What actually makes a car a classic pearl of the future?
07/12/2019
From time to time, we present " classic pearls of the future" , mostly exceptional cars that inspire us for one reason or another and for which we predict a successful future as classics. In most cases, we are talking about cars that are not yet oldtimers and usually not youngtimers either, i.e. cars that are less than 20 or even less than 15 years old. There is also an overlap here with the term "neo-classic".
In the current British Evo magazine, from which the above image excerpt was taken, the magazine makers focus on future icons. The cars presented are all of a sporty nature, e.g. McLaren MP4-12C, BMW M2 Competition, Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series, Aston Martin V12 Vantage, Porsche 911 Carrera T, but also Audi A1 Quattro. The editors also name other favorites, such as the Porsche Cayman R, the Renault Mégane 275 Trophy-R, the Toyota Yaris GRMN, the Vauxhall VXR8 GTS, the BMW M3/M4 CS and the Ferrari FF.
Evo" is typically all about driving fun. From our point of view, this is just one of several criteria that we have adopted when assessing future classics. There are also:
- Attractiveness of design/shape attributes
- Rarity/scarcity/low production numbers
- Interesting history
- Coveted (from the outset)
- Impressive/innovative technology/special constructive unique selling points
- Driving impressions/driving feel
- Racing use/history (brand/type)
- "Iconic"/milestone
Logically, not every car can boast top marks in all "disciplines". While one car may have a highly interesting history (e.g. with film appearances or famous owners), another may simply have the right look, making it particularly desirable. Still other cars have groundbreaking technical features or can tell an impressive racing story.
While one car is almost unrivaled in terms of one criterion and thus makes it into the "classic pearl club", others gain entry by scoring plus points in many criteria.
And of course the whole thing is also subjectively colored. Not everyone will agree that a VW Up Gti or a Renault Avantime should be a classic pearl of the future.
In 20 or 30 years, of course, we will all know better. Because then the classic pearls will either have developed into sought-after classics (with a corresponding increase in value) or not ...
