bought a nice example in the 90s, top condition 914s can now top $40,000, especially the six cylinder models.
Pontiac Fiero (1984–1988)
Pontiac promised a mid engine sports car for the masses, but early Fieros were slow, cheaply built, and plagued by reliability issues. Some even caught fire due to engine design flaws, giving the car an infamous reputation. By the time Pontiac ironed out the problems, the damage was done and the car was discontinued. Today, however, the Fiero has a loyal fanbase who see it as Americas first real attempt at a mid engine sports car. Clean later model GTs now trade hands for $10,000–$20,000, and rare Indy pace car editions can fetch much more.
Volkswagen Corrado (1988–1995)
The Corrado was Volkswagens attempt at a true performance coupe, offering advanced features like an active rear spoiler and supercharged G60 engines. It handled brilliantly but was far too expensive compared to a Golf GTI, and buyers walked away. Only years later did enthusiasts appreciate its rarity and engineering. VR6 powered Corrados now regularly sell for $20,000–$30,000 in North America, with mint examples reaching collector car status.
Mazda RX7 (1992–2002 FD generation)
The third generation RX7 was a masterpiece, lightweight, gorgeous, and powered by a twin turbo rotary engine. But reliability concerns and high running costs scared off buyers in the 90s. Many cars were abused or poorly maintained, further damaging the cars reputation. Today, the RX7 FD is one of the hottest Japanese classics, thanks to its role in tuner culture and Fast & Furious. Well kept examples now sell for $40,000–$70,000 in Canada and the U.S., with special editions going higher.
Alfa Romeo Montreal (1970–1977)
The Alfa Romeo Montreal debuted as a show car and stunned crowds with its exotic styling and V8 power. Unfortunately, it was priced higher than comparable Porsches and Jaguars, and reliability was questionable. Sales were poor, and only around 3,900 were built. Fast forward 50 years, and scarcity plus Italian flair have made it a blue chip classic. Today, Montreals regularly trade for $80,000–$120,000, with concours level cars fetching even more at auction.
Dodge Charger Daytona / Plymouth Superbird (1969–1970)
These wild aero warriors were built for NASCAR, with massive wings and pointed noses. On the street, buyers mocked them as impractical and ugly, and unsold cars sat on dealer lots. Ironically, they became nearly extinct in the wild. Today, those very features make them icons of the muscle car era. Surviving Daytonas and Superbirds fetch astronomical prices, often $300,000 to over $1 million depending on originality. What was once a showroom embarrassment is now a collectors dream.
Honda CRX (1983–1991)
The CRX was admired for its light weight and efficiency but dismissed by some as just another econobox. Many were modified, abused, or rusted away, making survivors rare today. Decades later, enthusiasts celebrate it as one of Hondas finest, sharp handling, bulletproof reliability, and astonishing fuel economy. While once cheap commuter cars, clean, unmodified CRXs now command $15,000–$25,000, especially Si models.
25 Facts About Car Loans That Most Drivers Don’t Realize
Car loans are one of the most common ways people fund car purchases. Like any other kind of loan, car loans can have certain features that can be regarded as an advantage or a disadvantage to the borrower. Understanding all essential facts about car loans and how they work to ensure that you get the best deal for your financial situation is essential. Here are 25 shocking facts about car loans that most drivers don’t realize:
25 Facts About Car Loans That Most Drivers Don’t Realize
