‘Future Classics’: 20 cars destined for cult status

The demand for cult classic cars continues to grow, as seen by the number of high-end car auctions and prices paid for the most sought-after models.

With our crystal ball in hand, we've compiled a list of readily available used cars that look destined to become classics of the future.

What makes a car ‘classic’?

Some cars – because of the way they look, the way they drive, and what features they have – elevate themselves above their rivals to become true collectors’ items.

Speedy Fords and Italian supercars from the 1960s, ’70s and ’80s have become highly sought-after on the used car market. But what modern cars could follow this trend?

Sam Sheehan, our motoring editor here at cinch, has compiled a list of 20 cars that look destined to become desirable classics of the future:

BMW i8

When the BMW i8 first launched in 2014 it was a trailblazer for the hybrid sports car – being the first of its kind.

Volkswagen Golf GTI

We’ve chosen this Golf because the GTI nameplate established the hot hatch segment back in 1975, and soon the Golf will be no more, so get in before prices start to rise.

BMW M2

If you look at all the best old-school BMW M cars, you will notice a common trend between them – front-engined and rear-wheel drive – both attributes that set the M2 aside from many of its rivals.

Honda e

We’ve never seen a car quite like the Honda e before, from its small proportions to its door mirrors which have been replaced by cameras – making it one of the most tech-focused small electric hatchbacks on the market.

Tesla Model X

Tesla went viral at the launch of the Model X in 2012, showing that this 2.3-tonne could hit 60mph quicker than a Porsche 911 – and that’s all the proof buyers needed to know this was going to be something rather special.

Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio

The world seemed to have forgotten about Alfa Romeo for a long time after its early successes with the GTV and 164, but in 2015 it introduced the Giulia Quadrifoglio, and this sports saloon helped reignite the flame.

Hyundai i20 N

If you look at Peugeot 205 GTI and 70s Golf GTI values, they’ve gone bananas in the last couple of years, and we can see the i20N following in these footsteps as we move to heavier electric cars and away from lightweight petrol-powered hatches.

Maserati GranTurismo

This super-saloon from a bygone era is one of the last Maseratis to be powered by a Ferrari V8 engine, and looking forward this is something collectors are going to yearn for.

Mazda MX-5

With a solid naturally aspirated engine, superb handling, and a stripped-back-to-basics driving feel, why would you buy any other sports car for the money? The Mazda MX-5 is a real box-ticker.

Mercedes-Benz AMG GT

Not only has it been used as a Formula One safety car (which will no doubt help with values), but the Mercedes AMG GT has also got a hunking-great turbocharged V8 engine under the bonnet that is a dying breed of performance engines.

Hyundai IONIQ 5

Boxy retro cars from the 80s are making a comeback. Whether it’s the DMC Delorean, Audi Quattro or Mitsubishi Starion – everyone wants one, so what’s to say current ones won’t become desirable in the future?

Porsche Taycan

In theory, the only way you could enjoy one was to get in a go-kart or have a few million quid knocking about, but we think Porsche has finally cracked the code for making the electric car for the driving enthusiast. The Taycan is definitely a future classic.

Ford Fiesta ST

With the Ford Fiesta now officially discontinued, prices of spicy used examples are beginning to climb – more notably, the Fiesta ST.

Abarth 124 Spider

Like the MX-5, the Abarth 124 Spider is a two-seater convertible sports car – but with that unique Italian flair.

Ford Mustang

The V8 engine is heading in the same direction as the V10: extinction. That’s why we need to make the most of them while we still can, and what better example to have than the Ford Mustang?

BMW i3

This funky little car made electric hatchbacks cool by offering a full-carbon fibre body and a sustainable interior. It also has mini suicide doors at the rear which add to its appeal.

Fiat Panda 4x4

Prices are low and the Panda 4x4 has already developed a cult following, and we don’t see this going away any time soon. Plus, if you like being part of an owners’ club then there are a handful in the UK to join.

Suzuki Swift Sport

Simple, small petrol cars like the Suzuki Swift Sport are going to be missed when they disappear. Luckily, it’s not too late to know what we have before it’s gone, so let’s appreciate them for as long as we can.

Jaguar XE S

What makes the XE S so special is that it’s the last six-cylinder version to ever be made, which will go down in the Jaguar history books as being one of the best-sounding and smoothest modern V6s you can find in an ordinary saloon car.

Range Rover Evoque

If there was one car to boost JLR’s global appeal, it’s the Range Rover Evoque. The minute Land Rover made the first one, they sold like hotcakes on a global scale.

Standing out from the crowd

These ‘Future Classics’ were spoken about by classic car enthusiast Chris Evans, as part of the Chris Evans Breakfast Show with cinch on Virgin Radio.

Chris said, “As a lover of classic cars, I’m always on the lookout for current models that stand out from the crowd and look likely to stand the test of time.

“The cars on this list all have lots going for them, but I particularly like the Mercedes AMG GT and the Mazda MX-5.

“Three other cars I predict to become future classics are the Jeep Wrangler, Fiat’s 595 and the small-but-perfectly-formed Volkswagen up! GTI.”

Ford Fiesta to Italy’s finest

One of the standout cars on our Future Classics list is the Ford Fiesta ST. It’s been popular for decades, but now appears a strong contender for classic car status.

Sam Sheehan said: “With the production of Ford Fiestas now over, the ST hot hatch model looks likely to become a future classic.

“Fast, fun and - most importantly - affordable, it'll remain a sought-after real-world performance car for years to come.”

Another car cherry-picked for future classic status is one of Italy’s finest, the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio. “It’s a beautiful and practical saloon, powered by an engine with links to Ferrari,” Sam said.

“You’d struggle to find a used car with more future classic potential than that. Alfa's high-powered Giulia Quadrifoglio already feels like a car worthy of a hall of fame.”

Add some electric spice to your life

While the list is packed with petrol and diesel-powered cars, it’s worth noting the number of hybrid and electric vehicles that make the cut – such as the BMW i8 and Hyundai IONIQ 5.

“The BMW i8 launched way back in 2014, yet it still looks like the product of a science fiction film,” Sam said.

“With hybrid power and loads of road presence, it was arguably the first electrified car to get people excited.”

Thanks to retro looks with a modern twist, the Hyundai IONIQ 5 is here to stay, and can sit in the line-up of Future Classics as one of the quirkiest electric cars for sale.

Future Classics at CarFest

Visitors to this year’s cinch presents CarFest will be able to see and sit inside some of these Future Classic cars on the cinch stand.

To buy a ticket, head to the cinch presents CarFest website.