Not every car leaves the factory destined to become a collectible. Some are instant icons, while others quietly build reputations over time, only for enthusiasts to later realize their brilliance. For Canadian and American buyers, there’s a sweet spot: cars from the 80s, 90s, and early 2000s that blend old school mechanical feel with just enough modern convenience to still be drivable every day. Many were overlooked when new, but today they’re climbing in value and slowly shifting from used car bargain to future classic. From Japanese legends to German sedans and even a few American bruisers, these are twenty older models that will earn true classic status.
Toyota Supra MK4 (1993–2002)
The MK4 Supra has already crossed over into icon territory, but it still deserves mention here. Its bulletproof 2JZ engine is a tuner’s dream, capable of handling massive horsepower upgrades. When it debuted, its styling was bold but understated compared to flashy 90s rivals, which is part of why it has aged so well. Canadian and American markets received limited numbers, which makes surviving examples rare. Collectors now treat clean, unmodified Supras like fine art — prices regularly exceed six figures. It has become the Japanese answer to the Porsche 911 in terms of desirability and respect.
BMW E46 M3 (2000–2006)
The E46 M3 is often considered the sweet spot in the M3 lineage. Its 3.2 liter straight six, known as the S54, was one of BMW’s finest engines, delivering a spine tingling 8,000 rpm redline. Paired with timeless styling and razor sharp handling, it represented peak BMW before electronics dominated. Canadian buyers loved its usability in daily driving while still being thrilling on back roads. Manual coupe versions are the most sought after, with convertibles and SMG autos lagging slightly in value. Over the past five years, prices for low mileage examples have started to climb quickly, confirming its classic trajectory.
Honda S2000 (1999–2009)
Honda’s S2000 was a love letter to high revving engines and lightweight chassis balance. Its 2.0 liter F20C engine screamed all the way to 9,000 rpm, something unheard of in a roadster at the time. Unlike a Harley of the car world, it didn’t rely on brute torque, but on delicacy and engineering finesse. Canadian owners have always treasured it as a summer toy, storing them carefully during harsh winters. Because of this, many Canadian market cars remain in excellent condition today, and they are already fetching premium prices.
Porsche 944 Turbo (1985–1991)
Long dismissed as the “other” Porsche, the 944 Turbo has finally earned respect. With near perfect 50/50 weight distribution, responsive handling, and a turbocharged four cylinder that delivered surprising punch, it was a driver’s delight. It’s also one of the last relatively affordable entry points into Porsche ownership, though values are steadily climbing. In Canada, they were always rarer than in Europe, making surviving examples more collectible. Today, enthusiasts admire it not as a budget 911, but as one of the best handling cars Porsche ever produced.
Mazda RX-7 FD (1992–2002)
The RX-7 FD is often described as one of the most beautiful cars of the 1990s. Its flowing lines and low, wide stance gave it exotic car looks at a fraction of the cost. The twin turbo rotary engine was fragile if neglected, but for those who cared for it, the experience was unforgettable. In Canada, imports from Japan boosted supply, but clean, original cars are rare and valuable. Enthusiasts treat the RX-7 as sacred, and it has become a cornerstone of JDM culture.
Chevrolet Corvette C5 Z06 (2001–2004)
The C5 Z06 was a watershed moment for Corvette. It was lightened, stiffened, and powered by the LS6 V8, which produced 405 horsepower in later years. This made it a genuine track weapon, capable of hanging with European sports cars for half the price. Canadian drivers appreciated its relative affordability compared to imports, and today it is regarded as one of the smartest performance buys of its era. With clean, low mileage examples already appreciating, it’s clear the C5 Z06 will become one of the most collectible modern Corvettes.
Nissan 300ZX Twin Turbo (1990–1996)
The 300ZX was a technological marvel for Nissan in the early 1990s. Its twin turbo V6 delivered smooth, effortless speed, while its futuristic styling and advanced features set it apart from rivals. In Canada, fewer were sold than in the US, making them harder to find today. Many suffered from neglect or modifications, so stock, well kept cars are now highly desirable. As Japanese performance cars continue to skyrocket in value, the 300ZX is gaining the recognition it deserves as a classic.
Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.3/2.5 Cosworth (1983–1993)
The 190E Cosworth was Mercedes’ weapon in the DTM touring car wars of the 1980s and 90s. Tuned by Cosworth, its four cylinder engines were high revving and durable, and the chassis was finely balanced. Canadian enthusiasts always admired its understated looks combined with race pedigree. Today, values are climbing sharply, and the 190E Cosworth has stepped out of the E30 M3’s shadow to become a classic in its own right.
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VI–IX (1999–2007)
The Evo VI through IX generations represent peak rally car for the road. With turbocharged power, all wheel drive, and razor sharp handling, they dominated enthusiasts’ wish lists. In Canada, many were imported directly from Japan under the 15 year rule, adding to their mystique. As Subaru STIs from the same era climb in value, Evos are following suit — and fast. Clean, unmodified examples are now incredibly sought after.
