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Top 5 modern classics to watch in 2025


Top 5 modern classics to watch in 2025

Identifying cars with the potential to become future classics and gain value is no easy task. Recent fluctuations in the market have shown car enthusiasts that even the most unexpected models can turn into highly coveted treasures. Both demand and supply — particularly the quality of available examples — play a significant role in shaping the value of classic and future classic cars.


At the start of each year, the experts at Hagerty, renowned for their classic car insurance and valuations, release their Bull Market List. This carefully curated selection highlights 10 vehicles they believe will be the ones to watch over the coming year and beyond. Last year, we spotlighted five cars from their list that showed strong potential to appreciate in value throughout 2024: the Ford Escort RS Turbo, 997 Gen II Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0, Honda S2000, TVR Cerbera, and Maserati Indy.


So, which vehicles from the eagerly awaited 2025 Hagerty Bull Market List do we think stand out as the top five modern classics to watch? Keep reading to find out.


Porsche 912


Top 5 modern classics to watch in 2025

While most collectors gravitate toward the 911 as their Porsche of choice, there are several other noteworthy options to consider. The Porsche 912 is a prime example. Introduced as a more affordable and less equipped alternative to the 911, the 912 emerged during a time when sales of the 6-cylinder version of the iconic sports car were struggling.


Priced about a third less than the 911, the 912 featured a 90bhp 4-cylinder engine borrowed from the 356. It shared the same exterior design as the 911 but weighed 90kg less, with only 20 horsepower fewer than the 911T. Many driving enthusiasts argue that its lighter weight and improved weight distribution allow the 912 to outperform its sibling when tackling corners.


Although the 6-cylinder 911 eventually became a success, thanks in large part to its impressive engine and dominance on the racetrack, Porsche still managed to sell nearly 33,000 units of the 912 during its five-year production run. Introduced in 1965 and produced until 1969, the 912 might not fit the definition of a "modern classic." However, its inclusion on our "ones to watch" list is due to its status as a long-overlooked gem that’s only recently begun receiving the recognition it deserves.


As the entry-level version of the 911, the 912 doesn’t have the same range of models or specifications to consider—options were relatively limited. That said, it wasn’t devoid of variety; in addition to the 912 Coupe, Porsche also offered a 912 Targa. Despite its simplicity, the 912 retained the sleek and stylish appeal that’s synonymous with Porsche.


While the value of the 912 may be understandably lower than its 911 counterpart, it’s still an excellent addition to any collection. Prices start at over £25,000 for examples in fair condition, with top-tier concours-level models fetching upwards of £90,000. Although average values peaked around mid-2022, they remain only slightly below those highs, showing enduring strength. With 96% of 912s produced in left-hand drive, the rare right-hand drive versions command significantly higher premiums, especially compared to imported models designed for non-UK markets.


Ferrari F355


Top 5 modern classics to watch in 2025

The Ferrari F355 marked a triumphant return to form for the brand. The previous model, the 348, had earned a reputation for being difficult to drive, not especially fast, and lacking the refinement that enthusiasts expected. It was starting to feel outdated in almost every aspect. Initially intended as a mere evolution of the 348, the F355 ended up being a complete overhaul of its predecessor in every way.


The introduction of the Honda NSX had proven that a supercar didn’t have to be impractical, unreliable, or reserved for special occasions. It could be enjoyable to drive regularly and still be dependable. Ferrari had no choice but to respond quickly—and they did, with the F355. What they delivered was a revelation: a technological and engineering masterpiece that elevated the supercar world to new heights and restored Ferrari’s reputation to its rightful place at the top.


The Pininfarina-designed styling of the Ferrari F355 was stunning, and the all-new 3.5-litre V8 engine was the most powerful production engine per litre when it launched. With performance figures and driving dynamics that were truly groundbreaking, the F355 was not only a thrill to drive but also practical, offering daily usability, comfort, and remarkable reliability. Available with a 6-speed manual or F1-inspired semi-automatic gearbox, and in Coupe, Targa (GTS), or Spider forms, it was offered exactly how customers wanted it.


The F355 was exactly what Ferrari needed, and its success proved it. The company sold over 11,500 units, making it one of Ferrari’s best-selling models of all time. Over 75% of those sold featured the excellent 6-speed manual gearbox, and in a surprising twist for a car renowned for its driving prowess, more than 50% of buyers chose the Targa or Spider versions.


For those looking to own one of Ferrari's most revered modern classics, prices begin at around £50,000 for the GTB Coupe. At this price, the car may need some cosmetic or mechanical attention—something that can be costly for a Ferrari. If you’re willing to spend £60,000, you’ll likely find a Coupe in good condition, while Targa and Spider models, as well as those with the sought-after manual gearbox, will command a premium. For a low-mileage, excellent-condition example, expect to pay £90,000 or more, with the GTS or Spider versions typically fetching around £100,000.


With values steadily rising over time, rather than spiking dramatically like some other Ferrari models or classic supercars, the F355 is expected to continue this gradual ascent. As the car now approaches its 30th anniversary and the demand for 90s cars has driven price increases over the past year, it’s only a matter of time before the F355's reputation as a true driver’s car leads to even greater interest and rising values. Could 2025 be the year when the F355 becomes recognised as the perfect addition to any collection?


