The Best Collector Cars of the 2000s
- 1997 – ‘05 Acura NSX
The original Acura NSX (or Honda NSX if you prefer), is a legendary vehicle, one that’s rare, looks great and is still a joy to drive. These cars, particularly the latter models offered from around 1997 to 2005, are absolute legends, and not surprisingly, their prices have increased accordingly. As reported by Hagerty, the median value of an example in No. 2 condition, which is considered excellent, has grown by 5% over the last year. For reference, No. 2 is just below No. 1, or concourse condition, though it’s a step above No. 3, which is “merely” good condition.
the best collector cars of the 2000s
9. 2002 – ‘04 Volkswagen Golf R32
Next, a car I absolutely love, one that also happens to feature an incredibly clever engine: the Mk IV Volkswagen Golf R32. A grownup’s hot hatch, this tastefully styled vehicle offers plenty of versatility along with loads of driving fun. Back in the day, a manual or dual-clutch automatic transmission were on the menu, plus the R32 came with all-wheel drive. But the best part was VW’s narrow-angle VR6, which was powerful, super smooth and sounded like no other engine out there. According to Hagerty, the median value of a 2002-to-2004 Golf R32 in No. 2 condition has increased 6% over the last year.
- 2003 – ‘05 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII
We’re going back to Japan for the next two vehicles on this list, and the first one is a Mitsubishi, the fabled Lancer Evolution VIII. This powerful compact car features a potent turbocharged four-cylinder engine and all-wheel drive to put that power to the pavement… or dirt, gravel, snow, maybe a sour cream spill on the interstate, whatever the case may be. As for the value of this sought-after Mitsu, it’s increased 7% over the last 12 months, just edging past the R32.
the best collector cars of the 2000s
7. 2000 – ‘03 Honda S2000
Eclipsing the Lancer Evo VIII, however, is a vehicle that’s even more special, one I would absolutely love to own. This car is rear-drive, light in weight, it looks amazing and is powered by an engine that revs to the moons of Saturn and back. I’m talking, of course, about the mythical Honda S2000. The AP1, that is, the early variant, is the purest expression of this sports car, and the value of these from the 2000 to 2003 model years has increased 8% over the last 12 months. If you’ve got your eye on an S2000, you’d better grab one sooner than later because prices are practically guaranteed to keep increasing going forward.
- 2005 – ‘06 Ford GT
Movin’ right along, another illustrious car from the early 2000s – the first and only model from Detroit on our list here – is both tastefully retro and incredibly potent. The 2005-to-’06 Ford GT really is a special car, another one I’d like to own, because it looks so good and absolutely rips thanks to its supercharged V8 engine and six-speed manual transmission. Unfortunately, a GT is not in my budget, especially since the median value of a No. 2 example has increased a whopping 15% over the last year according to Hagerty. - 2000 – ‘06 BMW M3
Anyway, BMW has built some stellar vehicles over its long history, and hands down, one of my absolute favorites is the E46 3 Series. These vehicles are the perfect size, they look great, and they’re a dream to drive. Of course, if you want the pinnacle variant, you’ve got to go with the M3, which was offered from around 2000 to 2006. You could get this car as a coupe or convertible with either a manual or automated manual gearbox. Regardless, under the hood, a naturally aspirated inline-six delivered heroic performance and a howling sound. A real treasure, the median value of a No. 2 condition E46 M3 has soared 18% over the last 12 months.
the best collector cars of the 2000s
4. 2001 – ‘10 Lamborghini Murciélago
OK, now we’re getting into exotic territory. Our next selection hails from Italy and is named after a famous fighting bull from Spain that was called “bat,” bat like the flying mammal. Confused yet? You shouldn’t be; the car in question is the 2001 to 2010 Lamborghini Murciélago. This mega-potent, V12-powered beast has increased in value by 24%, a huge bump for what is a rare and exceedingly special automobile.
- 2000 – ‘03 BMW M5
The next car on our list of the best collector models from the early 2000s is another BMW, and it’s another one of my absolute favorites: the 2000-to-2003 M5. And what’s not to like? The E39 generation of this car has subtly beautiful styling, a powerful V8 engine and even a six-speed manual transmission. I would also argue this is one of the last great BMWs before the company completely lost its mind. In news that will surprise absolutely no one, the median value of a No. 2 condition example has surged 35% over the last year.
the best collector cars of the 2000s
2. 2004 – ‘07 Porsche Carrera GT
Now, that’s a huge increase, but it’s nothing compared to the last two cars on this episode of The Short List. Our No. 2 finisher is the 2001 to 2007 Porsche Carrera GT, which has seen its value skyrocket a whopping 65%! This is not surprising for an exotic sports car from a beloved German manufacturer, a machine that’s powered by a wailing, mid-mounted V10. This Porsche was by no means affordable when new, and it sure as hell ain’t a good value today, but, man, it’d be awesome to own a Carrera GT.
- 2002 – ‘04 Ferrari Enzo
And finally, perhaps the best collector car from the early 2000s is a thoroughbred exotic from Italy, and it’s exceedingly rare. If you’re looking to add a 2002-to-2004 Ferrari Enzo to your stable, the official production run was supposedly just 400 units. If you can get your hands on one, don’t let go. The value of this V12-powered beast has increased a staggering 112% in just the past year, and given the rarity, that is sure to keep growing and growing, making the Enzo a great investment, just like my Lehman Brothers stock. I really need to call my broker to see how that’s doing…
