Every year, Hagerty Automotive Intelligence performs a comprehensive analysis of the collector car world. This effort culminates in their widely anticipated Hagerty’s 2026 Bull Market List. This report names 11 specific enthusiast vehicles that the brand anticipates will increase in value in the coming year. These selections focus on cars that excel in value, ownership cost, and driving enjoyment. The list intentionally spans a broad cross-section of automotive passions, covering price points from under $10,000 to over $1 million.
The Shift to the Analog Modern Era
The 2026 list strongly indicates a decisive market shift toward the cars of the 1990s and 2000s. These vehicles are quickly gaining popularity. They represent what many enthusiasts consider the final, great chapter of the analog driving era. These cars successfully merge modern speed and technology with manual transmissions and limited electronic interference. This creates an irresistible blend for contemporary collectors.
Not every pick is modern; several iconic classics maintain their presence on the list. These older models demonstrate that exceptional buying opportunities exist across all areas of the enthusiast market. Hagerty’s selection process sifts through millions of data points to pinpoint these standouts. Public auction results, private sales insights, and insurance data all feed into the final choices.
High-Performance Modern Icons
The newest car on the list, the 2006–2013 Chevrolet Corvette Z06, hits an incredible sweet spot for performance per dollar. Its 505-horsepower, 7.0-liter V-8 engine delivers a powerful rumble that excites enthusiasts at every startup. Another powerhouse is the 2006–2010 BMW M5, a car defined by its unique 5.0-liter V-10 engine (S85). Interestingly, a significant 58% of interest in this M5 comes from enthusiasts under 40 years old.
The ultimate headliner is the 2004–2007 Porsche Carrera GT, valued at a massive $1,550,000 in Condition 2. Porsche only produced 1,270 examples of this V-10-powered, race-car-for-the-road. As a result, this hypercar is highly sought after by collectors. Its scarcity ensures it remains a top investment piece.
The Rise of the Affordable Nineties
The 1990s are well represented with vehicles that offer accessible fun and growing value. The 1999–2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata showcases consistent high demand, proving that few cars appeal to such a broad demographic. Mazda successfully maintained the original Miata’s magic while adding subtle improvements like a more powerful engine and bigger brakes. This makes it an ideal entry point.
For the import performance market, the 1995–1998 Nissan Skyline GT-R is a twin-turbocharged tech tour-de-force. Although never originally sold in the United States, it gained a cult following via video games like Gran Turismo. Examples were imported as soon as they were legally exempt under the 25-year rule.
Nineties and Noughties Domestic Muscle
Straight-line speed defines the appeal of the 1990–1993 Chevrolet 454 SS pickup truck. With an upgraded suspension, this massive truck holds its own even on twisty back roads. Its average insured value has increased a solid 57% since 2021. New insurance policies for the 454 SS are also growing faster than the overall market average.
Another key entry is the 1995–1998 Volkswagen Golf GTI VR6. The third generation of the GTI swapped its four-cylinder engine for a fantastic 2.8-liter, 12-valve, six-cylinder engine. Buyers under the age of 50 represent a whopping 78% of interested buyers for this Mk III GTI. The appeal here is clearly rooted in modern nostalgia.
Vintage Classics and Underrated Bargains
The list balances modern performance with truly classic choices. The 1969–1972 Alfa Romeo GTV has a devoted cult following. It is attracting more attention from collectors who are being priced out of comparable period cars, such as contemporary Porsche 911s. This European elegance and sophisticated driving dynamic make it a great value.
American classic muscle is powerfully represented by the 1968–1970 Dodge Charger. This iconic Mopar was built in R/T specification, often housing the potent 425-horsepower, 426-cubic-inch Hemi V-8. It remains highly popular, with 52% of owners being Gen Xers and younger.
An attractive bargain is the 1981–1993 Dodge Ramcharger SUV. It came standard with a V-8 engine, with options for the venerable 318 or the larger-displacement 360 Mopar. The Ramcharger is increasing in value but remains a significant bargain compared to its competition.
Finally, the elegant 1956–1957 Continental Mark II illustrates that pre-digital classics still hold sway. At $10,000, it was the most expensive American car of its time. Behind the wheel, its 300-horsepower, 368-cubic-inch V-8 moves nearly 5,000 pounds of luxury fluidly through modern traffic.
Hagerty’s 2026 Bull Market List highlights 11 specific enthusiast vehicles that the brand predicts will appreciate in value next year. The list favors the rising popularity of the analog performance era from the 1990s and 2000s. These range from the Porsche Carrera GT and Corvette Z06 to the accessible Mazda MX-5 Miata and VW Golf GTI VR6. These selections were made through detailed data analysis, pointing savvy buyers toward cars that offer excellent enjoyment and robust investment potential.
Disclaimer: Content on this site is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Details, analyses, and opinions reflect current trends and personal views, not professional or financial advice. Always verify information with official sources before making any decisions.
Source: Hagerty