It’s quite fascinating to observe the current modern classic car market. Cars once seen as humble everyday drivers from the 80’s, 90’s and early 00’s are now being viewed in a different light by collectors and owners. However, it’s not just nostalgia at play here, it’s changing driving itself.

The trend towards modern cars being controlled more by software, being turbo charged and electronic has resulted in analogue cars being viewed as having some kind of inherent value now. They can provide more engaging and direct driving experience and offer an emotionally connected way to drive. The increasing popularity of modern classic cars is really born from this.

The wonderful thing about modern classic cars is that they are achievable. Unlike many of the “blue chip” classic cars already in existence a great number of these modern classic cars can still be accessed by owners. The blend of usable performance, heritage and the potential for long-term capital growth in many modern classics are ideal and extremely rare combination.

1. BMW E60 M5 V10

For many people, the BMW E60 M5 remains one of the most exciting performance saloons to have ever been made. It has been said to be more like a racecar for the road than a normal road car because of its naturally aspirated V10 engine. The car’s power is delivered linearly, but has been said to have an exciting high-revving engine character.

Key Performance and Ownership Characteristics:

• Naturally aspirated V10 engine
• High-revving performance character
• Motorsport-inspired driving experience
• Complex engineering architecture
• Enthusiast-focused performance sedan

Although a great performers, the E60 M5 built a mixed reputation in the eyes of the public because of the complexity of the engine and its related upkeep. Issues of reliability and steep maintenance costs scared many customers off and lowered used values for a time. In the time that followed, many well-kept E60 M5’s proved themselves to be more durable than many suspected. 

As a true enthusiast-driven community developed around the E60, and as the automotive landscape continued to transition to electric power, people recognized that the E60 M5 is the last true testament to the inherently high-revving, naturally-aspirated M GmbH philosophy. The values of well-maintained, original cars have since been escalating due to this renewed interest.

2. Porsche Cayman 987.1

The first generation Porsche Cayman (987.1) was perhaps unfairly neglected for a while; overshadowed by the 911, enthusiasts perhaps just couldn’t quite get their heads round what a mid-engined sports car was and regarded it simply as an ‘easy’ sports car, rather than an independent design.

Key Performance and Driving Characteristics:

• Mid-engine balanced chassis layout
• Exceptional cornering stability
• Precise steering and handling response
• Lightweight sports coupe platform
• Accessible entry into Porsche performance

However, with time many drivers came to appreciate the real strong points of the Cayman; it is remarkably balanced and precise to drive, largely thanks to the weight distribution being as near as can be thanks to the mid-engine layout, which allows for much more stable and responsive cornering. On tight twisting roads and track it simply offers an element of poise and stability that have allowed it to overcome its early negative perceptions in to what is widely seen as one of the best drivers’ cars in its segment.

Many early concerns surrounding engine reliability have, to a degree, become understood through better servicing awareness and the experience of a growing community of owners. When properly cared for the platform actually performs quite reliably for its class and demand is now a steady climb, especially in to buyers who want genuine Porsche handling experience for a fraction of the price of a 911.

3. Mercedes C63 AMG W204

The Mercedes C63 AMG W204 is known as one of the most emotionally engaging performance sedans of recent times. Under the skin of this brilliant machine is the 6.2-litre V8 which gives you a completely pure, unfiltered experience, and this kind of setup is very rare now with all the modern day turbocharged engines, which the C63 seems to relate to and produce a really nice relationship between driver and car.

Key Performance and AMG Characteristics:

• 6.2L naturally aspirated V8 engine
• High-output performance sedan platform
• Shared engineering with SLS AMG
• Rear-wheel-drive dynamics
• Raw, unfiltered driving character

Interestingly enough the same V8 also serves in the Mercedes SLS AMG thus lending this lesser known performance car a connection to a proper supercar platform. Even with these specifications the W204 generation was at one point rather looked down upon when put head to head with the direct opposition and as such prices were reasonably steady for a good length of time.

With AMG moving on to smaller more potent turbocharged power plants supplemented with hybrid assistance, the W204 C63 is slowly becoming something of a last hurrah in terms of naturally aspired AMG V8’s and with all these factors coupled together enthusiasts are starting to flock to its simplicity and brutal naturally aspired power and character, making the collectors market quite competitive.

