Some people do bizarre things with their money, like my father, who buys property saying its an investment and it appreciates in value, when, quite simply, it doesn’t. Everyone’s house goes up at the same rate and therefore the only way to make money is to buy a house in an area that is bad that then becomes good.
I theorize that you can do this with cars.
Top Gear did this a few years back, so I wondered, considering the South African motoring landscape and loyalties, what cars from the last 10 years or so could we likely see becoming future classics.
Now, I have taken Top Gears rules, and also thought of some extra cars that may also become future classics. To qualify, a car must be:
- Rare
- Beautiful
- Interesting
It needs any 2 of those in order to qualify for future classic status.
Alfa Romeo Brera
- It is rare, they’ve only sold something like 30 in the country.
- It is beautiful, there is no arguing that
- It isn’t terribly interesting though.
So the start of Alfa Romeos attempt to revive itself by designing some stunning cars to get people to take a look (think 8C), then this came along and recently the MiTo and Giulietta.
Bear in mind, if you do buy a Brera, you are going to have to keep it for quite a while before it starts regaining value.
Specs wise, there is a 2.2l petrol or a 3.2l 4WD petrol producing 191 kW and a 0-100 km/h time of 7.0 seconds.
BMW M3 (E46)
- It is rare, not as rare as the Alfa, but not terribly many running around in good condition.
- Not the prettiest car ever made, but not ugly. I do think the E46 shape is showing its age though.
- It is interesting, mostly for various technical reasons, number 1 of which is 252 kW from a 3.2 in 2000!
Getting hold of one of these is a bit of a challenge if you want one in good condition. Try getting a manual gearbox, and if possible, avoid the disgusting yellow or blue coloured ones. Also, if you can, try get one without any modifications.
If you are feeling brave, go for a CSL model. Only 99 were brought into SA, and 89 survive. It is a lightweight, hardcore version, similar to the original CSL Batmoblie. This 3.2, lightweight M3 produces 265 kW. If you drive one, hold on!
Mini Cooper S
- It isn’t rare, these cars are everywhere
- It is good looking, very cute.
- It isn’t the most interesting car.
I am going to overrule my own criteria and say this will be a future classic. It won’t be as revered or special as the others on the list, but it will have a n appeal similar to the Ford Anglia or VW Beetle. It has a certain character.
Spec wise, it comes with a 1.6l supercharged petrol engine, producing 120 kW and either a 6-speed manual or CVT-automatic.
Some other cars I think might mature into classics include:
- Golf Mk V GTi
- Ferrari 355
- Mazda MX-5
- Porsche Cayman
- Audi TT
All stats and numbers courtesy of Carfolio