It’s hard to imagine, but once upon a time, a 1946 Packard, ‘57 Chevy or a ‘68 Ford Falcon didn’t cause a major stir on the highway any more than a Honda Accord, Audi A4 or a Dodge Ram would today.
Just as some of these commonplace (in their time) cars draw oohs and ahs at the weekend collector car shows we like to visit on spring and summer weekends, so too will some of today’s cars draw gawkers and bulging wallets in 30 years.
PT Cruiser (1999-2009)
This retro-upon-introduction “Jimmy Cagney car”, which ceased production in 2009, made one of the most enormous impacts on the auto world in years when it first appeared in 1999. Cheap and stylish if initially underpowered, enthusiasm reached a quick fever pitch, with endless creative customizations, dozens of “PT” clubs formed, and almost universal huzzahs from critics and the public. The great automobile downturn of 2009 put the PT Cruiser on ice, but in 2031, we predict this retro ride will be in demand. Pristine condition is key, especially with budget priced cars like the PT.
Dodge Viper (1992-present)
This V-10 supercar, with 600 horses under its hood and a top speed of 202 miles per hour, has been featured in countless movies, TV shows, video games and music videos and is a legend in its own time. Whatever your opinion of its 10 miles to the gallon, the Viper will be held up in future generations as the last of the unabashed American muscle cars.
BMW Z3 Coupe (1999-2002)
This car is already hard to find on the used car market. The Z3 was the first vehicle BMW manufactured in the U.S. at its South Carolina factory. The Z3 roadster is collectible enough for that reason. But the coupe version, as well as the M Coupe performance version, is highly desirable. The hatch-back styling makes it unconventional, and a brilliant, beautifully handling car.
Chevy Volt (2011)
It is a landmark design that is full of controversy. That’s the stuff of collectibility! The first of its kind: an extended range electric vehicle that can be propelled down the road by way of a gas-powered motor that kicks in when the battery runs out. The car was a halo car the media fixed on when GM was going through bankruptcy in 2008. At $42K or so before government incentives defray the cost by $6,500, many naysayers believe it is a solution to a question nobody was really asking. Especially if the sales of the Volt stay low and GM kills off the brand before it’s time, long-term collector value should be strong.
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