It’s a well-established fact: for at least five years, data has shown that Millennials those born between roughly 1980 and 1995 share an appreciation for both the cars of their youth and the American muscle cars, trucks, and Corvettes their parents loved.
Only one late-1980s icon cracked the top 10: the R32 Nissan Skyline and GT-R, which landed in the #8 spot. Alongside it was the Volkswagen Beetle, the only other import, taking #5. The top choice? The 1973–1987 Chevrolet pickup, with particular interest in the 1980 model year.
Fast forward five years, and Millennials’ influence in the collector-car market has grown significantly. This shift is evident in skyrocketing values for 30- and 40-year-old classics that often flew under the radar of Boomers and Gen Xers.
There’s also a new wave of classic-car enthusiasts: Generation Z, those aged 12 to 27. Have Millennials’ preferences shifted over the last half-decade? And does Gen Z share their love for American classics?
15. 1968–1972 Chevrolet Chevelle
Back in 2019, the Chevy Chevelle was ranked #3 on Millennials’ favorite list. Its drop to #10 suggests other models have captured more attention.
The ’69 and ’70 models, known for their significant facelift, were particularly popular among Millennials, Boomers, and Gen Xers alike.
Hagerty data shows a 1970 base model with a 307-cubic-inch V8 averages around CAD $18,600 for a driver-condition example, making it a relatively affordable classic.
14. 2008–2023 Dodge Challenger
Hagerty insures all types of enthusiast vehicles, not just classics. The Dodge Challenger, which was relaunched in 2008, offers the classic muscle-car aesthetic with modern conveniences.
This blend of retro style and contemporary features explains its enduring appeal to Millennials.
13. 1968–1979 Volkswagen Beetle
The Beetle is the sole foreign entry in the top 10. Its massive production numbers, low cost of entry, robust aftermarket, and plentiful parts make it a favorite across generations. A driver-condition 1971 Beetle averages around CAD $17,400 today.
12. 1987–1993 Ford Mustang
For older Millennials, the Fox-body Mustang evokes childhood memories, contributing to its growing popularity.
Once dismissed as a relic, it has gained traction among drag racers, tuners, and nostalgic enthusiasts. Millennials are now seeking these vehicles more than ever.
11. 1973–1979 Ford F-Series
In the 1970s, trucks like the Ford F-150 were utilitarian workhorses. Today, their transformation into mainstream enthusiast vehicles fuels their desirability.
In 2019, Millennials gravitated toward 1976 models priced around USD $8,500. Now, a short-bed 1976 F-100 in decent condition fetches around CAD $23,800.
10. 1967–1972 Chevrolet C/K Series Pickup
Everything mentioned earlier about the Ford F-Series? Much of it also applies to the Chevrolet C/K series, even though the most sought-after model years for the Chevy pickups are from a slightly earlier generation than their Ford counterparts.
These second-generation Chevrolet trucks, including models like the C10 and Cheyenne, are undeniably stylish and retain a rugged capability that makes them stand out.
9. 1968–1982 Chevrolet Corvette
The third generation of America’s sports car has long been a favorite among enthusiasts and appeared on Millennials’ top classic car list back in 2019. However, this time, earlier chrome-bumper models are also gaining attention.
What’s changed? Back then, affordability likely explained the preference for disco-era Corvettes, with Millennials most often seeking quotes for 1977 models—a year not widely considered a peak for the Corvette.
Today, with many Millennials in a better financial position, interest has shifted to pricier and more desirable ’68 through ’73 models, which hold universal appeal across Gen X, Boomers, and nearly every age group of car enthusiasts.
8. 1994–2004 Ford Mustang
Is that another relatively modern Mustang on the list? Absolutely. According to Hagerty’s data, the SN95 Mustang is even more popular among Millennials than the earlier Fox-body generation.
This is the Mustang many Millennials likely grew up with, and today, it offers one of the most affordable routes into a proper V8-powered pony car.
For instance, a daily-driver 1994 GT Coupe costs around CAD $12,000, according to Hagerty, making it more affordable than a Fox-body 5.0-liter model from the previous year, which averages around CAD $22,400—even though both share the same engine.
7. 1981–1987 Chevrolet C/K Series Pickup
If you thought this was the last of the vintage pickups, think again. This generation of Chevrolet’s iconic square-body trucks was the #1 vehicle on Millennials’ 2019 favorites list and has only swapped places with the runner-up.
