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Let’s be honest talking about cars as “investments” usually makes purists roll their eyes. But here’s the thing: if you’re smart about it, buying the right car can actually be one of the most enjoyable ways to park your money. You get to drive something special, turn heads at the petrol station, and potentially make a tidy profit when you sell. Not bad, right?
I’ve been watching the classic and modern classic car market closely, and 2025 is shaping up to be a fascinating year. Values are stabilizing after the COVID-era madness, which means there are genuine opportunities if you know where to look. So grab a coffee, and let’s dive into 20 cars that could be brilliant investments – all under £100K.
The Modern Classics That Are Just Hitting Their Stride
1. Porsche 997 GT3
The 997-generation GT3 is the last of the “analogue” GT3s before things went PDK and turbo. That 3.8-litre flat-six revving to 8,400rpm? Pure magic. These were around £50-60K a few years ago, but they’re climbing steadily. The 997.2 GT3 RS is already well into six figures, so the standard GT3 looks like the smart play here.
2. BMW E46 M3 CSL
This is the car that started the modern “lightweight special” trend at BMW. Only 1,383 were made, and every single one was right-hand drive for the UK market. That carbon roof, those flared arches, and that screaming straight-six – it’s automotive poetry. Values have been climbing consistently, and I don’t see that stopping.
3. Ferrari 360 Spider Manual
Here’s a secret: manual gated Ferraris are where the smart money’s going. The 360 Spider with a proper stick shift is becoming increasingly rare, and collectors are finally appreciating these “entry-level” V8 Ferraris. Plus, you actually get to enjoy the Italian soundtrack with the roof down.
4. Aston Martin V12 Vantage Manual
Stuffing a 6.0-litre V12 into the compact Vantage body was gloriously ridiculous, and Aston only made 410 manual versions. These cars are absolute weapons – raw, loud, and utterly engaging. As Aston goes increasingly hybrid and electric, these dinosaurs will only become more desirable.
The Japanese Icons Finally Getting Their Due
5. Honda NSX NA1
The first-generation NSX has exploded in value over the past decade, but there’s still room to grow. This was the everyday supercar that redefined what mid-engined performance could be. Clean examples, especially in classic colours like red or white, are only getting harder to find.
6. Toyota Supra A80 Twin-Turbo
Thanks to Fast and Furious nostalgia and genuine driver appeal, the Mk4 Supra has gone from “nice used sports car” to “serious investment.” UK-spec right-hand drive manuals are the ones to chase. Yeah, they’re getting expensive, but the trajectory suggests they’re not done climbing yet.
7. Nissan Skyline R34 GT-R
The R34 GT-R has become the poster child for appreciating Japanese performance cars. While Midnight Purple examples are already stratospheric, even standard colours are pushing six figures for clean, unmodified examples. The 25-year import rule in the US continues to drive demand globally.
8. Mazda RX-7 FD
The rotary-powered FD is the “affordable” option on this list, but don’t sleep on it. Clean, unmolested examples are vanishingly rare, and as the tuner tax scene moves away from modified cars toward concours-quality originals, the FD is perfectly positioned to appreciate.
The German Thoroughbreds
9. Porsche 911 (996) GT3
The unloved 996 generation is having its moment. The GT3 variant never had the IMS bearing issues that plagued standard 996s, and it’s an absolutely brilliant driver’s car. As 997 GT3s push past £100K, the 996 GT3 looks like exceptional value.
10. BMW E39 M5
Okay, hear me out. The E39 M5 is still relatively affordable, but clean, low-mileage examples are already appreciating. This was BMW at its absolute peak – that V8 soundtrack, that understated styling, and it’s comfortable enough for everyday use. Get one before they’re all six figures.
11. Mercedes-Benz W124 500E
Built by Porsche for Mercedes, the 500E is a piece of automotive history. It’s subtle, brutally fast for its era, and becoming increasingly collectible. The best examples are already commanding serious money, and the gap to the next price tier looks set to close.
12. Audi RS2 Avant
The original fast estate, co-developed with Porsche, is a cult hero. Only 2,891 were built, and it defined a whole genre of cars. As values of air-cooled Porsches remain stratospheric, Porsche-adjacent models like this are benefiting from halo effect appreciation.
