Our Favorite Student Loan-Cancelling Sports Cars

When you think about paying off your student loans, the first thing that probably comes to mind is working extra hours or cutting back on expenses—not selling an old sports car. But for a lucky few, the dusty, forgotten two-seater in the garage could be worth enough to wipe out years of debt in one swoop. Some vintage performance cars have skyrocketed in value over the last few decades, turning what was once a weekend toy into a debt-clearing asset. Here are some classic sports cars whose current market prices might just cover that entire balance (and maybe even leave a little left over for celebratory pizza).

Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7 (1973)

With a feathery 2,370-pound body and 210HP from a 2.7-liter flat-six, this was Porsche’s street-legal race car. It could reach 0–60 MPH in under six seconds—a rocket for its day. Today, these cars can fetch $600,000 or more, which could handle even the most monstrous student loan debt and still leave you shopping for another classic.

MrWalkr, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Toyota 2000GT (1967–1970)

Toyota’s first true supercar packed a 150HP inline-six and could hit 135 MPH—impressive for the late ’60s. Only 351 were made, which explains why pristine examples have sold for over $1 million. If you’ve got one tucked away, your loan balance just turned into pocket change.

Mytho88, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

Ferrari F40 (1987–1992)

The last Ferrari personally approved by Enzo himself, the F40 boasted a twin-turbo V8 making 478HP and a top speed of 201 MPH. Originally priced around $400,000, it’s now a $2 million-plus collector’s gem. That’s more than enough to erase your loans—and probably your mortgage too.

Adriano, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

Mazda RX-7 Spirit R (2002)

The final and rarest FD RX-7 came with 276HP from its twin-turbo rotary engine, hitting 155 MPH. While less stratospheric than Ferraris, pristine Spirit Rs can command $90,000–$120,000 today. That could knock out a hefty student loan for many graduates.

Nagoya Taro, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

BMW 507 Roadster (1956–1959)

With its elegant lines and 150HP V8, the BMW 507 was beloved by stars like Elvis Presley. Only 252 were built, making them extremely rare. Values now top $2.5 million, meaning it could pay off your debt and buy you a small island.

1957 BMW 507 Series 1 - Restored by RPM-Styling.com, RPMstyling

Acura NSX (First Gen, 1990–2005)

Honda’s aluminum-bodied supercar combined 270HP, 168 MPH top speed, and legendary reliability. Early models have soared in value, with mint-condition examples going for $100,000+—enough to send your loan officer packing.

Charlesk, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Lamborghini Miura P400SV (1971–1973)

Often hailed as the first true supercar, the Miura SV delivered 385HP from its V12 and a 180 MPH top speed. Today, these Italian icons can exceed $3 million at auction. Your debt? Vaporized.

MrWalkr, Wikimedia Commons

Nissan Skyline GT-R R34 (1999–2002)

Made famous by both racing legends and blockbuster movies, the R34’s 276 HP twin-turbo inline-six and advanced AWD made it a performance icon. Imports are now legal in the U.S., and top-condition models can bring $250,000—a financial lifesaver for a graduate with six figures of debt.

Charles, New York, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing (1954–1957)

The legendary 300SL's engine produced 240HP, propelling the car to a 161 MPH top speed. Those iconic gull-wing doors made it revolutionary. It was also the fastest car in the world at the time of production. Valued at $1.5 million or more, this Benz could pay off multiple degrees’ worth of loans.

Unknown author, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

Jaguar E-Type Series 1 (1961–1968)

Enzo Ferrari once called it the most beautiful car ever made. With a 265HP straight-six and a 150 MPH top speed, it’s as quick as it is gorgeous. Series 1 models can sell for $200,000–$300,000, erasing debt and leaving change for a victory vacation.

DeFacto, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Honda S2000 CR (2008–2009)

Honda’s track-focused roadster made 237HP and revved to a screaming 8,000 RPM. Limited production has pushed values up to $90,000 for low-mile examples—more than enough for many borrowers to breathe easy.

IFCAR, Wikimedia Commons

Aston Martin DB5 (1963–1965)

Bond’s ride of choice offered 282HP and a 145 MPH top speed. With its silver-screen fame, DB5 values have soared past $1 million, making it one of the most glamorous ways to crush student debt.

DestinationFearFan, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Shelby Cobra 427 (1965–1967)

The Cobra is one of Carroll Shelby's greatest creations. With a monstrous 425HP V8 and 165 MPH top speed, the Shelby Cobra was a beast. Original examples can command $2 million+, enough to make your loan officer faint.

BFS Man, Flickr

Datsun 240Z (1970–1973)

This affordable ’70s sports car was one of the true classics of the era. It's engine created a respectable 151HP and could hit 125 MPH. Once a budget ride, pristine early models now sell for $70,000–$100,000—a surprising debt solution for a car once found in high school parking lots.

harry_nl, Flickr

Ferrari 250 GTO (1962–1964)

Only 36 were built, making them one of the rarest Ferraris ever. Each car came equipped with a 300HP V12 and a 174 MPH top speed. Auction prices have exceeded $50 million, which could pay off your student loans… and your entire graduating class’s too.

Georg Sander, Flickr

Lotus Esprit V8 (1996–2004)

With 350HP roaring from it's British-built V8 engine, and a 175 MPH top speed, the Esprit V8 was Lotus’s exotic offering of the ’90s. Values for perfect examples now hit $90,000–$120,000, enough to crush mid-range student debt.

Calreyn88, Wikimedia Commons

Chevrolet Corvette L88 (1967–1969)

This race-bred Corvette packed 430HP (though Chevy underrated it) and could hit 170 MPH. Only a few hundred were made, and they now sell for $3–$4 million, enough to make you forget you ever borrowed money.

Greg Gjerdingen, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione (2007–2010)

With a Ferrari-built 444HP V8 and a 181 MPH top speed, this limited-run Alfa has doubled in value since new, now worth $300,000+. That’s a stylish way to erase debt.

Brian Snelson, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Ford GT (2005–2006)

Ford’s modern supercar remake packed 550HP and hit 205 MPH. A reinvention of the classic Ford GT40 that won Le Mans three years in a row, the GT was one of Ford's greatest modern supercars. Once $150,000 new, they now go for $400,000+, enough to wipe out loans and maybe buy a few other classics for good measure.

Alf van Beem, Wikimedia Commons

Conclusion

While most of us won’t stumble across a Ferrari 250 GTO in Grandpa’s barn, the idea is intoxicating—a single vintage sports car sale obliterating years of debt. These machines aren’t just beautiful to look at or thrilling to drive; they’ve become financial assets worth more than many homes. If you’re lucky enough to own one, it might just be the fastest way to race toward a debt-free future.

Unknown Artist, Wikimedia Commons