Seven hot hatches from the 70s, 80s and 90s that have increased in value in 2024

Whichever way you look at it, there has been a widespread correction in classic car prices in the UK over the past year.

The post-Covid boom that sent collectible motor values ​​soaring is over.

Prices have fallen for all types of classic engines, from the early Edwardian veteran cars to the turbo-era cars of the 1990s.

In fact, 93 percent of the nearly 3,000 models included in the Hagerty UK Price Guide have fallen or remained static in value over the past 12 months, according to its ongoing monitoring of private sale prices, auction results and insurance quotes.

However, there is a segment of vehicles that has remained relatively stable in a context of falling values: hot hatches.

Hagerty’s Hot Hatchback Index fell a bit over the year, but is still 15 percent higher than when it was created in 2018.

Seven of them, from the 1970s to the 1990s, have even bucked the downward trend in prices and increased their value in 2024.

Here is a summary of those engines.

1. Renault Clio Williams (1993-1995)

Special approval: tick. 148 HP Renault Sport engine: tick. Instantly recognizable Metallic Sports Blue and gold wheel combination: tic.

Not only does the Clio Williams look like a hot hatch hero, it lives up to the hype on the road, delivering an exhilarating drive with tons of feedback, even if you need a bit of opposite lock if you push it hard.

In 2022, Hagerty chose this car as one to watch in his annual Bull Market selection.

At the time, prices for the rarest, individually numbered Williams 1 models were around £18,400, while the more numerous Williams 2 models were around £14,900.

Both have risen, but in the last year only the Williams 2 has maintained that rise. They may be more numerous, but well-maintained examples are rare and in high demand.

2. Renault 5 Turbo 1/2 (1980-1984)

The big brother of the Clio Williams is another hot hatch that is gaining value.

Rear-wheel drive, a mid-mounted 1.4-liter turbocharged engine, and those incredible flared arches combine to make this an iconic car.

The first version, now known as the Turbo 1, is the most collectible, with top prices for the best examples reaching around €150,000 in France and the Hagerty “excellent” condition price in the UK approaching £100,000. sterling.

Values ​​for the next Turbo 2, which matched the original in appearance but was built with more standard parts, are about a quarter less, but are still gradually rising (rising 3 per cent from £72,900 to £74,900).

Both versions are extremely rare in the UK and will turn heads at any show.

3. Alfa Romeo 145 Cloverleaf (1996-2000)

Now something a little more affordable.

The Alfa Romeo 145 Cloverleaf is the most reasonably priced on our list and the least powerful, but offers great value for money.

The 2.0-litre Twin Spark engine is more competent than exciting, but the 155bhp produced is enough to make the car fun and lively to drive.

The interior is of its time: a clean cabin, good seats and plenty of space.

The body kit and teledial wheels also make it the most attractive of the 145/146 generation.

Almost completely forgotten when the 3.2-litre Busso-powered 147 arrived, the 145 Cloverleaf is now as rare as hen’s teeth and is slowly rising in value.

4.Peugeot 205 T16 (1983-1985)

Another French hot hatch and another homologation special, the Peugeot 205 T16 is even crazier than the Renault 5 Turbo.

Created by Jean Todt (yes, the former Ferrari F1 and FIA boss). This was a bespoke series of 200 homologated cars to allow entry into Group B rallies.

At its launch in 1983, it cost the same as a Porsche 911, but apart from the front half of the body, the car had almost no parts in common with the standard road-going 205.

The 1.8-liter twin-overhead cam four-cylinder turbocharged engine developed around 200 hp, still much less than the 500 hp generated by the racing version, but enough to make it feel very special, even today.

The only color on offer was Winchester Gray, but some very special customers managed to convince Peugeot to paint them in different colors, and now they have a higher price.

5. Ford Sierra RS500 Cosworth (1987)

Ford Sierra RS500 values ​​have almost doubled in 2023, peaking with a stunning £590,500 sale in February 2023 by Iconic Auctioneers.

That car, with only 5,000 miles from new and said to be in concours condition, was unique, but values ​​have refused to remain static.

This year, it’s the slightly less pristine cars that have made the money: Hagerty’s condition 2 “excellent” price has risen over £100,000 for the first time.

Still the most desirable of the road-going Sierras, demand for these cars isn’t likely to wane anytime soon.

6. Opel HS Chevette (1978-1981)

The HS, a Group 4 homologation, was intended to challenge the Ford Escort RS2000 and, in terms of value, it has done just that, rising by the second highest percentage on our list in 2024.

A power of 135 HP was a considerable amount in the late 1970s, and the combination of silver paint and red tartan interior is unbeatable.

The HS is a model where the difference in value between a good one and a ‘fair’ one is huge and growing: Hagerty prices in 2020 ranged from £11,400 to £24,500; they are now between £12,800 and £39,600.

This is a car where buyers really want a great example and are willing to pay for it.

7. Peugeot 205 GTi 1.9 (1986-1994)

The one that rose the most this year in Hagerty’s Hot Hatch index is the Peugeot 205 GTi, specifically the later 1.9-liter versions.

For many people growing up in the 1980s, the 205 GTi was an aspirational car, not unattainable like a Ferrari or Porsche, but an almost affordable sports car.

Now those people are at their peak income and as a result the prices of the good ones have increased.

France still tends to pay the highest values, peaking at €83,000 in April 2022, but high prices have been paid here too: Iconic Auctioneers sold one in February this year for a record £42,500 in the United Kingdom.

As always, low mileage, originality, interesting colors and condition drive prices up.

*Disclaimer: Values ​​shown are UK Hagerty Price Guide values ​​for cars in “excellent” condition. Duplicate submodels were removed for clarity.