'Unexceptional' cars that were a common sight on our roads are now proving so sought-after that many are rising in value faster than versions of the dream classic the Jaguar E-Type. The latest data from the Hagerty Price Guide reveals everyday cars have enjoyed a bumper year of growth, with values rising as much as 20 per cent year on year.

The Hagerty Price Guide actively tracks market values for nearly 2,200 cherished cars so owners, as well as buyers and sellers, have an accurate picture of their car's worth. The latest update to the guide has seen an impressive 196 once-average models added to the UK guide.

Models including the Ford Cortina, Renault 4, Hillman Imp, Austin Princess, and the Austin Allegro have posted the biggest increases in value, so far this year, The top performers with their annual value increase are:

    1965-1970 Triumph 1300 increase: 20.4%

    1962-1966 Ford Cortina Mk1 increase: 19.4%

    1973-1982 Austin Allegro increase: 13.6%

    1962-1980 Renault 4 increase: 10.6%

    1963-1976 Hillman Imp increase: 10.1%

    1970-1976 Ford Cortina Mk3 increase: 7.8%

Over the same period a Jaguar E-type Series III has rose by 8.2% and a Ferrari 308 GTB 7%.

John Mayhead, head of automotive intelligence for Hagerty, commented, "These everyday cars are becoming increasingly rare. For decades the vast majority were unloved workhorses that would eventually be sold for scrap at best. Now, with rarity on their side and nostalgia tugging at the heartstrings, enthusiasts are snapping up the remaining examples.”

Many of these increasingly rare everyday cars may be found at the Hagerty Festival of the Unexceptional, which takes place at Grimsthorpe Manor, Lincolnshire, on 31 July.