Predicting the classic cars of the future

Like property, technology, and fashion, the price of a vehicle can fluctuate depending on a range of factors. Admittedly, it helps to do your homework and thoroughly research your options before making a commitment. But even if the cars value does not skyrocket, at least you’ll still be able to enjoy it on the road.

Sticking to key criteria such as rarity, visual appeal, and demand, can help you to determine a cars future classic status. With this in mind, we’ve chosen a selection of cars that could be on their way to becoming future cult classics.

Buggati Veyron

Equipped with a 16-cylinder quad turbo engine and reaching 0-60 in under three seconds, this coveted supercar expanded the limits of possibility in the automotive sector. Equipped

In 2012, an unused Bugatti Veyron sold for £579,000. A year later it went for £1.87 million, and in 2014, sold for £1.96 million. Only 450 of these vehicles were produced — need we say more?

Land Rover Defender

SUV's have generated a lot of interest over the past ten years and sales show no signs of slowing down. Production of this iconic off-roader originally ended in 2016, before the company announced a 2020 re-incarnation. Versions of the Land Rover Defender are still tipped for future classic status.

With Land Rover releasing three limited edition Defenders — Heritage, Adventure, and Autobiography — this trio could prove to be an investment. For example, the Heritage in the classic Grasmere Green was going for £30,900, preowned prices with low mileage going for figures closer to £45,000, and pristine vehicles edging nearer to £75,000.

Aston Martin DB11

The Aston Martin DB11 is yet another supercar worthy of icon status. A superlight version of the DB11 got its own special edition to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the sixth Bond film – At Her Majesty’s Service, but despite the standard model having to settle for being tough competition for its rival, it will always be an Aston Martin that has a strong chance of becoming a classic.

In 2018, the price of a new Aston Martin increased by £16,000. With the value of cars from Aston Martin skyrocketing, some models are even doubling or tripling in price.

Ford Focus RS

This hardy performance car was originally set for a fourth-generation model in 2022. But the build of a fourth Focus RS hinged on the development of a high-output hybrid powertrain, capable of reducing the car’s impact on Ford’s average CO2 emissions.

Deemed not to be cost-effective, plans for another Focus RS model have been scrapped, leaving the third-generation iteration to be the last ever Focus RS produced. Popular among performance petrolheads, it could be well on its way to becoming a future classic – with those lucky enough to own one in with a chance of making money on their investment.

Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren

An infusion of German and British engineering, the Mercedes McLaren is a collaborative grand tourer manufactured and sold from 2003 to 2010. A limited edition with 2,157 vehicles produced, this model was a tribute to the iconic Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR from the 1950s which dominated the 1955 World Sports Car Championship. A 5.4 litre supercharged V8 engine with 617 horsepower and 580lb-ft of torque, it could propel from 0-60mph in 3.4 seconds.

The Mercedes McLaren is more accessible on the preowned market, you could pick one up for £242,000, more than triple its original price of around £72,000.