Many Baby Boomers love to collect classic cars! Their garages are chock-full of timeless beauties adorned by fins, moon hubcaps, and maybe there is even an AM radio on the dash. But when you belong to Gen(eration) X, your tastes will run to something a little more modern. We grew up watching the cops chase the good guys in a Dodge Monaco, jump a creek in a Dodge Challenger, or save the day in a GMC Vandura. Which ones are the most popular rides turned collector for Gen X?
1984-2001 Jeep Cherokee
Your parents drove one of the earliest versions of the SUV. It looked like a classic Jeep, had plenty of room to toss sports equipment, and could reach the campground using its Command-Trac 4X4. There is a seven-slot grille, square headlights, and a capable six-cylinder engine. It’s clean, boxy, and oddly graceful. With careful restoration, its classic looks will fit right in at the executive car park or weekend rally.
Chevrolet C/K Pickup
Just as with SUVs, classic trucks are headlining the list of Gen X car collections. The C/K pickup built through the 70s and 80s has become a fabulous choice as an entry-level collector car. The body features sleek styling that supports pinstripes and personalization while you can find replacement parts at every weekend swap.
1989 Honda CRX Si
As a member of Gen X, your family probably owned an import when you were in high school as Toyota, Honda, and even Hyundai made a serious dent in the domestic car market. This is why the 1989 Honda CRX Si is so appealing as a collector car. It may have even been your first ride. It’s sporty, small, and nothing like the oversized sedans that Dad drove. Its 1.5L tuned engine and well-engineered suspension make it simply fun to pilot on a lazy Sunday drive.
60s Ford Mustang
If there is one type of car that seems to bridge the gap between the Boomers and Gen X, it is the muscle car invasion of the 60s and 70s. While there is no competing with the 1965 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 in value as a collector car, you can add any of the early pony cars to your garage and earn some serious cred at the car show. You won’t go wrong by considering a Camaro, Corvette, or Challenger.
1970s International Harvester Scout
International Harvester still pumps out rigs for tractor-trailers, farm equipment, and heavy construction vehicles. But back in the 70s, they broke into the light truck market. One of the most popular vehicles in the lineup was the Scout. Positioned to challenge the Ford Bronco and Chevy Blazer, it could be personalized for each buyer, resulting in a collector market full of unique rides. Find one with a soft or hardtop, rear-wheel drive or 4X4, leather or vinyl seats…the combinations are endless.
1985 Ferrari 308
Maybe you don’t want a Model T in your collection, but a European sports car still grabs your attention. The 1985 Ferrari 308 now vies for top bids on the auction block. It features that angular racing design that we all loved when we caught the latest episode of Magnum P.I. Maybe its engine never won awards, but with the roof panel removed, who cares?
2002 to 2005 Ford Thunderbird
As part of the what’s old is new again trend in car design, Ford issued a throwback version of the 1950s Thunderbird. While it included just two seats, a convertible top, and round headlights just like the original, it also offered all the latest conveniences. This makes it an extremely appealing entry-level collector car. It shows well on the weekends and is fun to drive. Owners are not faced with the challenge of hunting down 70-year old replacement parts.
The fact is that each generation will have its own standards for what makes a perfect collector car. As Gen X hands off the baton to the Millennials and then to Gen Z, we will continue to see newer rides take center stage at the next Okotoks auction. What car would you like to add to your own collection?