From utter garbage to sought-after collectibles, the automotive world is full of surprises. But here's where it gets controversial: some of the cars that were once considered failures are now fetching astonishing prices at auctions. Let's take a closer look at the AMC Pacer, Ford Pinto, AMC Gremlin, Fox body Ford Mustang, and DMC DeLorean, and explore how they've gone from being uncool to being highly prized by collectors. But be warned, some of these cars have a dark history that might make you think twice before buying one.
The AMC Pacer: From Failure to Collectible
The AMC Pacer was such a failure that its last year of production saw just 21,000 units made. Yet a well-preserved Pacer can go at auction for more than $30,000. This is partly due to its unique design, which was ahead of its time, and partly due to the nostalgia factor. Some Gen Xers are now at a point in their lives where they have a little disposable income, and some 1980s models are exploding in value.
The Ford Pinto: A Death Trap with a High Price Tag
The Ford Pinto was a known death trap that could explode into a deadly fireball. Despite this, they've been selling at auction for over $28,000. This is partly due to the fact that the Pinto was affordable and fuel-efficient during the fuel crisis of the 1970s. However, the Pinto's reputation as a dangerous car has not been forgotten, and it has one of the largest recalls in automotive history.
The AMC Gremlin: From Ridicule to Collector's Darling
The AMC Gremlin was a car that had become the target of ridicule by the 1980s. Yet, for a few model years, a V8 was put into a version of the Gremlin, called the X 304. Despite its lack of coolness, the Gremlin seems to be another former dud that has become a bit of a collector's darling. Famous ventriloquist Jeff Dunham owns not one, but two Gremlins as part of his collection.
The Fox body Ford Mustang: From Boring to Highly Sought-After
The Fox body Ford Mustang is the longest-running generation of the iconic car, running from 1979 to 1993. However, the third generation of the Ford Mustang is considered the most visually boring of all Mustang generations. Yet, nostalgia has a funny way of making us love terrible things, and the Gen III Mustang is no exception. Gen X collectors are seeking out this car and are willing to pay well for it.
The DMC DeLorean: From Failure to Iconic
The DMC DeLorean was such a dismal failure that only 9,000 of them were made. Yet this car is one of the most iconic and recognizable cars in history, all thanks to a little movie you may have heard of. Despite its mechanical and electrical problems, as well as decidedly underwhelming performance, the DeLorean seems to be another former dud that has become a bit of a collector's darling.