4. BMW Z4 E85

From the start, the BMW Z4 E85 made a bold and (at the time) arguably unpopular statement in terms of its visual styling. The styling lines were sharp and the proportions are decidedly different to what was commonplace. However, over time, this bold design has now become something quite distinct and expressive of the BMW design language of the early 2000s and has aged with the best of them.

Key Driving and Design Characteristics:

• Rear-wheel-drive roadster layout
• Pure open-top driving experience
• Direct steering and road feedback
• Inline-six engine options
• Minimal driver-assist intervention

Behind the styling of the Z4 E85 lies a classic roadster feel which is sadly lacking in most cars made today. It offers an RWD setup, and steering which, while mechanical is not overly heavy. As such this car is incredibly easy to drive, but still offers a level of driver feedback which, in some, heavier and more automated modern soft tops is quite elusive and which purist drivers are always after. 

The straight-six engine variants of the Z4 E85 are very sought after, mainly because they are so smooth. The engines are smooth and you also get that classic BMW engine tone which you just don’t get on other cars of this caliber. As the range of modern roadsters continue to increase, most of them falling back on turbochargers, and modern automatics to perform most of the effort, the Z4 E85 can begin to be recognized as being a pure machine.

5. Audi TT Mk1 Quattro

From its initial launch the Audi TT Mk1 Quattro was not just a design statement but rather a defining expression of late-1990’s car styling. The smooth and almost rounded design was also very minimalist when compared to other cars of its day that were usually much more angular and aggressive.

Key Design and Performance Features:

• Iconic minimalist coupe design
• Quattro all-wheel-drive system
• Turbocharged engine options
• Balanced everyday usability
• Strong cultural design impact

However, initially, the critics asked whether it looked too good to have the performance to go with it, but the Quattro versions answer this to any extent with assured handling and excellent traction in all conditions. Turbocharged power and all-wheel drive have produced a highly driveable and thoroughly exciting machine, particularly in bad conditions on difficult roads. 

In recent years the Mk1 TT is becoming more of a collector’s car as original un-modified vehicles are becoming rarer, and the original design and era (late 1990’s) are seen as significant in terms of its design importance and automotive innovation, meaning that the car is now considered a milestone in Audi’s styling and engineering success.

6. Honda Civic Type R EP3

The EP3 Honda Civic Type R had a huge impact in formulating what a modern day hot hatch was and would be about, providing a focused, light and rev-happy driver experience with Honda’s VTEC technology and not over-sophisticated creature comforts. It opened Honda to the driving masses.

Key Performance and Hot Hatch Features:

• High-revving VTEC engine
• Lightweight hatchback chassis
• Driver-focused suspension tuning
• Manual transmission engagement
• Track-capable hot hatch design

For years, the EP3 was more seen as a modded road car than a true performance machine. This was the cause of many owners having their cars tuned out of all recognition, this in turn resulted in a lower number of original cars in good condition, as there are few in existence now. Therefore unrestored examples are becoming somewhat of a rarity.

In line with this, value is on the rise and collectors now value the NA power, light body shell and the sheer driving experience that is offered with a naturally aspirated engine of this kind. This is considered one of the last truly analog cars produced from Honda during its time in the performance hot hatch spotlight.

7. Saab 9-3 Viggen

The Saab 9-3 Viggen is a unique and vital milestone in car history. It was one of the last performance models produced by the firm before the Swedish manufacturer’s inevitable demise and continues to demonstrate its knowledge of turbo-charging by producing some excellent mid-range punch and a characterful and specific feel.

Key Performance and Design Characteristics:

• Turbocharged high-output engine
• Strong mid-range torque delivery
• Front-wheel-drive performance layout
• Distinctive Scandinavian engineering approach
• Limited production performance model

When it first came out it failed to ignite the public and mainstream. This was partially down to uncertainty of Saabs future at that point and that was enough for market values to keep the price of the Viggen below what the performance actually allowed. For a well-engineered vehicle it seemed quite underappreciated at that time. 

However the Viggen is slowly starting to gain respect for its rareness and personality. It has become quite of a cult classic and a relic of a disappearing age of a non-globalised, independent engineered performance car. In contrast to modern electronically focused and quite generic performance vehicles the Viggen is celebrated by a certain demographic for its personality and character through its forced induction nature.

