The best tires for Hagerty’s top 10 collector cars 2016
From muscle cars to modern icons, classic car insurance provider Hagerty has released its top ten collector vehicles for 2016. If you are lucky enough to own one of these autos or are thinking of investing in one, you might wonder what the tire fitment is and which tires you should putting on them today.
So we went to the experts for advice: Coker Tire in Tennessee. Coker Tire is the world’s largest manufacturer of specialty tires and wheels for collector vehicles. They let us know what the fitment is for each vehicle what they would recommend from their own stock.
Hagerty uses its unique collection of data to create the list, measuring the popularity of collector vehicles, using value trends and indicators like quote activity and private sales. According to Hagerty chief executive McKeel Hagerty, the major trends they are seeing are an emergence of 1980s ‘modern classics’ and new interest from younger buyers.
Here’s the low-down on what Hagerty and Coker have to say on the top 10 collector vehicles of this year.
1. 1986–1989 Mercedes-Benz 560SL
Many buyers remember the 560SL as an aspirational car that signalled early career success for their original owners, and the average sale price in the private market is up 22 percent over the last 12 months. 1987 560SLs start at $46,300.
1987 Mercedes 560SL. Image courtesy Auctions America.
Fitment: 20565VR15
2. 1973–1986 Jeep CJ-7
Jeep and off-roading have long been an American fascination and the CJ-7 remains very popular in 4×4 clubs. The special edition packages such as the “Limited” and “Jamboree Edition” are seeing the most interest. Quoting activity has been particularly strong, with an increase of 120 percent over the past 12 months, indicating rising demand among enthusiasts. 1983 Jeep CJ-7 Laredos start at $12,900.
1978 Jeep CJ7. Image courtesy Auctions America.
Fitment: H78-15
Coker’s Recommendation: STA Traxion (#62854)
3. 1973–1987 Chevrolet C/K Series Pickup
Pickups have been one of the fastest growing segments for the past five years. This is the first time this generation of Chevrolet pickup has outpaced the highly sought after 1967–1972 models. Ratings for this era of are being driven via the private sector, with a 9.5 percent increase in the number offered privately, an 11 percent rise in average sale price, and more than 38 percent of the cars selling privately doing so for amounts above their insured values. 1973 C10s start at $12,200.
1977 Chevrolet C-10 Silverado Fleetside. Image courtesy General Motors.
Fitment: P23575R15
Coker’s Recommendation: Maxxis 3/4″ Whitewall (#700415)
4. 1986–1992 BMW M3
To many, the E30 M3 is the purest sports car from the 1980s. If this is a car you’ve always wanted you probably shouldn’t wait much longer as values are only going one direction. Up. Values published in Hagerty Price Guide have increased 86 percent over the last eight months. 1990 M3s start at $76,100.
1990 BMW M3. Image courtesy Patrick Ernzen, Auctions America.
Fitment: (M3 1988-91 models) 20555ZR15
5. 1982–1991 Porsche 944
Whether younger buyers are priced out of the 911 market or just looking for something different than the norm, the 944 has recently gained a renewed following. Expect to see many nice low-mile examples come to market in the near future, with pristine Turbos selling for surprising amounts. Hagerty Price Guide values have increased eight percent in value over the last eight months. 1988 Porsche 944s start at $15,600.
1988 Porsche 944 Coupe. Image courtesy MotorCar Studios.
Fitment: 18570VR15
Coker’s Recommendation: Michelin XWX (#57970)
6. 1997–2002 Plymouth/Chrysler Prowler
Once described as a car better to be photographed next to, there is no denying the standout looks of one of the first modern retro cars. Prowlers have been one of the hottest cars at auction over the last 12 months, with a nine percent increase in the number offered, a six percent increase in average sale price, and a strong sell-through rate of 72 percent over the last 12 months. 2000 Plymouth Prowlers start at $32,000.
2000 Plymouth Prowler. Image courtesy Teddy Pieper, Auctions America.
Fitment: 22545R17 (front), 29540R20 (rear)
7. 1966–1977 Ford Bronco
Today’s SUV-dominated car culture continues to love the simple utilitarian look of the first generation Bronco. Coupled with excellent reliability and parts availability, the Bronco makes for an excellent first-time collector vehicle. Activity in the private market has been particularly strong for these stylish SUVs. 1966 Ford Broncos start at $24,800.
1966 Ford Bronco Convertible. Image courtesy Hagerty.
Fitment: G78-15
Coker’s Recommendation: STA Super Traxion (#62853)
8. 1994–1999 Ferrari F355
A true performance car with a fantastic engine sound and great looks. F355 price gains have lagged other Ferrari models over the past five years, which has suddenly made them relative bargains. Hagerty Price Guide values have increased 39 percent over the last 12 months. The cost of ownership on these cars can be high, though, so make sure to scrutinize service records. 1997 F355 Spiders start at $68,900.
1997 Ferrari 355 Spider. Image courtesy Auctions America.
Fitment: 22540R18 (front), 26540R18 (rear)
9. 1970–1974 Dodge Challenger
Early ‘70s Mopar muscle cars have had the biggest swings in values going back to 2006. After being impacted by the recession they have recovered nicely, and Dodge fans are back to searching out as many “1 of 1” variations as they can find. Challengers have been performing very well at recent auctions, with cars offered up 17 percent and average sale price up 41 percent over the last 12 months. 1970 Challengers start at $36,200.
1970 Dodge Challenger. Image courtesy Auctions America.
Fitment: F70-14
Coker’s Recommendation: Firestone wide oval RWL (#54850)
10. 1968–1976 BMW 2002
This iconic BMW remains very popular, especially on both coasts. Similar to the other German cars mentioned in this list, Hagerty Price Guide values have been especially strong for 2002s, with an 18 percent gain over the last eight months. A 1974 2002 starts at $26,800.
1974 BMW 2002 Tii. Image courtesy MotorCar Studios.
Fitment: 165HR13
Coker’s Recommendation: Michelin XAS (#51206)
