FROM AUDI TO VOLKSWAGEN: These 1990s models are now collector cars

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Once past the age of 30, an automobile is officially considered a collector's car. We've compiled a selection of some classic models, revealing a few nuggets along the way.

by

Isabelle Riederer

Whether in fashion, makeup or music, the 1990s are making a comeback. The new collector cars therefore complete the picture perfectly. Model year 1992 are, from this year, officially considered as classic cars. Here is a compilation of the best models.

The Alfa Romeo 155

The Alfa Romeo 155 was a front-wheel-drive, mid-class four-door sedan with a transverse engine. Two four-cylinder versions of 129 hp and 144 hp respectively were offered, as well as a powerful six-cylinder variant of 165 hp. But the Alfa Romeo 155 didn't really convince, because it was based on the same platform as the Fiat Tipo and the Fiat Tempra. Only the engines had something to make the hearts of the Alfists beat faster.

The Aston Martin Virage Volante

Opinions were divided on the Aston Martin Virage Volante. For some, it was a heterogeneous top-of-the-range cabriolet, equipped with rear lights reminiscent of the Volkswagen Scirocco, headlights borrowed from the Audi 200 and two booster seats installed later. On the other hand, for Ford, which then owned Aston Martin, this model represented the great hope, supposed to put the shaken automaker back on track. Originally, the Virage Volante should have been a two-seater convertible roadster. However, the latter was strongly decried by the press. Like it or not, the top-of-the-range convertible was a powerful car, not least thanks to its 5.3-liter V8 engine. A total of 233 copies were produced. Currently, its value is around 100,000 francs.

The Audi S4 V8 Quattro

The first Audi S4 came onto the scene in 1991, succeeding the Audi 200 Quattro 20V. Even then, it housed a powerful five-cylinder petrol engine under the hood. A year later, the manufacturer of Ingolstadt has added a layer with the eight cylinders. The S4 V8 Quattro pulled 280bhp from its 4.2-litre displacement and was capable of developing 400Nm of torque on the road. Its top speed was around 250 km/h, making it the fastest road-legal Audi A4 sports car. The model was at the time available with hatchback and as an estate version. The Audi S4 V8 Quattro is currently selling for around 20,000 francs, a real bargain.

The BMW M5 Touring

From time to time, BMW's in-house tuner produces real classic racing cars. The late 1980s saw the birth of the second generation of the M5 sports sedan. This received a facelift in 1992 and was followed by the first M5 station wagon. The sporty family car goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds, enough to leave the children in the back seat speechless. Its top speed was nevertheless electronically limited to 250 km/h. The M5 Touring owes this feat to its 3.8-litre inline six-cylinder engine producing 340 hp. Only 891 copies rolled off the production line. No wonder, then, that the first station wagon from BMW M GmbH is a coveted collector's car today.

The Ford Scorpio Turnier

Another estate car, released in 1992, can now also boast of being an oldtimer. This is the Ford Scorpio Turnier. It may not be as sporty as the M5 Touring, but extremely fuel hungry. Behind the fuel hatch, the station wagon offers a trunk with a capacity of 500 liters and 1,600 liters once the rear seat is folded down. The heart of the Scorpio Turnier was a 2.0 liter 120 hp petrol engine. Today, the Ford Scorpio Turnier is a real bargain, which can already be found in good condition for less than 5000 francs.

The Honda CRX

Launched on the market in 1992, the Honda CRX was at the time the third and last generation of the small sports coupe. Unlike previous CRX models, it stood out above all for its roll bar. Unlike its competitors, the CRX had a variable roof that makes it both a real coupe and a nice convertible. It wasn't until years later that Mercedes-Benz came along with its SLK. And the CRX had another advantage: when the roof was closed, it was possible to lower the rear window. The Honda CRX is so 1990s and at the same time incredibly cheap. The two-seater is already trading from 4000 francs.

The Jaguar XJ220

The Jaguar XJ 220 was a mega flop for the premium British marque. And to think that everything had started so well. To stage the super sports car properly, Jaguar hyped up the hype and elevated the XJ 220 to hero status even before its worldwide release. The manufacturer promised a top speed of 350 km/h, a class-leading V12 engine and four-wheel drive. The interest was huge. However, when the Jaguar XJ 220 was launched on the market in 1992, the disappointment was all the greater. The V12 had been replaced by a V6, the all-wheel drive had given way to rear-wheel drive and at almost 400,000 francs, it was one of the most expensive models ever marketed by the brand. In the end, only 275 models were sold. Today, the XJ 220 is an icon of the 1990s and a highly prized collector's item.

The Nissan Micra

Who would have thought that the second generation of the Nissan Micra would ever achieve collector car status? And yet, the small city car from 1992 is already 30 years old on the clock. In the 1990s, the small Japanese car was appreciated above all for its fair value. But not only, because, a year later, the Nissan Micra was also voted "Car of the Year" in Europe.

The Porsche 911 Turbo S 3.3

It was, is and will remain a legend: the Porsche 911 Turbo S is a radical sports car, only 86 of which were built. The Zuffenhausen model was essentially designed to offer performance. Thus, the 3.3-liter turbo engine developed 61 hp more than the "normal" Turbo and this, for a weight of 1290 kg. The engineers saved 180 kilos on the 911 Turbo S. Thus, the most muscular 911 of its time had neither rear seats, nor air conditioning, nor acoustic insulation, nor power steering. In addition, the airbags had been removed and all luxuries such as central locking and electric windows had been dispensed with. This pure minimalism, this iconic design and the fiery power of the mega 911 are worth a fortune today. Recently, copies sold at auction have reached record sums of more than one million francs.

The Subaru Vivio

Of the same age as the Porsche, but for a fraction of its price, the Subaru Vivio is added to the great family of collector cars. The small city car from Japan was born in 1992. Its name alludes to its displacement of 660 cm³. If we write six in Roman numerals and replace the number 0 with an O, we get VI VI O. Okay, when we talk about a classic car, it's not the Subaru Vivio that we're talking about. comes spontaneously to mind. But this small 4x4, which proudly displays a power of 44 hp, could well become the Fiat Panda of the Far East. Its cost: around 4000 francs.

The Volkswagen Vento

The Volkswagen Vento was supposed to bring a breath of fresh air, but like its predecessor, the Jetta and its successor, the Bora, it was a commercial failure. The concept of the Golf hatchback was much better received in other parts of the world, notably in East Germany and southern Europe, but the expected breath of fresh air did not blow throughout. more a gentle breeze. Only the 2.8 liter VR6 engine with a power of 174 hp should echo in the middle of old cars.