Experts’ 2025 classic car market predictions

Post-2000 models are tipped for classic car market success in 2025 – but older stalwarts could offer tempting value for money

New data has revealed that almost every area of the classic car market experienced ‘price corrections’ in 2024. But it’s far from doom and gloom; market experts and representatives from the UK’s leading auction houses have shared their tips on cars they expect to buck the trend, plus alluring bargains set to emerge.

Hagerty’s market data shows that nearly half (46 per cent) of all the models covered in its UK Price Guide have dropped in value since December 2023, and 46.3 per cent remained static. However, as in many cases, prices were moving back to sustainable levels after the 2021–2023 post-Covid boom. Hagerty reckons the market remains generally healthy, with value drops not too dramatic overall, and events, restoration and sales companies reporting strong demand.

1960s cars – particularly British brands – have fallen most, with Hagerty’s Best of British index now sitting at 98 per cent of its value recorded when it was first created in February 2018. There were drops for all decades 1930s-on in 2024, save for the 1970s, which stayed flat, and the 2000s, which was the only one to increase.

Much of the appeal with 2000-on cars is thought to lie in the combination of power and excitement with the analogue drivability lost in newer cars. That appeal is also reflected by the Hot Hatch Index fell, which fell by two per cent overall; eight cars in this category rose in value, with the Peugeot 205 GTi topping the list. Hagerty is still seeing demand for these cars rocket.

These trends are heavily aligned with cars tipped to do well in 2025 by the UK’s auction houses. “1990s hot hatches stretching into the early 2000s is where I would be looking,” said WB & Sons’ James Wray-Brayshaw. “Cars such as the R53 MINI Cooper S, or an unmodified Subaru Impreza. We also are seeing Porsche 996s starting to rise in value already. They have been at the rock bottom for a few years now, but people are starting to realise what a bargain they are. Additionally, if you have been toying with the idea of buying a 1960s or 1970s classic, early 2025 is the time to do it!”

Morris Leslie’s Keith Murray is also looking towards the 1990s and 2000s: “If you want an investment that’s the way to go, but also if you just want something nice to drive about in. Things likes Vectras and Astras are quite cheap – nobody’s really switched on to the Vauxhalls yet.”

Owen Shepherd of South Western Vehicle Auctions has tipped anything with a RenaultSport badge to pick up next year, while Historics’ Matthew Priddy points towards performance BMWs: “We’re seeing fine quality BMW M’s appearing at sale which is a welcome change from examples in years gone by that suffered from driver abuse and neglect.”

At the other end of the scale, Matthew tipped the pre-WW2 and immediate post-war sector for a renaissance, while James Johnson of Hobbs Parker also highlighted 1930s cars for a mini revival, citing their “unbelievable value” after a period in the doldrums.

2025 Hagerty Bull Market: classic car market predictions

It’s a similar story with Hagerty’s 2025 UK Bull Market List, featuring 10 cars it believes will either offer investment potential, the opportunity to get a lot of classic for your money, or both. True to form, it’s a post-2000 car – the 2000–2001 Subaru Impreza P1 – that has been picked for a potential value increase, with the 2001–2005 Alfa Romeo 147 GTA also noted for its rising values.

A more exotic Italian is the 1994–1999 Ferrari F355, which is the Hagerty Gold Index Pick for 2025, thanks to prices rising significantly in recent years. Humbler cars noted for their up-and-coming status on the classic car market are the Peugeot 106 and first-generation Toyota RAV4.

The older cars have been chosen more for what they offer for the money rather than future value hikes. The Austin-Healey 3000 is cited for being more affordable than a few years ago, while the 1960s Porsche 912 is included due to it offering the early 911 experience for less. The 1992–1998 Maserati Ghibli get a nod thanks to its availability at several price points, while the Range Rover P38A is similarly included based on value for money.

The Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow II gets in due to static values plus the investment potential in improving a less pristine example, with concours cars having increased in value by 20 per cent since 2021.

“The 2025 cohort is, I think, my favourite yet,” said Hagerty’s John Mayhead. “The models span nearly every era of motoring and range from up-and-coming classics to those that were once top dog and now maybe offer a huge amount of car for the money.”

With fewer cars appreciating in 2024, it’s fair to say 2025 is a safer bet for enthusiasts than investors. But there’s also a chance that the lure of bargain buys could re-ignite the market again.

Austin-Healey 3000 values have dipped over the past year or so, meaning now’s a good time to buy