Affordable luxury leads September’s Hagerty Vehicle Rating

If there is a new theme emerging in the September Hagerty Vehicle Rating, it might be “affordable luxury”. Very few of the models in the top 25 exceed $50,000 for typical examples, and most can be found for less than $20,000.

Leading the way, the 1963-65 Buick Riviera took September’s top spot with a 96. Bill Mitchell’s timeless design is enjoying renewed interest after being forgotten for the past few years, and prices have risen as a result – especially for the higher-horsepower GS models. The long-ignored 1969-72 Pontiac Grand Prix shows how enthusiasts are recognizing that American luxury performance cars of the 1970s provide plenty of value compared to their pure muscle cousins. Mercedes-Benz S-Class W126 models and 190 sedans in particular demonstrate how strong the appeal of affordable European luxury is.

Affordable luxury aside, Modern Classics continue leading the market with three-fifths of the top 25 and six of the top ten rated vehicles being built after 1979. Pickups and SUVs are also well represented here, with the Dodge Power Wagon (up 44 points since July), the 1961-71 International Scout (up 40 points), and the 1973-1987 GMC C/K Series pickup all joining the top 25 this month.

Falling out of the top 25 for September are the Ferrari 355 (July’s highest rated car), Porsche 944 and 993, and 1982-86 Toyota Supra.

Here is a complete look at the 25 highest rated vehicles:

Vehicle
1963-1965 Buick Riviera 96
1984-1993 Mercedes-Benz 190 95
1969-1972 Pontiac Grand Prix 94
1945-1968 Dodge Power Wagon 93
1979-1992 Mercedes-Benz W126 93
1999-2005 Ferrari 360 93
1992-1995 Porsche 968 92
1986-1992 BMW M3 91
1991-1996 Acura NSX 91
1961-1971 International Harvester Scout 90
1978-1983 Porsche 911 90
1961-1963 Ford Thunderbird 89
1973-1987 GMC C/K Series Pickup 89
1986-1989 Mercedes-Benz 560SL 89
1948-1990 Citroen 2CV 87
1966-1977 Ford Bronco 87
1973-1987 Chevrolet C/K Series Pickup 87
1950-1967 Volkswagen Type 2 Transporter 86
1963-1966 Plymouth Valiant 86
1965-1970 Buick LeSabre 86
1970-1974 Dodge Challenger 86
1972-1980 International Scout II 86
1976-1996 Jaguar XJS 86
1976-1986 Jeep CJ-7 86
1990-1996 Nissan 300ZX 86
1997-2005 Acura NSX 86
1999-2003 BMW Z8 86

The Hagerty Vehicle Rating is a 0-100 score that tracks a car’s value change compared to the entire classic-car market. A car with a rating higher than 50 means it is appreciating faster than the overall market. A score below 50 means the car is lagging. While our rating algorithm uses Hagerty’s extensive valuation database and detailed market data—we go deep and include the number of recent insurance quotes and auction sell-through rates—the usual disclaimers apply: Use this score as a guide and not an indication of future results.

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