The Best Modern Classic Cars You Should Buy In 2025
01st Apr 2025
It is a given that almost every car will depreciate. However, in this ever-changing world we live in, that given is never entirely true. Sure, some exclusive hypercars and supercars appreciate, but are there more attainable cars that could do the same?
Future classics or modern classics could do just that. Cars that have come along, depreciated, but then have started to climb in value again. But what is the reason? Nostalgia, stricter modern car regulations, and collectors have no doubt ensured some cars have seen appreciated values, but are there any which can still be had now, before they too follow suit?
- Porsche 911 (997)
- Audi R8 (First Generation)
- Alpine A110
- Lotus Elise (Series 2)
- BMW M2 (F87)
- Mercedes-AMG C63 (W204)
- Ford Fiesta ST (Mk8)
- MINI GP
- BMW M3 (E92)
- Jaguar F-TYPE
Porsche 911 (997)
Starting strong with an icon. The Porsche 911 has been around for over sixty years and still showcases the same legendary silhouette. Not many cars can hold a candle to the 911, so it is somewhat of a safe bet that it is a car that should be sought after for years to come.
The 997 generation is still underappreciated in some cases. Sure, the GT3 RS from this era is already a bona fide classic with inflated prices, but other models can still be had for not much in the grand scheme of things.
The 997 GT3 is as analogue as you can get a modern Porsche, whilst models like the GTS still offer superb performance and presence for not that much money when compared to its 992 sibling. Either way, any 997 generation 911 is a great car that has aged superbly. Low owner examples with a manual gearbox are worth keeping an eye out for, as even if they do depreciate, the 911 will always be a classic.
Search Used Porsche 911Audi R8 (First Generation)
Many believe the Audi R8 is a supercar. Many believe it is not. What many agree on, however, is how good the first generation looks, and how it came along and looked like nothing that had come before it. Launched in 2006, it looked very much like something from the future, as cliché as it is.
Over the years, it has become faster, more refined, and more sophisticated. But there is just something about a first-generation car, with a manual transmission. Sure, it will no longer be the fastest car out there, but it is still very much one of the coolest, and will still look the part at a Cars and Coffee meetup. In a world of flappy paddle R8 models, stand out for the right reasons in a first generation manual.
Search Used Audi R8Alpine A110
The newest car in our list, the Alpine A110 came to the UK in 2018 and was priced at around £47,000 when new. Today, the A110 is still very much in demand, with values hovering around the £40,000 mark, with early versions available for £30,000. In sports car terms, that is not much depreciation at all, whilst similar German marques have depreciated more in comparison.
The A110 is the successor to the original from 1963; the heritage and evolution are there for all to see. And in an era where everything seems to be getting heavier, the newer A110 is only 1,102kg, which ensures a sublime power-to-weight ratio, and undercuts many sports cars in terms of weight, which is great for handling and ensures a fine driving experience.
Search Used AlpineLotus Elise (Series 2)
Talking of lightweight, you cannot talk about it without mentioning Lotus. The Elise Series 2 may not be as pure as the Series 1 Elise, but it does have arguably better looks, and a more reliable engine, thanks to Toyota, although you can find Series 2 with earlier K-Series engines.
No matter which engine you go for, when the Elise is in a good mood, few experiences will match the pure and unfiltered driving experience. And with the new Emira still north of £50,000 for a used version, you can get a sorted Elise Series 2 for half that.
Many say the new Emira looks like a baby supercar, but the Elise Series 2 does still offer a whiff of exotic car about it, despite the hardcore, sparse interior.
Search Used LotusBMW M2 (F87)
Entry-level M cars have always been popular. The M2's predecessor, the 1M, never really dropped in value due to its 450 limited UK production run, and if it did, it was either high mileage or not in the launch spec Valencia Orange hue. The M2, which followed was not limited, but it was not sold in large numbers when compared to many performance cars.
It still had the baby M car magic, though, and even Jeremy Clarkson stated on an episode of The Grand Tour, in which he tested an M2, that he thought that it was the best M car BMW had ever made. With the Competition following the OG, the M2 got a bona fide 'M' engine, and with the CS completing the F87 M2 story, all three are simply great additions to M history and are sure to be future classics.
Search Used BMW M2Mercedes-AMG C 63 (W204)
Perhaps one of the most raucous-sounding Mercedes-AMG models ever, the W204 had that characterful bark about it when it was on sale between 2008 and 2015, thanks to its colossal 6.2-litre V8 engine, which was also naturally aspirated, making it even more special with modern AMG models opting for turbo power instead.
With some AMG models sparking controversy with smaller engines, even four-cylinder units, many will perhaps look back at older versions like the W204 with fine memories. And with tougher and strickter restrictions, is the W204 a safe bet for a future classic? We certainly think so.
Search Used Mercedes-BenzFord Fiesta ST (Mk8)
Yes, you do still see many Ford Fiesta STs on a day-to-day basis, and some have been modified in questionable ways, but there is no denying, with the Fiesta being discontinued in 2023, the little ST is still a superb little hot hatch. And if history is anything to go by, fast Fords always come good in the end.
Okay, so the Ford Fiesta ST does not have the iconic 'RS' badge, like the Ford Sierra RS Cosworth and Ford Escort RS Cosworth - which have both gone crazy value wise in recent years, but if you take a look at the Fiesta that did feature an RS badge, in the form of the Mk3 Ford Fiesta RS Turbo from 1990, then there is a good chance the little ST may well still follow suit thanks to its more modern aura and great driving experience.
Search Used Ford FiestaMINI JCW GP
There have been three generations of the MINI JCW GP at the time of writing, and all three could have the potential to be a future classic, or modern classic.
The new MINI is arguably the best example of a classic car reimaged for a modern era, and when BMW launched the new MINI back in 2001, the hotter Cooper S models were hugely popular. But now, the rarer JCW GP versions are few are far between in comparison. With no back seats, that unique dark grey paint, and bespoke styling to the each GP variant, the JCW GP's uniqueness and the fact it is a hot MINI, should see it sought after in the future for sure.
Search Used MINIBMW M3 (E92)
The only M3 to ever feature a V8 engine, and therefore something that will never be repeated. Does that mean it is sure to be a future classic or modern classic? Seems like a strong reason enough, but add in the fact that it is an M3, and you have a recipe that will always be sought after.
Of course, some have seen many, many owners, and have high miles, but cars with extensive history, low miles, and low owners are becoming harder and harder to find, which is seeing cherished versions rise in value.
With the E30 M3, the first ever M3 built seeing values drop well under £10,000 in years gone by, to now easily fetching close to, and over £100,000, could the V8 M3 follow suit in years to come?
Search Used BMW M3Jaguar F-TYPE
With Jaguar having such a rich history, it was an interesting move that, in 2025, no new Jaguar models would be sold. And with lots of noise on social media with the new approach, is it time to invest in the 'spiritual successor' to the legendary E-Type?
F-TYPEs can be had with some properly characterful V6 and V8 engines, and if you opt for an earlier one, you do not have to worry about the noise being muted like modern versions, which have to comply with stricter rules.
The looks are incredible too, and on a sunny day in the UK - a rarity it seems, a drop-top F-TYPE with a V6 or V8 is a fine thing to listen to.
Search Used Jaguar F-TYPEFind your perfect modern classic with Stratstone
No matter what car you are looking for, whether it be a new daily driver, weekend toy, or modern classic, at Stratstone, we have a comprehensive portfolio of some of the UK's finest examples of new and used car offers.
And, if you enjoyed this article, why not read more like it in our dedicated blog section?
