Best investment cars for 2026
As the collector car market continues to mature, buyers are becoming more selective, favouring models that combine cultural significance, driving engagement and genuine scarcity. The strongest performers are no longer just the rarest hypercars, but vehicles that represent the end of an era, a technical turning point or an experience modern cars can no longer replicate. With that in mind, these cars stand out as some of the most compelling investment opportunities in 2026.
Bugatti Veyron
Twenty years after the Bugatti Veyron began production, it’s easy to forget just what a landmark car it was. The Veyon was the first production car to crack 250mph and it quickly became clear to Bugatti’s engineers why no one else had done it first. A revolutionary 8.0-litre W16 quad turbo powertrain was needed for the required 1,000 horsepower, and to keep the engine and its ancillaries at the correct operating temperature the Veyron ran no fewer than ten radiators. Then it was a simple matter of building a gearbox and four-wheel drive system that could cope with all that power.
The Veyron was so much about how fast it went, but how easily it did it acted as a signpost for what modern Bugatti is all about. So, it’s not a surprise to see prices for early models have started to rise.
Porsche 997 GTS
Sitting perfectly between the Carrera S and the more extreme GT models, the 997 GTS has quietly established itself as one of the finest all-round 911s ever built. With its naturally aspirated 3.8-litre flat-six, rear-wheel drive balance and subtle wide body, it delivers performance without sacrificing usability.
As the last generation of 911 before turbocharging became standard across the range, the 997 GTS is increasingly sought after by purists. Manual examples in particular are already commanding premiums, and as the market continues to value analogue driving experiences, the GTS looks well placed for steady appreciation.
Ferrari F430 Manual
The Ferrari F430 represents the final chapter of Maranello’s mid-engined V8s available with a traditional gated manual gearbox. Powered by a high-revving 4.3-litre naturally aspirated V8, it blends modern performance with old-school Ferrari character in a way later models simply cannot replicate.
Manual F430s were rare when new and are now exceptionally hard to find, giving them strong long-term investment potential. As collectors increasingly chase analogue Ferraris, the F430 manual stands out as one of the most usable and emotionally engaging modern classics Ferrari has ever produced.
Alfa Romeo Spider (1966–1986)
Few cars capture the romance of Italian motoring quite like the Alfa Romeo Spider. With its elegant Pininfarina styling and lively twin-cam engines, the Spider became an icon of open-top driving and enjoyed an exceptionally long production run.
Early “Duetto” examples remain the most valuable, but later cars are increasingly appreciated for their usability and charm. As classic car ownership becomes more lifestyle-driven, the Spider’s combination of beauty, simplicity and cultural significance makes it an attractive entry point into classic motoring.
Honda S2000
The Honda S2000 is a technical marvel, built around one of the highest-revving production engines ever made. Its 2.0-litre four-cylinder produces an astonishing 120 horsepower per litre, paired with a slick six-speed manual gearbox and perfectly balanced rear-wheel-drive chassis.
As modern performance cars move towards turbocharging and electrification, the S2000’s purity has made it increasingly collectible. Unmodified, low-mileage examples are already rising in value, and as appreciation grows for its engineering brilliance, the S2000 looks set to become a true modern classic.
E46 BMW M3
Often regarded as the greatest M3 of them all, the E46 generation strikes a near-perfect balance between everyday usability and motorsport-bred performance. Its naturally aspirated 3.2-litre straight-six remains one of BMW M’s finest engines.
Values have climbed steadily in recent years, particularly for manual coupé models. As later M cars grow heavier and more complex, the E46’s mechanical honesty and thrilling driving experience continue to attract collectors seeking a benchmark performance saloon.
Aston Martin DB4
The Aston Martin DB4 marked a turning point for the brand, introducing the design language and engineering philosophy that would define Aston Martin for decades. Its Touring-designed Superleggera body and powerful straight-six engine set new standards for British grand tourers.
With limited production numbers and strong historical significance, DB4 values have remained resilient. As interest in coachbuilt classics continues to grow, the DB4’s elegance and importance in Aston Martin’s lineage make it a strong long-term investment.
Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren
Developed in partnership with McLaren, the SLR occupies a unique place in automotive history. Its carbon-fibre structure, supercharged V8 and long-nose grand tourer proportions created a car that defied easy categorisation.
Once overlooked, the SLR is now being re-evaluated by collectors who appreciate its rarity and engineering depth. As appreciation grows for early carbon-fibre supercars, the SLR’s combination of comfort, performance and Formula 1 influence positions it well to appreciate in the future.
Jaguar E-type
Few cars have ever achieved the cultural impact of the Jaguar E-type. Famously described as the most beautiful car ever made by none other than Enzo Ferrari, it combines breathtaking looks with performance that rivalled contemporary Ferraris at a fraction of the price.
While Series 1 examples remain the most desirable, all E-types benefit from strong global recognition. With values stabilising after years of growth, the E-type remains a cornerstone of any serious classic car collection.
Honda NSX
The original Honda NSX redefined what a supercar could be, blending everyday usability with cutting-edge engineering and reliability. Developed with input from Ayrton Senna, it introduced aluminium construction and a level of refinement unheard of in its segment.
As the last naturally aspirated, manual Japanese supercar of its kind, unmolested low-mileage early NSXs have become highly sought after. With limited numbers and growing recognition of its influence, the NSX represents one of the most compelling modern classic investments in 2026.
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