Luxury cars | Future classics to look out for
This isn't your usual future classics article. We're going deep into the luxury cars market today.
It's not a stupid slideshow, nor is it a measly 9-car list. This is a comprehensive guide to the cars you should be investing in today.
These motors will start appreciating in no time (if they haven't already).
If you've got a spare 100k lying round - this is the article for you.
To be fair, I've thrown in a good few cheaper options for us mere mortals, but this article is all about unbridled luxury baby.
Let's get into it.
How to spot a future classic
There are a few key points to look out for and a few questions you should be asking yourself when analysing what makes a car a potential future classic.
The rule applies to luxury cars just as much as it does to normie cars too.
Here are some points to mull over before making your decision;
Brand (and its current prestige)
Build quality
Drive quality
Everyday usability
And here are questions to ask yourself;
Is its design timeless or a product of its era?
Is this car a paradigm shifter (revolutionary tech, etc)
How many of these cars were made?
There's loads more factors to consider obviously, subjective judgement being a huge one, but hopefully this list will give you some food for thought.
Luxury cars to consider
I count 33 cars on this list, but I'm thick, so there may be a couple more or a couple less - anyway, that's besides the point. These 33-ish luxury cars have been picked from far and wide.
We've got newer stuff, older stuff, cars that aren't even out yet - it's all here.
Basically, there's a luxury future classic in here for everyone, even if you're not bringing in six figures a month (join the club...).
Alfa Romeo 8c
An absolute beauty. One of the most attractive cars to ever grace the tarmac, the Alfa Romeo 8c is a luxury car through and through. They are very rare and have held their value immensely - get 'em while you can.
You could always opt for the somewhat more attainable Alfa Romeo 4c if you want a taster for a fraction of the price.
Alpine a110s
This little offering from France is a bit marmite looks-wise.The Alpine brand has huge pedigree though and this reimagining of their most recognised chassis is guaranteed to age well.
Bentley Continental 6.0 W12 GT
Every Continental GT has been splendid. They've all aged immaculately like the fine wine that Bentley embodies.
This new one is off the charts gorgeous though - look at that grill! All Bentleys are future classics but this one is the pick of the bunch for me.
BMW i8
The BMW i8 revolutionised how we think about supercars. It was the first to really mix the old-school petrol engine with the new-school electronic motor - to devastating effect.
It's also one of the most highly rated cars amongst reviewers from the last decade and marked a complete paradigm shift in the motoring world - the sort of notability you look for in a future classic car.
Prices depreciated quite quickly with these (you can pick one up for £40-50k at the time of writing) so it's probably about time to invest before we see that bell curve start ascending again.
BMW Z4 M Coupe
Another BMW - and probably not one people would think of.
However, this Z4 M Coupe is the stuff of dreams for so many kids who draw supercars. Look at that shape - isn't it exactly the sort of thing you'd draw when you were trying to design your ultimate car back when you were a wee'n?
It seems people agree with me on this - prices for the M coupe are still high compared to the Z3 and other Z4 models.
Performance, looks, M series - everything about this screams future classic.
One of the more attainable on the list too.
Bristol Fighter T
Completely barmy. Not to mention that it's debatable as to whether any road legal ones exist.
If they do though, this car is one to snap up.
Ferrari Enzo
The last of the great analogue Ferraris before they started going all super high tech and such.
Who remembers the Enzo on every racing game as a young whippersnapper? And what about its Top Trumps card? Oh and when it featured on just about every supercar calendar ever?
The good old days. What a car.
Ferrari 812 Superfast
Ferrari can be a mixed bag with their ageing - think the F430. The new Portofino is nice and all, but I think it'll have the same depreciative fate.
Then think of the F40 and F50, regarded as two of the best cars ever. I think the future proof design of the 812, plus the fact it is literally called 'Super Fast' is going to see this one stand the test of time.
Fiat Barchetta
Cheap, cheerful and absolutely gorgeous.
What's not to love?
Fiat Coupe
Astonishingly fast and pretty. Madness, considering you can pick one of these up for well under a grand.
Go for the higher spec models in good condition for about £2.5k though if you want the best return on your investment. These have a bit of a reputation, if you know what I mean.
Ford Puma
The third cheapo on the trot!
The Puma is the king of future classic cars - there, I said it.
You can literally buy one for about £500 and it'll be some of the best fun you've had in years.
Keep it in good nick because they are just starting to get desirable - like, really desirable.
Ford Sierra RS500 Cosworth
I think it speaks volumes that Ken Block has one.
Ginetta Akula
Will it even be brought to market? Only time will tell.
But look at that design.
Jesus.
Honda NSX
The new NSX is based on the legendary status of its predecessor. It might not be quite as ground breaking but this is a car that's going to age well.
It's a supercar that you can drive day to day, it has one of the most intelligent computer systems to date and it does 28 mpg.
These will be like gold dust in 25 years.
Jaguar F-Type (V8 Turbo)
One of the most beautiful Jags of all time. Just be sure to invest in this version over the standard F-type for the most bang for your buck.