Acura Integra Type R (1997–2001 North America)
The Integra Type R was Honda’s high water mark for front wheel drive performance. Lightweight, precise, and powered by the legendary B18C engine, it was a scalpel compared to the blunt instruments of its era. In Canada, only a limited number were sold, making them especially rare. Most were driven hard or modified, so original cars command huge premiums today. It’s already firmly a classic, but expect its status to rise even further.
Audi TT MK1 (1998–2006)
The first Audi TT was more than just a sports car — it was a design icon. Its Bauhaus inspired shape was a pure styling statement, unlike anything else on the road at the time. While performance was adequate rather than thrilling, its influence on design was massive. Canadians appreciated it as a stylish daily driver, and today it is recognized as a future collectible thanks to its unique look and role in early 2000s car culture.
Ford SVT Lightning (1999–2004)
The Lightning turned Ford’s F-150 into a proper muscle truck. Its supercharged V8 made it blisteringly quick for a pickup, and its lowered stance gave it an aggressive look. At a time when performance trucks were a novelty, the Lightning carved its own niche. Today, collectors prize them for their rarity and brute force. Canadian buyers who find one in good condition are sitting on a vehicle that will only rise in value.
Volkswagen Corrado VR6 (1991–1995)
The Corrado VR6 was one of Volkswagen’s most ambitious projects. Compact yet stylish, it introduced the VR6 engine, which delivered smooth power in a small package. Its handling and personality earned it a cult following. While sales in Canada were modest, enthusiasts now recognize it as one of VW’s most interesting cars. With limited numbers surviving, the Corrado is poised to appreciate as a quirky modern classic.
Subaru Impreza WRX STI (2004–2007 Blobeye and Hawkeye)
The mid 2000s WRX STI cemented Subaru’s rally reputation in North America. With aggressive styling, turbocharged performance, and all wheel drive grip, it was tailor made for Canadian roads. Enthusiasts still revere these models, but many have been modified or thrashed. Original cars are now highly collectible, and prices are already rising.
Lexus IS300 (2001–2005)
The IS300 gave Lexus a sport sedan with a hidden gem under the hood — the 2JZ inline six, related to the Supra’s engine. Offered with manual transmission, it became a tuner favorite, though most were modified heavily. Stock examples are now rare and increasingly valuable. In Canada, where Lexus reliability carried strong appeal, many were daily driven, making survivor cars even more desirable.
Dodge Viper GTS (1996–2002)
The Viper GTS was pure American excess. With a massive V10, aggressive curves, and zero driver aids, it was raw and intimidating. Canadian buyers who braved ownership knew they had something rare and outrageous. Today, the GTS coupe is the most collectible Viper variant, with values climbing quickly as enthusiasts seek pure analog performance.
Toyota MR2 Turbo (1991–1995)
The second generation MR2 Turbo earned the nickname “poor man’s Ferrari” thanks to its mid engine layout and sleek styling. With turbocharged punch and agile handling, it offered exotic car thrills at a fraction of the cost. In Canada, rust and accidents claimed many, so clean survivors are especially prized today. Collectors are realizing how special they are, and prices are climbing fast.
BMW E39 M5 (1998–2003)
The E39 M5 is widely regarded as the best sports sedan ever built. Its 400 horsepower V8, six speed manual, and understated styling made it the ultimate sleeper. It blended everyday comfort with blistering performance in a way few cars have matched. Canadian enthusiasts especially value its balance between performance and practicality, making it a unicorn on today’s market.
Honda Prelude SH (1997–2001)
The Prelude was long overshadowed by Honda’s other performance cars, but the final SH model introduced innovative torque vectoring technology that gave it remarkable handling. Its sharp lines and high revving engine have aged well, and enthusiasts are rediscovering its appeal. In Canada, where many were daily drivers, clean, original examples are rare and becoming more valuable.
Toyota Celica GT-Four (1988–1999)
The GT-Four brought Toyota’s rally technology to the street. With turbocharged power and all wheel drive, it was a serious performance machine. Rare in Canada originally, more have arrived through Japanese imports. Its rally pedigree ensures that it will never be forgotten, and values are rising as collectors snap up the best examples.
Why These Models Are Future Classics
Classic status isn’t just about age it’s about significance. Each of these cars represents something unique, whether it’s cutting edge technology, motorsport heritage, or styling that defined an era. In Canada, the harsh climate and road salt mean that many of these cars have rusted away or been heavily used, making clean survivors especially valuable. Collectors and enthusiasts are already chasing them, and in the next decade their values will only rise further.
From the Supra and RX-7 that defined Japanese performance, to the BMW E39 M5 that redefined the sports sedan, these twenty cars are not just transportation they’re rolling history. If you spot one in good condition, don’t wait too long. They’re destined for classic status, and the window to buy them affordably is closing fast.
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