Cars: Modern Classics

jdlowery · 02-01-2006, 10:59 PM

I will need to buy a new car in the next year or so. I want something small and sporty that can fit at least four even though I'll probably will only need to seat two. I've looked and test drove a few: new 3 series, Audi A3 and A4, Mini S, Mercedes C230, and E350, etc... Since I tend to put more miles on my motorcycles than on cars, the car that I buy will probably have low miles several years from now. This raised a question; of all the new cars available today which of these will become tomorrow's classic?

I'm sure you guys have plenty of opinions.

Aurel · Aurel's Garage

My opinion is that today`s cars have become objects of consumption, with a limited and calculated lifetime of about 10 years. Therefore, there will be no more classics as there used to be in the seventies or eighties. I also feel that aerodynamics and functionality have taken away most of originality in the lines. In other words, the computers spit out pretty much the same thing regardless of the brand. The auto makers also keep on changing the appearence (lights, bumpers) season after season, precisely to make feel obsolete the car you just bought. No, really, I see no more future classics....except, maybe, the Aztec

Aurel

onewhippedpuppy · 02-02-2006, 04:17 AM

The only cars I see becoming collectible in the future are the ones that are special when new: Porsche, Ferrari, etc. As said above, most of the modern stuff is made with a calculated lifespan, and is more or less a transportation appliance. Plus, just think of the pain a modern car will be in 50 years. Sorting through an electrical system with rotting wires and bad sensors? I just don't see them having the same appeal as the '50s and '60s cars do today.

Nathans_Dad · Nathans_Dad's Garage

Part of my problem with new cars today is that they all look the same. BORING. I currently drive an Accord and while it is an incredibly reliable car and certainly gets me to work every day, there is no soul in it. I can't think of a car today (except some of the exotic cars as mentioned in prior posts) that I think will be a classic. That is why I am selling my Accord in the next 18 months and buying a 993.

ckissick · 02-02-2006, 07:22 AM

Go down to Boardwalk Motors in Redwood City, and check out the Lotus Esprit. It won't fit 4, but you'll still have a hard time leaving without one.

carnutzzz · 02-02-2006, 08:12 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by SoCal911SC
None of those high volumes models that you mentioned, E350 (German Taurus), garden variety 3 series, small Audis (?!?!) are tomorrows classics.

Precisely. For a future classic I would look at:

Chrysler 300C SRT8
Jaguar XK8
Shelby Mustang GT500
and of course all the high dollar stuff- Ford GT, etc.

One must also look at what the kids are relating to today:

Supra Turbo
Honda Civic SI

Sure- the Hondas are a dime a dozen. But I betcha when we're old someone will pull one out of a barn with $5k original miles and it will fetch top dollar.

I very much disagree that car today are consumables. They were in the 50's too- and look what's happened.

jdlowery · 02-02-2006, 08:25 AM

OK, sounds like all of you think todays cars are crap with no longevity. With the exception of the true exotics.
I've also toyed with the idea of buying something a little older with somewhat classic status. For example, a 1970, 911 or other. I just hate the idea of repairs on a 30 something year old car. I know this feeling because I have a 1970 VW Bug that I've been restoring little by little.

I appreciate your opinions.

Thanks

turbo6bar · 02-02-2006, 08:42 AM

You could always buy a pristine early 911, SC, or 3.2. If you get the early car with refurbished suspension and modern engine (3.2 or 3.6) I doubt you would be shocked at the maintenance load.

The "buying a modern classic" is foolish if you're looking at it from an investment point of view. These cars rarely pencil out when you do the numbers. I don't even think the lofted early 911s are a good investment, 73RS and super-rare models excluded.

Steve Carlton · 02-02-2006, 08:59 AM

Maybe I'm wrong, but it seems like it would be hard to predict tomorrow's classics until the cars are around 20 years old, if you exclude high-end exotic stuff.

Are you looking for something that will have collector value later? Maybe look at stuff that's looking promising right now, 80's vintage.

dd74 · 02-02-2006, 09:13 AM

The classic car died precisely when GM stopped production of the Cosworth Vega.

Jeff Higgins · 02-02-2006, 10:40 AM

Nothing will ever hold a candle to the Gremlin, Pacer, or Matador. The Levi's Gremlin is especially desireable, with values approaching hundreds of dollars.

jorian · 02-02-2006, 10:48 AM

I agree with carnutzzz, look at what the kids are lusting after today and 20 years on, voila a classic. Corvettes are and were arguably consumables and some of their prices today defy all logic. I think that modern cars created in the 'retro' genre will be classics in future especially ones like the Mini S and Pontiac Solstice.

FrayAdjacent911 · 02-02-2006, 11:07 AM

I think the attitude that cars are consumable comes from how most people treat cars. A lot of us end up trading off a car for a new car every 2-5 years, and we really don't care much what happens to our old car.

Then these old cars are bought by people of lesser means, and are often times not taken care of well. Then they fall apart due to neglect.

I'm sure many newer cars that are 'special', such as newer Porsches, Mercedes, Ferraris, and such, would share the same fate if they were more attainable by people of our means.

yellowline · 02-02-2006, 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by FrayAdjacent911

I'm sure many newer cars that are 'special', such as newer Porsches, Mercedes, Ferraris, and such, would share the same fate if they were more attainable by people of our means.

The 944 is a prime example. Look at all the trashed ones that Pelicanheads snap up. POs who didn't or couldn't care bought them, letting the resale values fall even more. Now some of them need work and a refreshing.

Nothing lasts forever.

TerryBPP · 02-02-2006, 11:38 AM

I would think the new Mini might be in that category.

Audi's have had a horrible reputation since the early 80's and might never recover. Thats why the Pacer is not on a hot list.

You have to think about cars that are revolutionary for this decade.

bell · bell's Garage

had a 06' subaru legacy in the shop a few weeks ago......it is a VERY sharp, agile sporty sedan.
very nice lines, this pic doesn't do it justice.

jdlowery · 02-02-2006, 11:49 AM

I agree with some of you that the Mini is different and may be sought after in 20 years. I sorta like the way it looks and a I love the way it drives. I would definitely have to get the Cooper Works modification along with a convertible top.

By the way, I'm not looking for a car with investment value, just something that when well kept will still be fun to drive and keep some value a few years from now.

jkarolyi · 02-02-2006, 12:07 PM

An original '99-00 Honda Civic Si. Only made 2 years, almost all of them are tricked out or otherwise ruined. Just try to find an original one...I've been looking for the past few months for one. Every high schooler wants one now...will want one for nostalgia later. Sounds silly now, but mark my word.

Also, the Acura NSX and final generation Mazda RX-7.

masraum · 02-02-2006, 01:05 PM

Yep, not many 4 seaters out there these days that are worth a darn.

onewhippedpuppy · 02-02-2006, 02:12 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by tcar
Subaru Legacy?

FHI blew it, it now looks like an Accord with a hood scoop, or a semi camry.

You really think so? In person I think they're quite striking, nicer than many other offerings in the price range, especially when you get 250 HP.

I know a future classic: the E34 BMW 540 6 speed! Oh wait.........