Classic and collector car enthusiasts are always on the lookout for the notable vehicles of today that could fill the collections of the future. Do these instant classics have anything in common? Glad you ask because they do. Tomorrow’s classic and collector cars tend to cost less than $100,000 when introduced to the public – putting them within range of most collectors’ pocketbooks. They deliver exceptional drivability and visual appeal. The classics of the future are true pieces of automotive art – aspiring to the classics of today.
Instant Classic Appeal
An instant classic possesses certain characteristics that you seek out when building a car collection with future appeal:
- Undisputed under-the-hood excellence
- Sleek, sophisticated, high-end design
- Enjoyable day-to-day drivability, plus racing cred
- Models that are the first of their kind or limited editions
- Timelessness or, on the flip side, a quirky vintage look
- Cars with a noteworthy place in automobile history
- A throwback quality that makes car lovers yearn for earlier times
Here are our top picks for future classic cars, all produced within the past 15 years or so. Each holds a special place in history, making it a perfect candidate for the collections of the future.
Ford Mustang Shelby GT350
The good guys drive Mustangs in old movies and the good guys of the future are driving them, too. The Shelby GT350 honors the Carroll Shelby school of racing, a form of high-speed driving that captures the lifelong desires of many classic collectors.
Dodge/SRT Viper
Re-introduced after Dodge’s famous government bailouts and legal issues, this throwback-style Viper holds a memorable place in automotive lore. It reignites a burning love for the entire brand, reminding American car enthusiasts and daily drivers alike that Dodge still knows how to make your heart race.
Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG
Will the collectors of the future covet a beautiful, big-engined Benz like this one? We sure think so. Sleek and turbocharged, there’s something lusty about this luxury car. It purrs like a panther, ready to charge across the pavement with the best of the Benzes.
Porsche Cayman R/Boxster Spyder
For Porsche lovers, there’s just nothing else like a sleek, supercharged, high-end Spyder. This one makes our list for its hot Boxster style and satisfying drivability. Plus, from the moment of its unveiling, it exudes futuristic-ness.
Honda S2000
?Named to Car and Driver’s Annual 10 Best Cars four times, this zippy roadster seals Honda’s credibility as a manufacturer of everyday supercars. It’s powerful yet petite and will likely go down in history as having one of the best-designed engines of all time.
Lotus Elise/Exige
We’re betting that the exotic Lotus will be an exciting addition to the car collections of the future. It slides through turns like an extreme sportscar and stays outside the mainstream of the American automotive experience, with striking British charm.
Chevrolet Corvette 427 Convertible
Corvettes are the darlings of many-a-collection and this convertible has all the currency of the Z06, including the LS7 V-8 engine, with the steel chassis of the C6. “A short model run and the last large-displacement, naturally aspirated Corvette convertible?” says Cars and Driver’s Davey G. Johnson. “That’s collector-car gold, friends.”
Ford F-150 SVT Raptor
That’s right, we’re adding a truck to the list. Whether you’re a truck enthusiast or not, you’re likely to appreciate the rip-roaring Raptor. Ford tears up the truck market with this beast, which becomes an instant favorite and dominates the Baja 1000 desert race. While many Raptors never set a wheel off-road, this is a seriously hardcore truck for any four-wheeling enthusiast.
What do you think of the cars on this list? Do we miss your favorite future classic? Let us know in the comments.
Collector and Classic Car Insurance for Less
When you’re ready to invest in and protect the classics of the future, let Classic Auto Insurance customize a policy to fit your needs. We offer affordable, Agreed Value coverage for a variety of collector, classic and custom vehicles. Our friendly, knowledgeable staff can answer your questions and give you a quote on the spot. Get an instant quote online or call 888-901-1338 and see how we can help safeguard your dream car.
