Predicting which cars will become true collectibles by around 2036 involves looking at trends like the shift to electrification, the decline of manual transmissions and naturally aspirated engines, limited production runs, cultural significance, and strong enthusiast communities. Many of today's "used" cars are undervalued because they're not yet seen as classics, parts are still widely available, and depreciation has bottomed out.In early 2026, several models remain surprisingly affordable (often €10,000–€40,000 for good examples in Europe, or equivalent in other markets), yet they're gaining attention from collectors, Hagerty's Bull Market insights, and enthusiast forums. These are poised for appreciation as they become the "last of their kind" in an EV-dominated future.Here are 10 strong candidates that balance fun-to-drive appeal, rarity potential, and current bargain pricing. Prices are approximate for clean, roadworthy examples (manual preferred where possible).
- Mazda MX-5 Miata (NC generation, 2005–2015)Still one of the most accessible pure sports cars, with good examples available for €8,000–€18,000. The NC is the "middle child" between the NB and ND, offering lightweight design, rear-wheel drive, and a manual gearbox. As the last truly analog, affordable roadsters age, low-mileage clean cars will become weekend icons. Hagerty highlighted the earlier NB (1999–2005) on its 2026 Bull Market list, but the NC is following closely behind.
2. Honda S2000 (1999–2009)A high-revving legend with the iconic F20C/F22C engine. Clean examples still hover around €20,000–€35,000 in many markets. It's the last pure Honda roadster before turbo and hybrid eras, with perfect balance and open-top thrills. Demand from younger enthusiasts is rising steadily.
3. Nissan 350Z / 370Z (2003–2020)Underrated V6-powered coupes and roadsters (€10,000–€25,000 range). These are among the final naturally aspirated Japanese sports cars before turbo-four dominance. Manual versions with aftermarket support will age beautifully as the Z lineage shifts.
4. BMW E60 M5 (2005–2010)The V10-powered super saloon (€20,000–€40,000 for decent survivors, especially rare Touring models). The S85 engine is a one-off masterpiece. Hagerty placed it firmly on the 2026 Bull Market list, noting strong interest from under-40 buyers. In a decade, surviving low-mile examples will be prized as the last big naturally aspirated M cars.
- Porsche Cayman / Boxster (987 generation, especially 987.2 facelift 2009–2012)Mid-engine purity with flat-six character (€20,000–€40,000). The 987.2 addressed earlier IMS issues, making it the "smart buy" Porsche. As air-cooled 911s become unattainable and EVs take over, these will be the accessible entry to classic Porsche ownership.
6. Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk5 (especially Edition 30 or VR6 models) / Mk4 VR6€5,000–€15,000 for solid examples. The VR6 hot hatches offer unique engine character and front-drive fun. As newer GTIs go hybrid or electric, these analog icons will gain cult status as "last of the pure hot hatches." The Mk5 VR6 was spotlighted in Hagerty trends.
7. Toyota MR2 Spyder (W30, 1999–2007)Mid-engine, lightweight roadster fun with Toyota reliability (€8,000–€18,000). Often overshadowed by the S2000, but it's gaining followers as mid-engine convertibles become scarce. Clean, unmodified cars are bargains now.
8. Chevrolet Corvette C6 Z06 (2006–2013)The 505-hp LS7 V8 monster (€40,000–€60,000 range in Europe, often lower in the US). Hagerty highlighted it on the 2026 Bull Market list for performance-per-dollar value. As naturally aspirated American V8s fade, this will be a high-water mark for accessible supercar performance.
9. BMW Z4 M Coupe (E86, 2006–2008)Rare, quirky, and fast (€30,000–€50,000+). The inline-six and hatchback design make it a cult favorite. Limited production ensures scarcity—it's already appreciating as enthusiasts seek analog BMWs.
10. Lotus Elise / Exige (Series 2, 2004–2011)Lightweight purity at its finest (€25,000–€45,000 for good ones). Minimalist, high-revving fun with no heavy tech. As cars get heavier and more complex, these will be revered as the pinnacle of simple sports cars.These picks draw from current market data (Hagerty 2026 Bull Market trends, depreciation patterns, and enthusiast discussions). Focus on clean, unmodified, low-mileage examples with service history—those hold value best. Of course, no prediction is guaranteed; the real win is owning something you'll enjoy driving for years.
