The global classic-car market appears poised for another strong year in 2026, buoyed by a generational shift in collectors, rising online sales, and continued wealth creation among high-net-worth individuals, according to McKeel Hagerty, chief executive of Hagerty, the leading insurer and data platform for collectible automobiles.
After a robust performance in 2025, industry indicators suggest momentum is far from slowing. Auctions and private transactions involving collectible vehicles climbed sharply this year, with total sales reaching approximately $4.8 billion an increase of around 10% compared with the previous year. That upward trajectory, Hagerty says, reflects both sustained interest and structural changes reshaping how and what people collect.
Speaking about the outlook for next year, Hagerty expressed confidence that demand will remain healthy across multiple segments of the market.
“We’re seeing a lot of activity on the private side,” he said, noting that high-value transactions are increasingly taking place away from traditional auction houses. “There are meaningful sales happening across all eras and price points, which tells us the market remains very engaged heading into 2026.”
A New Generation Redefines the Market
One of the most important forces driving the classic-car sector forward is the arrival of younger collectors. As baby boomers gradually reduce their holdings or exit the market altogether, Generation X, millennials, and even early Gen Z buyers are stepping into their place.
This shift is changing not only tastes but also buying behavior. Unlike earlier generations, younger collectors are far more comfortable conducting large transactions online. According to Hagerty data, online sales of collectible vehicles rose 12% in 2025, reaching approximately $2.5 billion a clear sign that digital platforms are becoming central to the market’s future.
Younger buyers are also more data-driven, often researching extensively before making purchases and relying on digital tools to assess value, authenticity, and long-term potential. This increased transparency has helped build confidence in online transactions, even for vehicles valued in the six- or seven-figure range.
From Vintage Icons to Modern Supercars
Just as buyer demographics are changing, so too are preferences. For decades, the classic-car world was dominated by mid-20th-century icons particularly sports cars from the 1950s and 1960s. While these vehicles remain highly respected, the spotlight is increasingly shifting toward more modern machines.
High-performance supercars from the 1990s and early 2000s are now among the most coveted collectibles. Models such as the Ferrari F40 and F50, the McLaren F1, and later entries like the Bugatti Veyron and Chiron are drawing intense interest from buyers who grew up admiring these cars on posters, in video games, and on television.
Brands like Pagani and Koenigsegg once niche names have also become central players in the collectible space. Their limited production runs, cutting-edge engineering, and strong brand identities have made them especially attractive to a younger, globally connected audience.
Strong Supply Meets Strong Demand
Unlike some collectible markets where scarcity is tightening, Hagerty believes supply will remain relatively robust in the coming years. Many manufacturers whose cars are now entering “modern classic” territory such as Ferrari, Porsche, and Lamborghini have significantly increased production over the past two decades.
“You look at companies like Ferrari and Porsche, and they’re posting record sales year after year,” Hagerty said. “Those vehicles will become tomorrow’s collectibles, and owners are likely to hold onto them. That creates a healthy ecosystem rather than a fragile one.”
This balance between supply and demand, he added, helps support long-term price stability while still offering opportunities for appreciation.
The Impact of the Great Wealth Transfer
Another powerful factor shaping the market is the massive intergenerational transfer of wealth now underway. According to estimates from Cerulli Associates, roughly $100 trillion in assets is expected to be passed down to spouses, children, and heirs by 2048. That figure includes not only financial assets but also tangible items such as real estate, art, and collectible cars.
As older collectors pass on or liquidate their collections, families will face decisions about whether to keep, store, or sell inherited vehicles. Hagerty believes this process is only just beginning and will inject fresh inventory and new buyers into the market.
“Some of that wealth will include cars,” he explained. “Families will need to decide what role those vehicles play going forward. For many, it will spark a deeper interest in collecting rather than an immediate sale.”
Identifying Opportunity in a Growing Market
For investors and enthusiasts looking to enter or expand their holdings, Hagerty recently released its annual “Bull Market List.” The ranking highlights vehicles considered undervalued relative to their performance, historical significance, and long-term demand.
This year’s list spans a wide range of price points. At the high end is the Porsche Carrera GT, produced between 2004 and 2007, which typically trades above $1.5 million and is widely regarded as one of the last great analog supercars. In the mid-range, the 1969–1972 Alfa Romeo GTV stands out for its combination of classic design and driving enjoyment, with prices generally ranging from $50,000 to $150,000.
At the more accessible end of the spectrum, Hagerty highlighted the 1999–2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata, a car praised for its reliability, simplicity, and pure driving experience. Often available for under $30,000, it represents an entry point for younger collectors eager to combine enjoyment with potential appreciation.
Wealth Creation Continues to Fuel Demand
Ultimately, Hagerty argues that the classic-car market remains closely tied to broader economic conditions particularly wealth creation. With equity markets delivering strong returns for multiple consecutive years and interest rates beginning to ease, many collectors feel financially secure enough to make discretionary purchases.
“People are checking their portfolios and feeling confident,” Hagerty said. “When personal balance sheets look healthy, that confidence translates into action.”
He added that classic cars, unlike purely financial assets, offer emotional returns as well as potential financial ones a factor that continues to attract buyers even during periods of uncertainty.
Looking Ahead to 2026
Taken together, these trends suggest a market that is evolving rather than cooling. The influx of younger collectors, the normalization of online sales, a shift toward modern performance cars, and the ongoing transfer of wealth are all reinforcing demand.
While no market is immune to volatility, Hagerty believes the classic-car sector is entering 2026 with solid fundamentals and a broader, more diverse base of participants than ever before.