FIVE cars that are currently reasonably priced are poised to become classics in years to come, according to a man in the know.
William Fletcher, the CEO of car.co.uk, revealed which motors he believes will be looked back on fondly, for their design, rarity or cultural significance, in some two decades time.
Many, including Fletcher, believe the car industry is on the cusp of a huge transition – with manufacturers rapidly moving towards electric power – even if current demand is lower than previously believed.
As reported by the Express, Fletcher said: “Right now, we’re living through the biggest change in automotive history since the invention of the car itself.
“Internal combustion engines, manual gearboxes, and pure mechanical engineering are all heading for the history books.
“In twenty years’ time, when everything’s electric and autonomous, people will look back at the F-Type’s V8 roar or the Civic Type R’s manual gearbox with the same nostalgia we have for carburettors and chrome bumpers today.
“Smart collectors know it’s not always the priciest or flashiest cars that become icons.
“Some of our greatest classics were affordable when new, such as the original Golf GTI, the BMW E30 M3, and even the Ford Escort RS.”
To that end, Fletcher picked out five motors he believes will be gracing classic car shows in the coming years.
Jaguar F-Type
5
Often praised for its heritage-inspired design and the iconic sound of its V8 engine, the F-Type represents British sports car excellence.
With Jag transitioning away from petrol power into EVs, with a bold and controversial new direction, the F-Type’s rarity only adds to its value as a future classic.
Currently available to buy via Jaguar’s approved sellers for prices at around £30,000, Fletcher added: “The F-Type perfectly captures what made British sports cars special.
“It’s got that long bonnet, aggressive stance and most importantly, it sounds absolutely magnificent.
“When you hear that V8 growl, you know you’re experiencing something that won’t exist in ten years’ time.”
Suzuki Jimny
5
Fletcher isn’t the only petrolhead who praises the Jimny, as Car SOS star Fuzz Townshend told Sun Motors earlier this year: “I’m telling you, those Suzuki Jimnys are like mountain goats. Unbelievable.
“I’ve owned loads of Land Rovers, loads of 4x4s. If you’re going to throw something against a muddy hill, those little Jimnys are a pretty good prospect.
“I thought they were just a slightly pretentious shopping cart.”
The small, retro-styled 4×4, known for its simplicity and off-road prowess, was recently discontinued in Europe due to emissions regulations – making it scarce and appealing to collectors.
The cheapest model on the list, with a used model retailing for around £15,000, Fletcher added: “The Jimny represents something pure that’s disappearing from the automotive world.
“It’s simple, honest, and incredibly capable off-road. Plus, it looks like nothing else on the road. That retro styling isn’t trying to be clever. It just works.”
Toyota GR Yaris
5
The rally-inspired GR Yaris is light on production numbers, making another rare set of wheels, all the while boasting show-stopping performance.
But perhaps its racing pedigree is what will make it truly stand out in the coming years – having become a true success story on the World Rally Championship stage.
You’d be hard pressed to find one under £45,000, though – which isn’t a king’s ransom, but seems hefty for a Yaris.
“The GR Yaris is special because it exists for one reason: to go rallying,” said Fletcher.
“Toyota didn’t compromise or try to make it appeal to everyone, but instead built exactly what they needed for competition, and we got to buy it.”
Honda Civic Type R
5
Another pricey hot hatch that’s set to become a showpiece in the future, the Civic Type R – one of the last manual hot hatches – is celebrated for its raw performance and front-wheel drive.
“This Type R is the last of its kind,” Fletcher said.
“It’s manual, it’s front-wheel drive, and it’s absolutely bonkers fast.
“When everything goes electric and automatic, people will remember this as the peak of the naturally-aspirated hot hatch.”
Prices for new cars start at £51,905, ouch.
Caterham Seven
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The iconic, minimalist, lightweight little sports car that offers a pure driving experience boasts timeless engineering, and is of course connected to the original Lotus Seven.
That, in a way, makes it a living classic that’s still in production – and can be bought for under £30,000.
“It’s the purest driving experience money can buy, and that purity becomes more valuable every year as cars get heavier and more isolated from the road,” said Fletcher.
