The classic car market has been running hot for years, boosted by nostalgia, pandemic buying and investors chasing anything with rarity or horsepower. But not every model can sustain its inflated value. As trends shift and collectors get more selective, some classics are poised for a reality check. These ten cars have enjoyed big spikes, but 2026 may be the year their prices finally cool.
Pontiac Firebird Trans Am Late 70s Values Outran Demand
The late 70s Trans Am rode a nostalgia wave thanks to pop culture and limited supply. Prices climbed fast, even for automatic cars with modest power. But younger buyers aren’t chasing these models with the same passion, and the driving experience feels dated. Expect a correction as the pool of high paying collectors shrinks and more realistic pricing returns.
Mercedes SL R107 One of the Most Overheated Mercedes Classics
The R107 SL saw a surge as buyers sought dependable luxury from the 70s and 80s. But rising supply of imported European examples and softening demand from collectors will put downward pressure on values. Many cars need expensive interior and suspension work which scares off casual buyers. Expect prices to settle closer to what restoration costs actually justify.
Porsche 924 and 944 Models Hit Their Ceiling
Front engine Porsches became budget friendly entry points for collectors, but values rose too quickly, especially for average condition cars. As more well kept examples hit the market and restoration costs stay high, prices will plateau then soften. These models are fun to drive but still lack the cachet of rear engine Porsches, making them vulnerable to correction.
Jaguar XJS Big Spike, Little Staying Power
The XJS enjoyed a renaissance as buyers realized it offered V12 or smooth six cylinder power at a fraction of E Type pricing. But maintenance costs remain high and parts continue to rise. The market will cool as owners discover the financial reality of running one. Expect values to dip in 2026 as only well documented examples stay desirable.
BMW E30 3 Series Prices Finally Outpace Reality
The E30’s cult status reached unbelievable heights during the last decade. Even base models climbed to numbers that would once have bought an M car. With supply increasing from long term owners selling and younger buyers moving toward newer performance models, expect the hype to cool. Only genuine M3s and rare trims will hold strong, while ordinary versions see a noticeable drop.
Chevrolet Corvette C4 Early Modern Classics Losing Steam
The C4 Corvette enjoyed a boost as collectors looked beyond 60s and 70s cars. But the driving feel and dated interiors are turning away younger buyers. The sheer number produced means supply far outweighs demand. Values rose faster than enthusiasm, and 2026 will likely bring a sharper return to budget territory for all but pristine low mileage examples.
Mazda RX 7 FB and FC Prices Pushed by Rotary Hype
Rotary enthusiasm inflated RX 7 prices despite the realities of fragile engines and expensive rebuilds. Early cars jumped in value as JDM culture gained traction, but many buyers are now hesitating. Expect a cooling period as restoration costs exceed current values and more project cars flood the market. Only immaculate, original examples will stay strong.
Land Rover Defender 90 and 110 Imported Hype Cooling Down
Imported Defenders surged in price as soon as they became legal. But buyers have begun realizing how rough many examples are and how costly repairs can be. As more vehicles reach the fifteen year import mark, supply will rise and exclusivity will fade. Expect a correction as inflated auction prices give way to more realistic market behaviour.
Ford Mustang Fox Body Overhyped and Oversupplied
The Fox Body Mustang exploded in popularity, with values rising even for ordinary trim levels. But the market is showing signs of fatigue. High mileage examples are struggling to sell and younger buyers are drawn to newer muscle cars. Expect a price dip as sellers lower expectations and the market adjusts to more reasonable levels.
Datsun 280Z Prices Pushed by 240Z Mania
The 240Z’s skyrocketing values pulled 260Z and 280Z prices upward, but not always for the right reasons. Many buyers accepted rough cars at premium pricing because earlier models were unattainable. As supply increases and enthusiasm settles, the 280Z in particular will see a correction. The driving experience remains enjoyable but no longer commands inflated numbers.
Why the Correction Is Coming
As interest rates stabilize and collectors focus on quality over nostalgia alone, the market will separate genuine blue chip classics from temporary hype machines. Cars with high ownership costs or oversupply will feel the pressure first. The correction isn’t a crash—just a shift back toward realistic values.
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Car loans are one of the most common ways people fund car purchases. Like any other kind of loan, car loans can have certain features that can be regarded as an advantage or a disadvantage to the borrower. Understanding all essential facts about car loans and how they work to ensure that you get the best deal for your financial situation is essential. Here are 25 shocking facts about car loans that most drivers don’t realize:
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