In 2025, steering one’s own financial future, rather than relying solely on banks and investment firms, has never been more accessible and empowering. Today, there are more diverse, nontraditional ways than ever to build long-term wealth. When approached with the right mindset, that journey doesn’t have to be dry or intimidating—it can be strategic, enjoyable and even community-driven. That’s where Mecum collector cars come in.
For younger investors (ages 18 to 35), Mecum collector cars offer a rare mix of lifestyle and lasting value. They’re not just nostalgic machines but tangible, interactive assets that can be driven, displayed and enjoyed. Alongside traditional tools like mutual funds and retirement accounts, Mecum collector cars can provide a rewarding, real-world way to invest hard-earned money if the homework is done.
That’s not to say traditional investments aren’t essential. Vehicles like the S&P 500 and mutual funds are proven long-term performers. However, they often require locking up capital, which can be a hurdle when young adults need funds for milestones like buying a home or starting a business. Collector cars, on the other hand, offer more than hidden ROI. They provide meaningful experiences such as connecting with friends, family and a vibrant enthusiast community. The value they generate can be far more than financial—it’s social, emotional and uniquely fulfilling.
Mecum Collector Cars: A Track Record of Appreciation
While Mecum collector cars may not be the least expensive asset class to enter, they are considerably more accessible than many assume, especially for bidders who know where to look and what to watch. History shows that time, awareness and a little foresight can turn even modest purchases into prized assets with patience and care.
Take, for example, automobiles from the 1950s. At one time, they were inexpensive secondhand rides, easily bought in the ’60s and ’70s for pennies on the dollar. Auto trader magazines of the day displayed photos of beautiful Bel Airs and T-Birds sitting lonely in used dealership lots, offered for just a few hundred dollars and a handshake. By the ’80s and ’90s, those same cars had skyrocketed in value, becoming vintage gold. Today, a Bel Air devotee might pay tens of thousands for a well-maintained example once viewed as outdated transportation.
A similar trend is now unfolding with ’90s-era performance vehicles. Just a decade ago, a 1993 Toyota Supra could be picked up for under $10,000. In January 2025, a 1993 Toyota Supra Coupe sold at Mecum Kissimmee for $88,000—an appreciation of 780% over 10 years, underscoring the strength and momentum of the market for nostalgic sports cars. Often referred to as the “30-Year Nostalgia Cycle,” this idea suggests that items from roughly 25 to 30 years ago begin to re-emerge as cool, collectible or fashionable. It applies to music, fashion, film and, perhaps most visibly, cars.
Looking ahead, one might speculate that early- to mid-2000s vehicles offer the next wave of opportunity. For instance, a 2007 Pontiac Solstice with 65,000 miles can still be found for just under $8,000. While not even the most brilliant auto connoisseur can guarantee the Solstice will mirror the Supra’s 8.8x appreciation, it checks many of the same boxes: clean design, limited production numbers and a growing appeal. With thoughtful care and long-term ownership, the Solstice and other ’90s- or 2000s-era sports cars could evolve into tomorrow’s hot 30-year commodities, potentially growing that $8,000 investment into something close to $70,000 if a similar trajectory were to play out.
But even if it doesn’t, what’s still gained is something few other investments can offer: unrestrained entertainment and a physical asset to enjoy. Whether cruising down country roads, showing a classic car at a local meet or working under the hood on weekends, this is about engaging with an investment in a way that’s immediate and meaningful. For many, the friendships and memories made along the way become just as valuable as the car itself.
Real-Life Examples: A Teenage Bidder’s Three-Car Purchase and a Young Man’s Collector Quest
This new wave of car-savvy investors isn’t just theoretical, it’s already in motion.
Natalie Winston, 19, attended her first Mecum event at the 2024 Florida Summer Special in Kissimmee. With guidance from her father and grandfather, both seasoned collectors, Winston arrived with a simple goal: secure a Mustang. She left with three cars.
“I’ve always watched Mecum on TV, but I had never been in person until last year,” Winston said. “I wasn’t really nervous, but I didn’t know what to expect … I was shocked to see it was just like on TV! For the bidding, I kind of just jumped right in, and one of the people helping me bid made me feel very comfortable. I was really just coming for a Mustang, if I could find the right one.”
After a few attempts, she did just that, locking down a 1966 Ford Mustang Convertible. But Winston didn’t stop there. A 1988 Ford Bronco XLT and a 1970 Volkswagen Beetle Coupe also caught her eye and ended up going home with the new bidder. Winston financed a portion of her purchases through Mecum Financial Services (MFS), which she described as a “seamless process.”
“I just applied online, they checked my credit, and I got approved. I received a few phone calls, and I was ready to go,” she explained. “Everybody made sure the experience was easy for me.”
The “green” bidder purchased her Beetle for $11,000. Whether it becomes a future investment vehicle or simply a fun ride for weekend road trips with friends, the return is already real and deeply gratifying.
Winston’s story isn’t unique. Across the country, young people are discovering that Mecum Auctions offers not just access but a launching point. Whether buyers are looking for a high-end collector car, a daily cruiser or a sleeper pick for long-term gain, Mecum makes the process fun, approachable and within reach for anyone 18 or older.
That includes Andrew Mueller, 34, a budding enthusiast on a mission to assemble a collection that rivals that of his grandfather’s, a devoted connoisseur of high-revving Hot Rods.
“My grandpa was a big Chevy guy, and he’d probably call the cars I like ‘beaters,’” Mueller laughed. “As a kid, I grew up watching tactical-looking Crown Vics, models issued to a lot of Chicago Police Officers, dashing past our apartment with sirens blaring. I was fascinated. They were like modern-day ‘sleeper’ sedans on steroids. I always knew I’d own one someday.”
While Mueller is new to the collector world, he’s already acquired the foundation of his future collection—a 1994 Mercury Grand Marquis LS purchased from an elderly neighbor who took great pride in the car.
“It’s a beautiful example of the Marquis with 75,000 miles,” Mueller said. “It’s not a Crown Vic, but it’s very similar, and a good start to my future collection of original cars from the 1990s.”
Mueller recently began exploring Mecum’s wealth of ’90s-era offerings and has decided to skip his annual fishing trip to attend his first Mecum auction in 2026.
“I knew Mecum had a reputation for amazing classic cars, but I’ve realized they offer way more beyond that, and that sold me. I’ll be registering to bid for Indy 2026. I have my eye on a clean Crown Victoria, which I plan to maintain as a future investment. Now is the best time to buy something I love. If it grows in value, great. If my bank account needs a little help at the auction, I already know Mecum offers assistance through MFS.”
With tools like Mecum Financial Services and a welcoming, energetic auction environment, there’s never been a better time for Mueller and other recent hobbyists to begin their Mecum collector car journey.
Mecum Collector Cars: Move Your Future Forward
For young investors looking to take additional control of their financial futures without sacrificing passion or personality, Mecum collector cars offer an avenue that can be as rewarding emotionally as it is financially. What begins as a personal interest—a favorite model from childhood or a shared family memory—has the potential to ripen into a smart, hands-on investment strategy.
Mecum Auctions helps make that journey possible. With each bid, buyers can build memories with their Mecum collector cars, devise a strategy for long-term wealth and embrace a sense of purpose that blends fun with foresight. For those ready to rethink what investing can look like, Mecum is where the road to a life well-lived begins.
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