Whether the Ferrari F355, Lamborghini Diablo, Porsche 996 Carrera 2 or BMW M3 E36, sports cars produced between 1985 and 2010 are making a major comeback. "An expression used frequently is 'poster syndrome'," says Maxime Lepissier, a specialist at BARNES CarJager. "Today's most enthusiastic buyers grew up with these cars, which were featured in the films and TV series they loved the most, such as Miami Vice, or Californication and its Porsche 964..." This automotive Proustian madeleine is part of the resurgence of the 1980s and 1990s lifestyle, and cars — representing both style and art de vivre — are no exception.
The best of both worlds
Beyond this craze, more pragmatic factors also come into play. "In a landscape dominated by new sports cars that are often heavier, more expensive and sometimes more sterile, Modern Classics really stand out." Another advantage is their true modernity in terms of usability. "These are cars you can actually drive, without the mechanical hassles often encountered in older cars."
Reigniting rationality
However, you still need to get it right. Aside from the model itself, the value of a Modern Classic depends on the mileage, the mechanical and structural condition, but above all the specification. The value of the same car can therefore double, or even triple, depending on its colour, interior, and options. "A 1996 Porsche 993 in black with a black interior will remain relatively standard. But in navy blue with a beige interior, green with a tobacco interior or black with a cream interior, the price can jump by 30% to 40%." BARNES CarJager is already seeing certain trends emerge: "Models that are still relatively affordable are beginning to attract the attention of connoisseurs, particularly the Porsche 997 from 2005 to 2011, as well as the Ferrari 599 and 612." Start your engines…