Based on their 2024 Future of Driving survey, Gen Z (born between 1997 to 2012) have started to show a strong and growing interest in collector cars, trucks, and motorcycles. While nearly half (47 percent) of total respondents surveyed noted an interest in owning a classic car, Gen Z expressed significantly greater interest at 60 percent, compared to 31 percent of Baby Boomers.

Hagerty commissioned the international market research agency, OnePoll (Talker Research) to survey more than 2,000 Americans about the role that cars play in their life, their behaviors tied to cars and driving, and more.

As for Hagerty’s own demographic data, they found that Gen Z enthusiasts have developed a penchant for the first-generation Mazda MX-5 (1990 to 1998). Inquiries for insurance coverage for the world’s best-selling open top sportscar dominate. As for Millennials, they’re most interested in the GMT400 Series trucks built from 1988 to 2000.

Hagerty has even named the current MX-5 (ND) as a future collectible car because of its “phenomenal fun-to-drive character and stellar reliability…This generation is sharper, faster, and cleaner than the preceding generation, so Hagerty believes enthusiasts will take notice.”

Hagerty attributes the uptick in classic or collector car interest among Gen Zs thanks to the increased exposure in social media. Taking a closer look at how Gen Z has experienced classics, YouTube (39 percent), Instagram (38 percent), and driving (35 percent) were cited as top ways they interact with enthusiast vehicles. In-person car shows still showed relevance, however, with 40 percent saying their first exposure to classic and enthusiast cars was from attending car shows, making them a critical entry point to the hobby.

Elsewhere, the 2024 Future of Driving survey revealed that:

• 77 percent of Gen Z respondents said they either loved or liked driving, indicating a promising future not only for the auto industry, but also for the collector car community.
• Respondents shared that they have either owned, or currently own a classic enthusiast vehicle, with Gen Z and Millennials at 32 percent and 30 percent, respectively.
• SUVs are the most popular type of vehicle among respondents (38 percent), followed by sedans (26 percent) and pickup trucks (19 percent). Gen Z however, expressed nearly equal interest in luxury cars (23 percent) as they did in SUVs (26 percent).
• Half of those who drive said they feel a sense of freedom when driving. Adventurous (28 percent) and calm (24 percent) were other top responses, highlighting the emotional connection and psychological benefits associated with the hobby.
• Car owners mostly manage maintenance by taking their car to the dealership or service center (55 percent). Although 27 percent said they perform DIY repairs, Millennials are the most likely generation to do so at 34 percent.