Seven sizzling hatches from the 70s, 80s and 90s which have risen in worth in 2024 – did you used to personal one?

Whatever way you look at it, there has been a wholesale correction in UK classic car prices in the past year. 

The post-Covid boom that saw values of collectable motors sky rocket is over.

Prices across every type of classic motor has dropped, from the earliest Edwardian veteran cars right through the turbo-era cars of the 1990s.

In fact, 93 per cent of the nearly 3,000 models in the UK Hagerty Price Guide either fell or remained static in value in the past 12 months, based on its ongoing monitoring of private sale prices, auction results and insurance quotes.

However, there’s one segment of vehicle has remained relatively unmoved against a declining backdrop of values: hot hatches.

Hagerty’s Hot Hatchback Index dipped a little over the year but remains 15 per cent higher that it was when it was created in 2018. 

Seven – ranging from the seventies to the nineties – have even bucked the trend for falling prices and increased in value in 2024. 

Here’s a rundown of those motors. 

1. Renault Clio Williams (1993-1995)

Homologation special: tick. Renault Sport-tuned 148bhp engine: tick. Instantly recognisable Metallic Sports Blue and gold wheel combination: tick. 

The Clio Williams not only looks the part of a hot hatch hero but lives up to expectations on the road, delivering an exciting drive with tonnes of feedback, even if you do need a bit of opposite lock if you push it hard.

Back in 2022, Hagerty chose this car as one to watch in its annual Bull Market selection. 

Then, prices of the rarest, individually numbered Williams 1 models were about £18,400, the more numerous Williams 2 around £14,900. 

Both have risen, but in the past year only the Williams 2 has maintained that rise. More numerous it may be, but examples that have been well maintained are rare and really in demand.

2. Renault 5 Turbo 1/2 (1980-1984)

The Clio Williams’s older sibling is another hot hatch creeping up in value. 

Rear-wheel drive, a mid-mounted 1.4-litre turbocharged engine and those amazing flared arches combine to make this an iconic car. 

The first version, now known as the Turbo 1, is the most collectable with top prices of the best examples reaching around €150,000 in France and Hagerty’s UK ‘excellent’ condition price nearing £100,000. 

Values of the following Turbo 2 which matched the original for looks but was built with more standard parts is around a quarter less, but still climbing gradually (rising by 3 per cent from £72,900 to £74,900).

Both versions are extremely rare in the UK and will draw attention at any show.

3. Alfa Romeo 145 Cloverleaf (1996-2000)

Now for something a little more affordable.

The Alfa Romeo 145 Cloverleaf is both the most reasonably prices on our list and the least powerful, but it offers a huge amount for the money. 

The 2.0-litre Twin Spark engine is competent rather than exciting, but the 155bhp produced is enough to make the car fun and lively to drive. 

Inside, it’s of its era: a clean cab, good seats and plenty of room. 

The body kit and teledial wheels make it the best-looking of any of the 145/ 146 generation, too. 

Almost entirely forgotten when the 3.2-litre Busso-engined 147 arrived, the 145 Cloverleaf is now rare as hen’s teeth and slowly rising in value.

4. Peugeot 205 T16 (1983-1985)

Another French hot hatch, and another homologation special, the Peugeot 205 T16 is even more bonkers than the Renault 5 Turbo. 

Created by Jean Todt (yes, the ex-Ferrari F1 and FIA boss). it was a bespoke run of 200 homologation cars to allow entry into Group B rallying. 

At launch in 1983, it cost the same as a Porsche 911 but other than the front half of the bodyshell, the car had almost no parts in common with the standard, road-going, 205. 

The four-cylinder, twin-cam, turbocharged 1.8-litre engine pushed out about 200bhp, still a lot less than the 500bhp generated by the racing version but enough to make it feel very special, even today. 

The only colour on offer was Winchester Grey, but a few very special customers managed to persuade Peugeot to paint them different colours, and these now come with a premium price.

5. Ford Sierra RS500 Cosworth (1987)

Ford Sierra RS500 values nearly doubled in 2023, peaking with an astonishing £590,500 sale in February 2023 by Iconic Auctioneers. 

That car, with just 5,000 miles from new and said to be in concours condition, was a one-off, but values have refused to remain static. 

This year, it’s the slightly less pristine cars that have made the money: Hagerty’s condition 2 ‘excellent’ price has risen over £100,000 for the first time ever. 

Still the most desirable of the road-going Sierras, demand for these cars isn’t likely to subside soon.

6. Vauxhall HS Chevette (1978-1981)

A Group 4 homologation, the HS was intended to challenge the Ford Escort RS2000, and in value terms it has done just that rising by the second highest percentage on our list in 2024. 

A 135bhp output was a fair amount at the end of the 1970s, and the combination of silver paintwork and red tartan interior can’t really be beaten. 

The HS is a model where the value difference between a good one and a ‘fair’ one is massive and growing : Hagerty’s prices back in 2020 ranged from £11,400 to £24,500; now they are between £12,800 and £39,600. 

This is a car where buyers really want a great example and and willing to pay for it.

7. Peugeot 205 GTi 1.9 (1986-1994)

This year’s top riser in Hagerty’s Hot Hatch Index is the Peugeot 205 GTi, specifically the later 1.9-litre versions. 

For so many people who grew up in the 1980s, the 205 GTi was as aspirational car, not unobtainable like a Ferrari or Porsche but an almost obtainable sports car. 

Now those people are at peak earning point and prices of good ones have risen as a result. 

Top values still tend to be paid in France, peaking at €83,000 in April 2022, but big prices have been paid here too: one was sold by Iconic Auctioneers in February this year for a UK record £42,500. 

As ever, low mileage, originality, interesting colours and condition push up the prices.

*Disclaimer: Values shown are UK Hagerty Price Guide values for cars in ‘excellent’ condition. Duplicate submodels removed for clarity.