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More people are drawn to classic cars because they connect driving with nostalgia, hands-on car culture and the pleasure of owning something distinctive. Newer enthusiast models from the 1990s and 2000s are also gaining collector attention. But a rising following does not guarantee a return: the broader market is mixed, and the five cars below are Hagerty selections—not assured investments.
Why classic cars are attracting new buyers
Nostalgia is bringing younger generations into the hobby
For many buyers, a collector car is tied to the vehicles they grew up seeing, wanting or driving. Hagerty reported that nearly 60% of Gen Z respondents to its “Future of Driving” survey said they would like to own a collector car, compared with 31% of Baby Boomers. That result signals interest among those respondents; it does not establish why every buyer is entering the market.
Ownership is about participation, not just collecting
Classic-car enthusiasm includes driving, maintaining and sharing cars, not simply holding them as assets. Hagerty Senior Vice President of Media Larry Webster described the cars on the company’s 2026 list as both approachable for savvy buyers and enjoyable on the road. That appeal can help explain interest without implying that a fun car is necessarily a sound investment.
Cars from the 1980s through the 2000s are getting recognition
Vehicles from the 1990s and 2000s are increasingly treated as collectibles. Hagerty’s December 2025 2026 Bull Market List called these newer enthusiast cars a “final chapter of the analog era.” The appeal is not limited to older classics: the list spans several generations and price points, from under $10,000 to more than $1 million.
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- V8 POWER: The model features a 400 cubic inch V8 engine, reflecting the muscle and power that defined the GTO's reputation.
- DETAILED SUSPENSION & EXHAUST: The kit incorporates separate rear suspension and exhaust detailing, adding to the realism of the model.
- BUCKET SEATS & CONSOLE: The model's interior features bucket seats and a floor shifter with a console, capturing the iconic look and feel of the GTO.
- OPTIONAL SUPERCHARGER: For those seeking more power, the kit offers an optional supercharger, allowing you to customize your model.
- CLEAR & COMPREHENSIVE INSTRUCTIONS: The included instructions are clear and user-friendly, making the kit accessible to modelers of different skill levels, from beginners to experienced hobbyists.
What the market evidence says—and what it does not
Hagerty UK’s December 2025 review found that the post-COVID market boom had ended and buyers had become more selective. Nearly 80% of values among more than 3,000 models tracked in its UK guide were flat or down in 2025. Within that UK market, Hagerty said its Hot Hatch and RADwood indices—covering newer performance hatchbacks and 1980s–1990s cars—were the only indices showing meaningful growth against December 2024; older British-car indices were weaker. This is UK evidence, not a measure of every collector-car market worldwide. (Hagerty UK’s December 2025 market review)
Hagerty’s 2026 Bull Market List, announced on December 8, 2025, is a forecast-oriented editorial selection. The company says it considered public and private sales, historical trends, insurance valuations, and buyer and seller behavior. That method can identify vehicles the company believes merit attention, but it does not establish future gains or rank cars by profit after ownership costs. (Hagerty’s 2026 Bull Market List)
Rank #2
- Versatile 3-in-1 Kit: Build your 1963 Chevy Corvette Sting Ray as factory stock, a street custom, or a drag gasser with this multi-option kit.
- Enhanced Features: Includes pre-lettered drag slicks, clear red taillights, and stock & custom wheels for an authentic and detailed build.
- Multiple Engine Options: Customize your model with various engine intake options, allowing for unique and personalized creations.
- Retro Styling: Comes with a full-color, retro-styled decal sheet and vintage “Street Rods Series” packaging, perfect for nostalgic collectors.
- High-Quality Collectible: AMT's improved reissue offers superior parts and detailing, making it a must-have for model enthusiasts and collectors.
