Jon Cosson

Future classic cars: what the experts are tipping for 2026 and 2027

By Jon Cosson · Updated October 2026

Every January a fresh batch of future classic cars lists appears, and by spring the same handful of names keeps turning up. This page gathers the UK lists published since January 2024, from Hagerty UK's annual Bull Market list to Auto Express, Goodwood Road & Racing and CarGurus UK, and keeps only the cars that at least two separate publications have tipped.

The result is a future classic cars list of 13 modern classic cars, each with the publications that named it, the month the list appeared, and the reasons those publications gave. Where joncosson.com has a buyer's guide for the car, the pick links straight to it.

This page reports what published experts are saying. It is not financial advice, and no car should be bought as an investment on the strength of a list.

What makes a future classic car, according to the publications

The publications behind these lists do not agree on every car, but they describe the qualities they look for in similar terms. Auto Express, in its January 2026 future classics feature, lists attractive styling and desirability, rarity through low production or cars disappearing from the roads, revolutionary technology or design, an enjoyable drive with strong character, a strong owners' club or enthusiast following, and a good backstory or cult status.

Collecting Cars, writing in December 2024, sets out a similar checklist: design, performance and driving dynamics, rarity, cultural impact through film, television or online content, and technological impact for cars that were ahead of their time. CarGurus UK, in its July 2026 list of 50 future classics, frames modern classics as a middle ground between new cars and older classics, more engaging than a new car yet more comfortable, reliable and usable than something from the 1960s.

Hagerty UK takes a more data led approach. Its 2026 Bull Market list says the cars are chosen as sensible, driveable buys, and that the selection is not simply a forecast of how any car will perform in the market. The common thread across all of them is that a future classic is a car people want to drive and keep, with enough survivors, parts and club support to make ownership realistic.

How the future classic cars lists are chosen

Hagerty UK's Bull Market list is the most widely reported of the UK lists. According to Hagerty, its automotive intelligence teams in the UK and US each choose ten cars, drawing on the Hagerty Price Guide, auction results, sales data, shipping records and changes in who owns which cars. For 2026 Hagerty added a Collectability Index, which scores every car in its price guide against more than 20 weighted factors, including owner ages, how readily cars sell at auction, engine size and numbers built. Octane's report on the 2025 list describes the selection as drawing on current market data, historical trends and collector appeal.

Magazine and website lists are usually more editorial. Auto Express, Goodwood Road & Racing and Collecting Cars pick cars their writers rate for driving, design or significance. CarGurus UK groups its 50 picks by body style and pairs each with practical buying notes. Some lists, such as the Classics World round-up of January 2025, gather opinions from auction houses and market specialists.

Because each list has its own method, a single mention says more about one publication's taste than about a broad consensus. That is why this page only includes a car when at least two separate publications have tipped it. Where a magazine simply reprinted another organisation's list, such as reports of the Hagerty list in other titles, it has been counted once, under the organisation that made the picks.

How to use this list

Treat each pick as a summary of what has been published, not as a recommendation from this site. The tippedBy line under each car shows exactly who named it and when, with a link to the original list, so you can read the full reasoning in context.

Where a car also appears in the Mathewsons auction records held for this site, the pick gives the number of lots of that model Mathewsons has offered between February 2021 and September 2026. That figure is a neutral guide to how often the model comes up for sale in North Yorkshire. It says nothing about what any car is worth.

If one of these future classics catches your eye, the next step is the buyer's guide where one exists, then a careful look at the individual car. The section after the picks covers that in more detail.

Historic vehicle tax and MOT basics for modern classic cars

Many buyers of future classics UK wide ask whether an older car will be free to tax. GOV.UK states that if your vehicle was built before 1 January 1986, you can stop paying vehicle tax from 1 April 2026. If the build date is unknown, a vehicle first registered before 8 January 1986 qualifies from the same date. The cut-off moves forward by a year each April, which is why it is usually called the 40-year rolling exemption.

The exemption is not automatic. GOV.UK says you must apply for a vehicle tax exemption to move a car into the historic tax class, and its historic vehicles page explains how to check eligibility and claim.

