From French design icons and British luxo barges to mighty German muscle cars and everything in between. These are the cars that are likely to turn heads in the new year.
BMW Touring in the 1990s
While Porsches with Touring badges have been generating quite a bit of hype for a while now, we've seen a different kind of Touring, more specifically the 1990s BMW-type Touring, come into the spotlight. I feel that there is. M-badged cars always appeal to a wide range of people, but we've recently found ourselves drawn to the more delicate lands of Bavaria. Both the E30 3 Series and E34 5 Series Touring offer great design, engaging handling, and plenty of practicality, making them modern classic choices for daily driving into 2024. Additionally, while M-badged Bimmers have long been a big-ticket item, cars like the 325ix Touring remain relatively affordable, in our humble opinion the E34 M5 Touring Whatever the price it's worth it.
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Bentley Continental GT
This is likely to be the first controversial entry on our list, and we can't blame the naysayers. Not too long ago, we would have turned our noses up at the oval silhouette of the original Continental GT. But now that modern grand tourers lean more and more toward the sportier (and bigger) end of the spectrum, the tidy originals are starting to look more appealing. By that year. Prices for Bentley's post-millennium GT seem to have hit rock bottom, but models with desirable specs and well-maintained properties are already creeping up, so act fast if you want the cleanest cross-continental soap bar on the market.
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ferrari 348
As a clumsy middle child between the gorgeous 328 and the widely loved F355, the 348 was long overshadowed by its more popular stablemate. Prices also appear to be at an all-time low, with 348s selling for surprisingly affordable prices at auction. But we still don't seem to understand why. We love the styling of the 348's baby Testarossa, and it's certainly not as fast as the 355 or later Prancing Horse, but he doesn't buy a 1990s Ferrari just for performance. At home, forget about the spec sheet, fire up the orchestral V8 engine and enjoy the open-gate gearshifts like you've got one of the biggest bargains on the collector car market. .
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lancia fulvia
Is there another car that can be bought for around 20,000 euros and is as widely accepted and admired as the Fulvia? Thanks to a number of great restomods by the likes of Chimera Automobili and Automobili Amos, the Lancia name is more relevant than ever. It is no wonder that Fulvia has become popular as a result. Piero Castañero's stunning FWD coupe is always a good choice, whether you are attending a world-class concours or attending a car and coffee meet-up in the parking lot. Why not pick up one of these V4-powered pocket his rockets before prices start to reflect a very attractive package?
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Lotus Elise S1
If there's one Lotus creation that recaptures the magic of the legendary lightweight Elan, it's the Elise S1. These composite body sports cars offer the most incredible driving experience at any price point. This may be your last chance to experience these feathered wonders without breaking the bank, as Emira marks the end of the brand in all but name. . Total production of Series 1 Elises was far short of his 10,000 units, but with so many special editions for enthusiasts, you're sure to find a niche Elise that will win the approval of experts around the world. .
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maserati khamsin
Like a bunch of car-obsessed zombies, we've picked the brains of every industry expert available in 2023. If there's one car that pops up again and again, it's the Maserati Khamsin. Maserati in 2024 looks healthier than ever, with drool-worthy models like the MC20 and GranTurismo helping to boost the Trident's image. Perhaps now is the time to add one of the most underrated cars of the 1970s to your garage. Boasting the whiplash-inducing “origami” style typical of Gandini's work, Khamsin backs up its visual feast with a mechanical beast hiding under the giant bonnet in the shape of a 4930cc V8. When it comes to 1970s grand tourers, this one is pretty hard to beat.
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Mercedes-Benz AMG Black Series
Like Porsche's RS models, the Black Series Mercedes guarantees rarity, bombastic style, and ridiculous performance in equal measure. The CLK has long been the automotive mascot for the Black Series badge, but if we had to choose just one (and couldn't afford the SLS Black Series), we'd jump at the chance to get the SL65 Black Series. Sho. Not only was it capable of rearranging continents with the endless pool of torque from its massive V12 engine, it was also the first and only fixed-roof coupe incarnation of the SL since the iconic Gullwing. The SL65 Black Series continues to break auction records in his 2023, and it wouldn't be surprising if this trend continues in his 2024. So if you want to experience one of Affalterbach's finest works for yourself, don't wait.
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saab 900 turbo
It's often said that you don't appreciate what you have until it's gone, and that's certainly true for Saab, the beloved and strange (and defunct) Swedish brand. While it never quite achieved the fighter jet-like driving experience its marketing materials promised, cars like the 900 Turbo are still undeniably cool, even without afterburner. Equipped with a turbocharger even before efficiency-oriented add-ons became commonplace, the 900 Turbo offered 50% more power than its naturally aspirated sibling and was the car of choice for Swedish performance enthusiasts at the time. I did. Available in saloon and convertible variants, this is the coupe you'll want to park on your drive this year.
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Porsche 997.1 Turbo Manual
It's common knowledge among collectors that the chosen model of any brand should be the first or last of its kind, and the 997.1 generation 911 Turbo is just that. Not only is the 997.1 one of his last small-bodied 911s, it also features a twin-turbocharged Mezger flat-six modified from the unit that led Porsche to his 1998 Le Mans victory. It's also the last car to do so. The same engine powers his 996 Turbo, and while we loved it fried, we also understand that the 996 isn't to everyone's taste. In comparison, the 997.1 Turbo offers a much more manageable body and cabin, which is why we think this rear-engine wonder is the model to watch this year.
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renault twingo
It's not often that our collective subconscious suddenly wakes up wildly obsessed with a once-overlooked model, but that's exactly what seems to have happened with the original Renault Twingo. The news may be all gloomy, but the sight of the Twingo's undeniably happy front end is sure to spark joy in everyone at the Classic Drivers office. Available in a variety of bright colors and a 1990s-inspired special edition, the Twingo is perfect for your holiday runabout or city cruiser. However, finding a well-maintained, low-mileage vehicle is easier said than done, as these cars have been sold at very low prices for a long time.
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Image credits: Alexis Bataillon / Autostorico / Bentley / Bonhams / DK Engineering / Eleven Cars / Mechanics / Renault / RM Sotheby's
This article first appeared on classicdriver.com.
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