10 Modern Cars That Will Become Future Classics
Not every car needs to be old to be admired. A few models have already shown signs of becoming future classics—due to their engineering, design, rarity, or place in automotive history. They stand out on the road today and will likely stand out in garages decades from now. Here’s a look at 10 cars that collectors and enthusiasts are already keeping an eye on.
Honda S2000
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The S2000 arrived as Honda’s 50th anniversary gift to itself, and it didn’t waste the moment. With a redline just over 9,000 rpm and a manual gearbox that still gets praise today, it carved out a place among serious driver’s cars. Its lightweight chassis and naturally aspirated 2.0-liter engine still attract purists.
Audi R8 (First Generation)
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The original Audi R8 took the idea of a supercar and made it unexpectedly usable. With its mid-mounted V8 or V10, manual gated shifter, and Quattro all-wheel drive, it delivered serious performance with daily-drivable manners. It’s already being recognized for aging well in both design and engineering.
Toyota GR86 / Subaru BRZ (First Gen)
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Affordable, rear-wheel-drive, and manual—it’s the recipe that helped this car punch above its horsepower. The first-generation Toyota GR86 and its Subaru twin kept things simple, which is exactly what drew driving enthusiasts in. They weren’t built in massive numbers, and many were heavily modified, which means unmodified ones may become harder to find.
BMW i8 Roadster
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When it launched, the i8 looked like a concept car that somehow ended up in production. Scissor doors, a futuristic shape, and a plug-in hybrid setup made it stand out. The Roadster version, produced in smaller numbers than the coupe, looks likely to age well as one of the first performance-focused hybrids.
Porsche 986 Boxster S
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It was never the flashiest in Porsche’s lineup, but the 986 Boxster S is aging better than expected. With a mid-engine layout and flat-six soundtrack, it handled brilliantly enough that some reviewers preferred it to the 911 of the same era. Prices have been low, but that window may be closing as interest grows.
Volkswagen Golf GTI VR6 (Mk3)
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The Mk3 GTI VR6 added a sonorous 2.8-liter six-cylinder that gave the hatch depth. This GTI walked a line between everyday usefulness and hot-hatch fun. Its sound and analog feel make it one of the most nostalgic VW performance models of the ’90s.
Lotus Elise S1
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The Elise S1 rewrote what a lightweight sports car could be. It didn’t need big power to feel fast, with less than 1,600 pounds to move. Early models used a 1.8-liter Rover K-Series engine and a bonded aluminum chassis that made larger cars feel clumsy. It’s already being treated like a collector’s item across Europe.
Ford Fiesta ST (Mk7)
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The Fiesta ST wasn’t built to be collectible, but it nailed something few cars manage—fun at any speed. It became a favorite among young drivers, with its manual transmission and just enough turbo punch. As EVs and automatics dominate the future, this pocket-sized performance car will likely gain retro appeal, especially in its limited-edition trims like the ST200 or ST Line X.
Mercedes-AMG GT
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The AMG GT followed in the footsteps of the SLS but ditched the gullwing doors for a lower price and broader appeal. Even so, it kept its hand-built 4.0-liter biturbo V8. It was never a mass-market model, and certain variants like the GT R Pro are already heading into collector territory.
BMW Z4 M Coupe (E86)
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The Z4 M Coupe didn’t exactly fly off dealer lots when new, but that scarcity might now work in its favor. Under the hood sat the same S54 straight-six used in the E46 M3, but the coupe’s shorter wheelbase gave it a sharper edge. The “breadvan” silhouette was polarizing at launch, but it looks better every year.