Lottery Tickets on Four Wheels: Which Rare Cars Can Make Owners Rich

The Lexus LFA was not an instant hit when Toyota’s luxury division introduced the V10 supercar in 2010. Its carbon-fiber chassis and advanced technology came at a price of about 380,000 euros, while buyers in that bracket generally preferred Ferrari or Lamborghini. Demand remained modest.

Those who bought one nevertheless made a sound choice. Only 500 LFAs were produced, and examples now sell for between 1 million and 2 million euros. Such dramatic increases remain unusual among new cars, but they appear regularly when a model combines scarcity, exclusivity and a distinctive character.

The formula can work in more ordinary price ranges, too. A new Suzuki Jimny cost about 20,000 euros three or four years ago. Well-maintained vehicles with attractive mileage now command between 30,000 and 40,000 euros, after the manufacturer stopped selling the small off-roader. Limited production runs can offer similar prospects. Toyota selected 100 examples of the 304-horsepower GR Yaris Morizo for the European market. The performance model draws on Toyota chief Akio Toyoda’s motorsport activities and his driver pseudonym, Morizo.

Skoda produced 125 examples of the 177-horsepower Fabia Motorsport Edition, styled after its official rally car. The model costs about 40,000 euros. Tesla has also created scarce versions at the end of the Model S and Model X production cycle, with 250 Model S Plaid and 100 Model X Plaid vehicles. The 1,020-horsepower cars are sold only to selected customers. In the United States, vehicles officially priced at $160,000 have reportedly appeared with a $100,000 premium, although Tesla imposed a one-year resale ban.

Finding one is often the biggest obstacle. Porsche’s 911 Dakar special series, limited to 2,500 cars at 222,000 euros each, quickly rose above 350,000 euros. Porsche anniversary 911s can still sell for six-figure sums after 30 years, with the 996 series a notable exception.

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A car that only sits can also suffer damage.