Most people think of classic sports cars as weekend toys, but the smart ones know they can also be serious money-makers. Unlike stocks, which can tank overnight, a rare and desirable sports car can appreciate year after year, all while giving you something fun to drive. Sure, there’s maintenance, but when done right, these cars can turn a healthy profit while stocks sit in your portfolio doing nothing. Here are 10 classic sports cars that have proven to be better investments than the stock market.

Ferrari F40

The Ferrari F40 is the last Ferrari signed off by Enzo Ferrari himself, and that alone makes it one of the most sought-after collector cars. Launched in 1987, it was an all-out performance machine with a twin-turbocharged 2.9-liter V8 pushing 471 horsepower. At the time, it was the fastest production car in the world, with a top speed of 201 mph.

Originally selling for around $400,000, the F40 has skyrocketed in value, with some examples now fetching over $3 million at auction. If you had bought an F40 instead of stocks in the late ‘80s, you’d be sitting on a massive return on investment.

Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7

The 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7 is one of the most legendary 911s ever built. Lightweight, fast, and equipped with that famous ducktail spoiler, it became an instant collector’s item. Powered by a 2.7-liter flat-six, it cranked out 210 horsepower—a big deal back in the early ‘70s.

In the last 20 years, prices have exploded. What was once a $200,000 car is now worth well over $1 million, with pristine examples fetching even more. If you’re looking for a Porsche that beats Wall Street, this is it.

Lamborghini Miura

The Lamborghini Miura didn’t just define the term supercar—it practically invented it. With a mid-mounted 3.9-liter V12, jaw-dropping looks, and a top speed of 174 mph, it was unlike anything else in the ‘60s.

When new, the Miura cost around $20,000. Today? Expect to pay at least $2 million for a good one. With prices still climbing, the Miura has proven to be one of the safest bets in the classic car world.

Jaguar E-Type Series 1 Roadster

The Jaguar E-Type Series 1 is a rolling work of art that still turns heads today. Under the hood, you got a 3.8-liter or 4.2-liter inline-six, delivering smooth power and an exhaust note that never gets old. It was also surprisingly quick, with a 0-60 time of under 7 seconds.

A decade ago, you could pick one up for $50,000–$100,000. Now? The best examples regularly cross the $300,000 mark. This is a classic that’s never going out of style, and its value keeps proving that.

Toyota 2000GT

The Toyota 2000GT was Japan’s first real supercar, and with only 351 ever built, it’s one of the rarest, too. It packed a 2.0-liter inline-six built by Yamaha, and its sleek design made it an instant collectible.

If you had snagged one of these in the ‘90s for under $100,000, you’d be sitting on a seven-figure return today. In recent years, they’ve sold for as much as $2.5 million, proving that Japanese classics can appreciate just as much as European exotics.

Shelby Cobra 427

The Shelby Cobra 427 is muscle and madness wrapped into one brutal package. Carroll Shelby took a lightweight British AC Ace and stuffed a 7.0-liter Ford V8 under the hood. The result? Insane speed, tire-shredding torque, and an unmistakable exhaust note.

In the ‘60s, a Cobra 427 cost around $7,500. Now? Original examples start at $2 million. Even well-built replicas can fetch six figures, proving that the Cobra remains one of the most valuable American performance cars ever.

BMW 507

Elvis Presley drove one. So did racing legend John Surtees. The BMW 507 was built to take on Mercedes and Jaguar, but with a 3.2-liter V8 and only 252 ever produced, it became far rarer than both.

Back in the ‘60s, these were a tough sell at around $10,000. Today? You’re lucky if you find one under $2 million. That’s a return no stock can match.

Datsun 240Z

The Datsun 240Z was the car that put Japan on the map for affordable sports cars. With a 2.4-liter inline-six, rear-wheel drive, and a lightweight design, it had all the ingredients for a great driver’s car.

For years, 240Zs were cheap, but the secret is out. Now, early models are selling for six figures, with low-mileage, all-original examples fetching close to $150,000. If you’re looking for a Japanese classic that’s still climbing in value, this is it.

Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing

The Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing is one of the most recognizable and valuable classic cars ever built. With its gullwing doors, advanced fuel injection, and race-proven engineering, it was ahead of its time when it launched in 1954.

Back then, it was priced at around $7,000—a lot of money at the time. Today, auction prices regularly top $2 million. If you’re lucky enough to own one, you’re sitting on a rolling investment.

Acura NSX (First Generation)

The first-generation Acura NSX wasn’t just a great sports car—it was a wake-up call to Ferrari and Porsche. With Honda’s bulletproof engineering, an all-aluminum body, and a 3.0-liter V6 tuned with help from Ayrton Senna, the NSX redefined exotic cars.

For years, you could get one for $30,000–$40,000, but those days are gone. Pristine examples now sell for over $150,000, and the demand keeps rising. As modern sports cars get heavier and more complicated, the lightweight NSX is only becoming more valuable.

*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.