Classic cars are the ideal garage companion for car enthusiasts. Many cars are reflective of one’s youth, and bring the driver back to a different time. Not only that, but they tend to be collectible, highly desirable, investments, and stand the test of time by not being crushed or junked. For this article, I am going to define a classic car as one that will be desirable and valuable in the future.
But predicting which cars will be future classics, and a good investment, is always a very difficult guessing game. While difficult for cars that are 10 years old or older, it is even more difficult when predicting which cars will be classics when they are still in the depreciation curve.
Some cars tick all the boxes for being a future classic, such as rarity, unique styling and upgrades, etc, but never do. While others jump in value unexpectedly because generations change and so do their preferences. Whether a car is going to be a future classic is really a measure of how desirable a car will be in the future and with future buyers. I looked at current trends, how slowly a car is currently depreciating, past desirability, vehicle performance, uniqueness and rarity, and brand desirability when putting this list together of 10 cars I think will be future classics. Enjoy!
1. 2019 + Dodge Challenger and Charger Widebody
The Dodge Challenger and sedan cousin Charger are the last of the muscle car breed. Huge power, loud exhaust, big V8’s from naturally aspirated 6.4 to supercharged, make these cars so iconic. For the 2019 model year, Dodge added a widebody option to the Scat Pack and Hellcat trims allowing Dodge to fit wider tires for better handling. While the Hellcats will undoubtedly be a classic, I think the widebody variants will be the most desirable as less of these have been made and bought, they have superior performance to their “narrow body” brothers, and the muscle car MOPARS of old, especially the unique models, have always been highly valuable and sought after classics.
2. 2020+ Ford Mustang GT500
The 2020 and newer GT500’s will surely be a future classic. GT500’s have held value much better than their regular GT and non GT counterparts and this one will too. When looking at sales data, the 2007, 2008, and 2009 GT500’s values have just about bottomed out and are now on the rise…about 3% so far this year (2020). I expect the 2010 to 2014 GT500’s to bottom out within 5 years and also begin rising. Based on this historical data, this latest GT500 will surely become a collectible. Not only does history tell us this, but this latest GT500 has some never seen before features such as Magnetorheological shocks, carbon fiber wheels, some of the most aggressive aero on any mustang, and the first to have a dual clutch transmission.
3. 2021 Ram 1500 TRX
The Ram 1500 TRX is a 702 horsepower, supercharged, Hellcat powered, fire breathing 4WD monster. Ram’s answer to the Ford F150 Raptor is the real deal and Ram gave it everything except the kitchen sink. A reinforced frame, unique suspension and tire package, unique engine, and unique styling means the TRX is ready to handle any obstacle. While the TRX was just released as I write this, I am already predicting this will be a future classic based on price trends from the F150 Raptor. The Raptor, currently, is one of the slowest depreciating cars on the market, and depreciating roughly 50-70% SLOWER than regular F150’s. The Raptor is bound to be a future classic, and I predict that the even more insane TRX will be no different.
4. 2017+ Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro
Sticking with trucks, this is the oldest entry on my list. But I have no doubt that this won’t be a future classic. For starters, the TRD Pro model is highly differentiated from is lesser Tacoma siblings offering enhance off road capability through a unique BBS wheel and tire package, unique paint colors, grill, and exterior lighting, FOX shocks, and TRD exhaust. Even in standard trim, Tacoma’s retain value incredibly well and have the lowest depreciation in its class and among other cars. Additionally, we are seeing a resurgence in value of the 1980s and early 1990s Toyota Pickups (Yes, they were actually called just pickups), and the FJ Cruiser is seeing an uptick in value as well. With a history of collectibility, I think these unique TRD Pro Models will reach future classic status.
5. 2020 C8 Corvette Stingray
The C8 Corvette marks a radical, but needed departure from corvette tradition. Foregoing the Coke bottle shape, the front engine rear wheel drive layout the C8 Corvette is now mid-engined, automatic only, and distinctively designed. Corvettes, particularly high performance variants, have held value quite well and easily reach classic status. Additionally, usually a “first” mean classic and the C8 is the first production mid-engine Corvette. Coming out to highly positive reviews, the C8 continues to be the performance bargain Corvette’s are known for. But this time bringing exotic level performance and architecture to the masses. It is the value many have wanted for generations. High desirability, limited production due to the COVID pandemic that gripped the world as the C8 was released, the first of its kind, and a history of collectibility, it is a no brainer to have the C8 on this list.
