Larry Webster from Hagerty discusses which collector cars to buy in 2026.
About this episode
Larry Webster, editor-in-chief at Hagerty Media, joins to discuss collector cars to watch for investment in 2026. The conversation covers the evolution of Hagerty from insurance to a comprehensive automotive marketplace, highlighting unique collections and the growing interest in classic cars. The episode features the annual Bull Market list, identifying potential future classics across various price ranges, including the Dodge Charger, Mazda Miata, and Porsche Carrera GT. Insights into market trends and the importance of understanding car values make this a valuable listen for enthusiasts.
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Porsche 911
"...he was the engine builder that built the Yellowbird 911 motor from Roof. And so he had a bunch of stuff..."
The Porsche 911 is a famous sports car that many people love. It's known for its unique shape and powerful performance, and it's been around for a long time with many different versions.
The Porsche 911 is an iconic sports car known for its distinctive design and rear-engine layout. It has been in production since 1964 and has undergone numerous updates and variations over the years, making it a favorite among car enthusiasts.
RUF
"...the Yellowbird 911 motor from Roof. And so he had a bunch of stuff..."
RUF is a company that makes special versions of Porsche cars, especially the 911. They add upgrades to make them faster and more powerful than the regular models.
RUF is a German manufacturer known for modifying Porsche cars, particularly the 911. They are recognized for their high-performance upgrades and unique models that often exceed the capabilities of standard Porsche vehicles.
barn find
"...there wasn't doing any of that, huh? No. And we did, there was a barn find hunter video..."
A barn find is when someone finds an old car that has been stored away in a barn for many years. People like these finds because they can be valuable and fun to fix up.
A barn find refers to a vehicle that has been discovered in a barn or similar location after being hidden away for a long time, often in a state of disrepair. These finds are often sought after by collectors due to their rarity and potential for restoration.
Triumph TR6
"Yeah, I see this Triumph TR6. Over at Adam Crowley's collection, we've got the Paul Newman and TR6 in that collection."
The Triumph TR6 is a classic British sports car made between 1968 and 1976. It's known for its stylish design and good performance, making it a favorite among car collectors.
The Triumph TR6 is a British sports car produced from 1968 to 1976, known for its distinctive styling and strong performance. It's part of the Triumph TR series and is popular among classic car enthusiasts.
Mercedes-Benz 190
"...And then is there a 190? You know, and go, oh, maybe that's the one."
The Mercedes-Benz 190 is a smaller car made by the luxury brand Mercedes-Benz. It was popular in the 1980s and 90s and is appreciated for its quality and design.
The Mercedes-Benz 190 is a compact executive car produced by Mercedes-Benz from 1982 to 1993. It is known for its solid build quality and is often considered a classic among enthusiasts.
Honda S2000
"...we were just looking at the Honda S2000 CR, right? And the CR is worth way, way more than a regular S2000."
The Honda S2000 CR is a special version of the S2000 sports car that is more valuable because it has better performance features. It's a favorite among car lovers and collectors.
The Honda S2000 CR is a special edition of the S2000 sports car, known for its enhanced performance features and limited production. It is particularly sought after by enthusiasts and collectors, which contributes to its higher market value compared to the standard S2000.
SEMA show
"You go to the SEMA show and you think about all of the cars, like every Gen 1, Gen 2 Mustang, Camaros, all of those things that were getting built."
The SEMA show is a big event where people show off new car parts and accessories. It's a place for car lovers to see the latest trends and meet others who are interested in cars.
The SEMA show is an annual trade event in Las Vegas that showcases aftermarket automotive products and innovations. It's a significant event for car enthusiasts, manufacturers, and builders to network and display their latest creations.
Ford Mustang
"You go to the SEMA show and you think about all of the cars, like every Gen 1, Gen 2 Mustang, Camaros, all of those things that were getting built."
The Mustang is a famous sports car made by Ford. The first generation was built a long time ago, starting in 1964, and it's known for being powerful and stylish.
The Ford Mustang is a classic American muscle car that has gone through several generations since its introduction in the 1960s. The Gen 1 Mustang refers to the original models produced from 1964 to 1973, known for their iconic design and performance.
