Hagerty UK has revealed its 2026 Bull Market List at Bicester Motion’s season-opening Scramble, showcasing ten classic cars that offer strong ownership appeal with a potential financial upside. The list is now a fixture of the calendar, combining insight from Hagerty’s UK Price Guide team and data from thousands of market transactions.
Past picks have ranged from an Austin J40 pedal car to exotic like the Mercedes-Benz SLS, and this year’s spread is no less eclectic. ‘These are not high-end collector cars,’ said Hagerty’s UK Price Guide editor (and regular Octane contributor) John Mayhead, ‘but the cars that offer the ultimate in value when it comes to affordability and ownership experience.’
Here are the selections for 2026.
Alfa Romeo Spider (1966-1986)
With timeless Pininfarina lines and a gutsy twin-cam character, the Series 2 Spider combines classic looks with genuine usability. Hagerty spotlights the 2000 Veloce as the sweet spot, with good examples around £21k – not a rapid riser, but excellent value for a charismatic soft-top with broad specialist support.
Ferrari F430 (2004-2009)
A modern Ferrari with all the right credentials: a naturally aspirated 4.3-litre V8, Pininfarina styling, and rising values. Hagerty puts the best manual Spider examples at around £95,000 – still below the 458 Italia, but climbing steadily. Popular with younger buyers and highly rated for collectability.
Ford Transit Mk1 (1965-1977)
A surprise inclusion, but the original Transit’s status as Britain’s van of the people – and bank robbers – makes the Mk1 a rising curiosity. A good 2.0-litre petrol version sits around £17k. Rare, usable, and celebrated by a passionate following, the Transit is now recognised for its cultural as well as commercial significance.
Mercedes-Benz SLK R171 (2004-2011)
Sitting between used and classic status, the R171 SLK is reckoned to be a future classic in waiting. Hagerty values good 200 Kompressors at just £5200. Retractable hard-top, supercharged engines and proven Mercedes quality give this overlooked roadster a compelling case – especially in SLK 55 AMG form.
MG MGA (1955-1962)
Values have dipped, but the MGA remains one of the most rewarding 1950s British roadsters. With parts supply strong and a sweet balance of style and usability, the 1600cc version is considered the pick. Around £25k buys a strong example with long-distance touring credibility and easy ownership.
Porsche 911 (996) (1997-2006)
Maligned for its water-cooled engine and fried-egg headlights for years, the 996 has been a ‘bargain Porsche 911’ for years. Hagerty values a good early Carrera 2 at £17,800 – exceptional value for a proper 911. The 996 also topped Hagerty’s Collectability Algorithm for 2026, beating even the Ferrari.
Riley Nine Imp (1934-1935)
The only pre-war car on the list, the Nine Imp is a lightweight, twin-cam sporting special with competition pedigree. Values may have slipped (now around £60k), but growing Gen X interest, along with track and tour usability, mark it out as a standout in the shrinking pre-war field.
Toyota Supra A80 (1993-2002)
The fourth-generation Supra remains the JDM hero of the 1990s. Prices have dipped from their movie-fuelled peak, but UK-spec twin-turbo manuals are still strong at around £40,000. Demand is driven by international buyers and younger enthusiasts, signalling future collectability.
Vauxhall Viva HC (1971-1979)
The ultimate Festival of the Unexceptional contender, the Viva HC was once everywhere – now it’s charmingly rare. £4300 buys an excellent 1300cc car, with easy upkeep and stand-out appeal among flashier contemporaries. An unpretentious classic for those who like to be different.
Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk2 (1983-1992)
With Mk1 values soaring, the Mk2 GTI is increasingly seen as the smarter buy. Hagerty values good cars at £15k, with flat prices despite rising demand. It scores higher on collectability than its predecessor and remains a quick, engaging and supremely usable hot hatch – especially in 16-valve form.
Read the full Bull Market analysis at hagerty.co.uk
