Drivers looking to buy an interesting older model that is set to skyrocket in value as it becomes a classic have been urged to consider three cars that are currently trending.
Whilst almost all vehicles will go down in value from the moment they first leave the dealership, drivers who choose a model destined to become a classic can make a small fortune.
According to Piston Heads’ 2025 Market Trend List, one classic car that is currently skyrocketing in popularity is the Peugeot 205 GTI.
Introduced in 1984 as the all-powerful version of Peugeot’s standard family hatchback, the GTI’s clean looks and choice of 1.6 and 1.9-litre petrol engines made it one of the most iconic models of the era.
Whilst drivers can no longer get behind the wheel of a clean 205 GTI for less than £1,000, Piston Heads noted that a £5,000 budget can still buy a usable 1.6, whereas the more desirable 1.9 version is currently offered for between £10,000 to £20,000, depending on condition.
Another model that Piston Heads predicts will go up in value as it becomes more sought after is the Datsun 240Z – the sleek coupe from the 1970s that was made by Nissan.
Sold in Japan between 1969 and 1973 as the Nissan Fairlady Z, the 240Z was designed to resemble the Jaguar E-Type but use a 2.4-litre six-cylinder engine – giving it a top speed of 125mph.
The few remaining examples of the Datsun 240Z have already seen a fair price increase, with models currently available for between £20,000 and £30,000. However, this figure could rise further if demand continues.
However, drivers do not need a five-digit budget to get behind the wheel of an interesting older car that is set to rise in value, with Piston Heads also noting that the Renault Clio 182 is also experiencing a boost in popularity.
Introduced in 2004 as part of the Clio Renault Sport range, the 182 was a high-end version of the conventional supermini, featuring a 2.0-litre engine from the much larger Laguna saloon, Alcantara seats, and a number of styling revisions to make it feel more aggressive.
Whilst values have increased in the past five years, drivers can still get behind the wheel of a Renault Clio 182 from around £3,000, with clean examples typically priced at around £7,500.
Despite being an incredibly difficult and ultimately uncertain task, there are a number of ways drivers can find a model that is destined to become a truly desirable classic car.
In particular, they should try to find a model with a design that has stood the test of time and offers good levels of performance compared to rivals in the past and present.
Whilst rare models are generally destined to become classics, those popular enough to have had a cultural impact, such as the original Mini or Citroen 2CV, are also destined to gain cult status.