Jaguar XJR-15
You literally have to wear an on-board communication headset if you have a passenger - the engine is that ridiculous.
Koenigsegg Regera
The best Koenigsegg to date - hands down. This beast is going head to head with Bugatti for the fastest production car of all time, which says a lot.
These are also super rare, so if you have a few million quid in your back pocket, don't wait around.
Lancia Stratos (NEW)
You'll have to find a Ferrari F430 donor car before they'll make it, but it'll probably be worth it - right?
Lexus LFA
The Lexus LFA has the potential to be in the same bracket as the Diablo. Its engine note is widely regarded as one of the best of all time.
Lexus will never make something like this ever again (admitting they "wouldn't even know how to") and has already increased £150,000 in value.
If ever there was a poster child for luxury cars becoming instant future classics - this would be it.
Lotus Evora GT430 Sport
Manual is rare nowadays - it holds value, believe me.
This version has much higher horsepower than the average Evora (which is still pretty bloody cool) and will likely translate to higher value down the road.
Maserati Granturismo
At the time of writing, these are actually still in production, but its just so bloody gorgeous!
I usually wouldn't include a Maserati in a list of cars that appreciate but I've just got faith in the GT.
Mercedes AMG GT C
You want my opinion? No? Well I'm gonna give it to you anyway...
I think this is the best looking car Mercedes have ever made.
Yes I went there.
Morgan Aeromax
If I had the means, I think this would be the car I'd daily drive.
There aren't many more luxury cars out there that divide opinion quite like the Morgan Aeromax but it has barely depreciated a penny since it was brought to market and its rarity will make this a solid investment for the future.
Nissan Figaro
A bit 'girly' but this is one of the coolest cars about.
They are so so rare but are still quite reasonably priced so if you want something that already looks like a classic then the Figaro is the car for you.
If you want performance on tap, I don't quite think its 3-speed auto transmission will tickle your pickle though.
Noble M600
One of the last true supercars.
It is rare that a modern day luxury car with *this* much power has a manual gearbox but the Noble M600 has gone and done it anyway. It's definitely a driver's car and is bound to be a sought after classic.
Manual, mid-engined and rear-wheel drive powered by a 4.4L twin turbo V8. What's not to love?
Porsche Macan GTS
There could have been all sorts of Porsches in here - the Carrera GT to name just one, but I felt like that was a bit obvious.
So I've gone with the Macan.
Will it have the same ill fate as the first generation Cayenne? Doubtful. I genuinely don't think it will have the same depreciation as its peppery-named counterpart.The GTS model is a thing of beauty. Paired with its performance, I think we'll see this stand the test of time.
Smart Roadster (Brabus edition)
I very almost bought one of these.
It had the Brabus mods but it wasn't actually the official Brabus model - so be wary of that if you're in the market for one. This thing has comically low BHP, but it weighs less than one of my poos, so it goes like stink (pardon the pun).
The Smart Roadster Brabus edition is a road legal go kart and is still pretty cheap. There is a real market for them now though, so don't wait too long if you're on the fence.
Spyker Spyder
The Spyker came out well over a decade ago now and still looks phenomenal. With detail akin to a Pagani Zonda and performance to back it up, this is car has it all.
Along with the Aeromax, I'd buy one of these in a heartbeat if I had the money.
They are still making iterations now, with a new one called the Prelator in production (although Spyker haven't been active on social media for a few years now...) and it is unbelievable.
And do yourself a favour, google its interior. Just look at that shifter. Absolutely iconic.
Trident Magna
Bit of a wildcard, but if these come out they will revolutionise what we think luxury cars - and supercars in particular - can achieve. Apparently this will have a 2,000 mile range using groundbreaking patented tech.
It's a big if, but if they do eventually come into production, this will be a dead cert for future classic status.
TVR Sagaris
Exhausts that pop out sideways...
Vauxhall VX220
Vauxhall and luxury cars do not go hand in hand. Except they sort of do.
They've had some absolute corkers over the years. One of the most iconic cars of all time - the Lotus Carlton - was from the Englishmen, as was the Monaro.
So there - get with the program.
Volkswagen Scirocco
Should this be in here? Unsure. Maybe. Probably not.
Doesn't matter - it is.
Much like the Peugeot 106 GTI's, Audi Quattros, Golf GTI's and Ford Escorts of yesteryear, I genuinely believe the Scirroco has the credentials to become a future classic in the hatchback world. It came out over a decade ago and the styling is still as modern today as it was then.
It could well go down as one of the greatest hot hatches of all time. If you want one, be sure to get the biggest engine you can find. Performance equals value when it comes down to it.
No one remembers the 1.4 litre...
Weismann MF5
Much like the rest of the cars on this list, the Weismann MF5 is well over a decade old now so has done its depreciation.
It is an absolutely gorgeous car - almost like a lesser known, prettier and more powerful Morgan Aeromax. It's like a batmobile on steroids.
Worth a punt.
There we go folks - this future classics list with a little luxury twist has come to an end.
There's a few cheaper options in there, so for those of us who aren't quite millionaires, there's still a chance...
But if money were no object, what would you go for?
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