9 Future Classic Cars to Invest in Now (2025 Update)

The classic car investment landscape has fundamentally shifted. Cars we flagged as "future classics" five years ago have already appreciated dramatically, proving that identifying undervalued automotive gems requires looking beyond obvious choices to spot tomorrow's icons today.

Here are 9 modern classics that we believe represent exceptional value in today's market, with genuine potential for significant appreciation over the next 3-5 years.

BMW E60 M5 V10

Good examples starting from £18,000 in the UK, or $22,000 in the USA

The E60 M5 represents the end of an era - BMW's last naturally aspirated M5 and the only production car to feature a Formula 1-derived V10 engine. While purists initially dismissed its complexity, time has vindicated its engineering excellence.

Why it's undervalued: The maintenance reputation scared off many buyers, but proper examples with comprehensive service histories are proving remarkably reliable. As the automotive world moves toward electrification, this 500-horsepower naturally aspirated masterpiece represents everything we're losing.

The opportunity: Clean examples with service records are still accessible, but the gap between neglected and maintained cars is widening rapidly. The V10's uniqueness and BMW's M division heritage make appreciation inevitable.

Porsche Cayman 987.1

Good examples starting from £15,000 in the UK, or $18,000 in the USA

For years, the original Cayman lived in the 911's shadow, dismissed as the "poor man's Porsche." This reputation has kept prices artificially low despite offering what many consider superior handling dynamics to its more famous sibling.

Why it's undervalued: The 911's iconic status overshadowed the Cayman's objective superiority in chassis balance and pure driving engagement. Early IMS bearing concerns (largely resolved in the 987.1) created unnecessary fear.

The opportunity: Driving enthusiasts are finally recognizing the Cayman's mid-engine advantages. As 911 prices soar beyond reach for many buyers, the Cayman offers authentic Porsche DNA at rational pricing. The S variants with the 3.4-liter engine represent particular value.

Mercedes C63 AMG W204

Good examples starting from £25,000 in the UK, or $30,000 in the USA

The W204 C63 AMG houses Mercedes' legendary 6.2-liter naturally aspirated V8 - the same engine that powered the SLS AMG supercar.

This connection to Mercedes' flagship makes it one of the most undervalued AMG cars in the current market.

Why it's undervalued: Overshadowed by the more famous E63 and competing against BMW's M3, the C63 never received the recognition its engineering deserved. The subsequent turbocharged generations lack the character of this naturally aspirated masterpiece.

The opportunity: As the last naturally aspirated C63, it represents the end of AMG's golden era. The hand-built engine's connection to the SLS provides supercar pedigree at a fraction of the cost. Performance pack examples with the limited-slip differential are particularly desirable.

Jaguar XK X100

Good examples starting from £12,000 in the UK, or $15,000 in the USA

Ian Callum's design masterpiece combined E-Type DNA with modern reliability, creating what many consider the most beautiful sports car of the late 1990s. Despite critical acclaim and improved Ford-era dependability, values remain surprisingly accessible.

Why it's undervalued: Jaguar's historical reliability reputation overshadows the X100's actual competence. The abundance of examples means buyers can be selective, but this same availability keeps prices suppressed.

The opportunity: As contemporary German sports cars appreciate rapidly, the XK's combination of stunning design, grand touring capability, and relative rarity becomes increasingly attractive. XKR variants with the supercharged V8 offer exceptional performance value.

BMW Z4 E85

Good examples starting from £8,000 in the UK, or $12,000 in the USA

Chris Bangle's controversial design initially polarized opinion, but the Z4's distinctive aesthetics have aged remarkably well.

More importantly, it offers the last pure BMW roadster experience before electronic intervention became standard.

Why it's undervalued: The Z3's popularity and Z4's initially divisive styling kept values suppressed. Many dismiss it as less "pure" than its predecessor, missing its superior dynamics and build quality.

