Predictions for the 2026 collector car market point to continued strength at the very top, alongside notable changes in buyer behavior and softer conditions for mass-market collectibles. Based on trends observed in 2025, analysts anticipate both continuity and adjustment as tastes evolve and global regulatory pressures ease.
One of the most significant expectations is the continued rise of modern vehicles among the most valuable auction sales. The average model year for cars selling above $1 million has steadily moved forward, reaching 1984 in 2025. With six of the year’s ten highest sales built after 1990, experts expect at least seven of the top ten results in 2026 to come from post-1990 vehicles, reinforcing the shift toward newer collectibles.
High-performance internal combustion engines, particularly Ferrari’s V-12, are also expected to retain long-term appeal. With Europe stepping back from a strict 2035 EV-only mandate, the narrative around “last-of” combustion models is evolving. Vehicles such as V-12-powered Ferrari supercars are likely to experience renewed attention as collectors reassess future scarcity.
Several specific market milestones are also anticipated. Analysts expect a Lexus LFA to set a new price record, surpassing the previous high of $1.875 million established in 2023. Online auctions are forecast to break another barrier, with the first eight-figure sale conducted entirely online seen as increasingly likely as platforms compete for top-tier consignments.
At the same time, broader market indicators suggest cooling conditions for mainstream classics. The Hagerty Hundred, which tracks values of widely insured collector cars, has declined steadily since peaking in 2022. Experts expect it to fall below $41,000 in 2026, reflecting rising ownership costs and reduced demand outside the ultra-wealthy segment.
Demographics continue to play a growing role. Buying activity among Baby Boomers increased sharply in 2025 and is expected to rise further, supporting appreciation for models popular with that generation. In contrast, vehicles favored by Millennials may see more limited gains.
Other anticipated developments include shrinking dealer markups on high-performance new cars, renewed prominence for a French vehicle in top auction results, and automakers adjusting future products to better align with American market preferences. Together, these trends suggest a collector car market that remains robust at the top but increasingly selective elsewhere in 2026.
