Highlights:
– The classic-car market is projected to thrive in 2026 as younger generations invigorate demand.
– Online sales surged, with younger collectors showing a preference for modern supercars over vintage models.
– A significant wealth transfer is set to alter the landscape, as baby boomers pass down their classic cars to the next generation.
Revving the Classic-Car Market: A New Era Dawns
As we approach 2026, the classic-car market is not merely sustaining its existing vitality; it is gearing up for a remarkable transformation. The ongoing evolution is largely attributed to a new generation of collectors who are infusing the market with fresh demand and novel preferences. With 2025 witnessing a remarkable 10% surge in auctions and online sales, totaling $4.8 billion, the classic-car sector is thriving, signaling robust future prospects.
The significance of this trend extends beyond mere statistics; it encapsulates a generational shift in tastes and buying behaviors. CEO McKeel Hagerty of the classic-car insurance company Hagerty suggests that this influx of new collectors is crucial for the industry’s continued growth. As older generations downsize their collections, we see an energetic takeover by Millennials, Generation X, and even Generation Z enthusiasts. They are characteristically comfortable with digital transactions, and this comfort is driving an increase in online sales, which alone saw a 12% growth this year, reaching $2.5 billion.
Shifting Tastes: The Future of Collecting
The heart of the classic-car market’s transformation lies in the preferences of today’s buyers. Younger collectors are shifting away from the traditionally favored models of the mid-20th century, such as 1950s and ’60s sports cars. Instead, they are gravitating towards modern supercars from the late ’90s and beyond. The likes of Ferrari F40s, Bugatti Veyrons, and McLaren F1s are now among the most coveted cars, reflecting a clear departure from vintage classics.
Hagerty emphasizes that increased production from supercar manufacturers will ensure a consistent supply of these high-demand models. With brands like Ferrari and Porsche achieving record sales annually, the market is experiencing a favorable tailwind. Compounding this trend is the anticipated wealth transfer, with an estimated $100 trillion expected to be inherited by families by 2048. As baby boomers pass their prized vehicles to the next generation, decisions surrounding these inherited classics will play a significant role in shaping market dynamics.
Investment Insights and Market Implications
For anyone looking to invest in the classic-car market, Hagerty has compiled its annual “Bull Market List.” This list highlights vehicles likely to appreciate in value, including the lofty-priced 2004-2007 Porsche Carrera GT and the more accessible 1999-2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. Such insights serve to guide prospective buyers toward sound investments while reflecting the evolving tastes within the community.
Ultimately, the classic-car market’s vibrancy hinges on a broader context of economic growth. With stock markets on the rise and interest rates declining, collectors feel empowered and optimistic about their financial futures, bolstering their ability to make significant purchases. This robust sentiment among high-net-worth individuals indicates that the classic-car market is not only alive but thriving, poised for a dynamic and exciting future.
In conclusion, the classic-car market is undergoing a remarkable transformation as younger buyers redefine collector preferences while an impending wealth transfer reshapes ownership. As we look ahead, how will this generational shift influence the types of vehicles that rise to the forefront of the market? What challenges might arise as these new collectors navigate the intricate landscape of classic car buying and selling?
Editorial content by Blake Sterling
