These Four Pickups and SUVs Gained the Most Value this Summer

Nobody should be surprised that classic trucks and SUVs, particularly 4x4s, continue to gain popularity as collectibles. Having a pickup for its utility or a 4×4 SUV to take on off-road adventures can make a lot of sense for buyers looking for a second or third vehicle-they meet needs that daily drivers simply cannot. When our valuation team tallied up the new updates to the Hagerty Price Guide, a few familiar favorites were among the list of those that increased in value the most. Here are the top four that have posted the biggest gains, based on the percentage, since this spring.

1994-1996 Ford Bronco XL

Average increase in #2 value: 25 percent

Full-size, two-door sport utilities aren't built anymore, but they offer a great mix of maneuverability, cargo capacity, and four-person seating when needed. It's everything people love about two-door hatchbacks but with 4×4 capability. Well, that and the fuel economy that goes with a larger rig with four driven wheels. Regardless, the last of Ford's full-size Broncos are great examples. They offered roomy cabins and rugged drivetrains with reliable Windsor V-8s in 302- and 351-cubic-inch varieties. Their recent price increase reflects the base model XLs becoming every bit as desirable as their more luxurious XLT brethren. The added power lumbar seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and cruise control aren't as important as getting behind the wheel the last of the breed.

1989-1993 Dodge Ram W250 and W350 Turbodiesel

Average increase in #2 value: 25 percent

All these years later, we're still in the midst of the diesel power wars that were kicked off in 1989 when Dodge dropped the massive, bulletproof 5.9-liter Cummins turbodiesel into its 3/4- and 1-ton trucks. Those trucks have devoted fans, as buyers appreciate the simple mechanical injection pump and no-nonsense reliability of an early '90s diesel. These pickups don't have much in the way of creature comforts, but buyers are willing to pay a pretty penny for them, and it's all because of the powertrain. A comparable 4×4 3/4-ton Dodge with a 360 V-8 will bring less than half the price.

1966-1977 Ford Bronco

Average increase in #2 Value: 18 percent

First-generation Ford Broncos were one of the first classic 4x4s to kick off the collectibility of vintage SUVs, and their prices have climbed up dramatically in the last several years. Their recent uptick is more of a correction, as they dipped a bit this spring when the market softened. They're still down a bit year-over-year, but it wasn't a surprise to see them bounce back as their classic lines continue to be popular for collectors who want a showroom original or a top-of-the-line restomod.

1971 Chevrolet El Camino SS 396

Increase in #2 Value: 17 percent

El Caminos have long been an affordable way to sneak into the muscle car scene, but it seems like collectors might have finally realized just how cool these car-based utility vehicles are. The 1971 El Camino used a new grille and fascia that's almost identical to the 1972 that would follow it and close out the generation that began in 1968. For collectors, the downside of the 1971 El Camino is that it's not a 1970 model, which had the distinct, one-year-only quad-headlight fascia which is generally regarded as more desirable. There were still two big-block options in 1971, although the legendary, 450hp LS6 454 was no longer on the table and SAE net ratings were taking a toll on power numbers. Still, an SS 396 (actually 402 cubic inches) was no slouch. If you're considering one of Chevy's muscular utes, you may want to hurry.