8. Jaguar XK X100

The Jaguar XK X100 is a compromise between the classic British grand tourer luxury of yesteryear and more modern engineering dependability. Launched during Ford’s ownership of Jaguar, it preserved classic styling characteristics whilst offering improved build quality, usability and refinement-appealing to traditional Jaguar customers and newcomers.

Key Grand Touring Features:

• Classic Jaguar-inspired design language
• Improved modern-era reliability
• Comfortable long-distance cruising focus
• Available supercharged performance variants
• Balanced luxury and usability

Its styling is undeniably inspired by Jaguar’s rich heritage, possessing a flowing profile and a restrained, classic feel that eschews overt vulgarity. Internally, however, it employs a far more contemporary approach to the engineering and design of the traditional Jaguar GT; making the XK far more robust and user friendly than many of its ancestors, and creating an effective compromise between aspirational classic and practical luxury sports coupe.

 Later supercharged versions of the XK also offered potent, yet refined performance. As early 2000s GT’s enter into their own renaissance, the XK X100 is becoming recognised as one of the more attainable and accessible ways of entering the Jaguar GT stable.

9. Volvo 850 T-5R

The Volvo 850 T-5R was an enormous development in what the automotive world thought about the Volvo brand. It brought about the perception that Volvo, traditionally known for safety, practicality and mundane styling, could also build a truly sporting and capable touring estate car, without compromising the practicality the brand has become known for.

Key Performance and Practical Features:

• Turbocharged high-performance engine
• Estate body with practical utility
• Touring car racing heritage
• Strong real-world acceleration
• Limited production performance model

But lurking beneath its sober and square exterior is an extremely capable turbo engine that proves rather rewarding to use in normal conditions and performance. This is why it stands out among its contemporaries; one of the first true performance estates to be able to serve the dual role of family car and track weapon.

Its rarity as a series-produced car and participation in the touring car races mean its cult status among enthusiasts is continuing to grow. This growing desire for performance estates a rare commodity in today’s automotive market will further solidify its position as one of Volvo’s best known performance vehicles.

10. DeLorean DMC-12

The DeLorean DMC-12 is more about its iconic presence in popular culture than performance. Stainless steel body panels and innovative Gullwing doors have earned it a one-of-a-kind, and everlasting image that will span through years, and cement its place as the single most iconic automobile design.

Key Design and Cultural Features:

• Stainless steel exterior body panels
• Gullwing door design
• Distinctive wedge-shaped styling
• Minimalist rear-engine layout
• Strong pop-culture association

For all its dynamic failings, there are few cars from this era that didn’t have a visual approach that would struggle to compare. Its future looks could immediately lift it apart from all the other cars around it although its automotive capabilities couldn’t quite match this ambitious aesthetic styling. This instantly earned it lasting credibility through its involvement in the Back to the Future saga, where it was catapulted into becoming a world famous movie icon and this will no doubt guarantee an interested and willing market for decades.

11. Ferrari 400/412

The Ferrari 400/412 is a distinctive shift in design philosophy for the Ferrari Marque, with the V12 engine of the brand being used to facilitate comfortable and practical grand tourers. These models are quite different to the sharper, more track-ready Ferrari’s that also graced these eras, instead offering a softer, more comfortable driving experience suitable for covering large distances.

Key Grand Touring Features:

• Front-mounted V12 engine layout
• Comfortable 2+2 seating configuration
• Automatic transmission option
• Long-distance touring capability
• Understated Ferrari design language

When it was first launched the 400/412 was criticised by purists for its automatic gearbox and four-seat layout that were not perceived as fulfilling pure Ferrari ideals of performance, but it was perhaps this which gave it a distinct appeal beyond the sport-focused performance car crowd and left it relatively unrecognized in comparison to the other Ferraris at the time. 

The current appreciation of this more gentleman’s Ferrari stems more recently from its acquisition by collectors, and there is an increasing interest in more esoteric and often under-appreciated Ferraris. Now seen in a new light the 400/412 is appreciated for its usability on a grand touring scale, and it is an important reminder that Ferrari’s identity can indeed encompasses comfort, elegance and style as well as extreme performance.

12. Mercedes-Benz G500

Early Mercedes-Benz G500 models represent the utilitarian origins of the G-Class, before it fully evolved into the luxury-focused icon it is known as today. Originally engineered with durability and off-road capability as top priorities, these early versions maintained a rugged, purposeful character that set them apart from more comfort-oriented SUVs.

