Modern classics - 10 cars that we think will appreciate in value

There is no science to naming which makes and models of car will become sought after classics – it’s guesswork based purely on past experience. That doesn’t mean it isn’t fun, though, which is why we’ve had a go at picking 10 cars that are no older than 10 years old as ones to keep an eye on.

Alfa Romeo 159

If history is anything to go by, car nuts of the future will go mad for old Alfas, even humdrum D-segment saloons. Not that the 159 could ever be called humdrum, as it remains one of the best-looking cars in the sector. We reckon that the Sportwagon estate could become especially valuable.

Audi TT

Premium coupes invariably become classic cars that are sought after, as they were, by definition, limited in sales, though we will accept that the Audi TT has been produced in quite high numbers. Also, it’s the second-generation TT that falls into our “no older than 10” bracket and while we’re convinced that the original (1998-2006) is a rock-solid future classic, it may be quite a while before this one is.

BMW 1 Series Coupe

It’ll be no surprise to hear that most BMW M products are considered to be sure future classics, but that certainly isn’t the case for the rest of the line-up, as most of them sell in very high numbers. One exception is the little 1 Series Coupe. It was a cool little car, no matter the engine, and it was phased out as a model completely. Worth a punt for sure.

Citroen C4 Cactus

Car collectors love quirky, and they don’t come much quirkier than the Citroen C4 Cactus. We’re quietly confident that the original, replaced in 2018 by a slightly more sensible model, will be a star of the classic car scene in decades to come.

Fiat 500L

You might have expected us to choose the regular Fiat 500 here, but that has sold in vast numbers and is already inspired by a 60-year-old car, so we reckon the simply ugly 500L might be of more interest to the classic car gurus of the distant future. Radical, we know.

Kia Stinger

The Stinger is a brave car for Kia to launch, designed as it is to compete with sporty premium models. We love it, but suspect it won’t sell in high numbers, which makes it excellent future classic fodder…

Land Rover Defender

This needs no explanation, does it? The Defender ceased production in 2016 and is already loved throughout the world. The Celebration Series cars in particular are likely to appreciate in value quickly.

Mazda MX-5

Here’s another sure-fire winner, Mazda’s lithe roadster. The current generation might be the last purely-petrol naturally aspirated MX-5 ever, so that makes it a future classic for sure.

Mercedes-Benz CLS

The CLS has evolved to be a luxury car that looks a bit sporty from its origins as a sporty looking car that was a bit luxurious. We believe that first-generation model will be sought after before long.

Volkswagen Scirocco

The Golf-based coupe might not be the most exciting looking car around now, and it might not be getting a direct replacement, but we think a VW-badged coupe will always command an audience as a classic.