There is probably some overlap with these vehicles and good BaT candidates (the Hagerty list):
viewtopic.php?f=16&t=3215
But I think BaT cars have different criteria than a lot of these sort of classic vehicles. Bob said it, and I said it. One major criteria is that the vehicle may have even been made in numbers (i.e. does not need to be rare) though it probably needs to be an upper/special trim, AND the vehicle has to have gone through a period of low value where many of the vehicles just went into junkyards or became beaters never to be nice again. Only after all that can you have high BaT value, or at least that is my generalization. In other words, high BaT value is not a direct indicator of any vehicle attributes at all (i.e. quality, performance, even looks). Though, the car also kind of has to be thought of as desirable at some point along the way, even if to a small minority of folks. That said, plenty of seemingly lame, mass-produced cars had interesting trim levels. I guess that is a key, as well.
Here is a possibly stark example (no values to back any of this up though). Compare a standard Chevy Lumina with the 3.1L to the Lumina Z34 with the 3.4 DOHC or even the Lumina LTZ with the 3800. None of those will ever be worth 5 figures but a nice condition Z34 coupe (with manual trans) might raise a few eyebrows on this forum.
It was too heavy to be as fast as the SHO unfortunately. But they did also make a sedan, kinda, as the Euro 3.4 trim.Starting in 1990, Chevrolet offered a high performance version of the Lumina, the Lumina Z34. In order to enhance its performance it came standard with the FE3 sport suspension package, the 210 hp LQ1 V6 engine shared with the Lumina Euro 3.4 (sedan), the five speed Getrag 284 manual transmission, dual exhaust and four-wheel anti-lock brakes. The Z34 also featured cosmetic changes to go along with the performance enhancements such as unique front and rear fascias, side skirts, a rear spoiler, a louvered hood, a unique steering wheel and sport bucket seats. Performance figures were quite impressive for a front wheel drive V6 engine powered car, with a 0-60 mph (0–97 km/h) time of 7.2 seconds, a 1/4 mile (~400 m) time of 15.0 seconds, a (limited) top speed of 130 mph (209.21 km/h), a 60-0 mph (97–0 km/h) distance of in 153 ft (47 m), and a lateral acceleration of 0.79 g's (7.7 m/s²). A Bose stereo system and automatic transmission, which lowered the horsepower rating to 200 and 0-60 time by a .5 seconds, were optional. The only paint colors available for the Z34 were white, red, black, gray, silver, and light blue. In 1995, the Lumina Z34 was replaced with the Chevrolet Monte Carlo Z34.
10,346 Euro 3.4 sedans from 92-94 and 38,753 Z34 coupes from 91-94.
The LQ1 continued into the new body style until 1997, and the 3800 took over in 98.
And on the LTZ:
Oh...the 3800 was not exclusive to the LTZ.LTZ (1997–1999): The top of the line Lumina which included alloy wheels, a choice of the 3.1 L V6 engine, 3.4L DOHC engine or 3.8 L V6 engine (1998-1999 only), power driver seat, dual zone climate control and leather with the option for deluxe cloth. A center console was standard on LTZ (optional on LS). To differentiate itself aesthetically from the lesser models, it received the front end, trunk lid and taillights from the Fifth Generation Chevrolet Monte Carlo.
I guess that's enough Lumina trivia...LS (1995–1999): Second highest trim level, LS models offered aluminum wheels, optional dual zone temperature controls, power windows (optional on Base), tachometer, higher-end stereo with GM's Delcolock, anti-lock brakes, remote keyless entry system, upgraded seats, and an optional 3.4 L DOHC engine (1995-1997) or 3.8 L 3800 V6 (1998-1999).
Speaking of GM FWD cars though, I could see the V8 W-bodies being worth something down the road. But it will be a while.