GOV.UK also says a vehicle built or first registered more than 40 years ago does not need an MOT, provided no substantial changes have been made, such as replacing the chassis, body, axles or engine in a way that alters how the car works. The car must still be kept roadworthy. Almost every car on this future classics 2026 list was built after 1986, so none of the modern picks below qualifies yet, and running costs should be budgeted on that basis.

Future classics 2026 and 2027: the cars tipped by two or more lists

Mazda MX-5 Mk1 and Mk2

1989 to 2005

Tipped by

CarGurus UK includes the MX-5 in its July 2026 list for affordable, light, rear-wheel-drive fun, covering the generations from 1990 onward. Hagerty's US team named the second generation car, built from 1999 to 2005, in its 2026 Bull Market list, pointing to broad appeal and consistent demand.

A February 2026 spring buying column in Torbay Weekly presents the MX-5 as the natural successor to the MGB: a front-engined, rear-drive two-seater that commentators describe as reliable and cheap to run.

Rust in the sills and rear arches is the main enemy on both generations, so lift the carpets and check the jacking points before anything else.

Mathewsons has offered 107 lots of this model between February 2021 and September 2026.

Read our full buyer's guide

Porsche Boxster 986

1996 to 2004

Tipped by

Goodwood Road & Racing tipped the 986 Boxster S in April 2024 as a budget-friendly way into a mid-engined Porsche, praising its handling and everyday usability.

CarGurus UK names the 986 in its July 2026 list for its naturally aspirated six-cylinder engine, and notes that good early cars are getting scarce. The Torbay Weekly spring 2026 column singles out the 3.2 S and describes the Boxster as offering Porsche build quality for a sensible outlay.

Ask for evidence of work on the intermediate shaft bearing and rear main seal, and check the hood and rear screen for tears and leaks.

Mathewsons has offered 73 lots of this model between February 2021 and September 2026.

Read our full buyer's guide

Honda S2000

1999 to 2009

Tipped by

Hagerty UK named the S2000 in its 2024 Bull Market list, citing strong appeal to younger buyers and saying interest in the model had grown markedly since 2020. Hagerty also pointed to Honda reliability, while warning that some cars have been driven hard.

Goodwood Road & Racing tipped it in April 2024 for its high-revving VTEC engine and record-setting specific output, and CarGurus UK included it in July 2026, describing it as raw and generally reliable.

Look for signs of track use or over-revving, and check the rear subframe and suspension mounts for corrosion.

Lotus Elise S1

1996 to 2001

Tipped by

Auto Express tipped the Series 1 Elise in January 2026 for its featherweight build of around 731kg and bonded aluminium chassis. The magazine adds that Lotus is moving towards electric cars and large SUVs, which commentators point to as a reason the original Elise stands out.

Goodwood Road & Racing named it in April 2024, praising its handling and the match between chassis and Rover K-Series engine. CarGurus UK calls it light, analogue and engaging in its July 2026 list.

Check for crash damage to the bonded chassis and clamshells, and ask for the head gasket history on the K-Series engine.

Porsche 911 (996)

1997 to 2005

Tipped by

Hagerty UK named the 996 Carrera 2 3.4 coupe in its 2026 Bull Market list, describing it as a sensible way into 911 ownership compared with other generations and saying the early mechanical issues are likely to have been addressed on surviving cars. It scored highest on Hagerty's new Collectability Index of all ten picks.

In Classics World's January 2025 round-up, an auction house specialist named the 996 among the cars to watch after a long period out of favour. CarGurus UK includes it in July 2026, noting that Carreras remain the accessible end of the range while GT3 versions sit well above.

Insist on evidence of intermediate shaft bearing and rear main seal work, and have a specialist check for bore scoring before buying.

Subaru Impreza Turbo and P1

1994 to 2001

Tipped by

Hagerty UK put the 2000 to 2001 Impreza P1 at the top of its 2025 Bull Market list. The reasons given are the car's Prodrive development, drawing on World Rally Championship experience, and the appeal of pristine, low-mileage examples, while driven cars remain more attainable.