The British Bruisers
13. Jaguar XJ220 (£350,000+… wait, too expensive)
Scratch that one – prices have already climbed too high. But it shows where the market’s heading for British supercars.
14. Lotus Elise 111S
The S1 Elise is pure, unadulterated driving pleasure, and values are finally reflecting that. These were around £15-20K not long ago. As emission regulations kill off lightweight sports cars, the Elise’s significance grows. The 111S with the 190bhp engine is the sweet spot.
15. Caterham Seven 620R
Limited production, track-focused brilliance, and an experience nothing else can replicate. While not as collectible as some others here, the best Sevens are appreciating steadily, and the 620R represents the peak of the modern Seven lineup.
The Italian Stallions
16. Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione (£200,000+… nope)
Also over budget now, but validates the trajectory for Italian limited editions.
17. Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio
This might be the wildcard entry, but hear me out. The Giulia QV is the last of a dying breed – a front-engine, rear-drive Italian sports saloon with a Ferrari-derived twin-turbo V6. As Alfa’s future goes electric, this car’s significance will grow. Early examples are depreciating now, making it a contrarian buy.
18. Maserati GranTurismo S Manual
That Ferrari-derived 4.7-litre V8 is one of the best-sounding engines ever made. The manual gearbox versions are rare, and as Maserati goes hybrid/electric, these naturally aspirated V8 GTs will be remembered fondly. Buy the best one you can find.
The American Muscle (That Crossed the Pond)
19. Chevrolet Corvette C8 Z06
The C8 Z06 with its flat-plane crank V8 is a genuinely special thing – it sounds like a Ferrari and performs like one too. While it’s brand new, limited UK allocation and the fact it’s the last naturally aspirated Corvette V8 suggests strong future collectibility.
20. Ford Mustang Shelby GT500
Right-hand drive GT500s are rare in the UK, making them genuine collector’s items. Over 700bhp from a supercharged V8, and it’s the last hurrah for outrageous American muscle before electrification arrives. Values on special Mustangs are trending upward.
So, What Makes a Good Investment?
Right, we’ve looked at the cars, but let’s talk strategy. What actually makes a car appreciate rather than depreciate?
Limited production numbers are crucial. The fewer made, the better – especially if it was a special edition or homologation model.
Manual gearboxes are increasingly important. As automatics and EVs dominate, the ability to row your own gears is becoming a legitimate selling point.
The last of its kind narrative works brilliantly. The last naturally aspirated car, the last manual option, the last before regulations changed – these stories matter to collectors.
Originality is king. Modified cars might be fun, but they’re terrible investments. You want factory spec, full service history, and ideally low mileage (though not too low – you want it properly used, not garage art).
Condition trumps everything. A mint example of a less desirable model will often be a better investment than a rough example of a more collectible car.
The Reality Check
Look, I’m not going to pretend every car on this list will double in value overnight. Some might depreciate before they appreciate. The market can be unpredictable, and running costs on performance cars are no joke. Insurance, maintenance, and storage all add up.
But here’s what I love about car investing versus, say, stocks or property: you can actually use your investment. Drive it on sunny weekends. Take it to track days. Enjoy the journey – literally. And if it appreciates? Brilliant. If it just holds value while you have years of enjoyment? That’s still a win.
The key is buying with your head as well as your heart. Do your research, buy the best example you can afford, and remember that cars are meant to be driven. A car that sits unused in a garage isn’t an investment – it’s just expensive furniture.
What Would I Buy?
If you’re asking me personally? I’d be torn between the E46 M3 CSL for pure driving pleasure and potential appreciation, or the 997 GT3 as a safer bet that’s already proven its collectibility credentials. The NSX would be my heart choice, but prices have already run quite hard there.
The real opportunity might be in the sub-£50K category – cars like the E39 M5, Lotus Elise 111S, or even a pristine Giulia QV as a long-term play. These are the cars that seem “too new” or “too common” right now but could surprise people in 5-10 years.
What about you? Are you looking at cars as investments, or are you in it purely for the driving? Either way, 2025 looks like a fascinating year for the market.
Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got some classified ads to browse…
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