Episode Details

The age-old question, “Can a car be an investment?” The answer, of course, is yes, it can be, if you choose well and time it right. Having mentioned the timing, we take a look at five modern classics that have appreciated over five years, and we predict that they will continue to appreciate in the foreseeable future.

Explaining the Market

The market for classic cars, specifically, and used cars in general, has seen record performance in recent years, and one could argue that this is due to the homogeneity of newer cars. Within the American automobile market today, the sheer volume of bloated, overly complex, and electronically numb appliances masquerading as cars is staggering. Automakers are spending more of their R&D budgets on infotainment screens, emissions compliance, and autonomous lane-keep assists than they are on driving dynamics. Leaving enthusiasts with no optimism for the future, making them look backward, modern classics are the darling segment of investment-class cars in 2026, combining visceral charm with modern usability.

As the supply of clean and original examples of modern classics dries up across the United States, the value curves on select cars haven't just flattened—they are moving significantly upward. We aren't talking about million-dollar garage queens. We are talking about accessible classics you can buy today, experience, and sell for a profit in five years.

Here are five future classics currently trading in the American market that are primed for a steady appreciation - all valuation data is from Bring A Trailer.

Mazda MX-5 / Miata - NA Generation

Five years ago, clean examples of the first-generation NA Mazda Miata (1989-1997) could be had for around the $5,000 mark. Between then and now, prices have almost doubled, now stable around the $10,000 level for stock clean examples, while fully built cars, including LS-swapped projects, trade at over $30,000. Hardly surprising considering the overall investment return on popular JDM sportscars such as Mk4 Toyota Supras or really any generation of Nissan GT-R.

The Miata offers the kind of distilled and pure driving experience that no modern vehicle, aside from its great-grandchild, the Mazda MX-5 ND, can match. From its agile dynamics to its reputation for being reliable and well built, the NA Mazda Miata is sure to continue this upward trajectory simply due to the fact that there will always be demand for an honest driver’s car.

Nissan Z32 300ZX

The Nissan Z32 300ZX seems to have mi