Practically anyone who’s looked at the used sports car market in the last couple of years has had a jaw-dropping experience.

Cars you could barely give away a decade ago are now selling for more than they cost new.

Some of it can be blamed on the supply chain issues that made it almost impossible to buy a new car, but it’s also because of nostalgia, old models becoming collectible, and various other factors.

We’ve gathered 13 sports cars that could be great long-term investments. Some are already becoming more expensive, and others are expected to become more popular soon.

Porsche 996

The Porsche 996 was the first water-cooled 911 generation. Because of its engine and weird headlights, it wasn’t particularly well-liked among Porsche purists. For years, prices on the used market remained almost laughably low, but those days are now long gone.

With air-cooled Porsche 911s fetching a premium these days, wealthy enthusiasts are now fighting over the most notable versions of the 996, such as the GT3, Turbo, etc. Even the base models aren’t cheap anymore, and there are no signs that the prices will stop rising anytime soon.

Any Air-Cooled Porsche

Air-cooled 911s already have ridiculous price tags, and their popularity has caused prices of other air-cooled models, such as the 356, 912, and even the 914, to skyrocket.

It doesn’t look like the prices will stop rising anytime soon, either. While hopping on the air-cooled P-car train comes with a steep entry price, you’ll most likely be able to pocket a nice chunk of change in just a few years.

Honda S2000

Honda’s S2000 is one of the best driver’s cars ever. Granted, it wasn’t the best daily driver, but it’s hard to beat on a track or twisty mountain road.

Clearly, we’re not the only ones who like Honda’s screaming beast, as S2000 prices have climbed steadily over the last few years. It still hasn’t hit the ceiling, so if you have the money to spend right now, you can still count it as an investment for the future.

Ferrari 250 GTO

This one is only for those who are already loaded, but as they say, it takes money to make money, and with an investment this big, the profits can be huge in a few years.

Only 36 were made from 1962 to 1964, so its rarity certainly helps push prices up. In 2000, a Ferrari 250 GTO was sold for $7 million. In 2010, one went under the hammer for $22 million, and every car since then has gone up in price, with the last one being sold in 2023 for $51.7 million. That’s a very decent return on investment!

Honda / Acura Integra Type R

While the Integra Type R won’t fetch anywhere near the same sums as a classic Ferrari, it’s still seen a massive price increase in recent years. Not that long ago, it was possible to pick up a rough one for under $10,000, these days, the average market price is around the $43,000 mark.

It’s a great driver’s car and still one of the best FWD cars of all time, but you’ll have to be a serious enthusiast or an investor to justify paying that amount for an Integra Type R. Chances are prices will continue climbing for at least a few more years.

E30 / E36 / E46 BMW M3

All BMW M3s are excellent enthusiast cars, but the first three generations are often considered the best. The original E30 M3 is almost pure unobtainium these days, but if you manage to get your hands on one, it’ll only be worth more in the coming years.

The second-gen, or E36, was very cheap for a long time, but now that both its predecessor and successor are priced out of reach for most, it’s gained many new fans.

Honda / Acura NSX

Another Honda product, but this time in a different price bracket. The Acura NSX was a game-changing supercar that outperformed its competition despite having a less powerful engine.

It was so easy to drive and maintain; you didn’t have to be a racing driver and mechanic to own one. Prices have increased steadily over the last few decades, and it’s now out of reach for most gearheads. Still, if you can afford one, now is the time to buy it.

Toyota Supra

Like the NSX, the Toyota Supra wasn’t a huge seller when it was available, but once it was discontinued, everybody wanted one. While it’s still possible to get behind the wheel of a Supra with the naturally aspirated engine and automatic transmission, the turbocharged model is strictly for the wealthy.

If you want a seriously potent Japanese sports car, one way to go about it is to buy the more affordable non-turbo and automatic version and then save up to swap in the “proper” drivetrain. One thing to be aware of is that modified cars don’t usually see the same price increase as an original model.

Dodge Viper

The Dodge Viper needs no introduction. With zero driver aids and a massively powerful 8.0-liter V10 engine, it’s one deadly snake. In the right hands, it could keep up with the Italian supercars of its era, but at half the price.

It’s always been a supercar that regular people could afford, and even today, prices aren’t silly for a mid-1990s version. Perhaps people are scared of it? We believe prices will soon pick up, and those who own one will be able to cash in.

Porsche 944

Porsche 944 prices were affordable for decades, but as other Porsche models are now out of reach, many enthusiasts have turned to the 944. As a result, prices have risen a lot in the last decade.

Older, naturally aspirated 944s are still somewhat affordable, but the newer models and Turbo versions have ridiculous price tags now. Still, no matter which one you buy, they’re all great fun to drive.

Datsun 240Z–280Z

Considering the Datsun 240Z was an affordable sports car when it first arrived in the American market in 1970, it’s ridiculous to look at the prices they’re currently selling for.

$10,000 gets you a rusted-out wreck, and it’ll cost tens of thousands to get it in mint condition. Then again, if the trend continues, it’ll be worth even more if you decide to sell it a few years down the line.

Ford GT

Ford only sold the GT in 2005 and 2006, and with just 4,038 cars built, it’s not a sports car you’re likely to see every day. 

The V8-powered Ford GT had a serious price tag, but some customers paid as much as a $100,000 premium over the suggested retail price of $140,000. These days, you can expect to pay between $400,000 to $1 million, and prices keep rising.

R129 Mercedes-Benz SL600

In the 1990s, you couldn’t get a more stylish Benz than the SL class. These days, it may not be the best-looking German sports car from that era, but it still hides a few tricks up its sleeve.

Forget about the entry-level 300SL, and while the V8-powered 500SL was cool, we’re going for the top-of-the-line 600SL with a massive 6.0-liter V12 engine under its long hood. Prices range from $7,000 to $165,000, so there’s definitely potential for profit here if you know how to turn a wrench.