Future classic cars worth investing in: Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz, Tesla, Porsche, and more
Could you be driving a classic car without realising it? New research reveals the makes and models most likely to be sought-after by collectors in the future.
When a car reaches the end of its natural life, it’s normally worth next to nothing.
However, a select group will live on as classics, which could make them a shrewd investment for today’s motorists.
With this in mind, This is Money consulted a group of industry analysts to help identify 21 classic cars of tomorrow – with one costing just £7,383.
Here’s what they had to say...
1. Volkswagen ID Buzz
According to the experts, this model’s quirky combination of futuristic and retro design should help it secure classic status with the collectors of tomorrow.
Likewise, its all-electric, zero-emissions design will help ensure the ID Buzz keeps up with environmental trends of the future.
Price new: From £58,915
Launched: 2022
Year predicted to become a classic: 2053
2. Mercedes-Benz SL (5.5 SL63 V8 AMG)
With a six-figure price tag, this car is a dead cert to become a classic of the future (or so the experts say).
This is Money cites its engineering rigour and panache as selling points, along with its “open-topped wind-in-the-hair motoring”.
Price new: From £108,250
Launched: 2022
Year predicted to become a classic: 2040
3. Tesla Model S
Following more than five years of development, this car made a “historic” debut in 2012 during the early years of the electric vehicle take-up.
According to This is Money, it was the first electric model to top the monthly new car sales in any location.
Price new: From £46,500
Launched: 2012
Year predicted to become a classic: 2037
4. Ariel Nomad
As a two-seater radical off-roader, this car’s unique minimalist style has impressed the experts.
Additionally, its hand-built design and small sales numbers are already whetting collectors’ appetites.
Price new: From £30,000
Launched: 2015
Year predicted to become a classic: 2036
5. Porsche 718 Cayman S
Praising its “flawless” design, This is Money’s experts believe this model has the potential to be “a five-star hit” with motoring enthusiasts within the next decade.
Additionally, its rare spec and unusual colours are likely to catch buyers’ eyes.
Price new: From £48,348
Launched: 2016
Year predicted to become a classic: 2037
6. Mazda MX-5
Despite an affordable price tag, the researchers argue that the Mazda MX-5 “reinvented the British open-top sports car”.
Having reached its fourth generation this year, the model has a reputation for reliability and style.
Price new: From £16,383
Launched: 1989
Year predicted to become a classic: 2033
7. Citroën Ami
Selling for a little over £7,500, Citroën’s model has what This is Money’s experts deem a “bone-shaking performance”.
The Ami also has the distinction of not technically being a car but a quadricycle designed for urban commuting.
Price new: From £7,695
Launched: 2020
Year predicted to become a classic: 2043
8. Ford Focus RS (second generation facelift)
As a hot-hatch, this car appeals to “the latent boy racer” in drivers of all ages, according to This is Money’s findings.
The experts also praise its turbocharged five-cylinder engine and powerful chassis.
Price new: From £31,000
Launched: 2004
Year predicted to become a classic: 2037
9. Jaguar F-Type
Launched in China by Jaguar brand ambassador David Beckham, the researchers believe this model will prove popular with collectors thanks to its exclusive feel.
And with Jaguar set to go fully electric, the 2024 run-out models come at a hefty cost of £104,700.
Price new: From £32,350
Launched: 2013
Year predicted to become a classic: 2035
10. SEAT Leon Cupra (third generation)
Thanks to its distinctive ‘R’ trim and hot hatch, This is Money’s experts believe the Leon Cupra is likely to be an object of desire for many young drivers.
With this in mind, it has a strong chance of securing classic status when these drivers are in a position to make the dream a reality.
Price new: From £25,550
Launched: 2020
Year predicted to become a classic: 2033
11. VW Golf GTI Mk 7
Following significant improvements from the past two versions of the Golf GTI, the experts describe this model as a “very capable car”.
After its launch in 2013, the GTI Mk 7 was revamped in 2017 and then phased out from 2019.
Price new: From £24,495
Launched: 2020
Year predicted to become a classic: 2036
12. Ford Puma ST
History tells us that Fords will pretty much always increase in value, according to This is Money’s research.
And the experts believe that the Puma ST will be no exception thanks to its standout design and rally heritage.
Price new: From £27,345
Launched: 2019
Year predicted to become a classic: 2041
13. Alpine A110
Delicately balancing the “feisty spirit” of Alpine’s early road cars with modern tech standards, this car is already achieving cult acclaim.
With a two-seater rear engine design, the all-aluminium model is beloved for its go kart-like driving experience.
Price new: From £42,000
Launched: 2017
Year predicted to become a classic: 2042
14. Cupra Formentor
As a mix between a family SUV and sporty model, the Formentor can go from zero to 62mph in just 4.9 seconds.
And with a top speed of 155mph, the car has been a hit with motoring enthusiasts since entering the market.
Price new: From £33,125
Launched: 2020
Year predicted to become a classic: 2045
15. Range Rover Evoque Series 1 (two-door)
With a launch featuring Victoria Beckham in the grounds of Kensington Palace, the Evoque Series 1 has made a splash since day one.
Thanks to the combination of luxury and compact style, This is Money’s experts predict that early two-door models will be highly prized by future collectors.
Price new: From £27,955
Launched: 2010
Year predicted to become a classic: 2042
16. Audi Q7 (first generation)
Selling new between 2006 and 2015, the Q7 soon won acclaim as a game-changing ‘softroader’, with second-hand vehicles already in demand.
This is Money’s research has the 2006 model pegged as a classic in years to come.
Price new: From £37,775
Launched: 2006
Year predicted to become a classic: 2036
17. Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio
With strong performance and striking visuals, this model was groundbreaking for the Alfa Romeo brand, and some are already selling for higher than the list price.
What’s more, its name of Quadrifoglio – meaning four-leaf clover – is certain to add to its prestige.
Price new: From £59,000
Launched: 2015
Year predicted to become a classic: 2033
How to beat RECORD car insurance hikes
18. Audi TTS Roadster
Appearing alongside Robert Downey Jr and Scarlett Johansson in the movie Avengers: Age of Ultron, this model has a dash of Hollywood glitz.
With a lightweight and fully automatic soft-top hood, the TTS Roadster allows drivers to reduce air turbulence with an electronic wind deflector.
Price new: From £27,702
Launched: 2008
Year predicted to become a classic: 2027
19. Fiat 124 Spider
Bringing together an Italian aesthetic and roadster tech, the experts believe this model has all the ingredients of a modern classic.
And relatively small sales runs should only add to its appeal.
Price new: From £19,545
Launched: 2019
Year predicted to become a classic: 2035
20. MG 4 EV Xpower
Following what This is Money describes as a “huge resurgence” in MG’s brand identity in recent years, this car is already attracting admirers.
Although the experts admit that the model “isn’t quite the cool British roadsters of times past”, they praise its ability to go from 0-60mph in under four seconds.
Price new: From £37,190
Launched: 2022
Year predicted to become a classic: 2047
21. Toyota Supra J29
Featuring in Manga comics, the Supra J29 has already attracted cult-like status in Japan and its first production model auctioned for charity with a price of $2.1 million (£1.63 million).
Awarding it the title of future classics, the experts praise its high performance, aerodynamic styling and reliability.
Price new: From £52,695
Launched: 2019
Year predicted to become a classic: 2040
Comments
Be the first to comment
Do you want to comment on this article? You need to be signed in for this feature