There are cars that stick out just a bit more than the rest which we think might “make it” in terms of keeping their value and one day possibly becoming a highly-valued collector’s item.
Although it’s impossible to predict the future, below are three cars we think might become future classics.
Alfa Romeo Giulia GTA
Midway through 2021, Alfa Romeo launched a rocket into the South African market in the form of the limited-edition Giulia GTA and GTAm.
This sports sedan is thoroughly modified with unique aerodynamic components and mechanical additions that make it look beautifully aggressive and give it the performance to back up its new design.
It sports an uprated 2.9-litre, V6, bi-turbo petrol engine putting out 397kW and 600Nm, letting it sprint to 100km/h in 3.6 seconds and reach a top speed of 307km/h.
Making it more special is the fact that this engine was built by Ferrari engineers and is derived from the V8 engine of the Ferrari 488 GTB.
The Giulia GTA went on sale in July at a starting price of R3,999,900 – with only 10 units of the two models allocated to South Africa.
All 500 global units were reported to be sold out in September.
BMW 1 Series M Coupe
The BMW 1 Series M Coupe is, in my opinion, the greatest 1 Series ever built – second only to the legendary BMW M1.
This compact coupe was unveiled in 2010 and instantly became a fan favourite, helped by the fact it was fitted with a 3.0-litre, six-cylinder, twin-turbocharged engine that produced 250kW and 500Nm.
This was 135Nm more than the third-generation BMW M3 in a car that weighed 1,495kg – resulting in a power-to-weight ratio of 6kg/kW.
0-100km/h took 4.9 seconds, and an electronically limited top speed of 250km/h was possible.
Making it stand out was a menacing body kit – making the M Coupe 55mm wider than the standard 1 Series of the time – as well as an exclusive interior with sculpted Boston leather sports seats, a unique grey-dial instrument cluster, and an M leather steering wheel.
Only 2,700 units were ever meant to be made, but BMW is reported to have sold 6,309 units of the 1 Series M Coupe worldwide.
New, this car sold for R537,500 in South Africa, whereas the few pre-owned examples that are still available now start from around R899,900.
Jaguar F-Type V8
It’s not yet confirmed, but there are rumours the 2021 Jaguar F-Type V8 will be the last of its kind as Jaguar is switching over to an all-electric lineup come 2025.
The F-Type might not currently be the most popular sports car out there, but when the roads are filled with battery-powered commuters not making a noise, the sweet melody of a Jaguar V8 coupled with a sleek design will be a welcome sight for many a petrolhead.
The F-Type V8 went on sale in April and now starts at R1,658,724.
A few decades down the line, we believe many collectors will find that the F-Type hits the right notes, with its relatively low sales numbers of today only benefiting owners of tomorrow.
Keyword: Future classics – 3 cars we think might “make it”