A classic car purchase can prove to be an excellent investment. In some cases, appreciation motors offer better financial returns than property, art and gold.
It is difficult to know what models are ready for a boom. This allows you to buy today at low prices with the knowledge that the model will increase in value over time.
A market report is available each year to inform petrolheads of which cars are in high demand.
These 10 iconics are earmarked for a 2022 return. From left to right are: Porsche Boxster and Ferrari 458 Italia.
The Bull Market List for UK, now in its second year is an index of classic cars at the bottom end of their appreciation curves. It was created by Hagerty boffins.
The following are the 10 top cars that it has identified as being primed for growth starting in 2022.
The value information refers to models in a fair to concours condition. Cars that are not yet serviceable and cars with enough potential to display at a public event will have the lowest prices.
Ferrari 458 Italia (2010–2015)
Today’s average values: from £104,000 to £200,000
This Ferrari is the 458’s last naturally-aspirated V8 Ferrari. Due to strict emissions regulations, Turbocharging was introduced to this Ferrari. It is a true classic and a future masterpiece.
While we admit to starting at the highest end of budgets for this Ferrari 458, we can also promise that everything that follows will be more affordable. It is clear that the Ferrari 458 will be a highly-valued car in the future, as it is the Maranello’s last V8 mid-engined supercar.
It is undoubtedly one of the Prancing Horses most beautiful motors. Again penned Pininfarina, it runs just as well as its looks. The Prancing Horse has a 562bhp, 4.5-litre eight-cylinder engine and rear-wheel drive that guarantee driving perfection.
Driving licences can be withdrawn if they are not purchased today unless you have the money. You can go up to 124mph in just 10.4 seconds. The car is capable of going over 200mph, and you will be disqualified within six months.
Collectors are already snapping them up where they can, Hagerty says.
The global value of cars insured by it has increased by 3.7% in 2021 compared to the previous year. There have been three times more owners born between 1964-81 (also known as ‘Generation X) who own them.
Maserati 3200 (1998-2002)
Today’s average values: from £8.900 to £26,650
It was largely ignored by the Porsche 911 and the Maserati3200. This model, however, is now affordable and worth consideration.
Maserati wasn’t in its strongest period as an automobile manufacturer, but the 3200 was one of the models that has been drawing attention from collectors.
Giorgetto Giugiaro created the sports car. Although it was less popular than the Jaguar XKR and Porsche 911, sales figures confirm that.
There were many signature features to the body, including the Boomerang-shaped rear lighting clusters and the Maserati emblem engraved into the Cpillar. The motor stands out above the rest, without a doubt.
Hagerty says that the 3200 GT is more popular at UK auctions, with approximately a dozen being consigned every year, as opposed to five in 2016. 75% of the auction models have been sold in the past 18 months.
Experts feel that the 3200 GT’s combination of striking design, high performance and a memorable badge makes it a very attractive package.
Mini Cooper R50 (2001-2006)
Today’s average values: from £900 to £6,650
Some people were not happy with the 2001 relaunch of Mini by BMW. Hagerty thinks that Cooper models could soon be sought after, and good examples are possible.
In 2001, many people weren’t convinced that BMW was relaunching the Mini name. That is still true today. The Mini is no longer small or affordable. It’s not a Mini in the traditional sense.
Despite this, one thing the Mini has retained is its fun driving experience and sharp handling.
Whether you opted for the entry-level One or the warm-hatch Cooper version it was – and still is – a hoot to be behind the wheel of.
Hagerty is confident that the R50 Mini will soon be a more collectible model.
This is what the data shows: More are being offered at auction every year, and Hagerty has a record of selling through 92%.
MG TB (1939-1940).
Today’s average values: from £25,200 to £59,900
The MG TB is a classic motor that can be hard to find parts for, and it’s a very affordable vintage engine.
The TB Midget is one of the most rare MG T-series. Only 379 units were made of the TB Midget, which was launched in May 1939.
It was visually similar to the 1936 two-seater TA Roadster, except for the addition of wire wheels and cooling vents under the bonnet. The XPAG motor was brought to the TB. Although it is smaller than the previous one, the engine produces a lot more power.
The oldest car in this year’s Bull Market List, the MG TB has been chosen because it offers entry into a host of historic motorsport events.
It is also rare, making it very popular. Hagerty has sold 84% percent of the T Series cars at auction over the past 2 years. That’s above the 75 per cent average for motors of this ilk.
This is an excellent entry point into the classic cars scene with its simple mechanics and good parts supply.
Porsche Boxster (1996-2004)
Today’s average values: from £4,875 to £12,650
It is very popular to buy the original Boxster 25 years ago. You should get one now, before values soar (if you already have one).
This is Money’s classic car story reader will be aware that the Porsche Boxster has been recommended as a solid investment in the past. This is the first of our ‘classic cars more than cash’ features this year.
Porsche was saved by the Boxster’s componentry sharing with the 911-generation 911, and by introducing more efficient production processes at the company.
Today, the 986 Boxster is seen as one of the most affordable ways to own the iconic marque, with many early reviews claiming it to be a better driver’s car than the 911 of the day.
A two-seater roadster has become a familiar sight at UK auctions. Only 50 of these cars were sold in 2017, but Hagerty says that this number will nearly triple by 2021.
