The Classic-Car Market: Predictions for 2026
The classic-car market is revving up for another strong year in 2026, buoyed by a new generation of collectors eager to make their mark. According to McKeel Hagerty, CEO of the classic-car insurance company Hagerty, the sector is experiencing robust demand as younger generations step into the shoes of retiring baby boomers.
In 2025, auctions and online sales of collectible cars surged by 10%, reaching an impressive $4.8 billion. Hagerty noted that indicators such as private transaction activity and a healthy sales pipeline suggest that the momentum will carry into 2026. “We’re seeing a lot of private transactions take place involving significant cars of all kinds,” said Hagerty, expressing optimism about the coming year.
Shifting Demographics
A key factor driving the market is the generational shift in collectors. As baby boomers downsize, members of Generation X, millennials, and Gen Z are taking the reins, reshaping the classic car landscape. Notably, these younger collectors are increasingly comfortable with online purchases, contributing to a 12% surge in online classic-car sales, which totaled $2.5 billion this year.
This new cohort is also leaning toward more contemporary vehicles. While classic 1950s and 1960s sports cars have long dominated the market, younger buyers are showing a preference for high-performance supercars from the 1990s and beyond. Vehicles like the Ferrari F40, Bugatti Veyron, and McLaren F1 are now among the most coveted collectible cars.
Supply and Demand
Hagerty emphasizes that the supply of these supercars is likely to remain strong, given that most manufacturers are ramping up production. Brands like Ferrari and Porsche are consistently reporting record sales, indicating a sustained interest in high-performance vehicles.
The classic car market will also undergo a significant transformation due to the impending wealth transfer. An estimated $100 trillion is expected to be inherited by families by 2048, including assets like real estate and collectibles. As Hagerty points out, many of those assets may be classic cars, leading families to decide whether to retain or sell these vehicles: “I think it’s really just beginning,” he noted.
Investment Opportunities
For those looking to invest in the classic car market, Hagerty has released its annual Bull Market List, highlighting vehicles that are not only fun to drive but also have strong growth potential. This year’s list features a diverse array of cars, from the luxurious 2004-2007 Porsche Carrera GT, with prices often exceeding $1.5 million, to the budget-friendly 1999-2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata, typically priced between $9,000 and $26,000.
The foundation of the classic car market is wealth creation. With stock markets expected to see continued growth and interest rates on the decline, Hagerty asserts that collectors feel confident in their financial standing. “They’re feeling pretty good about their personal balance sheets,” he said, attributing the ongoing interest in classic cars to a generally positive economic climate.
As we look to the future, the intersection of generational dynamics, economic conditions, and evolving tastes will likely keep the classic-car market thriving. The coming years could see a vibrant marketplace, fueled by passion and investment alike.
