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7 Cars That Were Super Expensive In The '70s And Are Surprisingly Cheap Today
Jalopnik • • technology
Key Points:
- Most 1970s luxury and performance cars have experienced significant depreciation, with many models now available at surprisingly affordable prices despite their original high costs and prestigious reputations.
- The 1978 Chrysler New Yorker Brougham, originally costing the equivalent of $40,100 today, now averages around $9,230 in auction prices, reflecting a steep decline in value.
- The Mercedes-Benz 450 SEL 6.9, once valued at over $200,000 in today's money, can now be purchased for approximately $30,200 to $33,900, offering a luxury experience at a fraction of its original cost.
- Iconic brands like Bentley, Maserati, Aston Martin, Stutz, and Rolls-Royce also show dramatic depreciation; for example, the 1977 Maserati Merak SS, originally worth about $253,500 today, is valued around $46,000, while the Rolls-Royce Camargue dropped from an equivalent $424,850 to about $33,500.
- Factors such as changing tastes, high maintenance costs, and divisive styling have contributed to these cars' depreciation, making them potentially attractive bargains for collectors and enthusiasts in 2026.
