Modern classics to invest in now

Owning a classic car is an enormous pleasure. If the car in question is already worshipped far and wide, it can also be an expensive one.

But what if you could spot the cars that are right on the cusp of 'classic' status? Those well-liked motors from the 90s and Noughties that are still affordable now – but will be commanding big prices within a few years?

Here are some modern classics that may be about to attain 'halo' status.

Saab 9-5 Estate (Mk1, 1997-2010)

Long before the company's unfortunate demise in 2016, Saab had built up an enthusiastic, almost evangelical following among drivers around the world. The company's cars were celebrated for their distinctive looks, excellent driving dynamics and all-round Scandinavian toughness. To own a Saab was a badge of distinction: a signal that you wanted something a little different from your daily driver.

The first generation of the 9-5 is an extremely handsome and able car, and one that will carry out town, country and twisty B-road duties brilliantly. To that winning formula, the estate form simply adds masses of space and practicality. Keen drivers may want to seek out the 2.3 litre, 247bhp four-pot to experience that unmistakable Saab mix of practicality and performance at its best.

Honda Civic Type R (2001-06)

Honda first introduced the Civic's cooking Type R variant on the car's sixth generation, during the 1990s: however, the Type R based on the seventh-generation Civic was the first to be sold here in the UK.

Well, we got a good start, because the '01-'06 Type R is rather a special performance hatch – and one whose prestige, and value, is only set to grow. It's capable of 197bhp and 147mph, and yet you'll still (just) be able to find decent examples on the used market for between £5,000 and £8,000.

The car was facelifted in 2003 and, budget permitting, we'd go for one of these facelifted models as they also got some tighter steering, making for an even more nimble, tactile drive.

VW Lupo GTI (1998-2005)

You might well have expected to see a GTI-badged Volkswagen in this list of modern classics… but we bet you were banking on a Golf. In fact, if we're looking at hot VWs on the cusp of classic status, we think the tiny Lupo city car best fits the bill.

Introduced in 1998, the Lupo was lightweight, nimble and – being a Volkswagen – well put together. What's more, the GTI got a 1.6-litre, 16-valve engine that put out 123 brake horsepower. Doesn't sound much? Ah, but when it was pulling around a car that weighed just 978kg (thanks to the aluminium bonnet, panels and doors), that power output did the sporty Lupo very nicely indeed, thank you.

You got all the GTI bangles, too, including bi-xenon headlights, 15in Bathurst alloys, chrome-ringed dials and snug sports seats. Expect to pay £4,000 and upwards for a well-maintained (and not over-modified) example.

Bentley Turbo R (1985-97)

OK, so you're probably hankering after a brand new Bentley Flying Spur. Aren't we all? However, the £170,000 price tag attached to that behemoth makes it unattainable to most motorists.

The good news, though, is that you can get your hands on a very decent Bentley from the recent past, for a fraction of that sum. Yes, the handsome and high-performing '80s/'90s Turbo R can be yours from around £10,000 upwards. You read that right: you can get a luxury barge with a deliciously raucous 6.75-litre engine and miles of premium leather, for the price of a used Vauxhall Astra.

Of course, you will need fairly deep pockets to run the thing, and some specialist classic car cover will be absolutely essential. Still, it's inspiring just to think how much vintage luxury and performance you can get for your money.

Lexus LS 400 Mk2 (1995-2000)

Square-jawed in an imposing, big-US-saloon kind of way, the second generation of Lexus' flagship luxury saloon presents a nicely leftfield alternative to a W140 Mercedes S-Class or an E38 BMW 7 Series. And, as things stand, it's more affordable than either, not yet having attained the classic status that will surely be granted it before too long.

If we're talking cast-iron bargains, in fact, we'd probably steer you towards the LS' first generation, which can be found for as little as £2,000. It so happens, though, that the second generation is available in bigger numbers here in the UK, making it a more realistic ownership prospect this side of the Pond.

As well as those commanding looks, the Lexus has a lot to recommend it – a torquey, hugely capable V8 engine, plus a cosseting ride and all sorts of tech that wouldn't shame a luxury car today. Surely the used luxury market won't be slow to cotton on to the Lexus LS' exceptional used value?

BMW Z4 (2009-16)

The Z3, BMW's late '90s performance roadster, is well on its way to acquiring classic status – and we reckon it’s slightly better-looking successor, the Z4, won't be far behind.
We're particular fans of the 'second' Z4, the E89, produced from 2009 onwards. This version grew some 15cm over its predecessor, making it into a long, low, imposing-looking beast. Also, this was the first Z generation not to be split into coupé and roadster formats: instead, it had a retractable hard top, effectively giving drivers the best of both worlds.

There are some potent six-cylinder engines available, but we wouldn't ignore the two-litre four-pot. This engine has enough to propel the Z4 around at decent speeds – and will cost you less to run, in terms of both fuel and classic BMW insurance.

Jeep Wrangler (TJ, 1996-2006)

OK, so the cool crowd all want a Land Rover Defender – but if you need rugged off-road capability at a smaller price, the second (TJ) generation of Jeep's boxy 4x4 makes an excellent proposition. For one thing, this second-gen Wrangler manages to look both classic and contemporary, thanks to the seven-vent grille and round headlamps that it shares with the current iteration.

