Investing in Classic Cars: Which Models Will Appreciate in 2025 and Beyond?
To investors and car enthusiasts, vintage vehicles are more than just looks—they represent the promise of strong returns. As demand for collector vehicles increases offshore, some models will be the hottest investments of the future.
Whether you want to build a collection of appreciating cars or you just want to own something that will gain value over time while you drive it, what follows is a list of the models that have the best prospects of appreciating in 2025 and beyond—and how Collecting Cars can help you buy or sell them with confidence.
Why Classic Cars Are Good Investments
Classic vehicles combine passion and performance—not just on the road, but on the bottom line. With the right market, vehicles with strong collector demand can outshine equities, real property, and even gold.
Key drivers of appreciation:
Limited supply and rarity.
Strong enthusiast demand
Heritage and motorsport heritage
Manual transmissions and analogue engineering
Manufacturer phase-outs or major changes (e.g., electric transition)
Let us learn more about the models that are becoming increasingly popular for 2025 and beyond.
Best Investment-Grade Classic and Modern Classic Cars
1. BMW E46 M3 (2000-2006)
Popular for its flat platform and rev-happy inline-six engine, the E46 M3 is becoming increasingly difficult to find in unmodified trim.
Why it will appreciate:
Typically regarded as the last "analog" M3
Increasing scarcity of unrestored, low-mileage cars
The manual variants are highly sought after
Current price range: £20,000 – £45,000
Forecast: Stable appreciation, especially for CSL and Competition Package models
2. Porsche 911 (997) GT3 (2006–2011)
One of the last hydraulic-steering naturally aspirated GT3s, the GT3 of the 997 generation is a collector's favourite.
Why it will appreciate:
Manual transmission only
Monitor pedigree and race DNA
Part of a long and storied Porsche tradition
Current price range: £90,000 – £150,000
Forecast: Expected to increase as newer GT3s are more complex and digital
3. Honda S2000 (1999–2009)
It's a high-performance roadster providing a special driving experience that's vanishing in today's market. With fewer clean ones on the market, prices are increasing.
Why it will appreciate:
9,000 RPM redline
Smooth and analogue driving experience
Cult following and increasing demand
Current price range: £18,000 – £35,000
Forecast: High demand for AP1 and low-mileage vehicles
4. Ford Focus RS Mk2 (2009-2011)
A rally-bred, turbocharged hot hatch with a dramatic, aggressive stance, the Mk2 RS is a legend of the modern era.
Why it will appreciate:
Restricted production (barely 11,500 units)
300 bhp, front-wheel drive thrills
Manual transmission with cult following
Current price range: £25,000 – £40,000
Forecast: Prices increasing as clean specimens disappear
5. Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG (2010–2015)
The company's first car to have been fully engineered by AMG, the SLS features gullwing doors and the ear-shattering naturally aspirated V8.
Why it will appreciate:
Unique styling with motorsport heritage
Last naturally aspirated AMG V8
Limited production, especially the Black Series
Current price range: £200,000 – £450,000
Forecast: Robust collector demand; can be a blue-chip automobile investment
Bonus picks: affordable cars for appreciation potential
Mazda MX-5 NB (1998 to 2005) – Lightweight, reliable, and gaining collectability
Toyota MR2 Turbo (1990 to 1999) – Mid-engine performance with some JDM appeal
Alfa Romeo GTV (1995 to 2005) – Increasing appetite for the Italian coupes of the '90s
These early classics are of low entry cost and high potential upside in the coming decade.
Where To Buy and Sell Investment Cars: Why Collecting Cars
Collecting Cars is the leading global internet auction marketplace for rare and important vehicles. It is unlike other auction houses because it's by car enthusiasts—no buyer fees and global access for sellers to get top value.
Key benefits of Car Collecting:
Culled lists of investment-quality vehicles
Global collector and dealer audience
Detailed vehicle histories to guide purchasing decisions
No buyer's premiums – you only pay what you bid
It's where serious vintage automobile investors go to buy, sell, or simply monitor the trend of the market.
Final Thoughts: Invest with Confidence
Starting Today The correct vintage automobile can be more than a wonderful set of wheels—it can be a smart long-term investment. Timing must be precise, however. With 2025 looming, the moment to move is now, while the market remains lagging. Discover new stars and hard-to-find collectibles today on Collecting Cars and begin a collection that pays you back—both financially and personally.
