The classic-car market is positioned for another strong year in 2026, supported by rising demand from younger collectors and sustained activity across both auctions and private sales, according to Hagerty leadership.
Sales of collectible vehicles through auctions and online platforms climbed 10% in 2025, reaching a total of $4.8 billion. Hagerty reports that private-market transactions have been particularly active, with a growing number of high-value vehicles changing hands outside traditional auction venues. Based on current sales pipelines and private-market activity, demand is expected to remain solid next year.
A key force behind the market’s evolution is a generational shift among buyers. As baby boomers gradually exit the collector space, Generation X, millennials, and Gen Z are stepping in and reshaping purchasing habits. These younger buyers are more comfortable with digital platforms, contributing to a 12% increase in online classic-car sales this year, which totaled $2.5 billion.
Preferences are also changing alongside the buyer demographic. While mid-century sports cars from the 1950s and 1960s have historically dominated the market, attention has increasingly shifted toward high-performance supercars from the 1990s and newer. Models such as the Ferrari F40 and F50, Bugatti Veyron and Chiron, McLaren F1, as well as vehicles from Pagani and Koenigsegg, are now among the most sought-after collectibles.
Supply is expected to remain healthy as well. Many modern supercar manufacturers continue to expand production, ensuring that availability keeps pace with demand. This balance is viewed as a positive long-term factor for collectors who plan to buy and hold.
Another major influence on the market is the ongoing wealth transfer from older generations. An estimated $100 trillion in assets is expected to pass to spouses and families by 2048, including real estate, collectibles, and automobiles. As ownership changes, families will face decisions about whether to retain, store, or sell inherited vehicles, potentially adding new inventory to the market.
For buyers focused on value and long-term appreciation, Hagerty recently released its annual Bull Market List. The ranking highlights vehicles considered enjoyable to own and well-positioned for price growth, ranging from seven-figure supercars like the Porsche Carrera GT to more accessible options such as the Alfa Romeo GTV and Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Underlying the market’s strength is broader wealth creation. With stock markets posting multiple years of strong gains and interest rates trending lower, collectors appear increasingly confident in making significant automotive purchases as 2026 approaches.
