Level-Headed Investments: 7 Factors That Determine the Value of a Sports Car

The best sports cars are always exciting, and not just for those who drive or ride in them. Knowledgeable investors have made fortunes buying and selling some of the most spectacular sports cars of all.

Even owners who prefer to focus on getting behind the wheel will almost always appreciate a sports car that gains value instead of losing it over time

A look at the seven factors that contribute the most to the value of sports cars follows.

 

#1 Its Manufacturer

Over the years, some successful, valuable sports cars have been produced by companies with little name recognition. As information from webuyexotics.com shows, though, famous manufacturers like Lamborghini, Ferrari, Bugatti, Porsche, and McLaren dominate the charts.

Owning a car made by one of these makers is no guarantee that it will be valuable. Some older Porsches, for example, are worth little more today than the average passenger sedan of their time.

Big, famous names tend to resonate with buyers, though, and that helps prices for their sports cars climb higher. It might be possible to buy a Porsche for a few thousand dollars, but some of that company’s most legendary models sell for millions.

 

#2 Its History

Current “hypercars” made by the likes of Pagani and Koenigsegg can carry price tags of a million dollars or more when brand-new. The most valuable sports cars by far, though, are older ones that have compelling stories attached to them.

In 2018, for example, a Ferrari 250 GTO set a new record by fetching a winning bid of more than $48 million at auction. About 56 years old at the time, that car had been a favorite of Enzo Ferrari, the founder of the legendary automaker.

The 250 GTO went on to dominate the global Grand Touring racing scene, racking up many dramatic wins. While the 250 GTO’s iconic styling did not hurt, the history behind the vehicle is a large part of the reason why bidders were willing to pay so much for it.

 

#3 It’s Styling

Most sports cars are designed to excel at going fast, whether at race tracks or on public roads. The best sports cars are also beautiful, though, even if that arises as a side effect of the pursuit of performance.

Ugly sports cars tend to worth less than others, all else being equal.

 

#4 Its Performance

Although most owners will never reach their limits, sports cars are meant to be driven aggressively.

Sports cars that have particularly impressive cornering performance or horsepower totals are normally more valuable than others.

 

#5 It’s Potential

Like other types of vehicles, sports cars tend to be intentionally limited by manufacturers.

Owners who are willing to sacrifice a bit of reliability or comfort can often coax significantly more performance from sports cars by upgrading them. Models that have a lot of potential are often worth more on the secondary market.

 

#6 It’s Sound

Sports cars are supposed to be exciting, and few things thrill like an engine with a glorious voice.

In recent years, sports car manufacturers have even begun adding special systems to their vehicles to enhance the notes produced by their motors.

Whether artificially enhanced or strictly natural, cars that make impressive sounds tend to be the most valuable.

 

#7 Its Exclusivity

Not everyone can afford to own and drive a sports car, and that is part of the appeal for many of those who can. Especially exclusive, hard-to-find sports cars command higher prices than others.

 

There’s a Price for Every Sports Car

These seven factors combine to largely determine the value of most sports cars that end up on the secondary market.

Whether for investors or enthusiasts, looking into these issues will always make it easier to judge whether a given sports car is fairly priced.