6 Everyday Cars Destined to Become Future Classics
Not every valuable classic car was desirable from new; the usual prerequisites of rarity, historical significance, good condition, and originality can take on different meanings with certain vehicles, and in some cases, this results in a once common model rising to desirable collector status.
The Ford Model T, original Volkswagen Beetle, and AMC Gremlin are all examples of cheap and cheerful mass-produced cars that are now sought-after by collectors. They still need to meet at least some of the criteria listed above, but if you know what to look for, even a “boring” regular car has the potential to become a valuable classic in the future.
We picked a selection of modern cars that could follow the same trend and end up sharing garage space with classic Ferraris and Lamborghinis in the future. It may take a few decades, but stranger things have happened.
All vehicle data and pricing are from reputable sources. New vehicle prices exclude destination charges and taxes unless otherwise specified. This article focuses on common production models that have little to no collector value, but may become desirable in the future.
BMW i3
|
2019 BMW i3 |
|
|
Engine |
Single electric motor |
|
Power |
170 hp |
|
Torque |
184 lb-ft |
|
0-60 mph |
7.2 seconds |
|
Model Years |
2014-2021 |
It’s just another old electric car today, but the BMW i3 was an impressive piece of kit when it was launched in 2014, and it remains one of the best city cars ever designed. You may still be comparing it to more modern EVs in terms of acceleration and range, but in 20 years, the i3 will be seen as a historically significant car, boasting a carbon-fiber chassis, clever packaging solutions like those rearward-opening back doors, and interior trim made from recycled materials. The quirky, optional range-extending gas engine will seem like a real blast from the past.
Surviving i3s won’t be used for shopping trips, but rather as a talking point at car shows, where the few surviving examples that have been taken care of will be snapped up by nostalgic millennials.
Africa’s 187,000-Mile BMW i3 Proves EVs Can Work Anywhere
It has done a few road trips in its time.
Fiat 500
|
Fiat 500 Turbocharged |
|
|
Engine |
1.4-liter, inline-four |
|
Power |
135 hp |
|
Torque |
150 lb-ft |
|
0-60 mph |
8.0 seconds est |
|
Model Years |
2012-2019 (US) |
The original 1957 Fiat 500 was back-to-basics transport for Italians still recovering from the devastating effects of the Second World War. Viewed from a pragmatic standpoint, it was slow, tiny, noisy, and lacked even the most basic equipment. But that didn’t stop it from gathering a cult following many decades after production ended, and its modern replacement is sure to follow suit.
While production of the new Fiat 500 lasted from 2007 to 2024, the US only got to enjoy this little city car between 2012 and 2019. There were several engine options offered, but we got a 1.4-liter four-cylinder motor with and without a turbocharger. Abarth models made up to 160 hp, and were a riot to drive, but even the base 1.4 was nippy and fun around tight city streets.
An electric 500e is still on sale today, but the older gas-powered models are the ones that are most likely to get people excited in the years to come. Just like the original, most of these models haven’t led pampered lives, so a pristine, low-mileage example should be desirable in the future.
Hyundai Elantra N
|
2025 Hyundai Elantra N |
|
|
Engine |
2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four |
|
Power |
276 hp (286 with DCT) |
|
Torque |
289 lb-ft |
|
0-60 mph |
5.2 seconds est (manual) |
|
Model Years |
2021 – on |
- Base Trim Engine
-
2L I4 ICE
- Base Trim Transmission
-
6-speed manual
- Base Trim Drivetrain
-
Front-Wheel Drive
Find 2025 Hyundai Elantra N and more cars for sale on our Marketplace
It may look like Hyundai employed a 10-year-old kid to design it, but the Elantra N is a superb car underneath those awkward-looking body panels. Post-2024 models benefited from a redesigned front and rear bumper, but we feel that the earlier cars – with their strange front grilles – will be the ones collectors will prefer.
Manual transmission models should also command a premium over their automatic stablemates, especially when nothing in 2045 is likely to have a stick shift anymore, aside from a handful of million-dollar supercars. The Elantra N is also one of those rare cars that delivers a driving experience way above its price point, and those crazy looks and bold exterior paint colors will surely trigger nostalgic buying responses from middle-aged adults who once drove them in their youth.
America Will Love The Next-Gen Hyundai Elantra N
Hyundai’s popular sedan will keep its winning formula for its next full revamp.
Suzuki Jimny
|
2025 Suzuki Jimny 3-door |
|
|
Engine |
1.5-liter inline-four |
|
Power |
101 hp |
|
Torque |
96 lb-ft |
|
0-60 mph |
13 seconds |
|
Model Years |
2018-on |
We never officially got the Suzuki Jimny here, although we did get the SJ-Series models (called the Samurai) from 1985 until 1995. The current generation car has also been passed over for the US as it failed to meet emissions and safety standards. None of that will matter when these cars are 25 years old and eligible for import, and all buyers will be interested in is their cute styling and impressive off-road ability.
Not that anyone will actually take them off-road, they are most likely going to be the ultimate retro automotive fashion accessory in a world where autonomous EVs rule the city streets.
Tesla Model S
|
2012 Tesla Model S P85 |
|
|
Engine |
Single electric motor |
|
Power |
416 hp |
|
Torque |
443 lb-ft |
|
0-60 mph |
4.4 seconds est |
|
Model Years |
2012-2016 |
- Base Trim Engine
-
Electric
- Base Trim Transmission
-
Single Speed Automatic
- Base Trim Drivetrain
-
Rear-Wheel Drive
Find 2012 Tesla Model S and more cars for sale on our Marketplace
Tesla may have tons of competition these days, but in 2012, things were very different. Apart from the Nissan Leaf, most manufacturers were only paying lip service to electric vehicles. The 2008 Roadster had already proved that Tesla was serious about EVs, and when the Model S arrived, the motoring landscape changed forever.
They may seem like a generic sedan today, but their historical significance is off the charts. Even the earliest P85 performance model was already a very quick car, and things only evolved from there. In terms of sheer performance, few cars can compete with the latest Model S Plaid. While the EV revolution was always going to happen, it is Tesla that paved the way. We bet people will be willing to pay big money to cruise around in the OG Model S 20 years from now.
Tesla Created The World’s First Hypercar For Daily Driving
This car invented a whole new segment: the 1,000-horsepower grocery getter.
Volkswagen Golf GTI
|
2024 Volkswagen Golf GTI |
|
|
Engine |
2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four |
|
Power |
241 hp |
|
Torque |
273 lb-ft |
|
0-60 mph |
6.0 seconds est (manual) |
|
Model Years |
2019-on |
Aside from a few missteps, the VW Golf GTI has been setting the standard in the hot hatch segment since it arrived in 1976. The eighth-generation model has continued this trend, and aside from a frustrating infotainment system, it has been a solid and sporty performer. So, while it’s not exactly boring, the GTI is more of a safe and practical option compared to dedicated sports cars.
It may take a while, but judging from its predecessors, well-cared-for examples will be very desirable in the future. In the case of the Mk8 GTI, we’d put our money on the manual transmission cars, which were available up until 2024. Buy a lightly used one now, and in two decades you’ll have a valuable collector car. Just keep the mileage low, service it regularly, and keep it in good condition.
Sources: BMW, Fiat, Hyundai, Suzuki, Tesla, VW
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