In 2025, many iconic models will reach the magical age of 30 and officially become classic cars. This year we are spoiled for choice, we show you our top 5 cars celebrating their 30th birthday this year.

1st BMW Z3 – The roadster for everyone

The BMW Z3 was introduced in 1995 as BMW’s first roadster after a long break and gained worldwide fame through its appearance in the James Bond film GoldenEye. The two-seater convertible impresses with its classic shape, long hood and short overhangs – a design that still delights fans today. Technically, it is based on the E36 3 Series, which ensures solid driving characteristics.

The engine range extended from the 1.8-liter four-cylinder with 115 hp to the brute 3.2-liter straight-six in the Z3 M with 325 hp. The six-cylinder variants and the rare Z3 Coupé (“turnschuh”), which is considered a collector’s item with its distinctive rear shape, are particularly sought-after.

Used car price: 8,000 – 15,000 € (Roadster), 20,000 €+ (Coupé)

2. Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W210) – comfort meets elegance

In 1995, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class W210 marked the beginning of a new design era with its distinctive four-eyed face. In contrast to its predecessor, the angular W124, the W210 featured more curves and a significantly more modern interior design. The models with six-cylinder or V8 engines, such as the E 320 or the rare E 50 AMG, which was refined by AMG with its 347 hp engine, were particularly popular. Thanks to its excellent workmanship, high level of ride comfort and classic elegance, the W210 has established itself as a future classic car.

But be careful: the early model years are known for rust problems, which is why well-maintained examples are becoming increasingly sought after.

Used car price: €6,800 – €9,300 (standard models), €20,000+ (AMG versions)

3. Fiat Barchetta – Italy’s answer to the Mazda MX-5

The Fiat Barchetta (“little boat”) was launched in 1995 as an emotional roadster and was intended as an alternative to the successful Mazda MX-5. With its curved design, reminiscent of classic Italian sports cars, it is one of the most beautiful Fiat creations of the 1990s. Technically, it is based on the Fiat Punto, but under the hood is a high-revving 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine with 130 hp, which ensures lively performance. The low weight of less than 1,100 kg contributes to agile handling.

However, there is a catch: the soft top was not designed to a particularly high standard, and rust can be a problem. However, if you can find a well-maintained example, you will get a wonderful summer car with a great fun factor.

Used car price: 5,000 – 10,000 €

4. Alfa Romeo GTV (916) – Italian design icon with character

The Alfa Romeo GTV (Gran Turismo Veloce) was launched in 1995 and was one of Pininfarina’s most beautiful creations. Its aggressive front end with narrow headlights and the sporty, wedge-shaped rear design still cause a stir today. The cockpit is driver-oriented and offers a low seating position, as befits a true sports coupé. The models with the legendary 3.0-liter V6 “Busso” engine, which gives you goosebumps with its unique sound and 220 hp, are particularly popular. But the four-cylinder versions with 1.8 or 2.0 liters are also fun to drive and well balanced thanks to their lower weight. Unfortunately, rust is also an issue here, and the electronics can cause surprises – but a well-maintained Alfa GTV is a driving work of art and a real insider tip for future classics.

Used car price: €7,000 – €20,000 (V6 models more expensive)

5. Renault Sport Spider – the purist from France

Admittedly, the Frenchman is our secret favorite in our list. Why? No roof, no power steering and no superfluous comfort – less is more. But as they say – less is more. The minimalist design with low-slung bodywork and gullwing doors is reminiscent of a racing car for the road. The Spider is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine from the Clio Williams with 150 hp, which delivers impressive performance thanks to its low weight of just 930 kg. The first models even came without a windshield – drivers had to wear a helmet. Today, the Renault Sport Spider is an absolute rarity and a coveted collector’s item for purists.

Used car price: 35,000 – 50,000 €

With this selection, there is something for every taste: from purist roadsters to high-performance sports cars. Anyone investing in one of these future classics can look forward to a unique driving experience – and perhaps even an increase in value.

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As with Ferrari, the parts offerings for Lamborghini and Maserati range from the past to current models. Thus, GTO Parts has items for the 350 GT, the Islero or the LM002, as well as for the Huracán. Likewise, the portfolio ranges from the 3500 GT to the Ghibli, the Quattroporte and the Levante. In addition to body parts, components for brakes, exhaust systems, suspensions, clutches and various gaskets fill the warehouse shelves. GTO Parts manufactures some parts itself, while others are sourced by experts from around the world.

