Hagerty 2026 Market Analysis Signals Strong Growth for Japanese Collector Cars
Traverse City, Friday, 12 December 2025.
Hagerty’s latest forecast identifies eleven vehicles poised for appreciation. Data reveals Japanese models outperformed other segments by an average of 83 percent over nine years, signaling a distinct market shift.
Strategic Portfolio Diversification
On December 10, 2025, Hagerty published its 2026 ‘Bull Market’ list, a curated selection of 11 vehicles ranging from American muscle to Japanese sports cars [1]. The complete portfolio includes the 1968–1970 Dodge Charger, 1999–2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata, 1956–1957 Continental Mark II, 1990–1993 Chevrolet 454 SS, 2006–2013 Chevrolet Corvette Z06, 1969–1972 Alfa Romeo GTV, 2006–2010 BMW M5, 1981–1993 Dodge Ramcharger, 1995–1998 Nissan Skyline GT-R, 1995–1998 Volkswagen Golf GTI VR6, and the 2004–2007 Porsche Carrera GT [1]. This selection methodology targets models that have historically been undervalued or are currently seeing a resurgence in enthusiast interest, providing specific actionable intelligence for investors [1][3].
High-Performance Asset Classes
Leading the valuation spectrum is the Porsche Carrera GT (2004–2007), a distinct outlier in price point with an estimated value of approximately $1.5 million [2]. Limited to just 1,270 production units, the Carrera GT is defined by its analog characteristics, specifically a 5.7-liter V10 engine that produces 605 horsepower and revs to 8,400 rpm [2]. Larry Webster, Hagerty’s Senior Vice President of Media, highlights that values for this chassis have resumed an upward trajectory after a period of stagnation, underscoring the resilience of ‘blue chip’ analog supercars in a fluctuating market [2].
Domestic Performance Metrics
In the domestic performance sector, the 2006–2013 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 (C6) has been identified as a key growth asset [3]. Powered by a 7.0-liter LS7 V8 engine delivering 505 horsepower, the C6 Z06 offers a compelling value proposition relative to modern counterparts [3]. Market data supports this outlook; since October 2024, values for ‘Condition 1’ through ‘Condition 3’ examples have risen by over 8 percent [3]. A historical comparison to the preceding C5 Z06 generation (2001–2004) reveals a strong precedent, where ‘Concours’ grade examples appreciated by 26.369 percent, climbing from $49,300 to $62,300 [3].
Market Correction and Opportunity
The 2026 forecast arrives amidst a broader market correction. Data from Hagerty’s UK indices suggests that nearly 80 percent of collector vehicle values have either dropped or remained static, indicating a shift towards a more cautious buyer sentiment [1]. In this environment, the inclusion of accessible models like the Mazda MX-5 Miata and the Nissan Skyline GT-R suggests that liquidity and interest are consolidating around vehicles that offer tangible driving engagement rather than purely speculative potential [1]. This bifurcation of the market highlights the importance of asset selection based on mechanical merit and historical significance.