Words: Rory FH Smith
January’s a tough month. On top of being blasted by cold winds, miserable drizzle and back-to-work anxiety, it’s also the time of year to look ahead and plan for the future. And, more often than not, that involves some lofty plans for saving money.
Well, listen in gents, because, as the saying goes – you have to spend money to make money – so we’ve got some investment advice. Furthermore, it’s an achievable and fun investment, and one that’s guaranteed to put a smile on your face, unlike those stocks and shares you were contemplating. With that, put down your copy of the FT and wise up on the top five classic cars under £15,000 to invest in for 2017.
In 1995, the original Audi TT concept broke cover at the Frankfurt motor show. Now, more than two decades on, it still every bit the clean-cut, fresh-faced sports car it was in the mid-90s. With its Bauhaus-inspired styling and well-designed, comfortable interior, the original Audi TT is set to become a future design classic.
Smoking jacket? Cigars? Right, this one’s for you. Admittedly, mid-1970s British cars are usually ones to be avoided but Jaguar’s low-slung cruiser has aged well, making it a desirable and – crucially – affordable classic.
Visions of cruising along the Italian Riviera, roof down with the sound of a plucky 2.0-litre Twin Cam reverberating through the tunnels? Well, dream no longer. Late (1990s onwards) Alfa Romeo Spiders can still be picked up for less than £15,000 and, if it’s anything like the models before it, it’s set to be a steady investment, gradually increasing in value over the years. Providing you can keep the rust at bay, of course.
15 years on from the original 1980s icon, the E46 M3 hit the road in 2000. Equipped with a 3.2-litre engine, tuned by BMW’s motorsport division, or ‘M’ as it’s commonly known, the early noughties M3s make for excellent drivers cars. With prices of the E46s now starting to rise, the opportunity to pick up some Bavarian heritage for under £15,000 is closing in.
The original Mercedes SL is arguably one of the most iconic cars in motoring history. We’re talking gullwing doors and million pound price tags. Luckily, the SL lineage has been continued on to the present day, meaning the later models (particularly the early 1990s R129) is well within our £15,000 celling. Some examples, including the more sought-after AMG versions can be picked up for less than the price of family ski holiday.
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