On average, 89% of those who go to the block sell their products successfully. The Boxster’s original boxster seems to have found its niche among modern-classic enthusiasts. A rise in average value of just over five percent during the last year is another sign of that.
1961 – 1994 Renault 4L
Today’s average values: from £2,800 to £8,400
Renault announced earlier in the year that the Renault ‘4 nameplate would be returning before 2025 to make way for an electric crossover. This may lead to a rise in demand for the original.
Renault confirms that the Renault 4 will return to this car as an all electric crossover before 2025.
The original 4L went on to become one of Renault’s greatest sales successes, with the affordable family car offering space, reliability, safety, and performance – though its utilitarian looks were a matter of taste.
Like its Citroen rival 2CV, the 4L was equipped with fully independent suspension. This gave it another unique characteristic: a 45mm wider wheelbase on its right side than its counterpart on its left. It was fortunate that the 4L didn’t have to struggle with its unbalanced dimensions.
Although the 4 was made in large numbers, very few were ever sold in Britain. The vast majority of them were kept in Renault’s homeland. It means it’s a rare find for sale in the UK.
The few who have sold here at auction have driven values up over the last two years. They have risen an incredible 39%, with more demand expected to rise.
Renault Clio Williams (1993-1995)
Today’s average values: from £8,400 to £24,267
Renault Clio Williams, a hot hatch from 2000s with rally car credentials is becoming incredibly collectable within modern classic circles.
Renault Clio Williams is another example of a “rally car for road” in an era where hot hatchbacks were very popular.
It was wholly developed by Renault Sport and gained the reinforced front subframe from Renault’s Clio Cup race cars, together with revised suspension to include uprated springs and dampers, rear torsion arms and meatier anti-roll bars.
The track was widened and those glorious gold Speedline alloy wheels were squeezed under the 16v’s blistered arches. Hot hatch legends were born.
The Clio Williams’ limited production numbers and motorsport heritage make it very collectable indeed. Plus, it’s of the right era: Hagerty has tracked a rise in the values of 1990s ‘homologation’ cars (those produced in limited numbers that formed the basis for racing vehicles). This hot-hatch could follow in the footsteps of the 1980s Peugeot 205 GTI, Renault 5 Turbo and other famous models.
The mileage is not an issue. Examples with greater than 100,000 miles were recently advertised at prices that exceeded average value – an indication of how the market is changing.
Rolls-Royce Camargue (1977-1986).
Today’s average values: from £25,000 to £70,000
Camargue’s production was small and it is hard to find them. It went through low production volumes, but they have started to be sold at auctions for larger numbers.
The Camargue, the world’s most expensive production car at the time, was controversial in its day, and because of this it was far from a roaring success.
Some 531 cars were built between 1975 and 1986, and when launched it cost £29,250 – equivalent to almost £291,000 in today’s money.
The car is very easy to drive. The steering is agreeably light, the power brakes quite sharp and the transmission’s focus is purely on providing seamless shifts, not instant response.
Slowly, but surely, this car is drawing attention again. While just 46 to 50 per cent of Camargue examples in 2015 to 2016 sold, fewer cars and better examples have resulted in an 83 per cent sell-through rate in 2021.
In Europe this year, two examples of the Camargue have sold for more than €100,000 and cars advertised for private sale in the UK are priced above the average values, an indication that prices may be on the rise.
Triumph TR6 (1969-1976).
Today’s average values: from £6,200 to £31,000
A roaring success when on sale, there is a continual supply of Triumph’s TR6 for sale. The block has sold 82% of the TR6s in the past year. This is a clear sign that the market is expanding.
The curves that gave a finishing flourish to the earlier TR4 and TR5, styled by Italy’s Michelotti design house, were chiseled off by Karmann, the German company that had the job of shaping the 1969 TR6.
It’s simple, with a relatively big engine upfront, two seats in the middle, a roof you may as well leave down and rear wheels that do the driving.
There’s a TR6 to suit most budgets and buyers can afford to be picky, perhaps considering a rust-free car from America.
It was very popular in the US, accounting for over 94,000 of its sales. Also, cars with dry histories could still be smart investments.
A roaring success when on sale, there is a continual supply of Triumph’s TR6 for sale, yet despite this Hagerty says values increased by an average of nearly 13 per cent over the last two years and 82 per cent sent to auction have met their reserve – suggestive that these are being bought up as investments.
Volkswagen T3/T25 Camper (1979-2002)
Today’s average values: from £5,600 to £23,750
Covid-enforced Staycations are likely to have a positive effect on the value of retro campervans. This is why it is time for you to follow this lead.
A motor has been rising in demand in vintage vehicle auctions: the T3/T25Camper. This was because enthusiasts bought them during the pandemic for retro staycation mobiles.
Hagerty has tracked values of the earlier ‘bay window’ and ‘split screen’ campers, recording a significant increase over the past few years.
Experts think that the T25 is a better choice than the older VW campers. It has much improved handling, crash protection, and even the charm of an air-cooled VW camper.
Marketed under numerous names, but known as the Transporter in Europe, the T25 was the third generation of Volkswagen’s practical rear-engined working vehicle and was introduced in 1979.
Family lineage to the ‘bay window’ Type 2 was clear to see, but its squared-off detailing brought the new van more in line with Volkswagen’s contemporary passenger car range.