Five bargain cars tipped to become future classics
Car enthusiasts and investors alike are scanning the market for affordable models that could blossom into future classics. According to William Fletcher, CEO of car.co.uk, a handful of affordable motors show the right mix of design, rarity and cultural significance to be remembered fondly in twenty years’ time as the auto industry pivots toward electric power. The idea isn’t about chasing the most expensive or ostentatious supercars; it’s about recognizing cars that capture a moment in time and the enduring appeal of well-executed engineering.
As the industry moves toward electrification and autonomous driving, Fletcher notes that today’s modest, well-preserved machines may outlive their more futuristic counterparts in public affection. Here are the five bargain motors he believes could become the classics of tomorrow — without breaking the bank today.
Jaguar F-Type
The F-Type is lauded for blending heritage-inspired design with modern performance. Its V8 soundtrack remains a benchmark for British sports cars, a sonic reminder of era-defining engineering. As manufacturers accelerate their shift away from petrol power, the F-Type’s rarity could grow, boosting its appeal among future collectors. With typical late-model examples available through approved sellers around £30,000, Fletcher argues the car encapsulates what makes classic British sports cars special: a long bonnet, a bold stance and, above all, an unforgettable engine note. He notes that the distinctive growl of a legitimate V8 is increasingly a thing of the past and could become a defining nostalgia piece in two decades.
Suzuki Jimny
The compact, retro-styled Jimny has earned a devoted following for its simple, no-nonsense approach to off-roading. It’s also become a symbol of a disappearing breed: a small SUV with rugged capability and a distinctive look that avoids trying too hard. The model’s Europe-wide discontinuation due to emissions rules has made finding a well-kept example more enticing for collectors. With entry prices around £15,000 for a used unit, Fletcher sees the Jimny as an emblem of a purer era — and one that promises enduring charm for future showrooms that celebrate the quirky, the capable and the unpretentious.
Toyota GR Yaris
The GR Yaris is a rally-aimed hot hatch built around a dedicated performance ethos rather than mass appeal. Its production numbers have remained intentionally limited, making it a rarer sight on today’s roads and a compelling prospect for collectors down the line. The car’s racing pedigree, forged in World Rally Championship competition, is a key part of its allure. While prices rarely dip below £45,000, Fletcher argues that the combination of rarity, performance and purpose-built engineering makes the GR Yaris a strong candidate for future classic status.
Honda Civic Type R
Among the five models, the Civic Type R stands out as one of the last truly manual, front-wheel-drive hot hatches. Fletcher describes it as “the last of its kind” — a bold statement about an era when manual gearboxes and front-wheel-drive performance coexisted with raw, unfiltered speed. As electric powertrains become mainstream and autonomous tech becomes commonplace, the Type R’s naturally aspirated engine and engagement-driven dynamics could come to symbolize peak petrol-driven driving excitement. With new-car prices starting around £51,905, it remains a hot investment for enthusiasts seeking a manual performance icon that might outshine its peers in decades to come.
Caterham Seven
The Caterham Seven embodies minimalist, lightweight driving purity. Its design lineage traces back to the Lotus Seven, and it remains in production as a living classic that emphasizes simplicity, speed and a direct connection to the road. Available for under £30,000 in many used-market configurations, the Seven offers an affordable entry into what many purists consider the truest driving experience money can buy. Fletcher highlights that this type of unadorned, driver-focused car becomes more valuable as cars trend heavier and more insulated from the road, making the Seven a standout candidate for future classic status.
Conclusion: what makes a future classic?
Fletcher’s list emphasizes that affordability today does not exclude long-term iconic potential. In a phase where the industry is reimagining performance for a lower-emission world, these five models strike a balance between nostalgia, rarity and real-world usability. They offer a tangible narrative: cars that feel special without requiring a king’s ransom, yet possess the charisma, engineering clarity and cultural resonance that often define true classics decades later.
