These are the 11 vehicles classic-car insurer Hagerty says are well poised to appreciate in value down the road.
James Lipman
Ever watch one of those frenzied collectible car auctions on TV where what might otherwise just be considered old cars can bring staggering prices and wonder what it takes to get in on the action? Needless to say it takes money to make money – often a great deal of it – to acquire and restore a coveted classic back to its showroom-fresh condition.
And as with other speculative ventures, knowing exactly which models to buy and hold for future appreciation is the key to success. While the most-desirable Porsche or Ferrari sports cars can command well into seven figures at auction, it doesn’t necessarily take a billionaire’s disposable funds to get some proverbial skin in the game.
To that end, the valuation experts at the vintage vehicle insurer Hagerty has compiled the company’s 2026 Bull Market List of vintage rides that are poised to rise in value, starting with the Mazda MX-5 Miata roadster that can launch one’s stable for an affordable $16,600. Of course, there’s also a crazy-costly vintage Porsche on the list the authorities believe still has room to appreciate beyond its current approximate $1,550,000 value. We’re featuring the 2026 list with our own commentary below.
“No matter your budget it’s never been easier to get into an enthusiast car you truly love,” says Hagerty Senior Vice President of Media Larry Webster. “For this year’s list we scanned automotive history and found a set of cars that do two things really well – they’re kind on the wallet and they’re an absolute blast to drive.”
Hagerty’s valuation mavens based their Bull Market List selections on public and private sale listings, historic trends and insurance valuations. Since condition is critical in the collectible car market, projected purchase prices for all 11 picks are based on each of them being in what’s called “level two” shape, which is likely clean enough to take a ribbon at a local or regional auto show, but would fall short of taking the prize at a top-shelf concours.
Though keep in mind that just because a vehicle is old, doesn’t necessarily make it vintage material. Some models that might have great visual and even visceral appeal may not necessarily be worth their asking price. Those looking to start a collection are advised to search the Internet, especially auction results from top houses like Mecum and Barrett-Jackson, online vintage car valuation guides, collector car dealers’ websites, local car clubs and private listings to get a feel for what a given make and model is worth.
Make sure any classic ride under consideration is well documented. Look for a direct paper trail that starts with the automaker and ends with the current owner. Research the manufacturer’s production figures for a specific vehicle you’re considering, with limited numbers being the most potentially profitable. Avoid models that need an excess of work or are otherwise mechanically suspect. Having as much original equipment as possible is best. Likewise, the fewer original miles registered on the odometer, the better.
Always buy a coveted collectible from a reputable source, and avoid entering into a transaction sight unseen. If you do choose to buy a vehicle out of state from a trusted seller and have it transported to your garage, it’s best to arrange for a neutral third party (say, a lawyer or banker) to hold the funds and signed title until the sale is finalized to protect both parties to the transaction.
At that, the vintage car experts we’ve encountered over the years concur that the best way to start a collection is to simply find a desired model in drivable condition one can enjoy over an open road when the weather permits, rather than one that’s simply hoped to turn a quick profit. That’s an advantage that can’t be said about stocks, bonds or bitcoin.
2016 Hagerty Bull Market List
2006-2013 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 ($55,900). This version of “America’s Sports Car” delivers a lot of bang for the buck, thanks to its 505-horsepower V8 engine and street-racer handling abilities than enable it to run with the likes of Ferraris and Lamborghinis for far less money.
2005-2010 BMW M5 ($36,000). Though they’re essentially higher-performance versions of mainstream production cars, most “M” designated Beemers are worth buying and holding onto for both fun and potential profit, like this rip-roaring V10-powered sedan.
2004-2007 Porsche Carrera GT ($1,550,000). One might not think a pre-owned Porsche that’s already priced beyond reason would make a solid investment, but with only 1,270 V10-packing Carrera GTs built during these model years the sky is potentially the limit among well-heeled collectors.
1999-2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata ($16,000). Mazda began a modern roadster rebirth when the first generation MX-5 Miata debuted for the 1999 model year, and while most of its direct competitors have come and gone, it remains one of the most fun-to-drive cars for the money.
1995-1998 Nissan Skyline GT-R ($82,350). This is what sports car fans in the U.S. have come to know as the Nissan GT-R. While this generation was never sold in the U.S., it became a cult car among enthusiasts via the Gran Turismo videogame. They’ve since become legal to import, and are both rare and in demand.
1995-1998 Volkswagen Golf GTI VR6 ($20,000). The VW Golf GTI is the original “hot hatchback,” with the VR6 being the raciest of them all with a six-cylinder engine under the hood. Hagerty says it’s an affordable choice that’s of special interest to the 50-and-under crowd.
1990-1993 Chevrolet 454 SS ($59,800). This is essentially a Regular Cab Chevy 1500 C/K pickup truck that’s been taken to a higher level of performance thanks to a 7.4-liter big block V8 engine that was paired with a sport suspension, quick-ratio steering and a 3.73 rear axle. Hagerty says its average insured value has jumped by 57% since 2021 with more room to grow.
1981-1993 Dodge Ramcharger ($25,300). Classic SUVs have become hot items in the collector’s market, especially among younger fans. The big and boxy V8-enabled Dodge Ramcharger, especially with the truck’s larger-displacement engine, is rising in value but remains a relative bargain compared to a vintage Ford Bronco.
1969 -1972 Alfa Romeo GTV ($105,000). Another high-priced collectible Hagerty feels will continue to appreciate, the GTV is said to have a cult following, especially among collectors who are finding themselves being priced out of even later-model European sports cars.
1968-1970 Dodge Charger ($91,450). Coming from the original Charger’s muscle-car heyday, look for an R/T trim with the available 425-horsepower Hemi V8 for both maximum acceleration and appreciation.
1956-1957 Continental Mark II ($82,700). Back when gasoline was cheap and block-long V8-powered luxury cars were kings of the road, the Mark II coupe was Ford’s hand-built flagship. It was both the most-expensive American car of its time as well as the only model to be sold under the short-lived Continental brand name.
Full reports for the 2026 and earlier Hagerty Bull Market lists can be found here.