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Most new cars face a loss in value of up to 20 years before being sent to the scrapyard, but a few end up becoming prized classics or collector’s items.
I’ve spoken to motoring experts and classic car enthusiasts to compile a guide to prospective modern classics that could be worthwhile investments.
Volkswagen ID Buzz
This futuristic take on retro design is reminiscent of the much-loved VW camper van.
It was an instant hit, even before it was launched, thanks to its status as a fully electric, zero-emission vehicle. Its fun looks will also attract the attention of enthusiasts. But it’s also practical, with flexible seating, boot space and the ability to handle tight corners like a black cab.
New price: From £58,915
When will it be a classic? 2053
Modern-retro: The Volkswagen ID Buzz was an instant hit
Ariel Nomad
The Nomad stands out with its unique design, exposed frame and internal mechanical components that combine fun and extreme performance. Hand-built and sold in small quantities, it is already attracting the attention of enthusiasts.
New price: From £33,000
When will it be a classic? 2036
Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio
An almost certain Italian classic, thanks to its fantastic looks and superb performance. Rare GTA variants are already selling for more than list price, making this model one worth considering.
New price: From £79,495
When will it be a classic? 2033
Porsche 718 Cayman S
The Cayman’s engines have been downsized so that it doesn’t overpower its bigger coupe sibling, but the balance, styling and handling are all superb. This impeccable design alone could make it a five-star hit in the next decade. Rare specifications and colours, such as Shark Blue, will likely become the most collectable.
New price: From £63,800
When will it be a classic? 2037
Fiat 124 Spider
This elegant car combines the mechanical base of one of the most competent modern roadsters, the Japanese MX-5, with magnificent Italian looks. Who wouldn’t like that? Add to that the fact that it sold in much smaller numbers than its Mazda cousin, and it has all the requirements for a classic.
New price: From £19,545
When will it be a classic? 2035
Mazda MX-5
The original model of this affordable Japanese convertible was considered a classic after just 18 years of its launch in 1989. It’s a strong indicator that this model will achieve similar acclaim. Plus, it’s stylish, sporty and reliable.
New price: From £27,690
When will it be a classic? 2035
Modern-retro: The Volkswagen ID Buzz was an instant hit
Citroën accelerates at the ‘Oscars’ of the automobile
Next-generation versions of Citroen’s C3 supermini swept the UK motoring Oscars with a hat-trick of honours just as the order books were opening.
The all-electric Citroen e-C3, from £21,990, was named Car of the Year and Affordable Electric Car of the Year at the 2024 Auto Express Awards. The petrol-powered C3 from £17,790 was named best supermini.
Hat-trick: Next-generation versions of Citroen’s C3 supermini sweep UK car awards
The electric e-C3 is the first model from parent company Stellantis to feature a new “EV-focused” platform, using a 44kWh battery for a range of up to 320km. Acceleration from 0-100km/h takes around ten seconds, on to a top speed of 132km/h.
Judges praised its price and mini-SUV styling. Auto Express editor Paul Barker said: “The Citroen e-C3 breaks new ground in the electric vehicle segment.”
CARS AND MOTORING: TEST
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We tested the £15,000 Dacia Spring – the CHEAPEST new electric vehicle in the UK - MG Cyberster review: A convertible EV that costs £60,000 and is fun to drive
- Eurocup-winning Renault Scenic E-Tech receives Ray Massey’s vote
- Ford Explorer: Is the £40,000 electric SUV a good buy for UK drivers?
- Polestar 3: Will the Tesla Model Y now have a real fight ahead of it?
- Lotus Eletre is an electric rival to the Lamborghini Urus: the hyper-SUV tested
- Dacia’s new Duster is here: has it lost its value for money?
- Alfa Romeo Tonale test: can this SUV deliver sporty excitement?
- In a world of SUVs, can the VW Passat revitalise the family car market?
- Ineos Quartermaster review: the new premium city van
- The Peugeot e-3008 is attractive, agile and has a range of 326 miles.
- We tested the new £165,000 Aston Martin Vantage: is it better than a Ferrari?
- Can BMW harness the magic of the original Mini in a Chinese-made electric vehicle?
- Is this the ultimate convertible supertourer? Aston Martin DB12 Volante
- The new Fiat 600e EV family car is here, but should we wait for the hybrid?
- VW Tiguan review: the brand’s best-selling SUV is back, but is it better?
- Should you consider the Mini Countryman EV instead of the petrol model?
