Which Affordable Enthusiast Car Will Be the Next Six-Figure Classic? (2026)

The automotive world is a fickle beast, and the next overpriced enthusiast car is anyone's guess. But here's where it gets controversial: while some may argue that the days of affordable enthusiast cars are long gone, I believe there's still hope for the future. So, what will be the next big hit in the automotive market? Let's take a look at some possibilities and see what cheap cars from today could become high-dollar collector items in the years to come.

One of the most recent swath of Ford hot hatches, such as the Focus RS, is a good bet to become an extraordinarily expensive collector vehicle in the future. While it may take some time for these cars to skyrocket in price, come the 2040s, these cars will be inordinately expensive, especially in Nitrous Blue. Low-mileage examples of these drift-capable rally hatches could eventually fetch well north of $70,000, if not into the six-figure world.

But what about other cars? What if you're looking for a more affordable option? Well, the Fiesta ST is another car that could become a beloved, high-dollar collector item in the years to come. While it may not be as expensive as the Focus RS, it's still a great option for those looking for a fun, affordable car.

So, what's your pick for a future overpriced enthusiast car? Leave your predictions in the comments below, and I'll pick out my favorites next week. Bonus points for cars you've never owned - we can all do better than suggesting our own cars in hopes of giving their eventual sale price its own little Jalopnik bump.

Which Affordable Enthusiast Car Will Be the Next Six-Figure Classic? (2026)
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