Cars of the past 15 years that you predict will be considered classics

[brandon]

What cars of the period 1995-2010 do you think will be highly sought after by collectors or considered classic designs in the 2030s?

I'll start with a few of my favorites. It's pretty much a given that Porsches, Ferraris and Lamborghinis will be desirable, so I'll skip those now.

BMW Z8 (2000-2003)
Mazda RX-7 (3rd generation, 1995)
Honda S2000
Mazda Miata
Audi TT
Honda/Acura NSX
VW New Beetle
Toyota MR2 (2nd generation, 1995-99)
Honda Civic
Honda/Acura Integra
BMW M Roadster, M Coupe
BMW Z3 (1996–2002)
BMW 3 Series (E46, 4th generation, 1998-2005)
Ford Mustang
Chevrolet Corvette
Ford 150 (Tenth generation, 1997–2004)
Dodge/Chrysler Magnum (2005–2008)
Chrysler Crossfire
Chrysler PT Cruiser
Plymouth/Chrysler Prowler

I'll probably add more later.

[Cabding]

Prius. No for it's looks or anything more for the fact it was the first semi successful step to moving away from gas as a fuel.

[brandon]

Prius. Not for it's looks or anything more for the fact it was the first semi successful step to moving away from gas as a fuel.

The first generation that looked a bit like an Echo sedan, or the second generation (hatchback) that most people recognize as a Prius?

The original two-seater aluminum Honda Insight might attract some interest as the first production hybrid (and still the most fuel efficient  production car sold in the USA.)

[hjmartin]

Tesla

[brandon]

To think classic, one must think in terms of cool. In terms of cool the Prius and Insight are simply appliances, just dull and boring. It's like getting excited about a kitchen blender...

Perhaps "collectibles" would be a better term for those, in that they represent the zeitgeist of the era, although if you really wanted the zeitgeist of the era, that would be lowered SUVs running on chrome 22s.

[Wolfboy]

A Volkswagen Golf (the Mk4, Mk5 and Mk6 editions)

[brandon]

R32 maybe?

Golfs are not very popular in the United States. Jettas are, but not Golfs. If Americans want something with a hatch or back door, they buy an SUV.

I did stumble across a meeting of VW aficionados once. Here's a very clean, very red Golf that was displayed:

[Wolfboy]

Do I smell a GTI?

Oh yes!

[Wolfboy]

Golfs are not very popular in the United States. Jettas are, but not Golfs. If Americans want something with a hatch or back door, they buy an SUV.

I did stumble across a meeting of VW aficionados once. I took some pictures. If I can find them, I post a couple.

In Belgium they are
So far i owned two Volkswagen Golf's (a Golf Mk2 and a Golf Mk3), but i had to sell my last one due to financial problems some years ago...
Really miss them, hope i can buy one again soon

[brandon]

Any decent French cars? They're not sold over here anymore. I'm sure there are some future classics from Citroen, Peugeot or Renault.

[chrisw91]

Although the Mclaren F1 started production just outside the 15 year bracket I believe there was a model on 1995 that became the first car to have a body made completely out of carbon fiber and it was also the fastest prodction car at the time.. I may be wrong but either way I still believe it will be remembered as a great British classic for many years to come.

[Alex]

Any decent French cars?

Nope.

^^

[chado]

Any decent French cars?

Nope.

^^

Till 2030 they're all rusted. 


I would say the Tesla has a huge potential to become a classic because it's the first electric car that combines both fun-factor and economic responsibility. The batterie life ends after 6-8 years but one thing for sure, we'll have better and better batteries in the future. There is a strong development. In 2030 you'll have batteries with a higher capacitiy and less weight.

Overall, I would say that there are two main factors:  The car has a special/unique design or the car features a special technology so that's some kind of milestone.  For instance the first Audi Quaddro Sport, it was the first car that featured an affordable and practical 4x4 for standard cars, the chassis was fully-zinced and the design somehow special. It really looks like the 80s.

[nudist18]

In my opinion, the Toyota Supra, and possibly the early Lancer Evolution models will both be considered classics in time.