- Another BMW goes electric: we test the new iX2 against its gasoline rival, the X2
- The 2024 Range Rover Evoque Plug-in Hybrid Is a Local Winner
- Brits’ favourite car DRIVEN: We analyse the best-selling Ford Puma
- BMW’s i5 EV offers supercar performance in an executive saloon package
- We drove the £76,000 Kia EV9 – the all-electric rival to Korea’s Range Rover
- Was the three-decade wait for the BMW M3 Touring worth it? Our review
- Has Britain’s most popular small car just gotten a whole lot better? The new Corsa
- Volvo EX30 review: Sweden’s new ‘green’ pocket rocket SUV rivals Tesla
- Is Renault’s new Austral E-Tech SUV the complete package? We tested it
- The Audi Q8 is annoyingly good for a “sporty” coupe-like SUV
- The Ferrari Roma Spider costs £210,000 – here’s what you get for your money
- China’s all-electric BYD Dolphin comes ashore – we test it on UK roads
- Our epic road test through Denmark and Sweden with the new Polestar 2
- The new Abarth 500e convertible is an exceptional luxury: it is electric and sporty
- Honda’s new CR-V is bigger than its predecessor, but is it better?
- We beat the new Bond to test his new car: Aston Martin DB12 review
- At the wheel of the Rolls-Royce Spectre: we test the new EV Roller
- Skoda’s crown jewel: the superb L&K 4×4 Estate with extras
- Maserati Grecale test: the SUV with 50% of sales expected to go to women
- Dacia’s budget seven-seat family car! The £18,000 Jogger put to the test
- This Q8 is simply great: we tested the new Audi Sportback e-tron
- Enter the dragon! BYD Atto EV is the Chinese company’s first British model
- Ferrari’s first four-door estate car: new £313,000 Purosangue driven
- Thrills without frills: The £31,000 MG5 is one of the cheapest family electric cars
- The Renault Arkana ticks all the boxes that Britons look for when buying a car
- Can Peugeot’s stylish 408 hybrid crossover make it big in the UK? We test it
- We drive the Civic Type R, the rebellious bad boy of the Honda range
- Rolls Royce Spectre: What is it like to drive the first ELECTRIC Rolls Royce?
- Ineos Grenadier Driven: Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Defender for £69,000
- Can you live with a miniature Citroën Ami? Seven tasks in seven days
- Don’t get me big! Is the “smaller” Volvo XC60 all the SUV you need?
- We pampered some passengers in the new £211k Bentley Bentayga
- A new kind of Buzz! VW’s electric MPV still has the feel of a hippie camper van
- A car for all seasons: a 965-kilometre round trip in the Peugeot 3008 GT PHEV
- Feline fun: Funky Cat is the new all-electric car from China’s Ora
- Skoda’s zero-emission hero: the Enyaq IV vRS is its flagship electric SUV
- Toyota’s modern marvel: the GR86 sports coupe is here… and it’s brilliant
- Perfect for power outages: Kia’s new Niro EV can power your freezer
- Retro Bus: We put VW’s new ID Buzz through its paces on UK roads
- Want a family electric car that won’t break the bank? MG4 EV Review for £24,000
- The new 11th generation of the Honda Civic hits the market
- French luxury: the elegant Peugeot 308 SW Estate attracts admiring glances
- Vauxhall reaches for the stars with latest Astra – we drove it
- Driving in conditions: we test the new Citroën C5X on the hottest day of the year
- Options, options: there are three types of Kia Niro: we tested the PHEV
- Pininfarina’s £2m Battista accelerates faster than a fighter jet
- The torque-packed Grand Juke: Nissan’s new British-made hybrid compact SUV
- A supercar with ultra-green credentials: McLaren Artura hybrid tested
- Subaru’s cautious return: we test the new all-wheel drive Outback
- The Cupra Born sports car offers a taste of Spain. We drive the electric hatchback
- Driving the fastest luxury SUV on the planet: Aston Martin DBX 707
- Royal Range Rover hits the road: We test drive the new £100,000 luxury SUV
- We’re heading to the Arctic Circle to test the £400,000 Rolls-Royce Spectre EV
- BMW goes crazy for photos: the 2 Series Active Tourer has a built-in selfie camera
- It may be red, but the Ferrari 296 GTB is definitely a green supercar.
- Testing a pre-production VW ID Buzz ahead of the electric camper’s debut
- Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s off-roader DRIVEN: We test the new Ineos Grenadier
