Our Two Cents: What to buy 25 years from now?
In today’s episode of Our Two Cents, we dig into our staff’s best picks for the best classic/antique/special interest vehicle. Except we’re gonna mix it up and only consider what they’d buy 25 years from now. The magic 25-year mark exists because that’s when any vehicle can be imported to the USA as a classic, therefore skirting U.S. safety and emissions regulations for new vehicles. So forget about what you can get right now, imagine what you can do when you’re 25 years older?
Let’s find out what car our staffers will buy in 2048. Precisely 25 years from now.
Alpine A110
Starting with me, I’ll pick the lowest hanging fruit from the 25-year-old tree, as the 2017+ Alpine A110 is a pure case of “I want it because I can’t have it.” The performance is gonna be worse than a comparable C7/C8 Corvette, but I don’t care; the Alpine must be mine because its achingly beautiful and has adequate performance. Now if only we could LS-swap it, as that’d be a complete game changer.
Camaro SS 1LE
Senior Editor Eddy Eckart picks a car that will likely become an unquestioned classic in 25 years. Perhaps its one that slides under the radar of all its Mopar competition and turns better to boot?
“Who knows what fanciful ideas I’ll have about cars when I am 68! I’ll probably want one more manual transmission. Fast won’t matter, but handling will. At that point, joy in the drive will supersede tinkering for me, so no projects. Something noticeable, but not look-at-me outrageous. Needs a healthy soundtrack. Seems like I’m headed back to where it started for me: GM’s pony car, though one a little newer and nicer than the ’92 Firebird I bought in 1997. I’ll go with a pre-facelift, sixth-gen Camaro SS 1LE in Hyper Blue.
4×4 Sprinter Camper Van
Ben Woodworth, our Senior Video Lead, knows that he’s still gonna want a van a quarter century from now.
“In 25 years, my four kids will be out of the house (hopefully) and I will (again, hopefully) be on the verge of retiring! Given those two things, I’ll be buying a 4×4 Mercedes Sprinter camper van. It’s probably the only automotive-related purchase that my wife and I agree on, and it’s basically been our retirement plan since we got married. We want to spend our time traveling the continent camping, biking, skiing, and adventuring. Sprinkle in some visits with grandkids along the way and I’m set for life. There are too many cool places in this world and fun things to do to spend retirement sitting on the front porch yelling at youths as they pass by on their hoverboards and flying cars.”
Pontiac G8 GXP
Editor Kyle Smith picked the last—possibly one of the best—vehicles to wear the red Pontiac arrowhead emblem. Hard to argue with his logic!
“Let’s assume my lack of financial responsibility will turn around in the next 25 years, and I’ll have a little more to spend than I do now. If so, that means I will finally be able to buy a 2009 Pontiac G8 GXP. White please, no sunroof, six-speed manual transmission. With only 299 white 2009 model year G8 GXPs out there, I think I’ll start saving now—mainly because I have to. Regardless, I think history will treat these well even if a lot of folks think it has two too many doors. Practicality, muscular styling, and big muscle under the hood will always be cool.”
Genesis G70 Shooting Brake
Associate Managing Editor Grace Houghton chose the same path as my wish for European importation. But instead of sport, she went looking for a stylish station wagon-ish vehicle that’s unlikely to ever come to America. Well, at least not on its own accord (sorry).
“If it’s 2048, I’ll be chasing down this South Korean beauty, the wagon version of Genesis’ G70 sports sedan. Currently sold only in Europe, the G70 Shooting Brake offers the same twin-turbo, 3.3-liter V-6 found in the sedan, which is genuinely sporting but comfortable enough to road-trip. Perfect combo. The wagon’s fantastically good-looking and, in contrast to the equivalent German, fresh and off-beat. The interior is posh enough to flatter—quilted leather seats; yes, please—but clean lines, subtle textures, and physical buttons keep it from being fussy. Sure, it only comes with an automatic transmission, but I’ll have a manual Corvette by then, so who cares?”
Pontiac Trans Am
Managing Editor David Zenlea proves that the more things change, the more they stay the same. An extra 25 years won’t stop him from wanting what he wants right now.