Chevrolet Camaros
"...all of the cars, like every Gen 1, Gen 2 Mustang, Camaros, all of those things that were getting built. And..."
Honda Crxs
"...hat was when they were new and now a lot of those CRXs and things that just disappeared are back and pre..."
Honda Integra Type R
"...you know, and you're like, oh my God, somebody took an Integra Type R and got, you know, $180,000 for it."
The Honda Integra Type R is a special version of the Honda Integra that is designed for performance. It's popular among car enthusiasts and can be very valuable because not many were made.
The Honda Integra Type R is a high-performance variant of the Honda Integra, known for its lightweight design and sporty handling. It has become a sought-after collector's item due to its limited production and enthusiast following.
Chevrolet 454SS
"Like certainly, I was waiting for like the 454SS, the truck..."
The Chevrolet 454SS is a fast version of the Chevy Silverado truck made in the early 1990s. It has a big engine that makes it powerful.
The Chevrolet 454SS is a high-performance version of the Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck, produced in the early 1990s. It features a powerful 7.4-liter V8 engine and was designed for speed and performance.
Ford Lightning
"I have a 95 Ford Lightning and I have some Foxbody Mustangs..."
The Ford Lightning is a fast version of the regular Ford F-150 truck. The 1995 model is known for being powerful and sporty.
The Ford Lightning is a high-performance version of the Ford F-150 pickup truck, known for its powerful engine and sporty design. The 1995 model is part of the first generation of Lightning trucks, which were produced from 1993 to 1995.
Chevrolet Typhoon
"So that one, like Cyclone and Typhoon, excuse me..."
The Chevrolet Typhoon is a fast SUV made in the early 1990s. It has a turbo engine, making it quick and fun to drive.
The Chevrolet Typhoon is a high-performance SUV based on the Chevrolet S-10 platform, produced in the early 1990s. It features a turbocharged V6 engine and is known for its sporty performance and handling.
GMC Typhoon
"and stuff. So that one, like Cyclone and Typhoon, excuse me, that's probably, I don't know, maybe ..."
RAM V10
"We had the V10 RAM on there. The V10 RAM, it's cool."
The RAM V10 is a type of Dodge truck that has a big 10-cylinder engine. It's known for being very strong and good for heavy work.
The RAM V10 refers to the Dodge RAM trucks equipped with a 10-cylinder engine, known for its power and torque. This engine was popular in the 1990s and early 2000s for heavy-duty applications.
Dodge Charger
"Charger, the 68 to 70 Dodge Charger. This one I bring up specifically that catches my attention..."
The Dodge Charger is a famous car made between 1968 and 1970. It's known for being fast and stylish, making it popular with car collectors today.
The Dodge Charger is a classic American muscle car produced from 1968 to 1970, known for its powerful performance and distinctive styling. It has become a sought-after collector's item, especially among enthusiasts of vintage cars.
Gen X
"...that 52% of the owners right now, at least the ones we know, they're Gen X and younger."
Gen X is a group of people born between 1965 and 1980. They are now adults and often like classic cars, which makes them important in the car market.
Generation X, often abbreviated as Gen X, refers to people born approximately between 1965 and 1980. This demographic is significant in car culture as many are now entering their prime car-buying years and often have a strong interest in classic cars.
muscle car era
"...especially the 60s size, like there's just so many small little variations"
The muscle car era is a time when many American cars were built to be very fast and powerful. These cars, mostly from the 1960s and 1970s, are popular among car lovers because of their strong engines and sporty looks.
The muscle car era refers to a period in American automotive history, primarily during the 1960s and 1970s, characterized by high-performance vehicles with powerful engines, often based on mid-sized cars. These cars are known for their aggressive styling and performance, appealing to enthusiasts and collectors.
numbers matching
"But, you know, is it numbers matching? Was there an engine swap? What was the spec on it?"
'Numbers matching' means that the engine and other important parts of the car are the same ones that were originally installed when it was made. This can make the car more valuable to collectors.
