10 classic cars that will increase in value in 2026 according to Hagerty
Are you a fan of vintage or classic cars and thinking about making a sound investment? Hagerty, an insurer specializing in classic cars, has just published its list of vehicles most likely to increase in value over the next year.
The 2026 group, which covers a period of seven decades dating back to the mid-1950s, is an interesting mix of American, German, and Japanese models, not to mention one Italian model. Some are very affordable, while others exceed $1 million.
Whatever your budget, it's never been easier to afford your dream car," says Larry Webster, Hagerty's vice president of media relations. To compile this year's list, we combed through automotive history and selected cars that excel in two areas: they are affordable, and sometimes even a bargain for savvy buyers, and they offer absolute driving pleasure, whether you're cruising down the highway or winding your way along your favorite country road.
Below are the 11 used and classic cars to watch in 2026 according to Hagerty—a sort of top 10 + 1. In each case, the value shown is in U.S. dollars for a car in excellent condition (category 2), meaning good enough to win a local or regional concours and drive like new.
2006–2013 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 – US $55,900
Hagerty's comment: “The sixth-generation Corvette Z06, with 505 horsepower, offers the best performance-to-price ratio among modern sports cars. The roar of its 7-liter V8 is so powerful that your heart leaps into your throat every time you start it up.”
2006-2010 BMW M5 – US $36,000
Hagerty comment: "While most BMW M high-performance engines are derived from production engines, this 5-liter V10 (code name S85) is a unique model. Incredibly, 58% of people interested in this generation of the BMW M5 are under 40 years old."
2004-2007 Porsche Carrera GT – US $1,550,000
Hagerty comment: "Porsche produced only 1,270 units of its Carrera GT, a road-legal race car equipped with a V10 engine. As a result, it is highly sought after by collectors, 28% of whom are under 40 years old. "
1999-2005 Mazda MX-5 – US $16,600
Hagerty's comment: "By the late 1990s, the original Miata was already a legend. For its second generation, Mazda retained its magic while adding more powerful brakes and a more powerful engine. Whatever the offer, demand always remains higher: few cars appeal to such a wide audience."
1995-1998 Nissan Skyline GT-R – US $82,350
Hagerty comment: "The Skyline GT-R, Nissan's twin-turbo technological flagship, was never sold in the United States. However, thanks to the Gran Turismo game, it has gained a cult following among American enthusiasts. Examples were stolen in Japan as soon as importation was authorized under the 25-year exemption.
1995-1998 Volkswagen Golf GTI VR6 – US $20,000
Hagerty comment: "The first and second generation GTIs were equipped with four-cylinder engines, while the third generation had a 2.8-liter six-cylinder 12-valve engine. People under 50 account for 78% of potential buyers of the GTI Mk III."
1990-1993 Chevrolet 454 SS – US $59,800
Hagerty comment: "Straight-line speed is clearly the primary focus of this car, but thanks to an improved suspension, the 454 SS handles very well on winding roads. The number of new insurance policies is growing faster than the overall average at Hagerty, while the average insured value has increased by 57% since 2021."
1981-1993 Dodge Ramcharger – US $25,300
Hagerty's comment: "The new Ramcharger featured sculpted bodywork and a standard V8 engine. However, the order form allowed buyers to replace Mopar's venerable 318-cubic-inch V8 with its larger 360-cubic-inch V8. The Ramcharger has increased in value, but remains a bargain compared to almost every Bronco in the world."
1969-1972 Alfa Romeo GTV – US $105,000
Hagerty comment: “The Alfa Romeo GTV has long enjoyed a loyal and passionate following, but it now seems to be attracting growing interest, perhaps from collectors disenchanted with the prices of modern 911s and other similar models.”
1968-1970 Dodge Charger – US $91,450
Hagerty comment: "Approximately 40,000 Chargers were built in the high-performance R/T version, which could be equipped with the most powerful engine available as an option: the 426 cubic inch (7-liter) Hemi V8 developing 425 horsepower. Today, 52% of owners are Generation X or younger."
1956-1957 Continental Mark II – US $82,700
Hagerty's comment: "The Mark II was the most expensive American car of its time. Behind the wheel, it offers a feeling of grandeur with its 368 cubic inch (5.9 liter) V8 engine producing 300 horsepower, which effortlessly propels nearly 5,000 pounds of leather, steel, and chrome through modern traffic. Among its famous owners were Frank Sinatra, Elizabeth Taylor, and Elvis Presley."
