Classic Cars of the Future

In 1963 the Volkswagen 23-window Bus originally sold for $2,700. Today, you can barely find a daily-drivable one for under $60,000. Even two bidders at Barrett Jackson drove the price of this one to over $200,000.

This kind of reminds me of the Honda CRX. The CRX was a cheap car when I was in high school. But then the Fast & Furious crowd drove most of them into a ditch, and finding good ones that weren't knee-high in water or partially burnt from some bad installation of an electric turbo was hard. That, mixed with the cash-for-clunkers inflation of prices, drove good CRXs to numbers they hadn't seen since the early 90’s.

This lead to me to think about cars still cheap today that will become great investments. Cars that are instant classics, hold their value relatively well, and will be very desirable one day. I put together my list of seven safe bets for the future.

Cheap Speed

Ford Fiesta ST – Turbocharged, light, and cheap. This is the quintessential hot hatch but there is one problem for the US, the doors. In Europe you can, and should, buy the 3-door version, where as in the US we’re stuck with five dumb doors. Ford says they might bring the 3-door stateside, if they do then act fast because I bet it will be quite desirable one day.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/autovivacom/

Subaru BRZ – It’s iconic simply because it’s trying to revamp an icon. The combination is correct on this one as well. Cheap, RWD, and fun to drive. I would stick to the Subaru over the Scion due the production numbers being less on the Subaru. Also the sooner you buy one the better, less chance of it being destroyed by a teenager’s “swag” taste.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/andrewchoy/

The Germans

Porsche 911 50^th Anniversary – If I had the money, I’d buy two of these. I never thought I could buy a car and not drive it, but this would be the exception. To celebrate the Porsche 911’s 50 anniversary, Porsche is producing 1,963 Porsche 911-50s. Complete with vintage interior, unique emblem, and wheels that pay homage to the original Fuchs rim. The 911-50 starts at $125,500 but I bet slightly driven models 25 years from now will bring a hell of a lot more. I would give this investment a triple-A rating.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/imuttoo/

Porsche Boxster S – The Boxster is finally shedding its girly reputation and now is the time to cash-in. The Boxster S is, without a doubt, the most bad ass Boxster yet. Great performance and aggressive looks make this current generation a buy. I doubt the Boxster could get any more aggressive without interfering with 911 or becoming a different model, so this is as good as it will probably get. Plus Porsche has said the next generation will grow in size and drop the six-cylinder for a twin turbocharged four. Porsche, you’re killing me here.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/porschelosangeles/

Dakar

Range Rover Evoque 2dr – Before you judge too harshly, hear me out. EcoBoost engine, AWD, and rear bucket seats. This will be the sporty Bronco of the future. EcoBoost tuners will soon figure out how to make these things quick and with the high ground clearance this will be an off-road monster. I bet it will be a highly desirable toy in future, but the 4-door will suffer the same fate as the 4-door Chevelle and Nova.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/kenjonbro/

Wild Card

2014 ½ Ford Mustang – The Mustang is also turning 50. The problem is it will be turning 50 halfway through the year because the car was first released in 1964 1/2. The half year thing was more common back then but Ford says there will be a 2014 ½ 50^th Anniversary Mustang. I’d say it will be worth investment because it could be the first to contain the new independent rear suspension, Aston Martin styled grill, and overhauling with aluminum. Now since the car hasn't been confirmed yet this could all backfire. But, if Ford comes through with all of the rumors than this car will be epic now and in 25 years.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/spunkr/

Used

Honda S2000 - On the used market there are still good buys, such as the Honda S2000 which has already gotten iconic car treatment. If I had to put money down on any used car, the S2000 would be it. High mileage is common and almost unavoidable with these cars because they are so fun to drive. Don’t let the mileage bother you too much, instead look for the quality of care it has received from the owners. In a couple decades people will be kicking themselves for not buying one of these when they were cheap.  

http://www.flickr.com/photos/tomislavmavrovic/

So what do you think? What cars do you believe are best buys now?

VW photo by motosclasicas via  http://www.flickr.com/photos/motosclasicas/8449549830/sizes/o/in/photolist-dSE9MC/