These pickups are yet another example of Millennials’ affinity for vehicles from the 1980s or newer, with four entries in the top 10 belonging to that era.
While it may hold second place now, the 1980s Chevrolet C/K series remains a defining example of the Millennial generation’s taste in classic cars.
6. 1965–1966 Ford Mustang
The enduring appeal of the original Ford Mustang is simply unmatched. The debut pony car captured the spirit of the 1960s, offering a combination of style and accessibility that resonated deeply with the burgeoning Boomer generation.
Lee Iacocca, often credited with masterminding this Blue Oval classic, couldn’t have foreseen that the Mustang would remain just as beloved decades later by enthusiasts across all generations.
The 1965 Ford Mustang has cemented its place in North American car culture, becoming the quintessential collector car that springs to mind when thinking about “classics.” Like the Volkswagen Beetle, its widespread production ensures that Mustangs can still be found in nearly every region and at a variety of price points.
This availability only adds to its appeal, making it an enduring favorite among enthusiasts of all ages.
5. 2015–2023 Ford Mustang
If this top-10 list proves anything, it’s that those born after about 1997 have a serious fondness for the Ford Mustang.Whether it’s a brand-new model or a classic from decades past, there’s no shortage of pony cars for this generation to covet.
This newer generation of Mustangs ranks toward the bottom of the list of Gen Z favorites, according to Wiley’s data, although it still outshines any models from the 1970s.
Interestingly, its design draws heavily from earlier Mustang iterations, appealing to a sense of nostalgia for an era before Gen Z was even born.
Much like the 2008-and-later Dodge Challenger, a Millennial favorite, this Mustang’s charm likely lies in its ability to blend retro styling with modern features.
4. 1973–1980 Chevrolet C/K Series Pickup
Here’s an intriguing overlap: while Millennials gravitate toward second-generation Chevrolet trucks (1967–1972) and the latter part of the third generation (1981–1987), Generation Z seems to favor the pre-facelift early third-gen C/K trucks (1973–1980).
These pickups strike a sweet spot between the two generations of trucks Millennials adore, further cementing the timeless appeal of classic Chevy workhorses.
3. 1968–1982 Chevrolet Corvette C3
As noted in the Millennial top-10 list, the C3-generation Corvette seems to hold universal appeal among American car enthusiasts, and that certainly includes Gen Z.
While there’s no specific data from Hagerty identifying which model years this group prefers, it’s reasonable to assume the later ’74-and-up models are popular, as they tend to be among the most affordable Corvettes available.
That’s not to say these “Disco-era” Stingrays lack their own unique allure. Their wild styling continues to captivate, and while horsepower was reduced during this period, enthusiasts aren’t typically buying these cars for racing.
2. 1984–1996 Chevrolet Corvette C4
If Gen Z loves the curvaceous lines of the C3 Corvette, they seem even more enamored with the sharp, angular design of the C4. In fact, half of this generation’s top-10 car picks hail from the 1980s or later.
Hagerty notes that approximately 40% of both Millennials and Gen Z car enthusiasts trace their interest in classic vehicles to attending car shows.
Events like RADwood and Oblivion, which focus on the ’80s and ’90s, have particularly strong appeal for these younger audiences.
Although Art Cervantes, Director and Founder of RADwood, mentions the C4 Corvette is on the lower end of popularity at such gatherings, its inclusion on this list speaks volumes.
The C4’s retro aesthetic, combined with the allure of V8 power at an affordable price, make it a standout. With a long production run ensuring availability, it’s easy to find a base model in daily-driver condition for around CDN$11,900.
1. 1990–1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata
While this list is dominated by American trucks and sports cars, the car that tops Generation Z’s list of insurance inquiries with Hagerty is a Japanese classic: the first-generation Mazda Miata.
This Millennial writer recalls the hairdresser-car jokes that unfairly plagued the NA Miata during its early years.
But today, the dominant meme surrounding this charming roadster is the idea that “Miata” stands for “Miata Is Always The Answer.” (Though, admittedly, no one really knows what the ‘M’ stands for!)
Despite its limited two-seat configuration, modest trunk space, and lack of a fixed roof, the MX-5 Miata is remarkably practical for a convertible.
Beyond its practicality, it’s a car that enthusiasts love to customize sometimes to make it more livable, and other times to enhance its sporty appeal.
With a massive aftermarket and a growing fan base spanning multiple generations, the Miata has become the quintessential enthusiast’s car, beloved for one simple reason: it’s pure fun to drive.
