5 Classic Cars Tipped as Auction Investments for 2026

Classic car auctions have never been hotter, and 2026 is shaping up to be another record year. But which classics are actually worth your money as investments? We have studied the hammer prices, the trends and the whispers in the saleroom to pick five classics tipped to appreciate in the year ahead.

1. Porsche 911 (993)

The last air-cooled 911 remains the blue-chip classic. Prices for good Carrera coupes have climbed steadily for a decade, and the very best examples — low-mileage, manual, original paint — continue to set records. With supply fixed forever and demand global, the 993 is as close to a sure thing as classic cars get.

2. Ford Escort Mk1 RS2000

British rally royalty. The Mk1 Escort in RS2000 or Mexico specification has exploded in value as the generation that grew up watching rallying reaches peak buying power. Genuine, unmolested cars are vanishingly rare — and the market knows it.

3. Ferrari 550 Maranello

The last of the analogue V12 Ferraris is having its moment. Manual gearbox, front-engined V12, timeless Pininfarina lines — the 550 ticks every box collectors care about. Prices are climbing from what still looks like a reasonable base.

Classic cars at auction

4. Jaguar E-Type Series 1

The most beautiful car ever made? Many think so, and the market agrees. Series 1 E-Types — the flat-floor early cars especially — have proven remarkably resilient, and restored-to-original examples continue to appreciate as restoration costs rise.

5. BMW M3 (E46)

The modern classic coming good. The E46 M3, especially the CSL and low-mileage manual coupes, has transitioned from used car to collectible before our eyes. It is the attainable entry point on this list — for now.

A word of caution: buy the best example you can afford, prioritise originality and history, and never invest money you cannot afford to lose. Markets can turn, storage and insurance cost real money, and the best investment is always a car you will actually enjoy.

Final thoughts: the classics market rewards knowledge and patience. Buy what you love, buy the best, and keep it properly — the appreciation is then a very pleasant bonus.

FAQ

Are classic cars a good investment in 2026? The best examples of desirable models continue to appreciate, but classic cars should be bought for enjoyment first — investment returns are never guaranteed.

Which classic car is the safest investment? Blue-chip models like the air-cooled Porsche 911 (993) and Jaguar E-Type Series 1 have the longest track records of appreciation.