Asset class classics: Which coupes are set to soar (and which to skip)?

Continuing my investment recommendations for the coming year for a major national car magazine.

Here are my Grand Tourer/Coupe recommendations:

Toyota Supra Mk4

The American market drove this enlarged ‘Celica’ and most are automatic. Thoroughly delightful 2+2 coupe tourer. Superb build quality, fair performance but not blisteringly quick. In its day it represented a better priced alternative to the Mercedes and BMW Coupes without the running costs. An intelligent alternative now to those German autobahn cruisers with an equal price tag. Unlikely to move upwards in value in short term. £12-15000

Jaguar XK8

The early XK8 now looks decidedly dated especially next to its newer replacement introduced in 2006 but is superb value. XKR 400 bhp cannot be beaten on a bang-for-buck basis. Under £10,000

BMW 850Ci and Mercedes CL500

Very expensive new and massive depreciation makes these big barges an intoxicating choice now but ensure a full service history. More luxury for the money you will not find. Around £15000.

Maserati 3200 GT

Awesome Italian star for little money today but minimal  chance of future lift. Despite Ferrari power and classic Italian heritage, these are not cheap to own and suffer sticky plastic switchgear which is £1000 + to fix. From £8000. Incredible value for money but buy carefully.

BMW E36 M3 Coupe

Difficult to find one that has not had a colourful past shall we say. All too often bought for what they do best which is perform on track days. Do your research carefully since HPI is unlikely to reveal any insurance loss category for track day use. Avoid.

Aston DB7.

Only consider manual gearbox versions otherwise you are in XJS territory. Preferably get the 5.9 Vantage for serious performance. Despite Jaguar XJS underpinnings and Ford switchgear,  these are kinder on your pocket that the DB9 and at least £10,000 cheaper than the lowest priced manual DB9 you can find. Your neighbours will scarcely believe this only cost around £20,000 while their new electric Fiat 500e had a list price of 50% more and is now worth less than your Aston. These will never be cheaper.