How to Spot a Future Classic: Cars That Will Appreciate in Value
Subaru BRZ
The thrill in collecting cars is not merely about possessing beautiful machines—the passion is also about investing in those machines that have a potential to appreciate with time. Some depreciate as soon as you take them out from the showroom, while some become classics that are highly sought at auctions.
So, how do you anticipate a future classic before the market catches on with you? Are you a seasoned enthusiast or just starting out? Either way, this guide will guide you in finding cars with investment potential.
1. Rarity And Low Production
Alfa Romeo 4C
A car’s uniqueness is a key factor in its appreciation. Special editions, production series limitations, as well as out-of-production models, appreciate because these are not in high supply.
Examples of classics are:
BMW M2 CS (2020-2021) - A track-focused variant with a limited production.
Alfa Romeo 4C (2013-2020) - Mid-engine lightweights with a monocoque made from a single item of carbon fibre.
Porsche 911 R (2016) - A driver 911 with a six-cylinder, naturally aspirated powertrain with a manual gear.
If a vehicle is in a small production series or in a specialist specification, it will be very likely to be a collectible.
2. Performance And Handling Experience
Ford Mustang Shelby GT350
Enthusiasts value those which are enjoyable to drive. Car models with high-revving engines, gear boxes with a manual layout, as well as aggressive suspension are likely to attain classic status.
Examples of driver-centred vehicles worth monitoring:
Mazda MX-5 Miata ND (2015-present) - A lightweight sportscar with a manual with lasting design.
Toyota GR86 / Subaru BRZ (2022-date) - Low-price sporting models with high-revving engines and a rear drivetrain.
Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 (2015-2020) - Features a high-reving flat-plane crank V8, a new innovation in modern muscle machines.
Cars that deliver a raw, dynamic driving experience are likely to have loyalists in the long term.
3. Heritage And Brand Standing
Audi TT RS
Manufacturers with a high-performance and racing background tend to create models that turn into classics in the future. Find models with racing connections, exclusive collaborations, or famous ancestors.
Examples of classics approved by tradition:
Honda S2000 (1999-2009) - Loathed as much as its high-reving VTEC powertrain as its razor-sharp
Nissan 370Z Nismo (2009-2020) - A sibling in a noble fraternity.
Audi TT RS (2010-2023) - Final production series of the five-cylindered TT, a celebration of Audi's rally heritage.
A strong brand background tends to create enduring desirability.
4. Unique character and design
Lotus Elise
Some cars are remarkable due to a strange design, advanced engineering, or a reputation. The cars with a distinguishing feature are likely to be collectible over a period.
Examples of Uniquely Engineered Automobiles:
Lotus Elise (1996-2021) - Extremely light with minimal design.
Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG (2010-2015) - The gull winged form with a naturally aspirated V8 makes a dramatic silhouette.
BMW i8 (2014-2020) - A revolutionary hybrid with a new design.
If a car turns heads these days, it can be a highly sought-after collectible in days to come.
5. Manual gearboxes and Analog Feel
Dodge Challenger Hellcat
As automatic gearboxes and electric powertrains grow in popularity, manual and traditional sports cars are becoming more desirable. The last of the manual and naturally aspirated high-performance vehicles will be some of the classics in the future.
Examples of Stick Shift Future Classics:
Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE (2017 - 2024) - A track-capable variant with a six-speed manual.
Dodge Challenger Hellcat (2015-2023) - A Supercharged V8 with a Stick.
Porsche Cayman GT4 (2015-present) - A modern Porsche you can still have with a gear shift.
Cars that are raw, pure driving machines are greatly in demand with collectors.
6. Motorsports Edition Special Edition
McLaren 600LT
Race-inspired models or those with a sporting background are likely to appreciate in value.
Low-volume track specials and homologation specials will be probable classics in the future.
Examples of Motorsport-Inspired Items:
Ford Focus RS (2016-2018) - A high-performance AWD hot hatch.
Toyota GR Yaris (2020-present) - Developed specifically with WRC homologation in
McLaren 600LT (2018-2020) - A light track specialist supercar.
Cars with genuine motorsport heritage are known to appreciate in value over time.
Where to Shop for Future Classics
Toyota GR Yaris
Finding a collectible in its early stage before expenses are high is key. Collecting Cars is a premier website in purchasing and trading enthusiast vehicles. In a departure from traditional auction halls, it is a no-stress, no-commission-for-the-buyer location.
Why Use Collecting Cars?
Curated Listings - Ensures high quality, collectible vehicles.
Global Audience - Brings buyers across the globe.
Hassle-Free Bidding - A seamless web-based experience with no cost.
If you’re looking to invest in a collectible before its prices shoot through the roof, shop at Collecting Cars.
Final Thoughts: Investing in TOMORROW'S CLASSICS
Spotting a future classic is a mix between research, passion, and having a feeling about why a car is truly great. Whatever you consider from rarity, power, tradition, or design, smart purchases are generally those that owners thoroughly enjoy driving.
If you’re ready to launch your collection, Collecting Cars is the ideal destination in which to source your new investment vehicle. Good hunting.
