Words: Nathan Chadwick
Photography: Manufacturers
It seems odd to talk about key cars that are 24 years old this year – surely the 25-year celebration is a nicer round number? Well, it’s all about US legislation – and getting ahead of the curve of potential value increases and hype.
The 25-year rule is a phrase bandied around a lot – but what does it actually mean? The USA’s 25-Year Rule allows classic and collectible cars to enter the US market without having to meet modern Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or Department of Transportation (DOT) safety standards, which can be prohibitively expensive for older or rare vehicles.
Under this rule, any vehicle that is at least 25 years old — measured from the date of manufacture — can be legally imported, regardless of whether it was originally intended for the US market. This has opened the door for enthusiasts and collectors to bring in rare Japanese domestic market (JDM) cars, European models, and other exotic vehicles that were previously unavailable in the States.
The allure of the forbidden fruit has proved to be an irresistible pull for a generation of US enthusiasts brought up on the worldwide nature of video gaming and video streaming. Here are several cars that might just be worth picking up now before they get seriously sought after in the States. Late-stage variants of the Nissan Skyline GT-R R34, such as the V-Spec II and M-Spec models, are already hot property, so these 2002 model-year cars are well worth a look.
BMW M3 CSL
The BMW M3 CSL (E46) is the ultimate evolution of the legendary E46 M3, representing a purist’s dream before a big heavy V8 and newer turbo generations dulled analogue thrills. It’s lighter, sharper and more focussed than the standard M3 thanks to extensive weight-saving measures (carbon fibre roof, thinner glass, stripped interior) and a finely tuned chassis. With £70k-£125k+ typically paid in the UK for clean, desirable examples today, and exceptional cars reaching even higher at auction, this variant trades well above the ordinary coupe. Good-to-excellent examples typically cost £70k-£125k+ (with rarer or exceptionally low-mile examples exceeding this), but of course, they are RHD cars. In Europe, excellent to concours LHD cars range from between £105k to £175k (€120k-€200k).
Renault Clio V6 Phase 1
The Clio V6 Phase 1 is one of the most charismatic hot hatches ever, with a mid-engine V6 and raw, analogue feel that belies its humble origins. It’s a true pocket-rocket with theatrical engine sound and surprisingly quick performance. Numbers are limited and values have climbed sharply as collectors look beyond the usual Japanese icons; good Phase 1 examples are now often £30k – £60k+ in the UK, with concours cars higher, though very low-mile cars can exceed this. Excellent-condition LHD European cars cost between €55k and €85k (£47k-£75k).
Toyota Vitz RS Turbo
The Toyota Vitz RS Turbo is the pocket rocket of JDM superminis: light, nimble and with a juicy little turbo engine. Never officially sold in the USA, its appeal comes from pure fun, mechanical simplicity and potential for tuning. In the UK import market, clean examples are still relatively affordable compared with other JDM icons, often £8k–£15k+ depending on spec and condition.
Alfa Romeo 156 GTA
A brilliant blend of Italian flair, performance and usability — powered by the famous Busso 3.2 V6 that delivers a rich soundtrack and eager acceleration. It pairs that engine with tight handling with the correct modifications, and a distinctive design that stands out today. As a result it’s much more engaging and characterful than most mainstream sports saloons from the early‑2000s. Its rarity and enthusiastic following give it future classic potential. In the UK market, excellent RHD examples typically trade around £15,000 – £25,000 for well‑presented, low‑mile cars, though some high‑quality examples can exceed this. For mainland Europe (LHD) cars in excellent condition, prices commonly sit around €25k - €30k+ (£21k- £26k).
Mazda RX-7 Spirit R (FD)
The RX-7 Spirit R is the last and most refined of the FD generation: balanced weight, revvy rotary and gorgeous lines. It’s widely regarded as one of the best sports cars of its era, with strong enthusiast followings in Europe and Japan. UK import prices (especially pristine Type-A/Type-B Spirit R examples) have risen but are still generally £35k-£60k+ depending on condition and history.
Honda Accord Euro R (CL1/CL7)
The Accord Euro R is a rare blend of everyday usability with a high-revving VTEC engine and sharp chassis. Unlike the US-spec Accord, the Euro R’s focus was on handling and engagement rather than comfort, making it an underappreciated driver’s car. In the UK and Europe, values vary by condition and mileage but well-sorted examples often trade £6k-£12k. Despite being called the Euro R, it was never sold on the continent so RHD it is.
Maserati 3200 Assetto Corsa
The Assetto Corsa edition was designed to provide a sharper, more driver-focused experience compared with the standard 3200 GT, while retaining Maserati’s grand touring comfort and Italian style. The 3200 always had the oomph thanks to its 3.2‑litre twin-turbo V8 producing 370bhp, but stiffer suspension and a revised steering rack tightened up the driving experience no end. Expect to pay £19k- £25k for well‑presented manual Assetto Corsa cars offered by specialists, and €20k- €30k+ (roughly £17k- £26k) for European LHD cars. Few were made and not many survive.
Toyota Caldina GT-Four
The Caldina GT-Four is a rare Japanese AWD wagon boasting turbo performance and rally-derived tech. Its combination of practicality with genuine pace makes it unique – a bonkers commuter that can embarrass sports cars. UK import demand is rising, with good GT-Fours typically £15k–£30k+ depending on spec and history. Imagine what it’ll be like when the US catches on…
Alpina B10 V8 S (E39)
Using a hand-built 375bhp V8, the European S version combines muscular torque with a smoothness and refinement that makes it effortless at speed. Unlike an M5, the B10 is about pace without drama: supple ride, exquisite interiors, subtle styling and genuine long-distance ability. It feels bespoke rather than aggressive, which is exactly the point.
For a UK RHD car, expect to pay £25k-£35k for a good example, rising to £40k-£45k for low-mileage, well-documented cars. In mainland Europe (LHD), prices are broader due to supply: typically €30k-€45k, with exceptional late cars pushing €55k–€60k.
Subaru Legacy B4 RSK
The Legacy B4 RSK is a sleeper performance saloon with subtle styling, boxer engine balance and all-wheel drive. Its understated looks mask serious potential, and it remains one of the underappreciated bits of Subaru kit before STI-centric values soared. In the UK, good examples (especially 3.0R variants) often trade for £6k-£15k depending on condition and provenance. As interest in AWD performance saloons grows, this could become a dark horse favourite among both European and American collectors.
Renault Avantime
The Avantime is one of the most eccentric French cars ever built: a coupe-MPV crossover with real presence and rarity. It appeals for its bold design and everyday usability, plus the novelty factor that makes it a conversation piece. UK prices for clean examples are generally £8k-£15k, though excellent low-mile cars can exceed this. European LHD cars range from £22k-£26k for the very best examples (€25k-€30k+), though good-condition ones can be had for around half that.
Have we missed any cars that could make this list? We’d love to hear your suggestions in the commens below.
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If you’re looking for cover for your pride and joy, why not consider Hagerty UK? Not only are we classic car insurance specialists, but we are enthusiasts at heart. Call us for a quote on 0333 323 1138.