Images: GTO Parts

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Porsche Classic, together with Bosch Classic, set about reissuing these lights in their original look. At the same time, they meet all current specifications and tests for corresponding components. The zamak alloy for the zinc diecast housing corresponds to the original parts. So do the hand-painted lenses used in front of the lamps. For the US taillight version, however, red colored granulate is used as it was some 60 years ago. All individual parts are assembled by hand. The country-specific spare part numbers are also assigned to the housings by hand. This means that the lights can be ordered at any Porsche Center worldwide to fit the vehicles there.

Images: Porsche Classic

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As the successor to the first model generation of the Porsche Communication Management (PCM) in the 911 (996) and Boxster (986), the new PCCM Plus is now also available in 2-DIN format with a seven-inch touchscreen display. Haptics and appearance were inspired by the rest of the dashboard of these vehicle generation in order to integrate the new infotainment system as seamlessly as possible. It continues to use loudspeakers, amplifiers and antenna as well as the navigation display in the instrument cluster behind the steering wheel. The information on the device’s own display can be shown in 2D or 3D. An SD card can be removed to update the map data. This can also be used for music data, as well as USB sticks, devices with AUX ports or Bluetooth connection. In addition, the PCCM Plus also has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Both new systems are available immediately in the Porsche Centres and via the Porsche Classic online shop. The PCCM in 1-DIN format costs 1,439.89 € and the 2-DIN format PCCM Plus is 1,606.51 € in Germany. More experienced car mechanics can do the installation themselves, while those who don’t think they can do it themselves can, of course, have it installed at the Porsche Centre.

Images: Porsche

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What makes fans of classic cars happier? Perfection or Patina? Just a few years ago, the answer to this question seemed simple. Classic cars were often restored to such perfection that even their former builders pale with envy. Such perfect panel gaps and smooth paint surfaces wouldn’t have been possible back in the days. But in the last few years the opinion in the classic car scene seems to change. Instead of highly polished chrome, there is suddenly a search for cars that can tell their story. And there isn’t only talk of racing cars that show that they were at the start of important races like Le Mans or Indianapolis by one or the other flaw. Even normal road vehicles now are allowed to show traces of their usage over 30, 40, 50 or more years. Of course, an abused old car that has pensioner tracks on all four corners doesn’t fit into this box. But a few stone chips, traces of use on the steering wheel and seats as well as maybe a charming little dent show that the car was used for the purpose for which it was once built: driving. But how does a classic car enthusiast choose when he/she is given the choice between perfection and patina? Specially when this is practically done with a car that is directly for sale? Normally, this chance hardly ever exists, as dealers specialized in classic cars tend to offer very well-preserved cars rather than wrecks. But sometimes rare opportunities appear.

Thornley Kelham, a classic car dealer from South Cerney/UK, is currently offering an exceptionally well-preserved 1959 Porsche 356 A with right-hand drive. This vehicle has been stored dry in the USA for the past 30 years or so. Why did a RHD car stand there? Chassis number 107479 was first delivered to rugby player Frank Sykes, who played for the British Lions and the English national team. When he emigrated to the USA, Sykes probably simply took the once silver Porsche with him. Over the following years the car was repainted in red and probably somebody thought of restoring it, which is why nearly all the old paint has been removed before it was stored. Now there are two possibilities for potential buyers. Either Thornley Kelham’s restoration team carefully works on the partially rusty bodywork of this matching numbers vehicle, replacing the corresponding areas and at the same time keeping as much patina as possible under a fresh coat of clear lacquer, while also restoring the drivetrain and the interior. Alternatively, the team does a nut-and-bolt restoration to the 356 A, to put it back into its delivery configuration and in mint condition. How would you decide?

Author: Matthias Kierse – Secret Classics

Images: Thornley Kelham

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Classic cars, young classics and rare vehicles with collectors value record a steadily growing market interest. There are a lot of good reasons to buy such a car. If it is just an investment, a long-time (childhood) dream or love from first rev, get one if you can afford one. But please be aware, not every internet ad or shiny exhibition piece is really as good as it looks like and you wouldn’t be the first to experience bad feelings after a purchase. So what should you pay attention to? Here we give you a few guide lines, so your classic car purchase won’t bring you headaches afterwards.

Joy instead of sorrow – did the car have an accident?

A typical point to look for are hidden defects at technical parts or concealed accident damages of the car. If you discover them after the purchase they can lead to high costs either for repairs or for changing the car back with the dealer. It even is possible that those costs are higher than the value of your car which would make it a total write-off. Therefore it is advisable to look at the inner areas of the engine bay and the trunk (so far as it is visible) and to check the bodywork with a coating thickness gage and the full car on hydraulic ramps. When the seller doesn’t want to conceal something, he shouldn’t oppose to this investigation. Also hidden rust parts should be detected before the purchase is done.

