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🇦🇹 Austria /Economy & Trade

Not just Ferrari: These rare cars are suddenly worth a fortune

From Die Presse · () German

Translated from German and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.

At a glance

In-depth Named sources Context piece
  • The Lexus LFA, initially priced at about 380,000 euros, now sells for between 1 million and 2 million euros, despite limited demand when it launched.
  • Rarity, limited production, exclusivity and distinctive appeal can help newer cars appreciate sharply, as seen with the Suzuki Jimny and limited Toyota, Skoda and Tesla models.
  • Limited Porsche editions have also risen substantially, although acquiring such cars in the first place remains the biggest challenge.

A Lexus LFA bought when the model launched in 2010 has become a multimillion-euro asset. The supercar, Lexus's technology showcase with a V10 engine and carbon-fiber chassis, originally cost about 380,000 euros. Demand was modest because buyers in that price range favored Ferrari and Lamborghini. Today, one of the 500 LFAs can sell for between 1 million and 2 million euros.

Such dramatic gains remain unusual among new cars, but they do occur. The formula is often a rare model, preferably a limited edition, with an element of fun and something unusual about it. A car can be especially beautiful, exceptionally ugly or simply exclusive. The pattern also appears outside the most expensive segment.

The Suzuki Jimny is one example. Someone who bought the small off-roader new for about 20,000 euros three or four years ago can now see asking prices of 30,000 to 40,000 euros when the condition and mileage are attractive. Demand rose sharply after sales stopped.

Limited production can improve the prospects of special models. Toyota selected 100 examples of the GR Yaris Morizo for the European market. The performance car produces up to 304 horsepower and draws inspiration from 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 the official rally car, at a price of about 40,000 euros.

Tesla has its own limited offerings. Its Signature Edition includes 250 Model S Plaid and 100 Model X Plaid cars marking the end of the model cycle. The 1,020-horsepower vehicles are sold only to selected customers. In the United States, cars officially priced at $160,000 have reportedly appeared with a $100,000 premium, although Tesla imposed a one-year resale restriction.

Getting one can be harder than selling it later. Porsche's 911 Dakar special series, released two years ago, was limited to 2,500 cars at 222,000 euros each. Prices quickly rose above 350,000 euros. Porsche's limited editions have a long tradition, and anniversary 911 models can still sell for six-figure sums after 30 years. The 996 series is an exception.

A car that only stands can also suffer damage.

· Dietrich HatlapaWarning that storing a collectible car without driving it can also create problems.
About this summary

Originally published by Die Presse in German. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.

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