Classic car prices rose moderately again last year. The German Classic Car Index, which is published annually by the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA), rose by 5.6 percent in 2015. The index thus rose from 2,285 to 2,413 points. This growth corresponds almost exactly to the average annual increase since the index began being compiled (1999). In the long term, the German Classic Car Index shows a clear positive upward trend.
Japanese brand takes first place this year
For the first time, a classic car from a Japanese brand has taken first place in the ranking of vehicles with the highest increase in value compared to the previous year: the Toyota Celica Coupé from the 1972-1978 model years is way out in front.
It was followed by a US American: the Pontiac Firebird built in 1978 and 1979 was second best in terms of value growth.
Third place goes to the Porsche 356 C model with 75 hp, which was built in 1964 and 1965.
This is followed by the Ferrari 328 GTS (built 1985-1988).
In fifth place is the Mercedes-Benz 280 SL from the years 1968-1971 - better known as the Pagoda.
An interesting newcomer in ninth place is the first-generation Mazda MX-5 Cabriolet (1989-1994).
This vehicle is a youngtimer, which represents the classic cars of the future in the index.
Biggest increase in value since 1999 for a car legend
The ranking of vehicles with the strongest increase in value since the index calculation began in 1999 is once again headed by a car legend: The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL (Gullwing) has seen the strongest increase in value since 1999. In second place is another icon of automotive history, namely the VW "Bulli" (VW Bus Type 2 T2). Third place is held by another public favorite, the "Ente" (Citroen 2CV 6). Both vehicles owe their high growth in value over the past 15 years to a relatively low starting level. This is followed by another model from the everyday car segment of the 1970s: the Ford Escort 1100 S (model years 1968-1970). The Porsche 924 Coupé (model years 1976-1979) has had the fifth best value performance since 1999.
The German Classic Car Index is compiled on behalf of the VDA by the Bochum-based valuation specialist classic-analytics. To determine the index, 88 vehicles are selected that are representative of the German classic car market based on their specifications, country of manufacture and frequency. The current registration figures are taken into account in the calculation.