The opportunity: As Z3 prices soar, buyers are discovering the Z4's advantages: more space, better refinement, and improved performance. The 3.0si straight-six variants offer the classic BMW engine note that's disappeared from modern BMWs.

Audi TT Mk1 Quattro

Good examples starting from £7,000 in the UK, or $10,000 in the USA

The original TT transformed from fashion accessory to design icon, but values haven't reflected its cultural significance. The 1.8T and V6 variants offer genuine performance to match the timeless aesthetics.

Why it's undervalued: Initial dismissal as style-over-substance created lasting prejudice. The high production numbers and modification culture reduced the pool of original examples without proportionally increasing values.

The opportunity: Design appreciation is finally overcoming performance prejudices. Quattro models with the 225hp 1.8T or 240hp V6 provide all-weather capability that modern buyers increasingly value. Unmolested examples are becoming genuinely rare.

Volvo 850 T-5R

Good examples starting from £12,000 in the UK, or $15,000 in the USA

The 850 T-5R represents Volvo's most successful transformation from safety-first to performance-focused, culminating in BTCC glory that changed perceptions forever. Limited production numbers ensure genuine exclusivity.

Why it's undervalued: Volvo's conservative image doesn't align with collector expectations. The 850's practical estate body disguises its genuine performance credentials and motorsport heritage.

The opportunity: Only a few hundred T-5Rs remain, making them genuinely rare. The BTCC connection provides motorsport heritage that's increasingly valued by collectors. As 1990s performance cars appreciate, the T-5R's unique character stands out.

Honda Civic Type R EP3

Good examples starting from £10,000 in the UK, or $13,000 in the USA

The EP3 brought Honda's legendary Type R philosophy to mainstream markets, democratizing access to VTEC high-revving excitement. Its significance in establishing the modern hot hatch template is only now being recognized.

Why it's undervalued: Modification culture and younger ownership demographics reduced the population of original examples. Many still view it as a "boy racer" car rather than recognizing its engineering significance.

The opportunity: Original examples are becoming genuinely scarce as the modification legacy reduces available stock. The naturally aspirated VTEC experience is extinct in modern cars, making the EP3's character irreplaceable.

Saab 9-3 Viggen

Good examples starting from £8,000 in the UK, or $10,000 in the USA

As Saab's final performance car before GM's complete takeover, the Viggen represents the end of Swedish automotive independence. Its turbocharged character and distinctive design language died with the brand.

Why it's undervalued: Saab's demise created parts supply fears that suppressed values. The brand's quirky reputation doesn't align with traditional collector preferences for German or British marques.

The opportunity: Extinct brands create their own collector appeal as examples become irreplaceable. The Viggen's limited production, distinctive character, and end-of-era significance mirror classic collectibility patterns. Specialist support networks ensure long-term viability.

Our Investment Strategy

Focus on originality: Modified examples have consistently underperformed original cars across all segments. Documentation proving factory specification commands increasing premiums.

Prioritize naturally aspirated engines: The shift to forced induction makes these experiences irreplaceable. Every naturally aspirated performance car faces extinction as emissions regulations tighten.

Target end-of-era models: Cars representing the final expression of particular philosophies or technologies often achieve significant appreciation. The examples above all mark endings rather than beginnings.

Conclusion

The next wave of classic car appreciation will favor cars that offer irreplaceable experiences over those with mere historical significance. Naturally aspirated engines, manual transmissions, and analog driving dynamics are becoming as extinct as carburetors once were.

Our pick of the current opportunities: The BMW E60 M5 V10. Its Formula 1-derived engine, increasing rarity of quality examples, and position as BMW's last naturally aspirated M5 create the perfect appreciation storm. In five years, we expect £18k examples to seem impossibly cheap.

The key insight remains unchanged: today's overlooked cars become tomorrow's sought-after classics. The question isn't whether these cars will appreciate, but whether you'll act before the market recognizes their significance.

Remember: classic car investment requires patience, proper research, and accepting that not every prediction will prove correct. Always buy cars you'd be happy to own regardless of financial performance.