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Obscure Icons, Historical Heroes, and the European Collectibles Gaining Serious Ground – by Jay McCormack
As the classic car market evolves in 2025, collectors are looking beyond the usual suspects like Ferrari Daytonas and Porsche 356s. The hunt is now focused on European classics that are not only storied and beautiful but increasingly scarce, underappreciated (until recently), and tracking with compelling upward values. Whether it’s a homologation special, a misunderstood design icon, or a motorsport refugee, the market is showing love to machines that were once under the radar.
Here are five of the most investment-worthy European classic cars in 2025, each offering a unique mix of rarity, provenance, and price trajectory making them prime targets for collectors and enthusiasts with an eye for long-term gains.
1. Lancia Delta HF Integrale Evoluzione II
Value Range: $130,000–$200,000 AUD
Why Now: From rally legend to collector royalty
Once an icon of Group A rally dominance, the Lancia Delta HF Integrale Evoluzione II has finally shaken off its “cult car” status and is now cemented as a serious collector’s item. The Evo II was the last and most refined version of the Integrale, featuring wider arches, improved handling, and updated styling. These cars were the poster cars of the ’90s World Rally Championship era, and with Lancia’s brand being revived under Stellantis, there’s renewed interest in its golden age.
Whilst all cars in Australia are imported and LHD, values have doubled in the last five years, particularly for low-mileage, unmodified examples in desirable colors like Giallo Ginestra or Blu Lagos. This is the definition of a car with motorsport pedigree, limited production, and 90s nostalgia all baked in.
2. BMW E28 M5 (1985–1988)
Value Range: $100,000–$140,000 AUD
Why Now: The first M5, the fastest sedan of its time
The E28 M5 is the first car to wear the now-legendary M5 badge. Built largely by hand and powered by the same engine as the M1 supercar (the 3.5L M88 inline-six), it combined sports car performance with executive sedan subtlety. Only around 2,200
units were made worldwide, with fewer in right-hand drive, making it one of BMW’s rarest M cars.
Collectors have begun to realize just how special the E28 M5 is (and manual), especially as modern BMWs grow heavier and more digital. Originality is key here, and examples with period-correct wheels, paint, and interiors are commanding strong premiums.
3. Renault Clio V6 Phase 1 (2001–2003)
Value Range: $110,000–$130,000 AUD
Why Now: Mid-engine madness meets modern classic
On paper, a Clio with a 3.0L V6 in the middle and rear-wheel drive sounds like something dreamed up after too many espressos in Dieppe. In reality, Renault actually built it with wild wheel arches, no rear seats, and a driving experience closer to a Group B rally car than a city runabout.
Produced in limited numbers by TWR (Tom Walkinshaw Racing) in Sweden, the Phase 1 Clio V6 was flawed but fabulous. Quirky handling, aggressive looks, and undeniable rarity have made it a rising star in Europe and the price curve reflects it. One of my all time favourites with its mid-engined location, these have surged in the last 24 months, and still have room to grow as Gen X and millennial buyers begin to seek the weird and wonderful.
4. Alfa Romeo Montreal (1970–1977)
Value Range: $140,000–$180,000 AUD
Why Now: Marcello Gandini lines, race-bred V8, still undervalued
Designed by Bertone and powered by a detuned version of the Tipo 33 race engine, the Alfa Romeo Montreal remains one of the most stunning and underappreciated GT cars of the 1970s. It shares showroom space with Miura’s and Daytona’s in terms of looks but has long been a sleeper in the collector market.
That’s changing. Prices have seen a 40–50% rise over the last three years, thanks to a growing awareness of the Montreal’s unique blend of design, tech (mechanical SPICA injection, dry-sump lubrication), and rarity. With only around 3,900 built and far fewer surviving in top condition, this Alfa is finally getting the spotlight it deserves.
5. Mercedes-Benz 500 E (W124) by Porsche (1990–1995)
Value Range: $95,000–$120,000 AUD
Why Now: Executive express with Stuttgart’s secret signature
Built in collaboration with Porsche, the Mercedes-Benz 500 E is a true sleeper. It looks like a mildly flared W124 sedan but underneath is a 5.0L V8 and chassis tweaks
developed in Zuffenhausen. Porsche handled much of the assembly, with the body panels subtly flared to accommodate wider track and tires.
It was one of the fastest sedans of the early ’90s, and its analogue performance and bulletproof build quality are now being rediscovered by collectors. As AMG models become more commonplace and complex, the 500 E stands out as a refined yet muscular grand tourer from the analog era and values are climbing accordingly. And if your predisposed to a Porsche only garage, you will be forgiven on this occasion.
Grand Finale’ Thoughts
The shift in the classic car market is unmistakable, it’s no longer just about badge prestige or outright rarity, but also about the stories behind these cars. Motorsport history, technical ingenuity, and design bravery are now just as important. And while values are certainly heating up, each of the above cars still has room to grow, offering a compelling balance between passion and profit.
In 2025, these European classics aren’t just collector’s items, they’re cultural artefacts, finally getting their due on the world stage. Buy them because you love them, but sleep well knowing their value trajectory looks strong.
