Cool Coupes

Every manufacturer was in on the ’90s coupe trend, stylish two-doors in abundance. But nearly three decades on, which are worth investing in?

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VAUXHALL CALIBRA (1989-1997)

Hoping to replicate the Manta’s popularity, Vauxhall/Opel released the Calibra in 1989. Sticking to the ethos of coupes of old, the Calibra shared running gear with its Cavalier and Vectra saloon contemporaries. The initially front-driven 2.0 liter Calibra was priced competitively, marginally undercutting Volkswagen’s Corrado. The later V6 model offered more power and a sweet soundtrack but priced at £20,200, was now pricier than the Corrado VR6.

The sleek Calibra sold a respectable 240,000 units, but its underwhelming handling and non-premium badge meant prices began to drop. The V6 was more desirable, but within a decade, a 2.0i would be £4000£5000, the V6 commanding only 10-15% more. As Vauxhall shifted its focus to hot hatchbacks that were faster and more practical, the Calibra’s values kept tumbling. By 2008, a 2.0 could be had for under £1000 and the pricey to run coupe didn’t benefit from a financial crisis. Values have done little climbing in the past decade, more glamourous German coupes taking the limelight. The Calibra remains cheap: £1500-£2000 buys a tidy 2.0 or V6. Whilst values are low, a similar trend befell the now collectible Manta.