In the same month, an auction house specialist quoted by Classics World named the unmodified Subaru Impreza among the 1990s and early 2000s performance cars to watch. The emphasis on originality is a theme both sources share.

Originality is the point, so check the car against its specification, look for a remapped ECU or aftermarket parts and inspect the rear arches and sills for rust.

Mathewsons has offered 55 lots of this model between February 2021 and September 2026.

Read our full buyer's guide

Peugeot 106 Rallye

1991 to 2003 (106 range)

Tipped by

Goodwood Road & Racing tipped the 106 Rallye in April 2024 for its light, pure character, unassisted steering and sharp, communicative handling, while noting that good examples are scarce.

Hagerty UK named the 106 in its 2025 Bull Market list, pointing to its homologation history, limited numbers and looks, with the condition that the car is original. Classic & Sports Car's report on that list added that enthusiasts are turning to small hot hatches as the genre has faded.

Many have been modified or used hard, so check the shell for rust and accident repairs and confirm the car is a genuine Rallye.

TVR Cerbera

1996 to 2003

Tipped by

Hagerty UK included the Cerbera in its 2024 Bull Market list, singling out the Red Rose V8 cars and pointing to the analogue driving experience and an improving reputation as reasons interest is growing.

CarGurus UK places it among the supercars in its July 2026 list, describing it as exotic and thrilling and noting that relatively few remain registered.

Have the chassis inspected for corrosion and the engine checked by a TVR specialist, as AJP V8 rebuild history matters a great deal.

Ferrari F430

2004 to 2009

Tipped by

Hagerty UK named the F430 in its 2026 Bull Market list, comparing it favourably with its 458 successor and noting that its owner base is relatively young.

CarGurus UK includes it in July 2026 for its naturally aspirated V8 and timing chains, and because it is a younger car than older Ferraris often considered by buyers in this part of the market.

Check the service history closely, and have the F1 gearbox clutch wear and any sticky interior trim assessed by a Ferrari specialist.

Audi R8 Mk1

2007 to 2015

Tipped by

Goodwood Road & Racing tipped the original R8 in April 2024 as a landmark performance car for Audi, with a mid-mounted V8 shared with the B7 RS4 and quattro four-wheel drive.

CarGurus UK names it in its July 2026 list as a comparatively usable supercar and says the manual cars are the best bet.

Check for magnetic ride damper leaks and clutch wear on R tronic cars, and confirm the gated manual gearbox if that is what is advertised.

Alfa Romeo 156 GTA

2002 to 2005

Tipped by

Auto Express tipped the 156 GTA in January 2026, calling it one of the best-looking four-door saloons and praising the sound of its V6. It names the GTA as the version of the 156 most likely to become a future classic.

CarGurus UK includes the 156 GTA Sportwagon in its July 2026 list for its 3.2-litre V6 and increasing rarity, while warning that the car can be finicky. Its smaller sibling, the 147 GTA, appeared in Hagerty UK's 2025 Bull Market list.

Check the cambelt and variator history, front suspension bushes and the front brakes, which are costly to put right.

Jaguar F-Type

2013 to 2024

Tipped by

Auto Express tipped the F-Type in January 2026 as a long-awaited Jaguar sports car that is no longer available to order. It prefers the coupe and recommends the supercharged V6 for its handling and sound.

CarGurus UK names it in its July 2026 list for its looks and engine note, advising buyers to choose a well-kept car.

Look for a full Jaguar or specialist service history, and check the electrics, roof mechanism on convertibles and any warning lights.

Alpine A110

2017 onwards

Tipped by

Collecting Cars named the A110 in December 2024 for its lightweight construction and sharp chassis, and because it revived the Alpine name after a long gap.

Auto Express tipped it in January 2026 as a retro-styled sports car that overcame a troubled launch. The magazine singles out the base model as the purest version and suggests a car like it is unlikely to appear again.

Check the service record with an Alpine or Renault specialist and look for kerbed wheels and stone chips on the low front end.

