Recently Tagged with "collectible"

Without even knowing, you could be driving the hottest car of tomorrow! Many are already flying off the shelves today and are assuming the life of daily drivers, but with the proper care, have the potential to be the collector’s item of tomorrow.

There are numerous automotive publications that visit this topic on an annual basis. Although criteria vary based on source, I’ve yet to find one that was comprehensive. (I guess I just didn’t agree wholeheartedly)

This list below is based on a fine balance between hard statistics, market trends, history, pop culture popularity, and of course, pure speculation on what would remain appealing in the future. This list should generate friendly discussion and I hope it will be a living document to be updated. Certain criteria apply here. This list is based on vehicles manufactured in the last 12 years: 1996-2007 model year vehicles; must be considered a production vehicle, at least in its base trim; vehicle must have been US-bound during its production period; lastly, the MSRP must be under $100,000 USD at the time of availability. Here are the “First Edition” finalists by make, model, year, and of course just as important – trim and options:

THE CRYSTAL BALL LIST OF FUTURE COLLECTOR VEHICLES

10. Dodge Viper. Certain second generation models and first generation (although predating the aforementioned requirement). The numbers speak for themselves. Quarter mile in 12.2 seconds, top speed of over 190 mph, 0-60 in 4.0 seconds (2nd Gen Data). Performance is a bold priority where creature comfort suffered. This philosophy generated an iconic thrill ride lacking legitimate windows, roof, and modern driving aids in its original iteration. Its 8.0L V-10, originally designed for a truck platform, came to life through scorching side exhausts. A bold design that defined the modern American muscle, the Viper came in various limited editions throughout its life. Look for the 2002 “Final Edition” of 360 to commemorate the end of the second generation (visually based on the first gen). Also look for ACR and GT2 variants.

9. Plymouth/Chrysler Prowler. Yes, I know it’s underpowered, all-show-little-go; yes, I know it was equipped in a very un-athletic 4-speed autostick. This vehicle is on this list because of two sound reasons: #1 – this is THE vehicle that should be credited with starting the retro trend that other manufactures have since embraced. Look at all the various "throw back" vehicles like the PT Cruiser, HHR, FJ Cruiser, latest ‘Stang, upcoming Camaro, Challenger, the list goes on and on. This vehicle started a revolution and a revival. This is remarkable for a US manufacturer in the last decade. #2 - The Prowler was the last rear-wheel drive Plymouth and the only one since the 1989 Plymouth Gran Fury. It marked the conclusion of a once gloried marquee, brought to its knees by the misfortunes of the US auto industry during the last decade. With just under 9,000 built under the Plymouth name, this car will be very celebrated, once again.

8. Ford SVT Mustang Cobra R. Year 2000. 5.4L DOHC, 385 ponies, 385 ft.lbs of torque. 300 produced. No frills and high intensity is the key to this vehicle’s future collectible destiny. No AC, no radio, no heat, and they finally got rid of that silly backseat. The bulging hood announced its serious presence and has gills that can be cut out to reduce engine temp. The rear spoiler is wider and taller than its counterparts, providing much needed down force at serious speeds. The front bumper is designed with a splitter to reduce unwanted lift. The wheels are also uniquely styled five spoke 18 inch x 9.5 inch alloys. With its aggressive styling and harsh suspension, the 2000 Cobra R was effectively a street legal race car.

7. Land Rover Defender. Short-wheel base (Defender 90) or long (110 or higher), stick or auto, AC or none; this vehicle has defined the off-road category across the world. Used in safaris in Africa, the deserts of Mongolia, high-altitude of the Himalayas, and the jungles of Amazon, no other single make is as well traveled. For the short time imported into the North American market, these NAS defenders were outfitted with as much creature comforts as one could put in there without sacrilegiously transforming this icon into a boulevard cruiser. They were quickly sold out and still very sought-after. Just look at ones for sale, they’ve held up their value extremely well for a comparably utilitarian and single-purposed vehicle.

