Post by
Jesda »
https://forums.nicoclub.com/jesda-u7038.html
Sun May 29, 2005 8:21 pm
Did some reading on classic cars, as I've been pondering a hobby (like the Q isn't enough) and was wondering, what modern cars will become classics? I'm trying to exclude overt exotics from the list, and looking more at conventional vehicles that are less obvious.
Here's some I think will reach collector status thirty or fourty years from now:
1984-87 Turbo Regal/Grand National (according to Hemmings) -- Already a classic. Undriven showroom-like examples sell for over $40k.
1994-96 Roadmaster Estate Wagon (according to Hemmings) -- The last great American station wagon. (RWD, big engine, full size.)
1988- 91 Reatta (according to Hemmings) -- The last Buick luxury sports coupe, and incredibly rare as it accounted for 1% of Buick sales in its time. With the cancellation of the Velite, should remain that way. Tons of technology for its time, including a touch screen and built-in cell phone.
1995-99 Riviera (according to Hemmings) --The pinnacle of Buick styling and design and the last of its kind. The end of a richly historic nameplate that goes back decades.
1995-1996 Chevy Impala SS -- Still appreciating in value, sough after by enthusiasts looking for a full-size RWD sport sedan.
2002 Cadillac Eldorado -- The pinnacle of Cadillac's international styling theme and the end of a 50 year old model, marking the end of an era for Cadillac.
1990-1998 Mazda Miata -- Lotus Elan copycat. The only 'British' roadster that was practical to own, because it was made in Japan. Oozing with character and easy on the eyes. Inspiration for the Z3, Z4, SLK, Solstice, and every other roadster sold in America.
Nissan 300ZX TT
2003 Nissan 350Z -- Stirs emotion and has historical significance as the car that marks Nissan's big turnaround. Plus, there's that whole Z-car legacy.
1993-2002 Mazda RX-7 -- The beginning and end of Mazda's foray into semi-exotic sports cars. Exciting styling, somewhat exotic impracticality, with remarkable performance make it desirable. 1991-1995 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme Convertible -- Rare and very stylish. The last topless Olds and one of the nicest from GM.
2003 Chevy Camaro -- Only if this really is the LAST Camaro. Anniversary edition could appreciate in value 25 years from now.
2003 Mercury Marauder -- Low production, high desirability. Much like the Impala SS. Heritage nameplate on a truly American RWD V8 sport sedan.
1993-1997 Lincoln Mark VIII -- Low production, high desirability. Like the Riviera, its the pinnacle of Lincoln style and RWD V8 performance, and may never return again.
Acura NSX
2005 Chevy SSR -- New 400HP V8 and the fact that its a sales flop will make it rare and sought after years from now.
2005 Pontiac GTO -- New 400HP V8 and the fact that its a sales flop will make it rare and sought after years from now.
The last BMW 7-series. -- Universally loved, fairly easy to own. The new one looks like dog****. Rare enough to be fairly exclusive.
Cadillac Allante -- Bodies designed and made in Italy, shipped to the US. Rare, but questionable styling and build quality in early years makes them iffy as classics. Resale values are appreciating anyway.
Pontiac 6000STE -- Will take time to become collectible, as theyre a bit ugly and share body panels with the Chevy Celebrity. However, AWD, lots of positive press, and some unique styling cues help it stand out.
1990 Oldsmobile Toronado/Trofeo -- A somewhat historic name and clean looks. Tons of technology for its time, including a touch screen and built-in cell phone. Deemed a future classic by collector magazines.
2002 Oldsmobile Aurora -- The pinnacle of Oldsmobile styling, technology, and performance before the brand came to an end. Northstar-based V8, excellent build quality, and a slick body make it desirable. Deemed a future classic by collector magazines.
Mercedes-Benz 500E -- The strength of DaimlerBenz and the soul of Porsche. The ultimate stealth/sleeper sedan.
Possible classics:
The last BMW 5-series. -- Universally loved, fairly easy to own. The new one looks like dog****.
Ford Taurus SHO before 1996 -- Clean styling, rare, but lacking in visual appeal.
Lexus SC400 -- Dull in appearance but high on refinement, performance, and desirability. Could be forgotten or could be coveted years from now.
1990 Toyota MR2 Turbo
Acura Legend -- Highly regarded by enthusiasts and good at what they do. Outside of people in "the know", they lack long-term desirability.
1990 Infiniti M30 Convertible -- Hard to find in good condition and interesting enough to be desirable. It seems unlikely that they'll appreciate in value.
Not classics:
1990 Infiniti Q45 -- It has cultural significance as a vehicle that marked the end of American dominance of the luxury auto market (the Cadillac killer, along with Lexus). However, most Americans dont feel comfortable celebrating that fact. Its not a point of pride that stirs positive emotions and good vibes.
Nissan 240SX -- It may be difficult in the future to find an unabused example that hasn't been tarted up, making clean original versions desirable for anyone looking to relive their youth. In stock form or as vehicles to covet and keep garaged, they don't stir emotion.
1992-1995 Mazda 929 -- Could have been, for its sleek and unique interior and exterior styling as well as unique luxury features (solar panel in the sunroof), but wont be due to the absence of a luxury nameplate and sales so poor that most people don't know it exists. Even current owners don't see them as desirable. Mazda, at the time, greatly ignored it and let it sit stale in showrooms.
Wildcards:
Trucks and SUVs. A handful could become collectible, like the Harley version of the F150, the Ford Lightning, the Ram SRT-10, the Blackwood, and a small handful of others. People now, unlike years past, drive and treat them like cars. The GMC Syclone and Typhoon are already appreciating in value.
In general, its difficult for Japanese cars to become classics, as they tend to be emotionally empty and lacking in character. The anglocentric collector culture quietly regards Japan as 'the enemy', and probably always will.