'Numbers matching' refers to a vehicle where the engine and other major components have their original serial numbers, indicating they are the same parts that came with the car from the factory. This is particularly important for collectors as it can significantly affect the car's value.
engine swap
"Was there an engine swap? What was the spec on it?"
An 'engine swap' is when the original engine in a car is taken out and replaced with a different one. People do this for various reasons, like improving performance or fixing problems.
An 'engine swap' occurs when the original engine of a vehicle is replaced with a different engine, which can be for performance upgrades, repairs, or personal preference. This can impact the car's value and authenticity, especially in classic cars.
American muscle cars
"And something about the American muscle cars especially, like the auction companies, all of them included,"
American muscle cars are powerful cars that are designed for speed, usually with big engines. They became really popular in the 1960s and 1970s and are known for their performance.
American muscle cars are high-performance vehicles, typically characterized by powerful engines and a focus on straight-line speed. They became popular in the 1960s and 1970s and are often associated with brands like Ford, Chevrolet, and Dodge.
build sheet
"...now we're really just getting to the build sheet and just figuring out exactly like, you know, this is one of, you know,..."
A build sheet is a list that shows everything about how a car was made, including what parts it has and any special features.
A build sheet is a document that lists all the specifications and options for a specific vehicle as it was manufactured. It can include details like engine type, transmission, and optional features.
original parts
"...but then you get something with not original parts or it's had some work done on it and that's a 40 or $50,000 car."
Original parts are the pieces that came with the car when it was new. They are important for keeping the car true to how it was made and can make it worth more to collectors.
Original parts refer to components that were installed in a vehicle when it was first manufactured. These parts are often valued more highly by collectors and enthusiasts because they maintain the car's authenticity and historical integrity.
Mazda Miata
"...'re looking at 1999 through 2005, Mazda MX-5, the Miata. Oh my gosh."
Toyota Prius
"...the Miata is Mazda's moonshot. It's like Toyota's Prius. Like they engineered every freaking millimeter o..."
contact patch
"to be what's happening to contact patch. And I like these cars because it's like,"
The contact patch is the part of the tire that touches the ground. It's important because it helps the car grip the road, which affects how well it drives and handles turns.
The contact patch refers to the area of a tire that is in direct contact with the road surface. This area is crucial for traction, handling, and overall vehicle performance, as it affects how well a car can grip the road during acceleration, braking, and cornering.
red line
"you can take them to red line and you're not going to be risking a ticket. And they're still like crazy cheap."
The red line is the highest speed your engine can safely go, shown on the dashboard. If you go past this point, it can hurt the engine.
The red line is the maximum engine speed indicated on the tachometer, beyond which the engine can be damaged. It represents the upper limit of safe operation for the engine, and reaching this point typically means the driver is pushing the engine to its limits.
Angeles Crest
"...you want to hit like Angeles Crest or something and you don't want to die, but you want to have fun."
Angeles Crest is a famous road in California where people love to drive because it has lots of curves and beautiful views. It's a fun place for car enthusiasts to enjoy their vehicles.
Angeles Crest is a popular mountain road in California known for its scenic views and winding turns, making it a favorite among driving enthusiasts and motorcyclists.
Mazda MX-5 Miata
"I have not found a car that's easier to work on than Miata's."
The Mazda MX-5 Miata is a small sports car that many people love because it's fun to drive and easy to fix. It's a great choice for those who want to work on their car themselves.
The Mazda MX-5 Miata is a lightweight two-seater sports car known for its excellent handling and fun driving experience. It's popular among enthusiasts for its simplicity and ease of maintenance, making it a favorite for modifications and upgrades.
Lincoln Continental Mark II
"So now you've got the 1956 to 1957, the Continental Mark II. And this is interesting because I just talked to Chip Fuss about the car he built at SEMA."
The Lincoln Continental Mark II is a fancy car made by Lincoln between 1956 and 1957. It was designed to be very luxurious and stylish, making it popular among wealthy buyers.
The Lincoln Continental Mark II is a luxury car produced by Lincoln from 1956 to 1957. It is known for its elegant design and was aimed at the high-end market, making it a symbol of prestige during its time.
American Rolls-Royce
"...this car was supposed to be the American Rolls-Royce. It wasn't called the Lincoln."