6. Lotus Esprit 3.5L Twin Turbo V8. Find a 1999 Sport 350 if you can, but only 50 were made. With its hand-laid fiberglass bodies, superb chassis and braking characteristics, and under-5-second sprint to 60mph, this agile lightweight supercar was often overlooked in favor of more technologically advanced rivals. The nostalgic characters of the car is its true beauty. The fact that this vehicle has seen relatively little change in its 28 year run is a testament to how timelessly exquisite the original Giorgetto Giugiaro design is. A car of this caliber should be scooped up fervently in a couple of decade’s time. James Bond would agree with me on this one, I know he was ticked to downgrade to a US-built Z3.

5. Nissan 350Z (Grand) Touring Roadster. 6 speed manual. This category is well populated with fine choices, the TT, Boxster, S2000, are all familiar names in the roadster arena, but the 350Z (Fairlady) has some pedigrees that none of its counterparts have – a celebrated and glorious history, sheer media frenzy, and it has come to redefine the people’s sporting choice. With its debut on Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec, the 350Z has appeared on numerous motoring-based video games and literally tons of media appearances, advertisements, etc., most notably on The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift. With 40 current accolades from the international media, blissful bang-for-the-buck fun, this head-turner will prove to be a solid investment in due time.

4. Toyota FJ Cruiser, 2007, TRD SE Edition. I know you're thinking that I'm nuts... another SUV for chrissake?! In the Top 5??? Trust me (and Hagerty), this baby is gonna be sssscorching hot in a couple of decades. If you thought the FJ Cruiser is the one to have, you need to check out the TRD SE Edition, only available in triple black (roof, car, and interior), all 3200 have been accounted for. It comes fully loaded and it looks much more “complete” than a standard trim FJ Cruiser with its white roof. Capability-wise, there are probably only 2 models in the business that can compete. Hagerty recently rated this as their NUMBER ONE future collectible before they even knew about the TRD SE trim level. Painting your own FJ monochrome is over a $3500 job to do it right. So collectors: I would highly recommend getting your hands on one, if possible.

3. Acura NSX, as long as it’s a manual. This car redefined understated beauty when it arrived on the scene in 1990. We were swayed by its sharp, crisp looks, Ferrari-like side intake vents, and (before it went monochrome) the black colored tops reminiscent of a fighter jet cockpit. This “affordable” exotic, with a mid-engine, rear-wheel drive platform, an all-aluminium body and chassis, and a V6 featuring Honda's VTEC system, was an all-around performer. Coupled with a design that was ahead of its time, this is arguably the last audacious and iconic model out of the Honda marquee. Certain limited editions exist throughout the world. For US, the Alex Zanardi edition will be very sought after. With only 51 produced, and 49 available to the public, it is the closest to a JDM NSX Type S.

2. Corvette Grand Sport. Roadster or Coupe. A total of 1,000 produced in both variations. As a tribute to the original 1963 Grand Sport, the vehicle was only available in admiral blue, white center stripe, black five spoke wheels, and two distinct stripes over the driver’s front wheel well. This vehicle concluded the end of the much beloved C4 era. Although not as powerful as the ZR-1, the LT-4 engine still propelled these rarities down the 1/4 with time and speed rivaling the ZR-1. Sheer rarity, fan-base, and speed will secure this ride as a classic, only a decade or so away!

1. Toyota Supra Twin Turbo Targa, 6 speed manual, 1997 Anniversary Edition and also 1998, the final year in production. The previous years in the final iteration is also extremely desirable, but the final two years are simply glorious. This is arguably the most sought-after vehicle to ever come out of the land of the rising sun. The combination of raw performance out of the box, unparalleled tuning potential (bang for the buck), drop-dead gorgeous aesthetics, and awe-inspiring drive secures the crown for the king of future collectibles. Now if only I can find one that's unmolested, low mileage, and 6 speed!

Honorable Mentions: Lotus Elise/Exige, Chrysler 300 SRT-8, Hummer H1.