|
|
|
Is Your Car a Future Classic? Today's Regular Rides that are Tomorrow's Collectible
Filed under: Opinion, Mazda
|
We all know that the Ferrari F430, 599 and Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera will all be highly sought after by collectors in the future. This is evidenced by their rock solid residual values and the fact that most owners keep them locked away in hermetically sealed containers. But what is the fun in that?
Is there any hope for those of us only endowed with “average” sized bank accounts? Will any current “affordable” models be collectible in the future some 25 years and beyond? If the past is any guide, the answer is most definitely yes.
If you go all the way back to the 1950’s and earlier, most collectible models from those eras are mass market sedans from manufacturers like Chevrolet and Cadillac. Going into later model years, muscle cars from all of the major American manufacturers have become the most highly prized older vehicles. Add in Baby Boomer nostalgia with that generation’s current buying power and you have a genre of automobile that has had its value amplified many times over.
Thinking in this similar mindset, here are five currently (or soon to be) available models that will no doubt continue to spark enthusiast interest (and dollars) in the years to come. This is, of course, not the end all and be all of future classics. Are there any you think should have made this list and were cruelly forgotten?
- Dodge Challenger SRT-8 – In this age of growing concerns for the environment, cars like this are going to become the exception and not the rule. Some say the death knell for the V8 engined American muscle coupe is about to ring. This smartly styled coupe might just be the swan song.
- MazdaSpeed 3 – This super powerful turbocharged hot hatch will no doubt continue to be hugely popular with enthusiasts on a budget even on the used car market. With a near perfect blend of euro-styling and opponent beating performance, the MazdaSpeed 3 has secured its place in the echelon of great performance bargains.
- Chrysler 500C SRT-8 – While we may not be able to look into a crystal ball and see the future for Chrysler Corporation, this uniquely American sedan may be one of the greatest designs ever to come out of Detroit. If Chrysler does wind up going the way of the Dodo bird, it would make the super high performance SRT-8 version of this sedan all the more collectible.
- Subaru WRX STI – Be it this model or the last, the high performance Scooby has won a place in the hearts of the Gen-Y buying audience. This group was introduced to the vehicle by countless hours playing Gran Turismo on their Play Stations. As a result of this, the WRX STI is now the modern day muscle car to this new generation of enthusiasts.
- Mazda RX-8 – Unlike any other sports car on the road, the rotary powered Mazda will always manage a loyal and devoted following. While not everyone will understand the styling or the power delivery from the rotary engine, the few that love it will ensure that residual values stay strong over the long term.
|
|