Key Off-Road and Design Features:

• Boxy, utilitarian body design
• Military-inspired engineering roots
• Strong off-road capability
• Durable ladder-frame construction
• Minimal luxury-focused electronics

The G500’s distinctive boxy shape and functional design language reflect its original purpose as a highly capable off-road vehicle rather than a luxury statement. Its engineering was heavily influenced by military requirements, emphasizing strength, reliability, and performance in extreme conditions. This focus on durability helped establish the G-Class as one of the most capable SUVs in its class.

Over time, this authenticity has become increasingly valued, especially as modern G-Class models have shifted toward greater luxury and refinement. As newer versions become more expensive and technologically advanced, earlier G500 models are gaining renewed interest among collectors and enthusiasts who appreciate their original, uncompromised off-road capability and mechanical simplicity.

13. Volvo P1800

The Volvo P1800 marked a major shift in Volvo’s design identity by introducing a level of style and elegance that was uncommon for the brand at the time. With its Italian-inspired bodywork and clean proportions, it stood out as a more emotionally appealing alternative to Volvo’s traditionally practical and safety-focused vehicles.

Key Design and Legacy Features:

• Italian-influenced coupe styling
• Long-lasting mechanical durability
• Classic rear-wheel-drive layout
• Strong build quality reputation
• Timeless grand touring proportions

Beyond its appearance, the P1800 became widely respected for its exceptional build quality and longevity, reinforcing Volvo’s reputation for durability. While not designed as a high-performance sports car, it delivered a balanced and reliable driving experience that made it suitable for both everyday use and long-distance touring.

Its popularity was further amplified through its appearance in television, which helped cement its image as a stylish yet dependable coupe. Today, the P1800 is celebrated not only as a design icon but also as proof that Volvo’s engineering capabilities extend beyond safety-focused vehicles, representing an important chapter in the brand’s global automotive legacy.

14. Lamborghini Gallardo 6-Speed

The manual Lamborghini Gallardo represents one of the final eras of truly analog supercar driving. Equipped with a gated six-speed manual transmission, it delivers a mechanical, highly engaging experience that modern dual-clutch and automated systems cannot fully replicate. This connection between driver and machine has made it especially significant among driving enthusiasts.

Key Driving and Performance Features:

• Gated 6-speed manual gearbox
• Naturally aspirated V10 engine
• Rear-mid-engine supercar layout
• High-revving performance character
• Driver-focused analog engagement

While automatic and E-Gear versions make up the majority of Gallardo production, manual variants were produced in far smaller numbers. This limited availability has significantly increased their desirability over time, especially as the automotive industry continues to shift toward automated and electrified drivetrains. The gated shifter has become a defining symbol of this era, representing a more tactile and involved driving experience.

As collectors increasingly prioritize analog driving feel and mechanical engagement, the manual Gallardo has emerged as one of the most sought-after modern Lamborghinis. Its blend of V10 performance and direct driver interaction ensures its place as a modern classic, valued not just for speed but for the emotional experience it delivers behind the wheel.

15. Jaguar E-Type SI 3.8 Coupe

The Jaguar E-Type Series 1 3.8 Coupe is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful and influential sports cars ever created. Its long bonnet, flowing curves, and perfectly proportioned body gave it an instant global identity that continues to define classic automotive design standards even today. It represents a peak moment where aesthetics and engineering came together in near-perfect harmony.

Key Design and Heritage Features:

• Iconic long-hood coupe design
• 3.8L inline-six performance engine
• Lightweight monocoque construction
• Timeless aerodynamic proportions
• Strong collector market demand

Beyond its visual impact, the E-Type 3.8 Coupe delivered impressive performance for its era. The 3.8-liter inline-six engine provided strong acceleration and smooth power delivery, while the lightweight monocoque structure contributed to agile handling and a responsive driving experience. This balance of beauty and performance helped establish the E-Type as a true driver’s sports car, not just a design icon.

Over time, its reputation has only strengthened, with collectors increasingly recognizing its historical importance and design purity. Even as broader classic car markets fluctuate, the E-Type Series 1 continues to maintain strong long-term desirability. It remains one of the most secure and respected automotive collectibles, representing a timeless combination of elegance, engineering excellence, and cultural significance.