If you're a classic car nut, you've probably heard of Hagerty; the company is a leader in classic-car insurance and hosts the world's largest database of classic cars. Each year, the company publishes its Hagerty Hot List, a list that spotlights 10 new vehicles that its valuations experts see as having the best future collectability.
These guys are classic-car experts, so they should know, right? Hagerty's full list follows (shown in alphabetical order), and each entry includes our comments along with the model's starting price.
1. Audi TT RS ($56,850)
Hagerty points out that the TT RS has global appeal, which should translate into global demand decades down the road. Offering frugal fuel economy and a gorgeous cabin, this Audi is both well-rounded and rare; it's available in limited quantities here in the U.S.
2. Buick Regal GS ($34,835)
Hmm -- we like the handling offered by the Regal GS but find its acceleration underwhelming. The folks at Hagerty like that it offers a real three-pedal manual transmission, among other things.
3. Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 ($54,095)
So the Camaro ZL1 has some things that compromise daily usability, like poor outward visibility and that tiny trunk. But no one can argue with the 580 hp wrought by its massive 6.2-liter V8.
4. Dodge Charger SRT8 ($45,795)
The people at Hagerty are impressed by this Charger's giant dash-mounted touch screen, which presents performance statistics such as available hp and torque. We love the car most for its ability to deliver visceral, affordable performance.
5. Fiat 500 Abarth ($22,000)
Ever since news of a US Fiat 500 was announced, enthusiasts have been waiting with bated breath for the Abarth version. This performance-oriented Fiat comes with a 160 horsepower, 1.4-liter turbocharged engine stuffed into the 500 Abarth's tiny package.
6. Ford Mustang Boss 302 Laguna Seca Edition ($48,100)
With a V8 good for 444 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque, this Mustang is a potent, track-tuned beast. A future collectible? Most definitely.
7. Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 ($54,470)
The Grand Cherokee SRT8 does it all; its V8 doles out enough power to keep enthusiasts grinning, and it's capable of busting trails with the best of them. There's ample luxury inside the cabin and the ute also comes with a king-sized tow rating.
8. Nissan GT-R Black Edition ($95,100)
The GT-R achieved stateside notoriety via its presence in well-known video games long before it was available for purchase on U.S shores. Hagerty expects that this popularity will make it a model that buyers of a certain generation remember and lust for decades into the future.
9. Porsche 911 ($79,000)
The folks at Hagerty point out that 911 models have a strong history of eventually appreciating in value. As such, this is the kind of car that represents a solid investment.
10. Volkswagen Golf R ($33,990)
With more power than the much-loved GTI, the Golf R stands as the most powerful Golf ever. Power comes courtesy of a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that produces an impressive 266 hp.
What do you think of these picks? Which models would you add to this list?
saunupe1911 says:
07:50 AM, 01/29/12
The Boss Laguna Seca is the rarest out of the bunch and has the highest markup. I believe all 2011-2012 Mustang GT and Boss 302 will be highly sought after and loved cars 10 yrs down the road. It marked the return of two legendary attributes to a Mustang...which are the Boss editions and the 5.0L V8. All SRT8 Challengers/Chargers will be sought after because they are badass and actually have lows sales because of their high prices. There aren't many used 392 SRT8's running around so they are already rare
firstwagon says:
10:54 AM, 01/29/12
I would add the CTS-V wagon. Rare, powerful and very cool. 556 HP, 6 speed manual rwd wagon from Cadillac has to be collectible some day.
roadburner says:
11:10 AM, 01/29/12
I don't see the GS or the Abarth(although I'm willing to reconsider the Fiat when it finally goes on sale). I would also put the CTS-V wagon ahead of either of them. Heck, I'd put my 2007 MS3 ahead of either of them. Another car that should be a collectable is the 1 Series M Coupe- due to both its performance and the low number produced.
jayparry says:
11:55 AM, 01/29/12
I assume the 1M isn't on here because its not for sale anymore...
brn says:
12:13 PM, 01/29/12
I don't agree with the Buick Regal GS or the Volkswagen Golf R. I really don't see either one of them as being all that special, much less timely. We'll soon forget about them.
I think I already have.
I agree about the Mustang, Nissan GT-R, and even the Fiat. While I think the Fiat is overrated, it does have a niche interest and that could eventually push it into collector category. Not a fan of the Nissan either, but it's unique in its price range and will definitely go into collector category.
cardrvr says:
01:04 PM, 01/29/12
This list is desperately missing such fine models as Toyota Camry and Honda Accord... The other similar models, like Buick Regal (re-badged Opel) and VW Golf are pretty spot-on and sure to bring their owners many millions of dollars at car auctions in some time in future!
/sarcasm
cardrvr says:
01:25 PM, 01/29/12
On a more serious note, I would definitely add in such models as BMW's E90 M3 and MB's current C63 - both of these are a "dying breed", the last models (especially in sedan form) in their class to have a hydraulic power steering and a powerful (especially C63) naturally aspirated V8 engines. Next generation of both models will most likely be permanently "screwed up" by government fuel economy/ecology standards, which means no more naturally aspirated engines + no more hydraulic power steering, with a forcefully included features like "engine start/stop system", etc.
andersendl says:
02:19 PM, 01/29/12
New Porsche 911 a solid investment? Hardly. Look at current 996 prices. If you bought one new you took a major bath. Truth is, except for special models like, say, the GT3 RS or GT2, unless hardly ever driven, garden variety 911s depreciate just like any other car. And they tend to stay depreciated for quite a awhile. And with Porsche's drive to greatly increase sales volumes across the board, your new 997 will never be rare.
firstwagon says:
02:44 PM, 01/29/12
A lot comes down to how do you define collectible?
