Test drive: Land Rover Defender
Fox News Autos Editor Gary Gastelu gets down and dirty with the all-new Land Rover Defender
The Suzuki Samurai becoming one of the hottest collector cars proves anything can happen in 2021.
Hagerty has included the once-controversial SUV on its Bull Market List of classic vehicles expected to increase in value in the coming year.
The Suzuki Samurai had an original price below $7,000. (Suzuki)
The compact off-roader was a hugely popular model from when it was introduced in 1985 up until sales were crushed by a controversial "Consumer Reports" test published in 1988 that suggested it easily flipped over and led to a lawsuit and settlement between the two entities.
The truck has become a cult classic over the years, however, and Hagerty believes it is set to have a breakout year.
"At Hagerty, we believe that life is too short to drive boring cars, and the 2022 Bull Market list shows how folks can affordably drive their dreams," said Larry Webster, Senior Vice President of Media and Editorial for Hagerty. "Our seasoned experts employed Hagerty’s massive database to name 10 cars that people can buy, enjoy for a few years, and then sell to the next enthusiast for about what they paid or maybe even a bit more. There are now very few barriers to enjoying the classic-car hobby," Hagerty Media and Editorial Senior V.P. Larry Webster said.
Along with the Samurai, Hagerty also highlighted the original Tesla Roadster, the 1966-1967 Pontiac GTO along with the 1983-1997 Land Rover Defender and several luxury and sports cars.
Here's the full list with the current estimated price for an example in excellent condition:
1965–70 Cadillac DeVille - $28,800
The 1965 Cadillac DeVille Convertible was available as a convertible. (Pat Brollier/The Enthusiast Network via Getty Images/Getty Images)
1969–74 Ferrari 246 Dino - $365,800
The Ferrari Dino was was named after Enzo Ferrari's late son and did not wear the Ferrari name. (Andrew Burton/Getty Images)
1983–97 Land Rover Defender - $61,400
The Land Rover Defender was recently rebooted in 2020. (Barrett-Jackson via Getty Images)
1979–85 Mazda RX-7 -$17,600
The Mazda RX-7 is powered by a rotary engine. (National Motor Museum/Heritage Images/Getty Images)
1963–67 Mercedes-Benz 230SL - $80,500
The Mercedes Benz 230SL replaced the 300 SL gullwing door coupe and 190 SL convertible in the brand's lineup. (National Motor Museum/Heritage Images/Getty Images)
1966–67 Pontiac GTO - $100,200
The Pontiac GTO is one of the original muscle cars. (y Steven Kelly/The Enthusiast Network via Getty Images/Getty Images)
1992–95 Porsche 968 - $38,000
The front-engine 968 is an evolution of the 944. (Rust/ullstein bild via Getty Images)
1985–95 Suzuki Samurai - $10,200
The Suzuki Samurai's successor is still sold in foreign markets today under the Jimny name. (Denver Post via Getty Image)
2008–12 Tesla Roadster Sport - $97,100
Elon Musk sent his own personal Roadster Sport into space on a SpaceX rocket. (SpaceX via Getty Image)
1975–93 Volvo 245 - $15,800
The boxy Volvo 245 is the brand's most iconic model. (Volvo)