Five modern classics that make ‘good investments’ for under £5k – including stylish Peugeot ‘that looks like a Ferrari’
A CAR expert has revealed a handful of modern classic motors that petrolheads can pick up right now as a good, future investment.
That includes a surprisingly stunning set of wheels released by Peugeot that “looks like a Ferrari.”
In video posted to YouTube, High Peak Autos host Matthew Goodwin challenged himself to find a selection of budget-friendly modern classics that were “fun to own but also a good investment.”
His first pick was the cult favourite Peugeot 406 Coupe – a sporty and stylish version of the famous saloon motor that was designed and manufactured by car style experts Pininfarina.
First released in 1996, the Coupe featured either a 2.0-litre four cylinder engine, or a 3.0-litre V6, with a 2.2-litre diesel later released in 2001.
After finding one online for just £2,995, Matthew said: “It does look, at a quick glance, a bit like a Ferrari.
“That’s all thanks to Pininfarina – it’s a beautiful looking coupe.”
He added: “It is genuinely a stylish thing, you get nice plush leather seats, there’s room for four people and to top it all off, they’re cheap to buy and cheap to maintain.”
Another sports forgotten sports car that Matthew looks ups is the Audi Cabriolet – a convertible version of the German brand’s B3 Coupe.
He finds one on Ebay for just £1,899 and describes it as a “classy looking thing.”
He added: “That’s an effortlessly cool car, it’s very elegant and the old 2.6-litre V6 is quite a reliable engine.
“You know with interest rates dropping recently that is a better place to put your money.”
Another great value modern classic is the Toyota Celica, which Matthew talks up for being “good fun to drive” and available to buy for “peanuts.”
He picks out the Japanese motor’s leather interior and large boot as bonus features, while adding it’s “quite a good-looking” that’s aged “quite nicely.”
“Mark my words, in a few years time they will be quite sought after,” he said.
Like the Peugeot Coupe, the Ford Cougar is a rare, stylish-looking coupe that could well rise in value – yet is only priced at around £1,500 in 2024.
I’d probably buy something like that and just keep it to one side and throw a sheet over it, because one day that will be a proper classic
Matthew Goodwin, High Peak Autos
Matthew said: “This is a bit of an unusual one, but I guarantee that in 10, maybe 15 years time, you’ll be kicking yourself that you didn’t buy one of these.”
Only produced between 1998 and 2001 in the UK, the Cougar was seen as Ford’s attempt to build a coupe in the same vein as the long discontinued Capri.
Matthew added: “You just don’t see them anymore.
“If I had the space, I’d probably buy something like that and just keep it to one side and throw a sheet over it, because one day that will be a proper classic.”
Matt also picked out the evergreen Porsche 944 – a favourite among fans of modern classic cars.
The 944 was a great seller for Porsche and enjoyed a near 10-year run between 1982 and 1991, with over 163,000 examples produced.
“That is a proper 80s classic, I love the pop-up headlamps,” said Matthew, as he quikcly fines an excellent 1986 example for £7,495.
What to do before buying your first modern classic motor
The Motor Grid’s James Russell, who specialises in helping car fans find and buy modern classics, firmly believes “a little bit of knowledge can be dangerous” when you’re researching your next set of wheels, and advises buyers to “stay away from the forums.”
He added: “The forums can be really helpful if you have a very, very specific problem with a car you own.
“But if you go into a forum to try and help you to make a decision on buying a car, it’s probably the worst thing you’ll ever do.
“But the best thing to probably do is actually speak to somebody in person, and they’ll help you find the right car.”
“I just love the overall design.”
This comes as a retro Porsche that once ran over Tom Cruise in an 1980s cult classic film has gone up for sale at £1.4 million.
And elsewhere, Maserati has discontinued two of its most popular motors as it races to meet its EV-only target by 2028.
