Missed Opportunities: Cheap Cars That Became Valuable - From Mazda RX7 Turbo to McLaren F1

In this riveting episode of Donut, the guys take us on a journey through the annals of automotive history, where missed opportunities and regret hang heavy in the air. They delve into the realm of what could have been, exploring the cars that were once affordable but have now skyrocketed in value. It's a tale of lost chances, where the wise few who seized the moment are now reaping the rewards.

We start with the 1987 Mazda RX7 Turbo, a sleek sports coupe that was overshadowed by its younger sibling, the FD RX7. Back in 2000, this FC model could be had for a mere $2,900, but today it commands prices well over $20,000. A missed opportunity indeed. Next up is the 1985 Buick Grand National, a menacing blacked-out beast that outpaced even the Corvette of its time. With prices now reaching $50,000, it's clear that those who bought one back then made a wise investment.

But the regrets don't end there. The 1993 Ford Bronco, once considered a relic of the past, has seen a resurgence in popularity. In 2009, you could have snagged one for a paltry $2,999, but today they command prices of over $40,000. And let's not forget the iconic 1988 BMW M3, a true legend in the automotive world. Back in 1998, $7,500 would have secured you this high-revving beauty, but now it's a steal if you can find one for under $20,000.

Moving on to the Mark IV Toyota Supra, a car that gained even more notoriety thanks to its appearance in the Fast and Furious franchise. In 2006, $25,000 would have bought you a piece of automotive history, but today, clean examples with the coveted twin-turbo six-speed setup can easily fetch over $100,000. And let's not forget the 1973.5 Porsche 911T, a budget-friendly option that has now become a collector's dream. For just $4,950 back then, you could have owned a piece of Porsche history that now commands prices of over $90,000.

But perhaps the most tantalizing missed opportunity lies with Motorx, the car importer that brought Nissan Skylines to the US. In 2000, an R34 GTR Vspec could have been yours for a mere $889,500. Today, these cars are worth well over $300,000, with some even fetching over half a million dollars. And finally, we have the ultimate regret, the McLaren F1. In 2000, $799,000 would have secured you a piece of automotive perfection, but today, these rare gems sell for upwards of $10 million at auction.

So, as we reflect on these missed opportunities, we can't help but wonder which cars of today will become the future classics. Will it be the humble Toyota Corolla or something yet to be revealed? Only time will tell. But one thing's for certain, the wise few who seize the moment and make the right investments will be the ones laughing all the way to the bank.