Collector Car Market Splits as #3 Cars Lose 35% and #1 Examples Drop 10%

1 articles · Updated · Yahoo Autos · May 23

Hagerty data shows the 2026 correction is hitting unevenly: #3-condition collector cars have lost about 35% of value, while top-tier #1 concours cars are down roughly 10%.
Restoration costs are driving that gap, making rough project cars far riskier as paint, rust, drivetrain and parts work can exceed the cost of buying a better example upfront.
Mustangs, Fox Bodies and Corvettes all reflect the divide: clean, documented K-Code fastbacks, select Boss cars, low-mile 5.0s, split-window C2s and some C4 ZR-1s still attract buyers, while average or tired cars stall.
Auction sell-through rates are falling as many sellers remain anchored to 2022 prices, giving patient buyers more leverage in private sales and negotiations.
The report’s takeaway is to buy for condition, originality and long-term ownership—not for a quick flip in a market that no longer rewards speculative project-car bets.

If the classic car market is set to double in value, why are most car prices actually plummeting today?

What can the diecast model trend reveal about the future of multi-million dollar collector car investments?

With restoration costs soaring, is the dream of fixing up a classic car now reserved only for the ultra-wealthy?