6. 2018+ Honda Civic Type R
The FK8 generation of Civic Type R launched in 2018 to rave reviews. A front wheel drive car with performance that could rival rear wheel drive rivals that were more powerful and more expensive. An aggressive and wild aero design combined with its red interior split enthusiasts on its appeal, but nobody could doubt its incredible on road performance. When looking back in history, Type R Honda’s (or Acura’s for us in the states) have always held value very well, and become collectibles over time. Additionally, since the 2015’s, interest in classic Japanese sports cars have been skyrocketing. Based on these two factors, I have no doubt this FK8 CTR will be a collectible classic.
7. 2018 to 2020 BMW M3 CS
The BMW M3 Sedan I feel is bound to be a future classic. When looking at past M3’s they all have reached classic car status of desirability and collectibility. E46 M3’s are on the upswing, the e9X M3’s are just about at rock bottom, and I think the F80 generation will follow in the footsteps. However, in my opinion, the one to buy is the M3 CS. Sedans are produced in lower volume than the M4 coupes, and the CS is regarded as the best M3 being more wild and special than base and competition pack models due to a variety of performance and cosmetic upgrades. The CS is also incredibly exclusive with roughly 500 of the 1200 allocation going to the United States. With the G20 M3 and M4’s highly controversial styling, I think the F80, with its more subdued styling, will age well and rise to collectibility quite quickly.
Wildcard’s
Rounding out my list are two cars that I call my wildcards. These last two are cars that I think will be future classics based mostly on speculation. The above cars I had a solid history to go off of, but these cars has no history (Veloster N and Polestar 1), or a mixed history but will be different (Gladiator).
8. 2021 Polestar 1
The Polestar 1 is the flagship and first model of the newly minted Polestar brand which operates within the Geely and Volvo family. This 619 horsepower, plug in hybrid is one of the most incredibly cars on the road with battery power, and turbocharger and supercharger attached to its four cylinder engine which drives the rear wheels. Oh, and also happens to be incredibly exclusive and incredibly beautiful. While the Polestar 1 is a bit of a wildcard, I have high confidence we will see this car hold or appreciate in value in the future due to its uniqueness, timeless beauty, and rarity.
9. 2019+ Hyundai Veloster N
Hyundai has no history of making collectible or even classic cars. Sure seeing a well kept, OG Hyundai from the 90’s might be cool, they are far from being a classic. But recently Hyundai, and partner Kia, are churning out vehicles so much better than before, it’s hard to believe how much progress they’ve made. The Veloster N is one of those defining cars, and is the first car to wear the N badge here in the states. Hyundai’s N division is Hyundai’s new high performance arm, overseen by the legendary Albert Biermann. With Albert at the helm, the Veloster N made a huge splash here in the States and released to rave reviews. I think N will continue to grow in prominence and recognition, and be a leader in affordable performance. As a result, I believe this first flagbearer model will be a future classic as people will want the car that started it all.
10. 2019+ Jeep Gladiator Rubicon
The Jeep Gladiator was one of the most anticipated models of 2019. The car that many Jeep-ists wanted, and non Jeep-ists too. The Gladiator combines Wrangler off road performance with truck capability. Reviews show it has delivered on that promise. But will this be a future classic? Looking back into history, the SJ Jeep Gladiator (made from 1962 to 1968) has become a Jeep favorite and a classic. But more modern Jeep pickups such as the Jeep Comanche, have fizzled and has reached classic, but not collectible status. This might be changing though as recently, I’ve been seeing an upswing in their values. The CJ8 Scrambler from the 80’s is also quickly rising in value. Will the new Gladiator be a classic? Wranglers have failed to reach collector status, and most of the Jeep pickups of old have reached collector status due to rarity. Will this Gladiator be a classic, only time will tell, but I think history will repeat itself favorably for the all new Gladiator.
