Worried about the credit crunch? Looking for a safe long-term investment that offers good returns and a bit of fun? Then it might be time to take a fresh look at the classic car market as a sound investment option.

It appears, that after years of giving this sector a wide breath, the speculative investors (as opposed to the genuine car enthusiast) are starting to return, leading to a slow but steady growth in prices. As yet, they are a long way off the heady days of the 1980s, (when prices reached record levels) but are showing good growth. This has been further spurred on by nostalgic TV series such as “Ashes to Ashes”, which has caused demand for Audi Quattro’s in particular to spiral.

Chris Rutledge, of London-based specialist car auctioneer Coys, said Ferrari Daytonas and Jaguar E-Types selling for £35,000 and £20,000 in the mid-90s, were now fetching £200,000 and £100,000 respectively. The key is to spot the next classic before prices increase. Early Land Rovers and good quality Peugeot 205 Gti’s, are many experts’ tips for a sound classic car investment.