Filed under: Car Buying, Time Warp
What makes a classic car?
Everyone knows a classic when they see one, right? At least they know of those cars that are
universally accepted classics such as Ferrari, Aston Martin, and most of the other exotics autos. So what's going to be
the classic car of tomorrow? In the past the Chevrolets, Fords, Buicks, and Plymouths of 30-40 years ago were not meant
to become future classics, but some of them have actually earned a spot among the Ferraris and Aston Martins at shows
and classic car auctions around the world. Will any of the less collectable cars of the 1980s and 1990s make it?
There are so many different definitions of what a classic car is. Some would put specific age limits on the definitions, and others would say that only special variants would qualify for classic status. In my hunt for the perfect definition, the best that I could find stated that a classic car is a car that retains its appeal after it is no longer produced. I would say that the appeal of a car is determined by the individual. I mean, some people find a Ford Tempo appealing. To me a classic car is one that stops depreciating in value and either levels off or begins to appreciate over time. The value increasing because of demand ties into the definition that the classic cars have appeal long after they are no longer produced. The goal is to catch these cars when theyre at the bottom, before they become more valuable. Of course, values do vary from year to year, so like any potential investment there are risks.
Anyway, heres a list of what we would qualify as potential future classics:
BMW 3-Series (E30 1984-1991)
Chevrolet Camaro/Pontiac Firebird
Chevrolet Impala SS (1994-1996)
Chrysler Shelby K-Cars (Omni GLH, etc)
Ford Mustang
Ford Fairmont
GM A-Bodies (RWD models, such as the El Camino and Malibu)
GM B-Bodies (other than the Impala SS)
GM G-Bodies (Buick Grand National, Chevrolet Monte Carlo, etc)
GMC Syclone and Typhoon
Honda CRX
Mazda Miata
Mazda 323 GTX
Mitsubishi Galant VR-4
Mitsubish Starion
Mitsubish 3000GT VR-4 (and cousin Stealth R/T)
Nissan 240SX (S13 and S14)
Nissan 300ZX
Nissan Sentra SE-R
Toyota Corolla GT-S(the famous AE86)
Toyota MR2
Toyota Supra (last generation)
VW GTI (personally the MKI and MKII)
This is just our list of cars that are appealing. The value of these cars will more than likely stabilize in the next 5 to 10 years. Granted, some of the cars are special variants, and many may fall into obscurity instead of becoming more popular. That is the risk of this kind of list, but what do you think? We would love to hear your opinion.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 5)
J 10:44PM (12/18/2005)
You left my best pick off. Acura Integra Type-R. The price of a clean car with low miles is at or above the price I paid for it new. I love this car and will never let it go. Even if it does not become a so called classic, I hope my son will enjoy it as much as I have when he turns 18.
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Mondoman 10:44PM (12/18/2005)
This is a pretty good list to start with but if were talking about current cars that "might" be on the list lets not forget some of the "A" cars, the Acura Integra GS-R/Type-R, NSX, any Porsche (regardless of year or model) and how about throwing in a Subaru WRX/STI and Mitsubishi Evolution?
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Hukkle Katt 10:44PM (12/18/2005)
What do all classic cars have in common (generally)? They were all cars we lusted over in high school. Hence the 25-30 year period before it hits 'classic' status (geezers can finally afford the car they always wanted)
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mike 10:44PM (12/18/2005)
acura nsx for sure, cadillac cimmeron, and chevy vega too, oh and pontiac aztek all future classics
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Randall Halcomb 10:44PM (12/18/2005)
#3, that's it.
I thought about the newer rally inspired cars, but we were focusing on the 1980s and 1990s.
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Chmeeee 10:44PM (12/18/2005)
The Buick Grand National (as you listed) has to a degree already achieved classic status. Just look at the selling prices of GN's in excellent condition, its up around $15k, which is pretty impressive for an 18-20 year old American car.
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Peter Eipers 10:44PM (12/18/2005)
The car I learned to drive in: 1976 AMC Gremlin, straight six, three on the floor. Now there's a classic, right? .... right?!
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Stephen 10:44PM (12/18/2005)
I think the 3rd generation RX-7 would meet your criteria as well.
