'80s, '90s Models Rule at This Year's Scottsdale Car Auctions

Jan 19, 2015 05:00 PM EST | Jordan Ecarma

Add this news to the "X reasons you should feel super old" collective--cars from the 1980s and 1990s have become hot properties at collectible vehicle auctions that once held classic rides from the 1930s.

Now that Barrett-Jackson and other prestigious auctions in Scottsdale, Ariz., have mostly exhausted the supply of truly vintage classic cars, rides from the 1980s and 1990s are stepping in and reflecting how car collecting has grown popular among Generation Xers, FoxNews.com reported.

Auto auctions bring in major money, with just the Barrett-Jackson auction in Scottsdale finishing up with a $130 million haul after 1,611 vehicles were sold.

"This year's Scottsdale auction was on a scale unlike anything in our 44-year history," said Craig Jackson, chairman and CEO of Barrett-Jackson, as quoted by the Houston Chronicle. "From sales and consignments to our ratings on Discovery and Velocity, we smashed records at every level."

Third-generation Chevrolet Camaros from model years 1982 to 1992 have been surprisingly popular at this year's auctions, following in the footsteps of first-generation models from 1967-'69 and second-generation Camaros built between 1974 and 1981. In one example, a 1991 Z/28 sold on Wednesday for $25,300.

The two biggest auctions were for a 1966 Shelby Cobra 427 Super Snake that went for a cool $5.1 million and a 1950 GM Futurliner Parade of Progress Tour Bus that brought in $4 million.

While they didn't sell for quite that much, here are five models from Scottsdale 2015 that date to the 1980s and 1990s--and later.

1997 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 SS

Yet another Camaro featured recently in Scottsdale, this two-door coupe went for $13,750, according to Barrett-Jackson. The special model marked the Camaro's 30th year with a package including Arctic White paint with stripe accents in Hugger Orange as well as a white and houndstooth checked interior. The package recalls the 1969 Z/28 Indy Pace Car, and the model, which has around 53,600 miles, has been fully restored.

1992 Ford Mustang

This custom Mustang that went for $9,900 is a touching tribute to 500 military service people who died in Iran and Afghanistan in the line of duty. The gray two-door coupe has an eight-cylinder engine and four-speed automatic transmission. It was built by Fueled by the Fallen and has been honored by being displayed in Washington, D.C., and receiving an endorsement from Arizona senator and war veteran John McCain. 

1987 Volkswagen Vanogan Camper

The lot description really says it all: "With the camper package that includes a refrigerator, two-burner stovetop and a sink with onboard water supply, this Volkswagen is ready to head to the great outdoors with the family." This sturdy-looking camper comes in the sport trim and sold for $7,700.

1982 Chevrolet Corvette

One of just 648 Corvette models produced in Gold Metallic for the 1982 model year, this coupe runs on a 5.7-liter V-8 engine paired with an automatic transmission. Its tan interior has leather seats in Camel. The Corvette sold for $11,550.

2001 Volkswagen Beetle Custom

Just to mix things up--and show that auction cars are getting older--here's a custom Beetle from 2001 that recently sold for $7,150. The coupe's "wild" custom paint depicts the floral pattern typically seen on a Hawaiian shirt, something that cost $15,000 to execute.

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