A good condition TJ with the much-admired 4 litre, straight-six engine can be had for under £10,000. There's a four-cylinder, 2.5 litre engine, too, which will prove a cheaper ownership prospect both in terms of fuel and insurance for your classic car. This engine can have problems if it's worked hard, but if you won't be off-roading much it could be a better bet. And don't worry about high mileages – Wranglers can go on forever. Buy on condition, rather than mileage or age.

Volvo 850R (1996-97)

Perhaps the perfect realisation of the sporting estate, the Volvo 850R is only going to gain in prestige as the years go by. A boxy, practical, front-wheel drive Volvo estate that managed 250bhp and could get from 0-62mph in 6.7 seconds? Yes please.

The car also has immense prestige thanks to its impressive performances in the British Touring Car Championship. In fact, all 850s are desirable now, the high-revving R variant in particular. The fact that the clues to the R's awesome performance are so subtle – front sports seats, lowered suspension, a small rear spoiler – only add to its Q-car appeal.
And, being a Volvo, it is built to last. Just make sure it’s protected by classic car insurance in case of theft or accident.

Ford Focus Mk1 (1998-2005)

Hold on – the humble Ford Focus, a classic? Well, yes, actually. OK, the sheer numbers in which this 'everyman' car was sold might seem to prevent it from attaining 'classic' status.

However, we reckon that the original Focus is due for an upsurge in appreciation pretty soon. Early Mk1 Focuses are, after all, over two decades old now, and the car is beginning to thin out on UK roads – just enough for sightings of it to be noteworthy.

More than that, though, the first Focus is due some recognition of just what a brilliant car it was, and how much it moved the compact sector along.

In terms of driver engagement, for example, the Focus had no serious rivals at the time. The Peugeot 306 and Mk4 Golf were good cars, but weren't in the Focus' league when it came to spirited driving fun.

The car also proved itself reliable – which, coupled with the still decent numbers out there, should make it relatively easy to source your ideal Mk1 Focus. Prices are still kicking off at not much over £1,000 – but they'll start to climb once this iconic car gets its due.

Land Rover Discovery Series 1 (1989-98)

When it comes to classic British 4x4s, the original Range Rover perhaps unsurprisingly gets most of the limelight. But the first Land Rover Discovery should not be overlooked.

For one thing, the Discovery pretty much revolutionised the 4x4 market, offering a mix of interior comfort, affordability and all-terrain abilities that hadn't been seen before. It also turned the ailing Land Rover's fortunes around. Yes, if you need proper off-roading abilities and a touch of luxury, but don't want to fork out the higher sums that the original Rangie now commands, Land Rover's mid-range model should be very high on your list.

Its (thus far) relative lack of classic status means that you can pick up a Series 1 'Disco' in good condition for less than £10,000. Only consider ones with full service history and watch out for sunroof leaks and break-in attempts. These were very popular with thieves at the time. Prices are rising, so now is the time to enter the Disco market.

Citroen C6 (2006-2012)

From the DS to the XM, via the SM and CX, we've always admired big Citroens. These large French barges have injected plenty of Gallic flair and comfort into the standard exec car package. They've also tended to be the most arresting-looking cars of their generation, their French panache a nice contrast to the more sober German offerings.

Uniquely stylish they may be, but these big, luxurious Citroens have tended to depreciate faster than their German rivals. That may be a cause for concern for the new car buyer – but it makes a big Citroen an attractive prospect for anyone looking out for an affordable classic.

The C6 was one of the most attractive flagship Citroens, taking some styling cues from the iconic CX of the 1980s. Its soft seats, hydropneumatic suspension and light, airy interior, meanwhile, made the C6 a very pleasant place to spend some time.

Used examples will be affordable (and unlikely to depreciate much further), leaving you with a little extra in your pocket. Spend your savings on some specialist classics insurance – and enjoy that cosseting ride and inimitable French flair.

Vauxhall Calibra (1989-97)

Perhaps largely down to its strong links with the bread-and-butter Mk3 Cavalier, the Vauxhall Calibra doesn't (yet) get an awful lot of love among 1990s performance car enthusiasts. But if you are after a comfortable but cooking '90s coupé, the Calibra is a sound choice.

The big, fast Vauxhall was designed to go up against some of those scorching '90s Japanese cult classics, such as the legendary Mk4 Toyota Supra. Now, though, you'll pay a significant chunk less for the Vauxhall. Plus, all that Cavalier-based engineering makes the Calibra a relatively easy car to look after.

Another feather in the Calibra's cap is its rear seating. Unlike many cars in its class, those rear seats were genuinely usable, meaning that this eye-catching, wedgy coupé could double as your school-run vehicle or family workhorse if required.

Shared with the Astra GTE and Cavalier SRi, the 2.0-litre, eight-valve four-cylinder puts out 115bhp: this was later joined by a 16v Cosworth-designed engine capable of 150bhp. Don't overlook the standard engine, as it's plenty willing enough and will be the budget option when it comes to both fuel and classic car insurance.

Lancaster: insuring classics from every era

The question of when a car is defined as a 'classic' is an interesting one. For us at Lancaster, it's as much about how the vehicle is cherished and maintained, as it is about the year on the number plate.

If you love your classic and want to safeguard it for years to come, we will likely find the classic car insurance for you.

Contact us today to find out more.

Policy benefits, features and discounts offered may very between insurance schemes or cover selected and are subject to underwriting criteria. Information contained within this article is accurate at the time of publishing but may be subject to change.