- Classic car insurance specialist Hagerty has revealed its list of classic cars it expects to increase in value next year.
- The ninth annual "Bull Market List" feature a diverse range of cars ranging from supercars to truck and hot hatches.
- Hagerty has noted a rise in interest in cars from the 90s and 00s that mark the end of "the analogue era".
Classic car insurance specialist Hagerty has revealed its 2026 "Bull Market List", the ninth annual report of enthusiast vehicles the company thinks are likely to increase in value next year.
The company says the selected cars "punch above their weight class from a value, ownership cost and enjoyment perspective" and has sifted through public and private sales, historic trends and insurance valuations to pinpoint what it considers to be the eleven standout vehicles to watch in 2026.
"Using the Hagerty Automotive Intelligence team's enthusiast car expertise to analyse millions of data points covering public auction results, private sales insights, insurance data along with buyer and seller behaviour, we are able to target the vehicles that rise above the rest," said Hagerty Vice President of Automotive Intelligence Brian Rabold.
According to Hagerty this year's list has "shifted gears" into the ’90s and ’00s showing that modern enthusiast cars are gaining popularity fast and represent the final chapter of the analogue era, with modern speed and tech paired with manual transmissions and limited electronic interference.
However, several iconic classics made the list as well, showing that there are buying opportunities in all areas of the market. Of course, a US-based list throws up a few inconsistencies due to things like ease of availability - check out the valuation of the Alfa GTV! - but it is still useful as the classic market is generally a global one!
The 2026 Hagerty Bull Market List, from youngest to oldest, is as follows:
2006 - 2013 Chevrolet Corvette Z06
Valued at US$55,900 (NZ$97,530) Hagerty says the C6 Z06 hits the sweet spot for performance per dollar among modern sports cars, and its 7.0-litre V8’s rumble is "so powerful, your heart jumps into your throat at every startup."
2006 - 2010 BMW M5
Where most high-performance BMW M engines are related to regular-series motors, the 5.0-litre V10 used in the 4th-gen M5 is a complete one-off. Hagerty says 58 percent of interest in this generation of BMW M5 is from enthusiasts under 40 and its value is currently sitting at US$36,000 (NZ$62,800).
2004 - 2007 Porsche Carrera GT
Porsche made only 1270 examples of its spectacular V10-powered, race-car-for-the-road. As such, the Carrera GT is highly sought after by collectors, currently being worth US$1,550,000 (NZ$2,700,000), a figure that is only increasing. Hagerty says that 28 percent of buyers are in their 40s or younger.
1999 - 2005 Mazda MX-5
By the late 1990s, the original Mazda MX-5 was already a legend. For its second act, Mazda kept the magic while adding bigger brakes and a more powerful engine. No matter the supply, demand is consistently higher - few cars appeal to as broad a demographic. Currently quite the bargain at an average valuation of US$16,600 (NZ$28,900).
1995 - 1998 Nissan Skyline GT-R
While the first-gen car became a legend in this part of the world thanks to its Australian touring car racing exploits (where it picked up the 'Godzilla' nickname), the second-gen Skyline GT-R, Nissan’s twin-turbocharged tech tour-de-force gained a cult following among younger enthusiasts via Gran Turismo. Currently valued at US$82,350 (NZ$143,680), Hagerty expects this to increase in 2026.
1995 - 1998 Volkswagen Golf GTI VR6
Where the first- and second-generation GTIs had four-cylinder engines, the third go-round had a 2.8-litre, 12-valve, six-cylinder engine under its bonnet, instantly marking it out as a future classic. According to Hagerty the 50-and-under crowd represents a whopping 78 percent of interested buyers for the Mk III GTI and it is currently valued at US$20,000 (NZ$34,600).
1990 - 1993 Chevrolet 454 SS
Straight-line speed is obviously the main point here, but, with upgraded suspension, the 454 SS holds its own on twisty back roads. New insurance policies are growing faster than the overall average for Hagerty while the average insured value of US$59,800 (NZ$103,600) has increased 57 percent since 2021.
1981 - 1993 Dodge Ramcharger
When it launched in 1981, the new Ramcharger sported chiseled sheetmetal and a standard V8, and the order sheet let buyers swap Mopar’s venerable 318-cubic-inch V8 for its larger-displacement 360. The Ramcharger has been rising in value but at US$25,300 (NZ$43,800) is still a bargain compared to just about anything with the word “Bronco” on it.
1969 - 1972 Alfa Romeo GTV
The iconic Alfa Romeo GTV has already appreciated significantly in the last few years and is currently valued at US$105,000 by Hagerty (NZ$181,900, which seems like way to much to us...) and it has long enjoyed a devoted cult following, but it now seems to be getting more attention, perhaps from collectors getting priced out of contemporary 911s and the like.
1968 - 1970 Dodge Charger
Roughly 40,000 Chargers were built in high-performance R/T specification, which could be optioned with the meanest engine available: the 426-cubic-inch Hemi V8. With a valuation of US$91,450 (NZ$158,400), Hagerty says 52 percent of owners are Gen Xers and younger.
1956–1957 Continental Mark II
With a price of US$10,000 (US$120,000 in 2025 dollars), the Mark II was the most expensive American car of its time when it launched in 1956 as Ford's attempt to spin 'Continental' off as a separate brand from Lincoln. Ford reportedly lost US$1000 on every Continental Mark II and the marque was folded back into Lincoln in 1959. With a current value of just US$82,700 (NZ$142,200), Hagerty expects interest in this unique oddity to grow in 2026.
"No matter your budget, it’s never been easier to get into an enthusiast car you truly love," said 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, sometimes even rewarding savvy buyers and they’re an absolute blast to drive whether that’s putting miles behind you on the highway or carving-up your favourite country road."
According to the company all values are based on "condition #2" evaluation; good enough to win a local or regional show and drive like new, but not quite concours quality.
