Some cars become instant classics before they ever turn a wheel. The announcement of a car destined for classic status is special. From early images and spy shots, through magazine and television reviews, these cars appeal to the gearhead. The best part is, as time goes on people are able to save up and experience the cars they lust over.
Not every car is destined to become the envy of a collector. Most performance cars are interesting enough to become fairly collectible and some objectively bad cars are adored by enthusiasts, but the very best examples are really sought after.
10 BMW M2 CS
The most hardcore variant of the BMW M2, the CS is fettled to be a no-nonsense competitor to the Porsche 718 GT4. The main difference is the increased use of carbon fiber in the body panels to lose weight. Carbon-ceramic brakes are also an option with the M2 CS.
Power is upped by 44 bhp and the car looks more aggressive than the M2 Competition. It is also a blast to drive, rivaling the very best for brilliant sports cars. This model for some enthusiasts is the best example of an M car of all time. And that definitely makes it a future classic.
9 Alfa Romeo Guilia GTA
The Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio is the first properly good Alfa Romeo in a long time. A handsome saloon that offers 500 bhp and is excellent to drive is always going to be a popular choice with enthusiasts and this car has gained substantial support from gearheads across the world.
The Romeo Giulia GTA takes this car to new levels, however. Like the Jaguar XE SV Project 8, it takes the saloon, strips it of weight, adds a suitably-aggressive body kit, and makes the whole car more track-focused. Add in that only 500 are scheduled for production and this car will be a popular choice for collectors in the future.
8 Alpine A110
The original Alpine A110 is already a classic car. It dominated the rallying scene throughout the 1960s and 1970s and is a cultural icon. The new one is a good looking homage to the original, with retro styling and good performance.
A 1.8-liter turbo I4 may not sound that impressive but in a car so light it is more than enough to drive quickly. With all-round double wishbone suspension and that incredibly low weight is is a popular choice for enthusiasts and will be a top car for collectors in the future.
7 Toyota GR Supra
The Mk IV Supra is a cultural and film icon. Since it went out of production in 2002 fans have been begging Toyota to build the next generation. Finally, after nearly 20 years, the new, GR Supra was born.
Using a 3.0-liter I6 the Supra is a brilliant car to drive. Whilst sharing its basis with the BMW Z4 has caused some controversy among fans, it is still a good car and one, like its predecessor, is sure to become a classic car.
6 Lamborghini Huracan Evo RWD
When the Lamborghini Huracan was first released back in 2014, journalists criticized a lack of drama and occasion when driving it. It was technically very good but has lost some of the exuberance of previous Lamborghinis.
The Performante did some work in injecting the car with some excitement but it is the Evo RWD that really nails the driving philosophy of a Lamborghini. 602 bhp from a naturally-aspirated 5.2-liter V10 all delivered to the rear wheels. It is also designed for the driver explicitly, a sure way to ensure this model is the pick of the bunch.
5 Porsche Taycan
The Porsche Taycan is the brand's first production electric car and is an impressive machine. With the top of the range Turbo S model offering 751 bhp and a 0-60 time of 2.6 seconds, it is a very quick car. Add into the equation that this model is a heavy, comfortable four-door saloon and those statistics become even more impressive.
Whilst there have been other electric saloons, they have been criticized for being rather linear to drive. They offer blistering acceleration but not much in the way of driver engagement. The Taycan can legitimately claim to be the first successful electric drivers car.
4 Corvette C8
The Corvette C8 genuinely changes the game. Putting the engine behind the driver for the first time is always going to be something this car will be remembered for. With a 6.2-liter V8 producing 495 bhp, the C8 has the power to back up the dramatic looks.
All Corvettes find support from enthusiasts as they grow into classics and this model will be no different. However, this will also be remembered as a classic for its driving abilities as well as its name and heritage.
3 Mini Cooper GP
Hardcore, track-orientated Mini Coopers can demand big money. The original S of the 1960s are already expensive and previous GP models are emerging modern classics. The current GP boasts a 2.0-liter turbocharged I4 and makes 302 bhp.
The GP has a top speed is 164 mph. An insane speed for a Mini. It also has refined handling and exclusive wheels. The body kit in particular makes this special, even if it is mostly for show. It is the fastest Mini ever produced. Also, as only 3,000 will be produced, it will have rarity on its side.
2 Ariel Nomad R
The standard Ariel Nomad is a ridiculously endearing car. Basically a crazy fast Nomad with long-travel suspension and an apparent 'roof'. Using a Honda sourced 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, the standard car is a capable off-roader.
The Nomad R takes bonkers and then further dials it up to ridiculous levels. It turns this off-roader into a tarmac rally car with rally tires and some fettling of the engine. Performance is blisteringly quick. A 0-60 time of 2.9 seconds is crazy thanks to 355 bhp. It will certainly be a memorable car drive and a sure future classic.
1 Land Rover Defender
The original Land Rover Defender is a cultural icon. Since the introduction of the nameplate in 1983, the Defender has symbolised a rugged go-anywhere attitude that has found favour with collectors. Clean looked after examples and special editions are sought after and prices will only ever increase.
The new Land Rover Defender aims to continue this lineage with this attractive new model that picks up where the old model left off. It also shows that performance is not required to make a future classic. The new Defender is already iconic and will be a collector's piece in the future for sure.