“I can confidently say that 25 years from now I will want a second-gen Trans Am with a Pontiac 400 engine. That’s what I wanted 25 years ago and it’s still what I want today. The world will surely look very different in a quarter century, but I will likely be the same idiot who likes t-tops and large decals.”
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This is a big assumption.
Will there be gas available? Will states out law ICE cars? Will there be oils and other needed products available to operate these with out damage to the fuel and engine?
My fear is that these pro EV moves by government will make these car damn near impossible to own. We need companies like Hagerty to start stepping up like SEMA and explain these collector cars are not going to doom the world to darkness as many claim.
Anyways the Alpine is a very unknown car and what French car in modern history has been a collector? Interesting and odd but not many collectors in the last 25 years.
The Trans Am is the one to buy now be it a late 70’s or the Ram Air WS6 from the 90’s. They are getting expensive and they will only go higher long before 25 years,
One I would circle on the list to buy now and have in 25 years is the Z06 C5 or about any 2002-2004 C5. These cars are growing in popularity and the low mile unused ones are now on the market. Why this model? Well it is the last analog Vette and with the LS engine in these the are a tuners dream. You can make all sorts of cheap power in a chassis that really is similar to the C6-7.
I just picked one up and it is now the performance car bargain of the market. Mine is like new and out of the box is a 13 second car stock. That is only with 350 HP so you can see where this is only the base number.
If you shop smart you can so well price wise as the prices are all over. Mine is so clean the drivers seat is not all cracked up like many are. I have seen dried out seats in 9K mile cars.
I would also add the CTS or about any V car as the tuners are all over them. Also don’t forget the Wagon. Who was the last person that said I got to get me some Genesis Wagon?
Totally agree we need to lobby for exceptions for true collector cars. The 0.01% of miles driven by true collector cars will not change anything regarding climate change. We’ll also need a cottage industry making autonomous level 5 communication systems for these cars so that 2032 Teslas don’t just run into my Miata because they “told” it they were going first at the intersection.
Regarding French cars, ignoring the obvious 30’s million dollar cars, models like R5 turbo and the Citroën DS convertibles command premiums, and have you seen what Meharis go for?
Who defines a “true collector car”? Good luck with those arguments.
Nobody knows nor can know how “much” I drive my 68 Cougar. I may be in it every day fighting traffic for an hour to go 5 miles or drive 70mph in that same hour. Not all states require inspections of classic cars nor do insurance companies necessarily require mileage readings. If one doesn’t register the car as “antique” or “historic” in a state that makes that option available, who knows how many miles you drove in your 65 Mustang in a given year? Nobody in most states.
You’re on the right track with the GM choices.
The G8GT or GTX are great, we’ve got a 2009 that we got off lease and it’s roomy, comfy, and a mileage eater. Being in Canada the Chevy SS and Holden GTO were not sold up here but they fit into the same class. CTS-V brakes bolt right on with a set of different wheels. Stops so well the rear cover has been replaced twice, the cushion and rebar once. The lady of the house likes the auto trans, I think it’s the worst feature. Our ’17 Mazda3 GT, also off lease (notice a pattern here) is far superior.
F-bodies will always be an investment. The Gen3 & 4 are gaining momentum now. Both those having rear hatches can handle anything, groceries, lumber, the odd engine. Picked up a ’98, Z28 again off lease, and still have it. NO options. Installed 1LE bars, Koni dampers and Eibach springs ’91 ZR1 wheels and 275/315 tires.
I bought a NEW 2017 SS1LE, didn’t want to chance a used one. At 73 it isn’t the easiest to get in and out of, see out of and the rear seat and trunk barely hold our cats. So? I took the rear seat out which increases load volume and eases climbing in the back to clean the rear window. This should have been a hatch.
The Corvette C5/6/7 with Z06 or ZR1 with all comp options are climbing in value. The C8 has increased resale value of the last front engined cars, and the manual transmission availability is worth a pile as well. They may well be the last “Corvette”.
The CTS-V is fast and all, but far too luxurious for my tastes.
