Classic Car Market Trends: What's Selling in 2025

The classic car market in 2025 continues its evolution from pandemic-era highs to a more nuanced, segment-specific landscape. Online sales now represent over 50% of the market by volume, changing how cars are bought and sold. Meanwhile, generational shifts are redefining which cars collectors want.

The Numbers: Market Overview

Global classic and collector car auction sales reached approximately €4.3 billion in 2024, with steady growth continuing into 2025. Key observations:

• Online auction volume up 12% year-over-year
• Average transaction values stabilizing after 2021-2022 peaks
• Sub-€50,000 segment showing strongest transaction growth
• Pre-1970 vehicles experiencing gentle price softening
• 1980s-1990s cars continuing appreciation

Generational Shift in Collecting

The most significant market force is demographic. Baby Boomers, who dominated classic car collecting for decades, are aging out of the market. Gen X and Millennials are taking over — and they want different cars.

Rising Stars

• 1990s Japanese sports cars: Mazda MX-5, Honda NSX, Toyota Supra
• Hot hatches: Peugeot 205 GTI, VW Golf GTI Mk2, Renault 5 Turbo
• Youngtimers: BMW E30/E36, Mercedes W124, Porsche 964/993
• Affordable exotics: Ferrari 348, Lotus Esprit, Porsche 944 Turbo

Softening Segments

• American muscle: Still selling, but no longer commanding pandemic premiums
• Pre-war cars: Buyer pool contracting as specialized collectors age
• 1950s chrome-era: Strong resistance from younger buyers to maintenance complexity

The Online Revolution

Online platforms have democratized the market. Buyers in Bucharest can now bid on cars in Barcelona or Berlin with the same ease as locals. This creates opportunity but also price convergence — regional bargains are harder to find when everyone sees everything.

For sellers, online reach expands your buyer pool dramatically. The right buyer for a niche vehicle might be anywhere in Europe. Platforms like Finds connect sellers across the EU, matching vehicles with collectors who specifically want them.

Investment Perspective

We're cautious about treating classic cars as pure investments. The market is illiquid, transaction costs are high, and carrying costs (insurance, storage, maintenance) eat into returns.

That said, certain segments show investment merit:

• Rare sports cars from respected marques — limited supply meets sustained demand
• Documented, matching-numbers examples — provenance commands premiums
• Cars on the cusp of collector recognition — 1990s Japanese offers potential

The worst investment? Heavily modified common cars, or restored examples where restoration cost exceeds market value.

What We're Watching

Electrification Impact

As EVs dominate new car sales, will enthusiasm for combustion classics increase or decrease? Current signals suggest increased nostalgia value for characterful engines.

Regulatory Pressure

Urban emission zones and potential restrictions on historic vehicles remain a concern. Well-maintained classics typically receive exemptions, but the regulatory environment bears monitoring.

Parts Availability

The aftermarket parts industry is robust, with 3D printing and small-batch manufacturing making previously unobtainable components available again. This supports values of cars that were once parts-availability nightmares.

Buying Wisely in 2025

Our recommendations for collectors entering or expanding in the current market:

1. Buy what you love. Market predictions are unreliable; personal enjoyment is certain.
2. Quality over rarity. A well-sorted common model beats a neglected rare one.
3. Documentation matters. Service history, photos, and ownership records add value.
4. Factor in running costs. That €20,000 car might need €5,000 annually to maintain.
5. Buy from platforms you trust. Verification and buyer protection save money long-term.

The classic car market remains vibrant, just more discerning. Quality, provenance, and condition matter more than ever. For buyers willing to do their homework and buy carefully, excellent opportunities exist at every price point.