20 Late-Model Cars Destined to Become Classics

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–While the breadth and quality of the classic-car market may be at an all-time high, so are the prices. In an era when muscle cars can bring seven figures and televised collector auctions are considered quality entertainment, it’s hard not to become at least a little cynical. To help take the edge off, we compiled a list of late-model vehicles that we feel have a good shot of becoming classics in every sense of the term. To narrow our list to a manageable size, we limited our choices to vehicles from the 2010 model year or newer—and those with retail prices of below $ 100,000 when introduced. While none of these models can be considered “cheap” yet, they are generally new enough that unmolested examples can still be found for a reasonable price. And remember—the best part about owning any car is driving it. If a return on your investment is your primary goal, consider a stamp collection.–2011 BMW 1-series M Coupe–2013 Ford F-150 STV Raptor Supercab–2013 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG–2012 Nissan GT-R–2015 Chevrolet SS–2000 Honda S2000–2012 Porsche Cayman R–Saab 9-5 Aero–2013 SRT Viper GTS–2010 Mazda RX-8–2016 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350–2009 Pontiac Solstice Coupe GXP–2013 Corvette 427 Convertible–2011 Subaru Impreza WRX STI hatchback–2012 Audi TT RS–2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat–Lotus Elise/Exige–2011 Cadillac CTS-V wagon–It’s achievement that separates a classic car from one that’s merely old. And that’s why the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution—the Evo to any reasonable person—is guaranteed to become a future collectible. Combine the car's racing achievements with the likelihood that Mitsubishi will never again build anything like it, and it’s a can’t miss proposition. In its constant quest to find a compelling image for itself, Mitsubishi got serious about rallying in the late 1980s with the turbocharged, all-wheel drive Galant VR-4. But while the Galant VR-4 had some success, it was too big. So basically what Mitsubishi created the first 1992 Lancer Evolution I by shoving that car’s powertrain into the smaller Lancer sedan. Mitsubishi’s bulletproof, iron-block 4G63T 2.0-liter turbocharged four could take tremendous amounts of turbo boost. While early production Evo models were rated at well under 300-hp, in competition dress 500-hp was easily obtained. Using Evo III, IV, V, and VI models, in 1996, 1997, 1998 and 1999 Finland’s Tommi Mäkinen won four consecutive World Rally Championships. The changes between Evo (IV or V or whatever number) models were often slight. But it’s those differences that are likely to only magnify the cars' collectibility in the future. Well, those and the Evo VII’s starring role in 2 Fast 2 Furious and The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift. The final Evo—the Evo X, the only one not powered by the 4G63T—debuted in 2008 and never was campaigned by Mitsubishi in the World Rally Championship. Despite excellent performance and handling, its lack of racing luster and the passing of the sport-compact craze let it fade in the marketplace. What a damn shame. It'll leave production after 2015. Perhaps the greatest challenge for Evo collectors of the future will be finding one that hasn't been beaten to death or modified poorly. —John Pearley Huffman–2012-Ford-Mustang-Boss-302—

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