Modern Classics, opinions?

[MEZZZ]

I dont know if this has ever been done on here before, if so, I apologize. I searched and did not see anything and I have been wanting to ddo this for a couple weeks now.

Modern classics? Looking at what the automotive industry has been churning out I look around and wonder, what cars will be "classics" or "collectibles" 20-30 years from now. With cookie cutter designs, etc, will there be such cars?

I like the retro look of the Mustang but dont think they will have that appeal, with the exception of some of the hi output models. The new Challenger perhaps?

I think the Honda S2000 might fit the bill, perhaps the Miata.

I saw an original Toyota MR2 a couple weeks ago that started me thinking. Kind of an ugly car in my opnion but the thing was perfect.

Any comments?

[Oiluj]

I think the Miata is a certainty, but unlikely to be highly "collectable" or recieve many honors because of the number built. Much like the Z but more so.

The 90's Camero has a large following and the Viper will probably make it as well. There's probably a fair list of cars that could make the history books.

[bigoak]

Collectible will revolve around a combinaiton of appeal and relative scarcity...

For discussion:

Miata: Appeal - moderate/high Relative Scarcity - low Overall: no special performance packages, a ton available, some in great shape, a bunch not...sound like 240Z's

Viper: Appeal - moderate/high Relative Scarcity - moderate Overall: Classic Mopar

Mustang: Appeal - moderate Relative Scarcity - low Overall: Other than specialty performance packages, minimal

GTR: Appeal - high Relative Scarcity - high Overall: look at iconic vehicles (first Audi Quattros; Gen IV Supras; etc.)

Could plot any vehicle on these axes...

Edited August 20, 2008 by bigoak

[Bulldog Z]

I think that collectible is somewhat open to interpretation. Like the Miata and the MR2 I believe there will be MR2 clubs and Miata clubs in the years to come. I know a few people that race Miatas in SCAA races at places like Road Atlanta. Just my two cents.

[MEZZZ]

Okay, I agree with these. Maybe collectible was a poor choice of words. I started by saying "classic". Maybe not collectible in the pure sense of the word. i.e., 1st gen low VIN 240Z would be considered a "collectible", other s30's not so much so, except perhaps a '77 Zzap or '78 Black Pearl becasue of the limited edition value.

I was more thinking, just looking around, what modern cars would generate the passion that so may others have from long ago. Maybe I a missing something but there just arent that many new cars that evoke that type of feeling from me. Dont get me wrong, there are some gorgeous new cars out there. Then there are some that are not much so.

One that will not make my list that I saw driving home today...

a Plymouth Prowler, low production number or not, that car is just hideous IMO.

[Danglybanger]

Chrysler 300 (blecch, but probably)

Bling SUVs (they'll be period pieces, because god willing, in 5 years there will be no more of them)

Prius/Insight etc.

Civics/Integras (like 55 Chevies... In all states)

RX7/RX8

Supra, AWD Eclipse, other "good" ricer cars...

350Z

[xray]

I'll play...sounds like fun! To generate a list like this, one has to evaluate what people have deemed "collectible/desireable" previously. For most, future collectible cars are usually the ones that teenage boys dream of owning when they were in school. Mostly sportscars, muscle cars or luxury brands...not the typical sedan/minivan...Or, they are unique, one-of-a-kind technological marvels, uber-expensive supercars or something else that makes them unique or historical (prototypes, customs from Foosh or Coddington, etc). Some will be "attainable classics" like the GTi or Civic Si since they were cheap enough to own when in school, and evoke positive childhood memories. Others will be like the Hemi Cuda convertible that many dreamed of owning but had no chance....Regardless of whether these cars evoke an emotional response in one particular person, these cars appear to have a substantial following that could generate value/collectibility in the next 20-25 years.

In no particular order:

Plymouth Prowler

Ford Lightning

Viper (not sure which of the Limited editions, though--1st gen, Mamba, ACR etc)

Mitsubishi 3000GT VR4 convertible

BMW E30 M3

BMW E28 M5

BMW E24 M6

BMW M Roadster

2004 Subie STi (maybe the 2002 WRX)

Callaway, Z06, ZR-1 Corvette

Porsche 964

Porsche 951

Limited ed Mustangs (Roush, Hertz etc)

Mark IV Toyota Supra (OEM twin turbo 6spd)

Ist Gen VW GTi

1st gen Honda Civic Si

1st Gen Honda CRX Si

FD Mazda RX-7

Nissan 300ZX TT (or one of the last 100)

Ferrari Testarossa

Ferrari 308

Dodge SRT-4

Mazda Miata

Audi Quattro

VW New Beetle

Mini CooperS

Cadillac CTS-V

Pontiac GTO

Lotus Elise/Exige

Nissan GTR

Hummer H2

FJ Cruiser

MB G500

Hard to tell which luxury cars will make it. Most of those have stunning loss of value since the cachet of having a luxo car is to have the "latest and greatest." BMW 850i? MB SL500?

Supercars/exotics are sorta easy...Lambos, McLaren SLR...Ariel Atom...Koenigsegg (sp?)..Noble?...

Not intended to be exhaustive of course, but just riffing off of what I'd expect to see at an antique car show in 2035....

Edited August 20, 2008 by xray

[lonetreesteve]

Porsche 911 Turbo Coupe & Turbo Cabriolet.

Mercedes Benz SL55 AMG

[geezer]

I'm just watching the tube, going thru the threads here and leafing through a SLP Performance Parts Catalog and really enjoying the artwork, when I came across this thread. I think American Muscle (no matter what form it takes) will still be on the list, 20 or 30 years from now. Of course I could come up with a really long list but xray saved me the trouble. Two bouncing bunnies for your efforts Steve.:bunny: :laugh:

[MEZZZ]

Steve, I agree with alot of cars on your list. Going through it, I was thinking, yep...that has to be in there.

The Vette is an obvious, as is the Ferrari, but they probably always will be. The Mini Cooper and VW Beetle (too cute girl cars in my opinion) will have staying power as well.

I always thought 1st gen RX7's would be and already are..but they have been around since the late 70's. You are spot on the 1st gen Civic SI's, I had a 2000 model and "riced" it a bit, what a fun car that was! Any M series has to be in there as well.

Thanks for the input.

And Geezer, looking at the photos, I agree any American muscle for decades to come. Even though its a GM product, I hate to admit I like the look of the new Camaro, as wll as the Saturn Sky.

[Rockr69]

I really believe with the way we're being brainwashed about the climate and the reason for spiraling energy costs (Can we say those in power) in 50 years ANY car that runs on gasoline will be collectable. As soon as the oil companys can buy off the government and take over all the cheap alternative and green fuels and power sources, gas powered cars will be illegal to even drive. If you don't think so take a look around, before you know it just being an American on our own soil will be illegal. So my vote is anything gas powered that is even half-way cool is in.

[Oiluj]

In 20 years my 240Z might be required to powered by hydrogen fuel cells, but hopefully it will be running!