Before you buy any of these

A place on a list does not make any individual car a good one. Every publication quoted here stresses condition and history in some form, and Auto Express notes in its 2026 feature that buyers should choose a car they will enjoy and check its service history, condition and rust.

Start with the joncosson.com buyer's guides at joncosson.com/classic-car-buyers-guides, which cover 50 models in depth, including the Mazda MX-5 Mk1 and Mk2, the Porsche Boxster 986 and 987 and the Subaru Impreza Turbo from this page. Each guide sets out the known weak points, the specification changes that matter and the questions to ask a seller.

For cars without a guide here, the owners' clubs and marque specialists are the best source of model specific checks. A pre-purchase inspection by a specialist who knows the model is worth arranging for anything complex, particularly the Porsche, Ferrari, Audi R8 and TVR picks.

If you plan to buy at auction, read the Mathewsons bidding strategy guide on thorntonledale.org at https://www.thorntonledale.org/classic-cars/auction-bidding-strategy before the sale. It covers viewing, setting a limit before the hammer falls, buyer's premium and what to do after a successful bid. Viewing in person and reading the catalogue description closely matter more than any list.

Where to read more about these cars

joncosson.com is an independent, ad-free site that covers classic and modern classic cars in depth, with buyer's guides written for people buying from dealers, privately or at auction. New guides are added as models become more widely sought after, and the future classic cars list on this page is reviewed each year as new lists are published.

Coverage of Bangers & Cash, the television series filmed around the Mathewsons auction house in Thornton-le-Dale, North Yorkshire, lives on thorntonledale.org at https://www.thorntonledale.org/bangers-and-cash. That is the place for the village, the auctions and the programme itself, while this site concentrates on the cars.

Questions people ask

What are future classic cars?

Future classic cars are models that are not yet widely treated as classics but that commentators expect to be sought after in years to come. The publications quoted on this page point to qualities such as design, rarity, driving character, technological significance and a strong owners' club or enthusiast following.

Which cars are on the future classic cars list for 2026?

This page includes 13 cars tipped by at least two UK lists published since January 2024: the Mazda MX-5 Mk1 and Mk2, Porsche Boxster 986, Honda S2000, Lotus Elise S1, Porsche 911 (996), Subaru Impreza Turbo and P1, Peugeot 106 Rallye, TVR Cerbera, Ferrari F430, Audi R8 Mk1, Alfa Romeo 156 GTA, Jaguar F-Type and Alpine A110.

How do experts choose future classics?

Methods vary. Hagerty UK says its Bull Market list draws on its price guide, auction results, sales and shipping data and owner demographics, and in 2026 added a Collectability Index scoring more than 20 factors. Magazines such as Auto Express and Goodwood Road & Racing make editorial choices based on driving, design and significance.

Are modern classic cars exempt from road tax in the UK?

Only once they are old enough. GOV.UK states that vehicles built before 1 January 1986 can stop paying vehicle tax from 1 April 2026, and the cut-off moves forward a year each April. You must apply for the historic tax class, as the exemption is not automatic. Most of the future classics on this page are too young to qualify.

Do future classics need an MOT?

Yes, unless the car was built or first registered more than 40 years ago and has had no substantial changes, according to GOV.UK. Even an exempt car must be kept roadworthy, so regular checks remain sensible.

Does a place on a future classics list guarantee anything?

No. Hagerty UK itself says its picks are chosen as sensible, driveable buys rather than as a forecast. Lists reflect each publication's view at the time, and the condition and history of the individual car matter far more than any list.

Where can I buy future classic cars in the UK?

Through dealers, private sales, online platforms and auction houses such as Mathewsons in North Yorkshire. If you plan to bid, the Mathewsons bidding strategy guide on thorntonledale.org explains viewing, limits and fees, and the joncosson.com buyer's guides cover what to check on many of these models.

What is the difference between a classic car and a modern classic car?

There is no legal definition of either. CarGurus UK describes modern classics as a middle ground: more engaging than new cars, but more comfortable, reliable and usable than older classics. In practice the term is usually applied to cars from the late 1980s onwards.

Sources