Top 10 classic / near-classic RHD / RHD-adaptable candidates for investment in the UK

Top 10 classic / near-classic RHD / RHD-adaptable candidates for investment in the UK

Below is a ranked (though flexible) list of 10 models (or model families) that I believe have good upside and strong rationale in the UK / RHD context. I try to cover a range of budgets / eras.

Some additional observations & tips

1. “Bull Market” lists & trend forecasting
   Insurers / valuation specialists like Hagerty publish “Bull Market” lists indicating models they believe have value upside. For the UK 2025 list, the selected cars cover a mix of traditional classics and modern classics.Hagerty UK+2bicestermotion.com+2 While these lists are not guarantees, they’re a good guide to what the market is watching.

2. Modern-classic move
   There is increasing enthusiasm for cars from the 1980s, 1990s and early 2000s — these bridge the gap between tolerable reliability and collector appeal. Models like the Impreza P1 or 147 GTA show that this segment is gaining momentum.

3. Importing / converting LHD → RHD
   For a car that is otherwise perfect but is LHD, conversion is possible — but only advisable if the potential premium (or rarity) justifies the cost and risk.

4. Liquidity & exit strategy
   Always think about how easy it will be to resell. A car that’s too niche or obscure may be hard to exit. Cars with strong communities / clubs / heritage attract more buyers.

5. Documentation / originality matters
   The more original, better documented, and better maintained, the safer the investment. Avoid heavily “customised” cars unless the modifications are sympathetic and reversible.

6. Insurance, taxes & regulation changes
   These can shift the classic car landscape. Keep aware of changes in emissions law, classic import rules, historic vehicle taxation, and insurance policy changes.

   £50k and under

   • Jaguar XJS (early V12 or later Celebration models) – undervalued GT with Jaguar heritage.

   • Lotus Elan (1960s, early S1–S4) – lightweight British icon, lots of club support.

   • Austin-Healey 3000 – classic British roadster, still strong value under £50k.

   • Subaru Impreza P1 (2000/01 UK special edition) – rally pedigree, limited numbers, RHD only.

   • Alfa Romeo 147 GTA / 156 GTA – modern classic hot hatch/saloon, rare in RHD.

   • TVR Chimaera / Griffith (1990s) – British brute force, big V8, RHD native.

   • Triumph TR6 – accessible, usable, with good spares supply.

   • MGB GT V8 (factory cars, not conversions) – rising interest, limited production RHD.

   • Mazda MX-5 Mk1 (low-mile, special editions) – increasingly collectible, RHD plentiful.

   • Mercedes-Benz R107 SL (1970s–80s) – solid, usable classic with rising interest.

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   £100k and over

   1. Aston Martin DB5 / DB4 – ultimate British GT, Bond connection, RHD gold standard.

   2. Jaguar E-Type Series 1 (3.8/4.2 Roadster or Coupe) – iconic design, UK demand for RHD.

   3. Porsche 911 (classic air-cooled 964 RS, 993, or early 930 Turbo) – collector staples, RHD premium.

   4. Ferrari F355 Berlinetta / Spider (manual) – modern Ferrari darling, UK RHD cars prized.

   5. Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III – timeless luxury, RHD majority, traditional collector appeal.

   6. Bentley Continental R (1990s) – handmade British GT, limited production.

   7. Mercedes-Benz 300SL “Gullwing” / Roadster (RHD extremely rare) – ultra-collectible, global icon.

   8. Aston Martin V8 Vantage (1970s/80s “British muscle” car) – rare, powerful, hand-built.

   9. Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona (RHD examples) – legendary front-engined Ferrari, UK RHD scarce.

   10. Lamborghini Miura (RHD conversions exist, very rare originals) – design icon, top-end collector interest.

   11. Why classic cars might look attractive in the current climate

       Here are several arguments supporting the idea that people are turning to classics (or rethinking them) as an “alternative” asset or refuge:

       1. Tangible assets in inflationary / volatile times

          • When currency loses purchasing power, assets that are physical and limited in supply can be perceived as having more “real” value. Classic cars, being finite in number and often with historical or heritage cachet, can serve as partial hedges. Wealthspire+2Old Cars Weekly+2

          • Some past analyses suggest that “certain antique and classic cars have been a good hedge against high inflation,” though that is not guaranteed. Old Cars Weekly

       2. Desire for diversification & non-correlated assets

          • Investors often look to diversify away from stocks, bonds, or real estate in uncertain times. Classic cars (and collectible vehicles generally) are a “passion asset” that don’t always move in step with mainstream markets. Wealthspire+1

          • Some institutions and wealth managers are starting to treat high-end classics more like “alternative investment” classes. AInvest+1

       3. Tax / regulation effects & luxury / status demand

          • In the UK, vehicles over 40 years old get historic vehicle tax exemption, and those same cars generally don’t need an MOT (if unmodified). Wikipedia

          • As governments raise taxes, extend regulatory burdens (e.g. emissions controls, congestion charges, ULEZ zones, etc.), owning something “historic” or exempt can become more attractive. Heritage Car Insurance+1

          • Some newer “modern classics” whose emissions or registrations fall just inside favourable categories may see increased demand. Classics World+1

       4. Shifts in buyer demographics & taste

          • There’s evidence that younger collectors are entering the market, especially for “modern classics” (1980s–1990s). goodsongallery.com+2Heritage Car Insurance+2

          • The “Bull Market” lists published by Hagerty UK highlight cars they believe have upside in 2025, some of which are post-2000 or later models. Classics World+1

       5. Market “correction” / timing window

          • After a strong run-up (especially during COVID and post-COVID, when people had spare money and restrictions), some parts of the classic car market are softening, creating potential entry points. Hagerty UK+2Heritage Car Insurance+2

          • Some commentators suggest that speculative capital (people chasing trends) may be cooling, which could sift out weaker speculative segments. Hagerty UK+2Classics World+2

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       Counterarguments / reasons to be cautious

       While the pull toward classics is understandable, there are important risks and counterpoints:

       • Volatility & illiquidity
         Classic cars are not as liquid as stocks or property. Selling at the “right” time depends on matching buyer tastes, condition, provenance, etc.

       • Maintenance, storage, depreciation risk
         Even “good” classics can require expensive upkeep. Unexpected mechanical, parts, or chassis problems can erode returns.

       • Market correction / bubble risk
         If much of the demand is speculation (rather than true enthusiast-driven), valuations might outpace fundamentals. Some cite a “coattail effect” (i.e. people chasing hype) in the collector market. Hagerty+1

       • Regulatory & environmental pressures
         Even historic vehicles may face stricter regulation in the future (e.g. low-emission zones, especially for post-historic-age cars).

       • Differentiation matters
         Only certain models, in good condition, with strong provenance or rarity, are likely to appreciate. Mass-market or heavily modified examples may lag or fall.

       • Index decline recently
         Some classic car indices have declined in 2024, indicating cooling in the market. Hagerty UK

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       My view: yes — a modest movement, but selective & cautious

       I believe we are in a phase where interest in classic cars as investment vehicles is again being reconsidered by a portion of capital — especially from those seeking alternatives in an uncertain macroeconomic environment. But I wouldn’t call it a full-blown “movement” across the board. It’s more a reshuffling of attention, favoring better-quality, rarer, better documented cars, and “modern classics” that hit favorable regulatory brackets.