What Cars Today Will Be Classic Cars Tomorrow?
February 23, 2016
Toyota Prius
If you haven’t seen a classic car show before, it really is a treat. You see cars your grandfather, your father, and maybe even you drove back in the day. As we think of a warmer spring just ahead, we’re reminded of the annual Antique and Classic Car Show at the Munson Williams Proctor Arts Institute in Utica. It’s during the Summer Arts Festival (held this year on July 3, 2016) and it’s an event we look forward to.
And we always come away from exhibits like that wondering: What are we driving today that might be a classic 10-50 years from now?
Jay Leno, writing in Popular Mechanics a few years ago, talks about his picks for cars that will become classics. Jay isn’t on TV anymore, but besides his late night comedy fame, he’s a big car collector. Here’s what he thinks:
The first generation Toyota Prius because it was the first mass produced hybrid. According to Jay it’s kind of slow and doesn’t have tremendous range, but it is a first of its kind.
Also, the Mazda Miata by 2025 or so. This was an extremely simple car with no extras, which is why it will be a collectible. He also likes the first generation Taurus, the first forward looking aerodynamic sedan.
Cadillac Escalade
Finally, Jay Leno likes a Cadillac Escalade as a future collectible. The flashy trim and big dub wheels will make them desirable when the young men of today reach their 50s and 60s.
AutoTrader guesses that the following may increase in value:
Audi R8 with fewer produced and “head turning styling,” this may become a classic in 20 years.
BMW 1 Series M focused on driving pleasure, not infotainment features and high tech gadgets. It’s small and high performance and shouldn’t fall out of favor for those that appreciate driving pleasure.
Chevrolet Camaro ZL 1/Z28 is an easy call because of its limited production. This is a big power car with GM’s “excellent magnetic suspension system.”
Ford F-150 SVT Raptor is a chancy pick because trucks aren’t usually as collectable as cars. This may be considered a classic from the “era of big V8s and huge pickup trucks.”
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution also has a low production volume and unique look. And Japanese cars of the 60s and 70s are starting to become collectible today, so these more modern cars should follow suit.
Nissan GT-R is another Japanese car that should become collectible as it gets older. It’s a performance car where clean, unmodified examples should become less common.
When it comes to cars from the 80s and 90s that are still affordable but are predicted to explode in value, odometer.com says look at:
1993-1998 Toyota Supra Turbo, which is a little pricey at $40,000 in today’s market but an impressive performance car.
1988 Pontiac Fiero GT is, according to odometer.com, the best model of the Fiero you can buy that should go up in price.
Early 90s Nissan 300 Z31 Twin Turbo can be purchased today for anywhere between $12,000 and $20,000. The fewer alterations to the engine, the higher the value.
Classic cars are a lot of fun, there’s even a classic car auction show that we’ve seen on TV. The cars are absolutely gorgeous…and very expensive. Which reminds us, do you have a classic car? We’re not experts on cars, but we do know classic car insurance. We offer agreed value on the car, low rates, and a generous mileage limit. You’ll be driving your collector car in just a few months, so give us a call now. We’ll get you the best coverage at the right price.
Until next time,
Your SZW Team
Scalzo, Zogby & Wittig, Inc. is your New Hartford area independent insurance agent. Call us for a quote on insurance for your home, car, business, or life at 315.792.0000. Or request a quote here.