'American Rolls-Royce' is a way to describe really fancy American cars that are as nice as Rolls-Royce cars from England. It means they are very well made and luxurious.
The term 'American Rolls-Royce' is used to describe luxury American cars that rival the prestige and quality of Rolls-Royce vehicles. It signifies a high level of craftsmanship and luxury in American automotive design.
appreciation for unique cars
"And we're seeing some signs that there's a great interest or more appreciation for how unique a machine it is."
Appreciation for unique cars means that people are starting to like and value special cars more, especially those that are rare or have a unique design. This can make them more expensive over time.
Appreciation for unique cars refers to the growing interest and value placed on rare or special vehicles, often due to their historical significance, design, or limited production. This can lead to increased demand and higher prices in the collector car market.
rack and pinion steering
"And they're not rack and pinion steering or anything. So I mean, it's just so sloppy."
Rack and pinion steering is a system that helps you turn the wheels of a car when you turn the steering wheel. It's designed to make steering easier and more precise.
Rack and pinion steering is a type of steering mechanism that converts the rotational motion of the steering wheel into the linear motion needed to turn the wheels. It provides better handling and responsiveness compared to older steering systems.
Ford F1 Ford
"The Lightning was the Ford. That's the F1 Ford. Yeah, yeah, that's the F1 50."
Chevrolet Corvette
"...his is my favorite. This is the 2006 through 2013 Corvette Z06. Yeah, I mean."
Alfa Romeo GTV
"some of the other things that we were seeing suggested the GT-V is finally getting its due. Yeah."
Jeep Cherokees
"or going up, right? You know, the Cherokees, the square body blazers, the OJ Broncos, things ..."
Chevrolet Blazers
"..., right? You know, the Cherokees, the square body blazers, the OJ Broncos, things like that."
Ford Broncos
"...w, the Cherokees, the square body blazers, the OJ Broncos, things like that. And this car hasn't really fol..."
Nissan Skyline Gtr
"Yeah. You guys have the 95 and 98 Skyline GT-R. Yeah, R33."
Nissan Skylines
"that's in between generations of the Skyline. You know, the Skyline's been around for decades. Yeah."
Volkswagen Golf
"All right. So 95 to 98 Volkswagen Golf GTI, the VR6. Yeah, specifically the VR6 engine o..."
Volkswagen Passat
"...sounds really great. You could also get it in the Passat, the GLX, which was this really weird one"
Porsche Carrera GT
"So you remember, right? That when the Carrera GT came out, it was Porsche's like really first supe..."
Porsche 918 Spyder
"... find it funny, Matt, like this car, the LFA, the 918, like when they were new, they did not sell that ..."
Ford Mustang GTD
"with another super car, you know, like the Mustang GTD, I think is a good example. People are like, oh, ..."
Toyota Corolla
"...you know, there's still the Miata, there's the GR Corolla, there's the BRZ, Subaru,"
Toyota GR Corolla
"...se you know, there's still the Miata, there's the GR Corolla, there's the BRZ, Subaru,"
Subaru Brz Subaru
"there's the GR Corolla, there's the BRZ, Subaru, still some fun cars out."
Hyundai Genesis
"...ate it? And especially for them, for the Hyundai, Genesis, Kia family, they're selling cars."
Hyundai Ionic
"Like, I don't know. They're like, do you want a Hyundai, Ionic 5N? Like, yes, I do."
Hyundai Palisade
"...rlier about I just spent a week driving a Hyundai Palisade. Oh, that's a really terrific SUV."
Land Rover Range Rover
"And I'm like, this thing is gorgeous. It exudes Range Rover goodness and the hybrid version, good gas mileage"
Toyota Camry
"was a Renault. And it was, I rented a new Toyota Camry. It had like 500 miles on it."
Honda Civic
"...etty much anything out there. I asked for a Honda Civic Hybrid. They're great."
Land Rover Defender
"...Like I'm driving a, I'm going to get a Land Rover Defender before that."
Chevrolet Trax
"that we're missing. And oh, the Chevy Trax is pretty nice little car too. And so you don't h..."
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