News C57

2026 Bull Market: Classic Cars Poised for Growth

As the classic car market continues to mature and attract a new generation of collectors, 2026 is shaping up to be a promising year for carefully selected investment-grade vehicles. Shifting buyer demographics, increased global interest, and a growing appreciation for analogue driving experiences are all contributing to renewed momentum in the sector. While no market is without risk, several classic models stand out as strong candidates for value growth over the next 12 months.

1961 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 Roadster | £999,950.00

This stunning E-Type is available now from our long-term client Joe Macari Performance Cars.

One of the clearest trends is the sustained demand for 1990s and early-2000s performance cars. Models such as the Porsche 993-generation 911, Ferrari 360 Modena with a manual gearbox, and BMW E46 M3 continue to benefit from limited supply, strong enthusiast appeal, and rising nostalgia among buyers now entering peak earning years. Well-documented, original examples are becoming increasingly difficult to source, placing upward pressure on values.

1960 Austin Healey 3000 MKI | £150,000.00

Look no further than our partner Rawles Motorsport Ltd if you are in the market for an early Austin Healey 3000.

British classics are also expected to perform well in 2026, particularly iconic sports cars with motorsport heritage. Early Jaguar E-Type Series 1 models, Austin-Healey 3000s, and well-restored Aston Martin DB4 and DB5 examples remain highly desirable on the international stage. As restoration costs rise and top-quality cars become scarcer, buyers are placing greater premiums on authenticity and provenance.

2002 Ferrari 360 Modena F1 | €99,000.00

This example is currently for sale at our Dutch partner, Andre Nout.

The market for modern classics from niche manufacturers is another area to watch. Cars such as the Lotus Elise Series 1, Alfa Romeo 156 and 147 GTA, and early Audi RS models are increasingly recognised for their purity, performance, and limited production numbers. These cars still offer comparatively accessible entry points, but values are beginning to reflect their growing cult status among enthusiasts.

1998 Lotus Elise | €32,900.00

This excellent Elise is currently on offer at our Dutch client Hofman Leek.

Finally, originality and specification will play a decisive role in 2026. Low-mileage cars, factory-correct finishes, rare colour combinations, and manual transmissions are consistently outperforming the broader market. As collectors become more discerning, the gap between average examples and exceptional cars is widening, suggesting that those who buy wisely in 2026 may be well positioned to benefit from the next phase of the classic car bull market.

At Classic Motors For Sale, we connect collectors, dealers, and enthusiasts worldwide. Our Dealer Advertising Packages and Private Seller Packages give premium exposure across our entire network of websites, newsletters, and social media platforms, helping you sell faster and reach serious buyers.

If you have a car to sell, or you’re looking for your next automotive icon, visit www.classicmotorsforsale.com and discover the world’s leading marketplace for classic, vintage, and collector cars.

Trust the platform that's been driving classic car connections worldwide since 2009.

I can be contacted at the details below:

Nick Aylieff, Owner & CEO, Classic Motors For Sale

+44 (0) 7453 354260 | Mobile +66 (0) 864 054 536 | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Cars of 007: Aston Martin DB5 – Goldfinger

Over the coming months, we’ll be shining a spotlight on some of the most iconic cars ever driven by cinema’s most famous secret agent, James Bond. From high-tech gadgets to timeless design, these legendary vehicles have become as synonymous with 007 as the man himself. We begin the series with perhaps the most celebrated Bond car of all: the classic Aston Martin DB5, immortalised in Goldfinger and forever etched into automotive and film history.

Few cars in cinema history are as instantly recognisable as the Aston Martin DB5 driven by James Bond in Goldfinger (1964). More than just a vehicle, the DB5 became a defining symbol of 007’s sophistication, blending British elegance with cutting-edge technology. Its silver screen debut marked the beginning of one of the most iconic partnerships between a car manufacturer and a film franchise.

Credit: Max Earey www.maxearey.com

In Goldfinger, Sean Connery’s Bond was introduced to the DB5 through Q Branch, where the car’s innovative gadgets took centre stage. From revolving number plates and hidden machine guns to an ejector seat and bulletproof shield, the DB5 perfectly embodied Bond’s mix of style, danger, and ingenuity. These features elevated the car from a luxury grand tourer to a cinematic legend.

Beyond its on-screen role, the Aston Martin DB5 was already an exceptional automobile. Powered by a 4.0-litre straight-six engine, it offered impressive performance for its era, combined with refined comfort and hand-built craftsmanship. Its balanced proportions and timeless design helped cement Aston Martin’s reputation as one of Britain’s premier sports car manufacturers.

Credit: The Florida Times-Union

The impact of Goldfinger on the DB5’s legacy cannot be overstated. The film transformed the car into a global icon, significantly boosting Aston Martin’s profile and permanently linking the brand to the James Bond universe. Today, original DB5s, especially those with strong provenance, are among the most sought-after classics in the world.

Decades on, the Aston Martin DB5 remains synonymous with James Bond. Its continued appearances in later Bond films only reinforce its status as the ultimate 007 car, representing a perfect fusion of cinematic history, British engineering, and timeless cool.

Credit: Which Car

Our UK client, Hilton & Moss, is currently offering for sale a truly stunning 1964 Aston Martin DB5. Presented in exceptional condition, this iconic grand tourer embodies the elegance, craftsmanship, and performance that have made the DB5 one of the most revered cars in automotive history, and a timeless symbol of British motoring excellence.