Five classic cars Hagerty identified as potential appreciation candidates
These examples and condition #2 reference values come from Hagerty’s December 2025 list. Hagerty defines condition #2 as a car good enough to win a local or regional show and drive like new, but below concours quality. The figures are reference values—not live asking prices, guaranteed sale prices or valuations for every car in the stated model range.
| Model | Hagerty condition #2 reference value | Why it was included |
|---|---|---|
| 1999–2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata | $16,600 | Hagerty points to broad appeal and consistent demand. |
| 1995–1998 Nissan Skyline GT-R | $82,350 | Hagerty cites its enthusiast following and import interest. |
| 1969–1972 Alfa Romeo GTV | $105,000 | Hagerty suggests it may appeal to buyers priced out of contemporary 911s. |
| 1968–1970 Dodge Charger | $91,450 | Hagerty notes younger ownership and the model’s high-performance variants. |
| 1956–1957 Continental Mark II | $82,700 | Hagerty highlights its luxury character and status as a high-priced American car when new. |
These prices are US-dollar figures from Hagerty’s list; they should not be treated as UK valuations or current transaction data. The source presents them as condition #2 references, and an individual car’s value can differ substantially with its specific condition, variant and history.
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- 2-in-1 format with stock and drag racing parts
- Pre-lettered M&H Racemaster vinyl drag slicks
- Pre-lettered M&H Racemaster vinyl drag slicks
- Full color decal sheet
- Vintage illustrated packaging
How to judge a specific car before buying
A model’s reputation or a guide value cannot tell you what a particular example is worth. Hagerty’s valuation methodology draws on auction results, asking prices and private sales, and its guide advises consulting experts before buying or selling. Use comparable transactions as context, then assess the actual car and its records. (Hagerty valuation tools and methodology)
- Condition: Inspect the car in person with a qualified specialist where possible. Look beyond appearance to mechanical state, corrosion and the quality of any restoration.
- Originality and variant: Confirm the exact model, specification and equipment. A desirable nameplate alone does not establish that a particular example has the sought-after variant or original components.
- Provenance and documentation: Check ownership history, service records, restoration invoices and other supporting documents. Records can affect confidence and value.
- Comparable sales: Compare cars with similar condition, specification and history, and note whether a figure comes from an asking price or a completed sale. A single model-level guide value is not the value of every car.
- Practical support: Check local access to parts and specialist service, along with storage and insurance arrangements, before committing.
Account for the costs and risks of ownership
The purchase price is only one part of owning a classic. Storage, maintenance and insurance add costs, and the sources do not establish a universal ownership-cost figure. Kiplinger’s 2026 guidance advises prospective owners to consider space and upkeep and to protect original paint and chrome from the elements. A suitable car cover may help, but the right choice depends on the vehicle’s fit and whether it will be stored indoors or outdoors. (Kiplinger’s 2026 classic-car ownership guidance)
Rank #4
- Revell Model Kit #14531, Skill Level 5, Contains 77-Parts, Recommended for ages 13 and up
- Detailed 440+6 V-8 engine, hood scoop that can be positioned open or closed
- Detailed interior with separate side panels and a front bench seat
- Molded in white and clear with chrome plated parts and black vinyl tires
- Illustrated assembly instructions. Requires paint and glue. (not included)
Do not assume that a car will produce a reliable short-term return. The figures above do not account for acquisition, repairs, storage, insurance, taxes or selling costs, and the available market evidence does not calculate net returns after those expenses. Buy for the use and enjoyment you expect to get from the car, and evaluate each vehicle on its own merits.
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Best Value
- Revell Model Kit #14533, Skill Level 4, Contains 104-Parts, Recommended for ages 12 and up
- Iconic Shelby 427 Cobra S/C body with an opening hood and separate chrome detail parts.
- Highly detailed 427-cubic-inch V-8 engine, separate tube frame, and side-mount exhausts Moteur V-8.
- All-new decal sheet with the 427 Cobra’s signature over-the-top twin stripes and optional race markings.
- Molded in white, transparent red, and clear with chrome plated parts and soft black tires. Paint and glue required(not included).
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