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cruzzer 10:44PM (12/18/2005)
I may be wrong but I think you left out the BMW Mini as a "future" classic.
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JayP 10:44PM (12/18/2005)
Anything exclusive...
The E30 BMW, No.
E30 M3, Yes.
Mustang... no but a Bullitt or Mach1.
Also, Audi Quattro and maybe the Audi 200 quattro 20v (produced one year).
Late 80's M5? Or M6? No matter how exclusive a car, the BMW 850 will never be collectible.
:P
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Charles 10:44PM (12/18/2005)
What about the following:
Cadillac Allante (with Northstar)
Saab 9000
Pontiac Fiero
Chrysler LeBaron GTC / Maserati clone
Jaguar XJR
BMW Z4
2005 Mini Cooper S Convertible
Honda Civic Del Sol VTEC
Honda S2000
Mercedes SLK
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Eryn Hales 10:44PM (12/18/2005)
I have sort of an odd question. I've run across this autoblog site in researching a project I am working on. I'm looking for people to interview in-person in SF Bay Area or over the phone who are authorities in the on-line auto world. Everything I've read so far confrims that this is the place. Do you know who would be the right person to contact? I don't want to step on any toes. I just thought this would be a great place to start. (p.s. I work for a small independent brand consulting firm called TATTOO. Interviews are compensated $100)--thanks Eryn
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Robert 10:44PM (12/18/2005)
Great piece, I was just thinking about this the other day. No one has yet mentioned the behemoths that will be of that long, lost era of cheap fuel. I think the Gen1 Explorer, Excursion, Suburban, and the O.J. Bronco will be very popular with a certain crowd one day.
I agree that the Grand National is already a classic and I forgot the Impalla SS, a sure classic. Id add the Gen1 Aurora, the last great of the Oldsmobile brand and a styling knockout. The E36 3-series M3 is possibly my favorite car. The Gen2 Acura Legend 6spd Coupe is another personal favorite. The Gen3 RX-7 was somehow left off while all its contemporaries made it.
Every 911 is a classic in its own way (the same way as a Corvette), but the 944 is an interesting case. The styling was so well done that they still dont look classic despite their advanced age.
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Erik 10:44PM (12/18/2005)
I have a really hard time that any Sentra, Corolla, or Galant would ever become a classic.
I would like to submit my modern day classic - 1980's Jeep Grand Wagoneer. Prices for these in nice condition often exceed original sticker price. Check out http://www.wagonmaster.com/complete.htm I'm glad I scooped up mine for a couple grand. The styling was classic even when they were new.
PS good call on the Allante Charles
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Charles Mitchell 10:44PM (12/18/2005)
Please add:
BMW E39 M5
(In design and purity, this car is superior to its recent replacement. In any variation, the E39 is a classic, the pinnacle of sports sedan evolution, already missed and sought-after by all who despise the de-volution going on with Bangle, von Hooydonk & company at BMW.)
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xkred27 10:44PM (12/18/2005)
Any E30 BMW (respectfully JayP, not just the M3)
Any BMW M, but esp. the E28 M5 and E24 M6 oh, and the e36 M3 four door
Again, respectfully JayP, the 850, but only the CSI
Any of the first series of Acura Legend or Integra as they were the first upscale nameplated japanese "makes"
Honda Prelude
And GREAT call with the 323 GTX (really this was a prelude to the WRX/STi)
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Rodimus Prime 10:44PM (12/18/2005)
I'd add the e39 particularly the 2001-2003 540 sport edition...
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Rodimus Prime 10:44PM (12/18/2005)
Charles Mitchel -- we were on the same wave length with regard to the e39 -- i totally second your M5 reasoning..
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mo 10:44PM (12/18/2005)
In response to #5:
I think classic cars also transcent national boundaries and enthusiasts know that the Evo & STi came into their own in the 90's so I would add them to this list.
With this criteria you could also add the Nissan Skyline GT-R
I think everything else I thought was missing has been mentioned already.
One last idea: The Subaru SVX, even if it wasn't well recieved during its time was a very good car, and since it's so rare it's price already seems to be leveling off.
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Andrew 10:44PM (12/18/2005)
The following could be added:
RX-7
Mitsubishi Evo
Subaru WRX/STi
Nissan Skyline GT-R
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