If you are expecting a mega buck bidding war like you might get for a Hemi Cuda 4 speed convertible then none of the cars above would likely make the list.
If you just need a following then any car can be collectible once it gets old and rare enough, just don't expect to retire on the proceeds.
(example ... http://www.chryslerkcar.com/ )
I consider any car whose price drops to a certain point and then starts to rise to be collectible.
miamifan1 says:
04:18 PM, 01/29/12
my under $100k list would include:
Retain MSRP (or nearly): 1-Coupe m, Z-06 Carbon, ZL-1, Boss Mustang, GTR, Grand Cherokee SRT8, Wrangler Rubicon/Anniversary, XLR, CTSV Coupe, Boxster Spyder
Low-depreciation: Evoque, XKR, 300SRT8, TT-RS, STI, Evo, M3, C63
Yugos change hands at MSRP to this day - so there's a lesson here, somewhere.
ptcdawg says:
05:53 PM, 01/29/12
FWD Regal...blasphemy.
devnix says:
06:31 PM, 01/29/12
I found this list to be pretty interesting. I think the BOSS 302 definitely belongs, yet the Buick is a laughable addition (why not add every FWD sedan that offers a manual transmission?). I think the EVO would be a great addition due to its rarity and soon discontinuation. The 1M is my favourite car in the world so I might be a little biased, but I think that belongs on here too (depending on production figures--it may have not had a chance to shine).
blueguydotcom says:
07:27 PM, 01/29/12
BMW 1 Series M Coupe will go for crazy money in 10-20 years. It's a sick little car and so rare. The Boss 302 seems pretty amazing but Ford just keeps making better and better Mustangs.
Got a feeling the M3 with the V8 will be coveted soon too as it'll be that rare one-off that married a 3 to a V8.
dmpete says:
03:28 AM, 01/30/12
A Buick???? The list should have the V-8 M3, as well as it's little brother the 1M Coupe. I see the appeal of the Golf-R but to the V-Dud crowd, not really Barrett Jackson. The Laguna Seca, yes, the 911 no. the GT-R black yes, it should also have the CTS-V coupe ( that's when Caddy's started to matter again), The C63 AMG should be there as well. If we are talking about lust worthy cars. You add the Abarth, but not the John Cooper Works Mini? Another thing I noticed they had several GM cars in this list, mabye because they will finally go belly-up, and you won't be able to find them anymore, or someones just pandering to drive the prices up? Will we ever know??
snipenet says:
04:23 AM, 01/30/12
no Volt? wow
jeepsrt says:
06:28 AM, 01/30/12
"The Grand Cherokee SRT8 does it all; its V8 doles out enough power to keep enthusiasts grinning, and it's capable of busting trails with the best of them."
I think the original SRT8 will be a collector but not the new one. As for busting trails, not quite as it has no low range and is strictly an on raod SUV.
fordson1 says:
06:58 AM, 01/30/12
"You add the Abarth, but not the John Cooper Works Mini?"
They are compiling a list of cars that will someday cost too much USED, not ones that cost too much NEW.
miamifan1 says:
08:42 AM, 01/30/12
you look at Z3 M-Coupe prices, and it's clear that the 1M belongs on this list.
Is the Boxster Spyder still available?
csubowtie says:
11:48 AM, 01/30/12
Yeah, that Buick doesn't belong there. The CTS-V Wagon with the manual should be top of the list. Try to find a good Nomad now-a-days. Plus I imagine they will sell about 25 of them, and they have the super-car performance to boot. That is one of the few cars sold today (for under $100k) that I could imagine being a retirement investment.
jawnathin says:
12:43 PM, 01/30/12
This list is a bit of a joke.
TTRS, Regal, Golf R, 911, Jeep SRT8, don't belong. None of them are exclusive enough, offers unique and limited features, or offers any performance trait that another competitor can do equally or better. You need these traits to be a collector. I think many of them will hold their value well, but 'collector cars'? Nah.
Wheres the 1M Coupe? Only made in small numbers for just two years and some consider the modern day E30 M3.
What about a Z06 or 427 Convertible? The largest displacement SBC ever made with 7.0L/427CI may be going away for good as there is movement towards smaller displacement forced induction cars.
I'd even say an E92 M3, possibly the last naturally aspirated M car with its high revving V8.
I'm sure there are a few others, but that is what I could think of off the top of my head.
wjtinatl says:
06:47 PM, 01/30/12
Regal GS... collectible? The Buick dealer in North Atlanta has about 50 Regal's you can buy cheap to stockpile and sell in 40 years for.... thousands.
dylanmitchel says:
10:39 PM, 01/30/12
GT-R going to be sought after for decades. Boss 302 is an old school muscle car the best made in decades. Today a 30 or 40 year old car is fairly simple and can be restored in your garage. A GT-R may not be restorable by a shade tree mechanic and even the Boss 302 uses complex electronics.
stevie9 says:
05:31 PM, 02/10/12
The old cars that went way up like my GTO convertible were 1 of 200. Some of these cars I would guess are 1 of 20,000. No way a car they made 20,000 of will be collectible.
Stevie
http:zAutos.com
stevie9 says:
06:34 PM, 02/10/12
The old cars that went way up like my GTO convertible were 1 of 200. Some of these cars I would guess are 1 of 20,000. No way a car they made 20,000 of will be collectible.
Stevie
http:zAutos.com
stevie9 says:
06:40 PM, 02/10/12
I say it's all in the numbers. I just found this>>> I'm interested in the data too. I've 'heard' that there were less than 500 2011 wagons
But it's a wagon. The hemi Cuda Convertible is a million and a hardtop 40,000 so style does count
Steve
http://zautos.com
stevie9 says:
06:42 PM, 02/10/12
740 units of BMW 1M sold in United States