Fuel for these things will be around forever, may not be gas as we know it. The cost of manufacturing electricity will be the future issue. Nuclear stations will require armies for protection, and I won’t be here to worry about it.
Collect cars for what purpose? Sit in the garage with a bottle of seltzer ( alcohol outlawed) reminiscing about the old days of OHV gasoline engines as you wait for the government to turn on your daily rations of electric in order to charge your EV bicycle and your A.I. Kate Upton imitation wife as you munch on some freeze dried roaches. Yep, the good old days.
Freeze dried roaches? Soylent green!
yikes!
Soylent Green is people.
I know it’s somewhat tongue in cheek, but a lot of truth about gov overreach, trying to completely control our future. For that reason, I detest the whole ev deal. I’m proud to drive 3 vintage polluters.
I owned a home years ago and planted with my own grubby paws over 160 trees. Spruce, fir, maple, oak and about an 1/2 acre of pachysandra. Those trees are now 40 – 90 ft tall. I paid my dues and have no guilt using my V8 on 100% gasoline.
looking into the infallible crystal ball i definitely own, the obscurity—and relative performance inferiority—of the Genesis wagon compared to the CTS-V (and especially the M or AMG wagons) should mean it’s a comparative bargain in 25 years’ collector vehicle market. also, who woulda thunk, in the ’80s, that Volvo 240s would be collectible? and they made our 2022 Bull Market list! https://www.hagerty.com/media/magazine-features/bull-market-2022/
Good choices, mostly…
In reality, MANY of us Hagerty folk simply won’t be around in 25 years, myself for certain.
Why not have done an estimate of TEN years’ hence? I mean, the very “quality” of Life here on Earth is at stake 25 years from now.
I know; a ten-year prediction is just too risky to make…
Yes for us that are over 70…it’s a stretch…but there are many younger followers …but I do agree right now it’s hard to imagine the world in 10 let alone 25 years.Will cars even matter
I’m 70, and at the rate this world is going, who the heck would want to be here in 25 years?
Many of our parents thought that same thing I bet, back in the day. I am hoping to be here, if in reasonably good health (I would be 93, which 2 of my grandparents made it to, still in good mental health, while my parents made it to 86 and 91). I may actually – maybe – have grandchildren by then!
Probably won’t be still driving or buying cars, though, so this list’s horizon is too far out for me.
Hey Rider79! Thanks for keeping it positive. I hope you are around for a long time. This world has its challenges but we live in a wonderful country that tries to get it right. Good luck and I hope everyone has a great day.
I 100% agree.
If the use of gasoline is even legal then.
To Sam, that may seem a stretch. But right now, even gas stoves are under assault.
Some, not Sam.
I wish we could edit our comments for typos.
I’m only 50 now, but I feel the same way!
2022 Mazda 6 Wagon.
Or a Vauxhall Insignia VXR Sports Tourer with a manual.
MAKE AMERICA WAGON AGAIN.
Silly people…I’ll be in a Jetson-mobile, cruising over your heads, laughing at you all! 😎
Will it be electric??!! 🙂
There won’t be any electricity either if the elitists have their way.
Elitists=educated.
I have an MBA; I hope that does not make me an elitist! My brother-in-law is an MD; is he an elitist? Before you answer, he drives a Toyota Corolla with a stick, by choice – and, at 70, has never owned an automatic.
Educated does not mean intelligent
“Educated” does not equal “in touch” with the public, “empathetic”, or “street smart”. Two words to never forget, “Diet Coke”
Na… We’ll all be using a MR. FUSION – Home Energy Reactor !
All the cars listed are excellent choices. And every one of them right now are rare or non-existent to see. Driving should be something to do for a means and also for pleasure. Whether you like to row a manual transmission in a GXP or 1LE, look unique like Grace in her wagon or drive a classic Trans Am driving these cars are the reason they were developed, tested and built. They aren’t made to stare at in a dark garage or a car show.
