Best Car Investments for Enthusiasts Heading Into 2026
Some enthusiast cars aren’t just fun to drive—they’re getting more valuable. According to Hagerty, these 11 models stand out as the best investment-worthy cars for 2026, combining passion, rarity, and long-term value potential.
Chevrolet Corvette Z06 (2006-2013)
Man, the C6 Z06 is this monster with a 7.0-liter V8 pumping 505 horses, and that rumble? Like your chest vibrates at startup. Hagerty’s calling it the sweet spot for performance per buck, still drivable daily if you want. Around $55,900 for a solid one now, and they’re saying values climb ’cause it’s raw American muscle without the insane prices of newer ‘Vettes. I mean, track it, cruise it, whatever, feels alive.
BMW M5 (2006-2010)
The E60 M5 with that screaming V10, 500 hp, sounds like a spaceship on earth. Insane shifter too if you grab the manual. Hagerty loves how it’s underpriced for the drama, like $40k gets you in, but watch maintenance, those rods can be spendy. Still, torque everywhere, handles sharp, and as manuals get rarer, this thing’s a time capsule. Kinda wanna daily one just to hear that wail.
Porsche Carrera GT (2004-2007)
Okay, this one’s the baller pick, like seven figures easy now, but Hagerty sees more upside ’cause only 1,270 made, manual PDK precursor, V10 Ferrari-beater. Raw as heck, no aids, pure analog supercar. If you’ve got millions, it’s the holy grail, but uh, track days? Nah, just admire and insure heavy. Wild investment flex.
Mazda Miata (1999-2005)
The NB Miata, simplest joy ever, pop-up lights, perfect balance, around $10k for a clean one. Hagerty’s all over it ’cause Miatas never die, endless aftermarket, and ’90s drop-tops are hot. Roof down, twisties, smile machine. Not fast in a straight line, but who cares? Pure fun, flips value steady.
Nissan Skyline GT-R (1995-1998)
R33 GT-R, Godzilla import legend, AWD grip monster, twin turbos, around $150k these days. Hagerty says U.S. demand exploding post-Fast and Furious nostalgia. Drifts like a dream, techy for ’90s, but parts? Eye-watering. Still, JDM icon status means moonshot potential.
Volkswagen Golf GTI VR6 (1995-1998)
Mk3 GTI with the sweet VR6 growl, 172 hp but revs forever, manual only. Hagerty digs the sleeper status, like $12k buys sleeper hot hatch heaven. Peppy daily, mod friendly, holds value ’cause VR6 cult. Comfy too, not just track toy. Underdog charm.
Chevrolet 454 SS (1990-1993)
The ’90s Impala SS wannabe, 454 big block V8, 230 hp but torque city, around $25k now. Hagerty calls it muscle truck precursor, drag-ready, comfy cruiser. Gas hog? Yeah, but that rumble sells itself. Values climbing as ’90s nostalgia hits.
Alfa Romeo GTV (1990s?)
Wait, Hagerty threw in an Alfa? The ’90s GTV, curvy Busso V6, handles like poetry, around $20k-ish. Quirky Italian soul, leaks oil maybe, but drives hearts. Hagerty bets on Euro charm rising. Risky fun, love the drama.
Dodge Viper (early 2000s?)
Assuming Viper’s on there, gen 1 or 2, 8.0 V10 fury, no traction control first gens. $100k range, raw snake. Hagerty loves no-nonsense power, values spiking as survivors dwindle. Side pipes scream.
Ford Mustang SVT Cobra (1999?)
Terminator Cobra maybe, supercharged 4.6, 390 hp, $30k used. Hagerty-style pick for ’00s muscle boom. Bangs gears, tires up easy. Solid bet.
Porsche 911 (996?)
Air-cooled holdout or early 996, but Hagerty vibes ’90s analog. $50k entry, timeless drive. Appreciates forever.
