Family Cars With Collector Status
Once seen as family haulers, these long-roof legends are now rolling proof that practicality and style can share the same garage. This list highlights 20 wagons worth investing in—not just for nostalgia but for lasting value.
Riley from Christchurch, New Zealand on Wikimedia
1. 1955 Chevrolet Nomad
The Nomad’s design still turns heads, partly because two-door wagons were never common. Borrowing cues from the Corvette, it stood out in '50s suburbia. Low production numbers give it cachet. However, according to the Hagerty Valuation Tools, its value dipped -9.9% in 2025.
2. 1960 Volvo Amazon Wagon
Safety wasn't a buzzword—it was a design goal; the Amazon helped pioneer seat belts as standard equipment. Reliable, boxy, and built like a tank, it captured the hearts of thinkers and tinkerers alike. Restored versions hold strong appeal for vintage Volvo fans.
Niels de Wit from Lunteren, The Netherlands on Wikimedia
3. 1964 Studebaker Wagonaire
Studebaker broke convention with the Wagonaire's retractable rear roof. You could load a fridge or a surfboard with ease, and that sliding roof concept was decades ahead of its time. Rare and undeniably cool, it attracts the right attention anywhere.
Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA on Wikimedia
4. 1966 Ford Country Squire
Fake wood never looked so good. The Country Squire symbolized suburban dreams and road trip freedom. Underneath the Americana exterior was solid engineering, and it remains a nostalgic icon today, often restored and displayed at vintage car meets, especially among collectors who grew up with them.
5. 1971 Citroën DS Safari
Innovation defined the DS. Its hydropneumatic suspension provided passengers comfort no matter the terrain, and the Safari wagon took that brilliance further with expanded cargo space and utility. Collectors prize it not just for its ride quality but for its sheer engineering.
6. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280TE
Diesel or gas, the 280TE delivered durability, space, and just enough Benz luxury to feel special. European families trusted it for decades, and today, surviving examples with clean records are coveted for their old-school charm. These wagons were also built to go the distance.
1973 Mercedes Benz 280 test drive at Laguna Classic Cars, Laguna Beach, Ca by Andy Coyle
7. 1984 Subaru GL Wagon
Rugged without bragging about it, the GL came with 4WD and a reputation for surviving bad roads and worse weather. It also paved the way for Subaru's adventure-oriented identity. Finding one unmodified is tough, and that scarcity has sparked renewed attention.
RL GNZLZ from Chile on Wikimedia
8. 1986 Audi 200 Avant Turbo
Audi's turbocharged inline-five gave this wagon genuine performance credibility. Quattro all-wheel drive and angular '80s styling made it a sleeper hit in Europe. While lesser known than its later cousins, it offers a rewarding drive for those chasing Audi's rally-bred DNA.
9. 1988 BMW E30 Touring
It wasn't sold in the U.S., but that hasn't stopped enthusiasts from importing and restoring these. The Touring offered E30 handling with family practicality, so enthusiast forums frequently buzz about clean examples. Prices have quietly but firmly started to climb in recent years.
10. 1991 Volvo 240 Wagon
Mention "Volvo wagon," and this is what pops up. Safe, square, and stubbornly long-lasting, the 240 defined an era of practical family driving. With a cult following and bulletproof mechanics, it’s more than just a nostalgic trip—it’s a classic you can use daily.
Jeremy from Sydney, Australia on Wikimedia
11. 1994 Volvo 850 T-5R Wagon
The 1994 Volvo 850 T-5R Wagon broke all the rules. Boxy but fast, it packed a turbocharged 2.3L inline-five with 240 horsepower. That wild paint, Alcantara seats, and rare production numbers turned heads. Now, collectors are racing to grab them before they disappear.
Kieran White from Manchester, England on Wikimedia
12. 1994 Mercedes-Benz E320 Wagon
Part of the beloved W124 lineup, the E320 blended reliability with restrained luxury. Its straight-six engine ran smoothly, and the bank-vault build still impresses. Many are still running daily; the best examples are now considered modern classics.
13. 1995 Audi RS2 Avant
Built in partnership with Porsche, the RS2 brought serious performance to the wagon world. It had a five-cylinder turbo, all-wheel drive, and brakes straight off a 911. Only a few thousand were made, making it a blue-chip pick for Audi enthusiasts.
14. 1996 Subaru Outback
Before crossovers took over, the Outback gave you 7.3 inches of ground clearance, AWD, and a reputation for going anywhere. It redefined Subaru’s image and helped launch the “adventure wagon” genre. These first-gen models are increasingly rare, especially in unmodified form.
15. 2001 BMW E39 M5 Touring
BMW never brought it to the U.S., but European buyers got the best of both worlds: a V8-powered M5 engine wrapped in a stealthy wagon body. Enthusiasts who import them are rewarded with both rarity and performance, making them great investments.
16. 2002 Audi RS6 Avant
V8 power, twin turbos, and quattro traction gave this wagon genuine supercar performance. It also launched Audi's modern RS wagon legend. Clean examples now represent a turning point in Audi's high-performance design, with collectability growing among fans who remember its bold arrival.
Audi RS6 Avant C5 4.2L V8 Biturbo Exhaust Sounds! by Gumbal
17. 2007 Dodge Magnum SRT8
Hemi V8, rear-wheel drive, and a 0–60 time under 5.5 seconds—this was no ordinary grocery-getter. With retro muscle wagon appeal on the rise, the SRT8 has become a sought-after gem among enthusiasts. Its blend of brute power and practicality may have been short-lived, but it’s anything but forgettable.
Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA on Wikimedia
18. 2012 Cadillac CTS-V Wagon
It looked like a wagon but drove like a beast. The 2012 CTS-V packed a supercharged punch, rear-wheel drive, and even a manual option. Its sharp design and low production numbers turned it into one of Cadillac’s coolest sleeper hits.
19. 2022 Audi RS6 Avant Performance
This RS6 is no ordinary wagon. Packing 621 horsepower and dynamic ride control, it blends comfort and power with ease. Limited editions like this are rare, and collectors know it. Between its bold styling and premium build, it’s a performance icon in the making.
The 2022 Audi RS6 Avant is the No-Compromise Speed Wagon (POV Drive Review) by MilesPerHr
20. 2024 Porsche Taycan Sport Turismo
It may not roar, but the Taycan Sport Turismo moves like a sports car. Porsche’s electric wagon mixes precision, space, and style into one clean package. As EV icons are born, this might be one of the first to turn into a collectible.
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