Hard to see – tacho manipulations

A lot harder to proof are manipulations of the tacho. Professionals are able to ‘delete’ several thousands of kilometers or miles within a short period – at least at first sight. Only the traces of usage in the rest of the car as well as sometimes pieces of the cars documentation might give you a hint that there is something wrong with the mileage. Sometimes even trained eyes of experts can be wrong. If the car in question was restored, those traces are gone forever.

Stolen or not?

A question that can’t be answered quick: Has this car you’re looking at been stolen? Only with help from the Police, some government institutions as well as some marque historians might be of help here. If the deepness of digits and letters on the VIN plaque is changed or the font is different from original you should be aware.

Original or replica?

Some models are highly desired so there are different replicas and recreations of them around. This starts with less-accurate replicas, for example inspired by the Ferrari 250 GTO but based on a Datsun 260Z and ends with high-quality finished recreations of the Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7, Mercedes-Benz SSK and others. Many of them are advertised as ‘recreation’ or ‘built to specification of xyz’, but some dealers try to get more money out of them by using chassis numbers of cars that haven’t been seen for years to make those replicas ‘legal’. When you try to register those cars for the road and the original is still around, the problems just begin.

Keep away if you aren’t allowed to take a look

Ads with cars that are parked abroad and can’t be seen until the money is transferred should be closed directly – even if you have tears in your eyes because it would’ve been the dream car for dream conditions. If it seems to good to be true it often isn’t true at all.

Be cautious with money transfers

Let us say the car in question isn’t fake, is in good condition and able to document its history well, what can go wrong now? Still a lot. It starts with transferring the money to the seller. There are several tricksters, from false escrow offices to sellers with wrong identities up to criminals, that try to get your money when you arrive at the seller (in case you pay cash). So please arrive at least with a second person if you pay for example your 300 SL with all the money you put aside over years and years of save up.

Don’t use the transportation company as depositary

If you aren’t able to transport your new car home yourself and driving isn’t a possibility either, you can use a transportation company. As everywhere there are good ones and not so good ones out there. First of all don’t use the transportation company as depositary for your money or you might end up without money and without car. Look for a company with good reputation and don’t save money on the wrong end.

Serious reports and certifications are good, but trust your nose as well

So how should you plan your purchase? Get as many information as possible about your dream car from magazines, forums and other websites. If your knowledge of cars isn’t best try searching for a club of the manufacturer or even the model in question and ask them if they can help. Also certified classic car experts often offer help and can accompany you when inspecting the car. Never let the seller put you in time pressure (“there are several customers waiting for this car”) or even through yourself (“I have to get this car before my birthday/christmas/the birth of our child…”). A quick purchase only in rarest occassions is the best possible purchase. And trust your nose: if you have doubts about the seller and/or the car it might be good to keep your fingers away. A better opportunity will most likely come around. If available some reports and certifications from organisations as TÜV, GTÜ, Dekra or FIVA might help, but they only show half of the truth.

If you need support with the purchase of your dream car you can contact the team of SECRET CLASSICS. We support you and provide you with your nearest expert. Our experienced, trustworthy and international network also enables us to find your dream car in case it isn’t offered in the public. Often special cars are only available between collectors or via direct contacts. Singular you don’t might get the chance to take your hand on one of those offers.

Here we give you the guide line in short:

• Check all gaps for smoothness and regularity
• Check the car for hidden accident damages
• Check the coating thickness of the bodywork
• If possible check the car on hydraulic ramps
• Check if the traces of usage are likely to fit the mileage
• In doubts check the VIN with help of the Police (car stolen?)
• With highly-popular cars let an expert check the car to not buy a replica or recreation instead of the original
• Keep away from ads with cars abroad that can’t be inspected personally
• Be aware with money transfers, use secure ways or go accompanied if you pay cash
• Don’t use the transportation company as depositary
• Trust your nose when judging the seller and/or the car
• If you’re in doubt ask an expert for help
• Never put yourself under time pressure

If you have questions or suggestions please feel free to contact us by eMail at info@secret-classics.com or fahrzeug-scouting@secret-classics.com.

Images: Matthias Kierse

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The following parts are available from now on:

Front panelling left, parts number A198620030940, 11,900 euros

• Front panelling right, parts number A198620040940, 11,900 euros
• Rear panelling left, parts number A198640010940, 14,875 euros
• Rear panelling right, parts number A198640020940, 14,875 euros
• Rear-end center section, parts number A198647000940, 2,975 euros
• Rear-end floor, parts number A198640006140, 8,925 euros
  (all prices including German VAT)

Images: Mercedes-Benz, Matthias Kierse

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