TWO much-loved modern classic cars have risen in value in 2025 – although it’s bad news for a famous British marque.
Hagerty’s 2025 guide has revealed the post‑Covid boom for classic cars has somewhat calmed down.
According to their recent study – reported by Motor Trade News – most classic prices are flat-lining or slipping, and while it’s not a complete crash – there may be some bargains out there.
Although in the middle of that, a couple of modern classics are still on the up.
The Ford Escort RS Turbo Mk3 has shot up by 23% this year, while the Renault 5 GT Turbo is up 7.5%.
The classic car experts at Hagerty put this down to the nostalgia-factor – as people who wanted these cars in the 1980s and 1990s can finally afford them and are buying the best they can find.
On the flip side, a favourite British badge has taken a hit.
Jaguar values are down 21.4% year on year, the biggest drop of the lot.
That fall was made worse when a high‑profile Jaguar XKSS didn’t sell at RM Sotheby’s London late last year, which dragged the brand’s numbers down.
Other British stalwarts have softened too, including Jaguar C and D‑Types, as well as the iconic Aston Martin DB5 and the MGB.
Even so, the really top‑notch cars – which boast great history, great condition – are still finding buyers.
At the rarefied end, Shelby Cobra Daytona coupes have jumped the most of any model in the guide – helped by big auction results in Monterey and Kissimmee in the US.
And speaking of the States, fewer UK classics are heading over there, with exports to the US at a six‑year low – down 14% on 2024 – although Land Rovers are still the most commonly shipped.
The bottom line is that the easy money days have gone, with buyers pickier and prices somewhat settled.
Older British icons are softer, while hot hatches and other modern classics are getting plenty of love.
This comes as a wave of discontinued motors – everything from everyday hatchbacks to recognisable icons – is closing in on becoming modern classics of the near future.
Many models which have recently gone out of production may become a future collectible – as dwindling numbers and growing rarity often elevates once-common motors into cherished classics.
And Hagerty, who specialises in classic and collectible cars, recently looked at UK registrations over recent years to compile a list of popular cars that have been discontinued:
This includes the Citroen Saxo, launched in 1996 and beloved by drivers of a certain generation for its small engines and low insurance costs – often seen as the ideal first car.
Production of the Saxo ran until late 2003 and it was eventually replaced by the Citroen C2 and C3 – leading to the car becoming a rare sight.
Indeed, with registrations falling by 72% in the past five years, just over 9,500 remain on UK roads.
Experts advise holding on to yours if you have one, as it represents a slice of motoring history.
And also to keep an eye out for bargain-priced examples on the used market – some can be found for as little as £590.
