Which late-model fuel-injected performance cars are good investments? That’s a hard question to answer. There’s a sweet spot of low-production cars that actually saw some use from new, which has thinned their numbers and made them harder to find – especially in all-original condition. But in terms of investment potential, my money’s on super low-production cars and cars that were aimed at racing – all would need to be in very original condition with few miles. These are my top five picks:

1. 1987 Buick GNX
One of the few shining moments of the dismal ’80s – The GNX’s turbo 3.8 gave it 276 horsepower - enough to shame Corvettes of the era. Each had a distinctive blacked-out look. Only 547 were built.
What should you pay for a really good one? $60k

2. 1993 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra R
5.0 Mustangs are hugely popular even today, and this car represents the best of what the Fox Body had to offer – at least directly from Ford. SVT gave these cars a number of performance enhancements aimed at road racing, including rear seat delete. Only 107 were built, all in red.
What should you pay for a really good one? $30k

3. 1992 Chevrolet Camaro 1LE
With the 1LE race-prep package, you got a lightweight Camaro that solved the track issues of the IROC-Z. Content included an aluminum driveshaft, heavy duty suspension and big brakes, engine oil cooler, different gearing, and a special fuel tank baffle to keep the V8 fueled under hard cornering. Only 116 race prep cars were built, and they cleaned up in SCCA competition.
What should you pay for a really good one? $18k (if you can find one)

4. 1992 Dodge Viper RT/10
What’s not to love about the original Viper? Built to evoke the original muscle cars of the 1960s (especially the Cobra), the Viper was brutally fast, with 0-60 times around 4.5 seconds. And it has an unmistakable look. Early cars were true roadsters, with no side glass or top – although canvas units were available.
What should you pay for a really good one? $36k

5. Ford GT
The GT has managed to buck the trend of newer performance cars that fall into the dreaded “Instant Collectible” category. But production ceased in 2006 and demand has kept prices up. It’s a modern supercar with 550 horsepower, a top speed of 212 mph, and easy-to-source parts. Service is as close as your nearest Ford dealer.
What should you pay for a really good one? $170k

Agree with my choices? Have others to add? Sound off in the comments below.