Austin Allegro is a better investment than a Jaguar E-Type

Gareth Herincx

3 days ago
Auto News

Austin Allegro

Ordinary, everyday cars that were once the backbone of Britain are now proving so sought-after that many are rising in value faster than some versions of the Jaguar E-Type.

The latest data from the Hagerty Price Guide reveals many ‘unexceptional’ cars cars have enjoyed a bumper year of growth, with values rising as much as 20 per cent year on year.

Models including the Ford Cortina, Renault 4, Hillman Imp, Austin Princess, and the infamous Allegro have posted the biggest increases in value so far this year, posting gains in value of between 4.4 and 20.4 per cent for the top 10 performers, at a time when precious few bank savings accounts better a return of 1 per cent.

They’re joined by other strong performers that were once household names, including the Austin Metro and Vauxhall Cavalier.

With a healthy rise in value, these cars often offset any associated running and maintenance costs, making them a surprisingly sound investment.

Hagerty’s Top 10 best performers

  • 1965-1970 Triumph 1300 increase: 20.4 per cent
  • 1962-1966 Ford Cortina Mk1 increase: 19.4 per cent
  • 1973-1982 Austin Allegro increase: 13.6 per cent
  • 1962-1980 Renault 4 increase: 10.6 per cent
  • 1963-1976 Hillman Imp increase: 10.1 per cent
  • 1970-1976 Ford Cortina Mk3 increase: 7.8 per cent
  • 1968-1979 Renault 16 increase: 7.4 per cent
  • 1948-1960 Peugeot 203 increase: 5.2 per cent
  • 1975-1981 British Leyland Princess increase: 5.1 per cent
  • 1987-1994 Alfa Romeo 33 increase: 4.4 per cent

As a yardstick, the latest data from the Hagerty Price Guide shows that the Jaguar E-type Series III has risen by 8.2 per cent in the past year, from an average sale price of £54,988 across all models in 2020 to £59,500 in 2021. The Ferrari 308 GTB has gone from £61,200 to £65,475 too – a gain of just 7 per cent.

The 2021 Hagerty Festival of the Unexceptional takes place at Grimsthorpe Castle , Lincolnshire (Saturday 30th July) will showcase forgotten vehicles that were once a common sight on UK roads.

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