With what is going on in our world I’m glad I got my escape mobile in 2014–Winnebago ERA Sprinter. Not 4WD but who cares! I can escape anywhere…and the way things are that may need to be soon. The van was the price of a loaded Suburban back then, at least on New Years Eve if you had cash. Now they’re 240K-in 2wd
In 25 years, those of us who are still alive will be walking amid the ruins of what used to be civilization. IF there are any cars (and roads to drive on), they will be powered by wood gasifiers ala Mad Max.
I’m hip
I’m square – and it’s hip to be square!
In 25 years I’ll need a left hip…so I can still row thru the gears!
Her’s what you’ll be equired to ride in 25 years (but not me- I wouldn;t be seen dead in a Tesla)
https://www.carscoops.com/2022/12/tesla-hearse-3-is-perfect-for-zero-emission-funerals/
I have a 2011 Roadtrek SS Sprinter Van, fully loaded, its like driving in a Four Seasons Hotel.
Gets 18 MPG and purrs like a kitten.
This is the ultimate getaway machine. Your Govt wants to get rid of Diesel machines? Get rid of them instead.
I like your style Mr. Zenlea.
Carry on.
25 years from now? I’d get it now if I wanted a G8. In 25 years if you wanted one you have to pull out the ECO retrofits that would be required by then.
Actually as a G8 GT owner since new, I wish I had ordered the GXP. Oh well. If you’ve not driven the last pony, you’ve missed a fun car. Go get it now!
Thanks for solidifying my choice. I drove a G8 GT with an automatic in 2009 and it was good, but I knew in my heart of hearts that I would never be happy with it. I assumed that the GXPs would depreciate and in 2015 or so I would be able to stretch my finances and snag one… I was very wrong.
OK, so figuring that fuel will still be available (I suspect that it will), why wait 25 years for them to be too expensive or too clapped out to be affordable after restoration? Buy it NOW and enjoy it, care for it, and with proper care, it will be just fine in 25 years, and will have the value you might expect.
I have been smart, purchasing my dream cars new, when they were cheap, compared to now, where their prices have risen by 10X.
I like the Camaro 1LE, and I want to buy one now. ‘Working on that. The Renault A110 is at the top of the list, but not licensable here in the US.
I suspect that there will be other cars that are bargains now, but expensive in 25 years, such as certain Mustangs, the hot rod Mopars that are going out of production this year, and the C8 Corvette, which is still a better car than the C7s that are actually more expensive used than a new C8. Pick the car that you think will be cool to have, buy it and hang on to it. Keep it garaged, don’t wear it out, service it properly. Enjoy it forever, maybe give it to your children. Just don’t wait 25 years. Just remember that a new Renault R5Turbo cost about $20K back in ’84 and is now $160K~220K. A used ’65 Shelby Mustang cost about $600 in 1970 (yes, really), in good shape. Now? Over $200K. If you love the cars, and love to drive, don’t wait. Buy now.
Time to go out into the yard and pick some money off the tree. Not everyone can afford these cars when your family needs to eat. I bet there are classic cars in garages, under covers, in barns that will never see the roads again. Some will be complete, some still a project. Necessities before toys.
Exactly right! I have already purchased the car of my dreams and plan to enjoy it for the next 25 years as it goes up in value. It’s a 2018 Mustang Shelby GT350 with the 5.2L flat plane crank V8 and 6-speed manual. Gotta love 526 hp and 8250 rpm redline, not to mention the beautiful sound it makes when wound out. IMHO, Ford’s finest Mustang ever!
I like everything here exept the sprinter van. Not my thing. But RWD and a V8? Yes! The G70 wagon looks really good. Too bad we never got it.
I like Kyle Smith’s choice. Good thing I am the original owner of a 2009 G8 GXP, White Hot, Manual, Onyx/Red Interior, No Sunroof. This car is 1 of only 10 in the world like it. I never plan to part with it, but in 25 years I’ll be 78 and if my daughter doesn’t want it (I sure hope she will!), he may want to come see me.
You sure you don’t want to give me your phone number just in case?
Nuthin’ wrong with T-Tops
You guys get some kind of thrill by putting me on “awaiting moderation?” Good luck trying to find some information to censor in my last email. You’ll do it anyway. Your shadowing me. I must be special.