Maserati Ghibli II


Top 5 modern classics to watch in 2025

Styling house Bertone and its visionary designer Marcello Gandini were behind some of the most iconic car designs in history. From the Lamborghini Miura and Countach to the Lancia Stratos and Ferrari 308 GT4, Gandini’s influence on the wedge-design era is undeniable. Beyond crafting legendary supercars, Gandini also lent his talent to designing some of the most elegant hatchbacks and saloons.


The 1990s Maserati Ghibli II exemplifies Gandini’s signature boxy aesthetic, with its sharp angles and distinctive squared-off, extended wheel arches. While its angular design captures the boldness of 1990s styling, the Ghibli’s engine takes things to another level. The twin-turbocharged 2.0-litre V6 in the Ghibli ‘Cup’ boasted the highest specific output of any street-legal car of its time. Producing an astonishing 163hp per litre, it outperformed even the most powerful cars of the era, including the McLaren F1, Jaguar XJ220, and Bugatti EB110.


With only around 2,300 Ghibli II models ever produced, the car was already a rare sight in the 1990s—let alone today. The more powerful ‘Cup’ variant is even rarer, with just 57 units made, approximately half of which were UK examples. Naturally, this scarcity means that while owning a 1990s Maserati might be a dream, finding one with an owner willing to part with it could be a challenge.


Despite its rarity, the Ghibli remains an appealing modern classic for enthusiasts on a modest budget. Prices for a fair-condition example of the ultra-rare Cup variant start at just under £20,000, climbing to around £55,000 for a concours-quality car. Meanwhile, early models of the standard 2.0-litre Ghibli are even more accessible, with prices starting below £10,000 and topping out around £30,000.


Subaru Impreza P1


Top 5 modern classics to watch in 2025

JDM cars—vehicles designed for the Japanese Domestic Market—have experienced a remarkable resurgence in popularity, driving their values to unprecedented heights. Iconic models like the R34 Nissan Skyline GT-R, the original Toyota Supra, the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, and the Subaru Impreza now command prices that would have seemed unimaginable just a few years ago. As with most modern classics, a combination of high demand and limited availability—particularly for unmodified examples—has significantly boosted their market value.


At the top of the Subaru Impreza hierarchy is the legendary 22B. Produced as a celebration of the marque’s 40th anniversary, only 400 road-going versions of this rally-inspired masterpiece were ever built. While these cars were originally intended for the Japanese market, UK-specific models have not been immune to the surge in interest and value.


In 2000, rally specialists Prodrive created 1,000 units of the Subaru Impreza P1, aiming to craft the ultimate road-going UK-specification car. Each P1 was finished in the iconic Sonic Blue and featured a 2.0-litre turbocharged boxer engine producing 276bhp, complemented by upgraded suspension and braking systems. The design of the bodywork was refined by British designer Peter Stevens, renowned for his work on the McLaren F1, Jaguar XJR-15, and Lotus Esprit.


As the only official 2-door variant of the Impreza sold in the UK, the P1 debuted with a list price of £31,500, making it the most expensive limited-edition model at the time. Today, a well-maintained, unmodified example costs roughly the same as its original price, while concours-level cars can easily exceed £70,000. With JDM car values continuing to climb, the right P1, especially one with impeccable provenance, could see its value rise even further in 2025.


Rolls Royce Silver Shadow II


Top 5 modern classics to watch in 2025

When the Rolls Royce Silver Shadow was introduced in 1965, it marked a significant technological leap for the company. With innovations like unitary body and chassis construction, a hydropneumatic suspension system (adapted from Citroen), and self-levelling suspension, it represented a major advancement in automotive engineering.


By the time the second generation arrived in 1977, improvements to the steering and suspension system resulted in a noticeably better ride and handling. In addition to these mechanical upgrades, the Silver Shadow received refreshed styling, including the addition of US-inspired energy-absorbing bumpers, giving it a more modern look. While many cars from the 1970s and 1980s have since become dated, the Rolls Royce has always exuded an air of stateliness and glamour, perfectly complemented by its lavish leather upholstery, genuine wood trim, and generous use of chrome.


Despite its reputation for high maintenance costs and frequent breakdowns, the Silver Shadow II is surprisingly reliable, with parts being more readily available than expected. Of course, regular maintenance and up-to-date servicing are essential for a car of this caliber, but as long as it has been well cared for, it should be relatively easy to manage. While the typical owner may skew older, this often means the car has been meticulously maintained, with low mileage and an engine that’s been treated with care.


When it was first launched, the price for all this luxury and comfort started at £12,450. Fast forward to 2025, and you could still find a decent condition example for a similar price, nearly 50 years later. It's a prime example of getting a lot of car for the money. If you’re after a particularly well-maintained, low-mileage model for concours events, expect to pay around £30,000. With values having risen 20% over the past few years for the best examples, it’s a strong indication that this upward trend could continue.

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