2015 CHEVROLET CAMARO Z/28 While it’s difficult to predict which new vehicles will someday become treasured collectible cars, the valuation experts at classic-car insurer Hagerty in Traverse City, Mich., have shaken their Magic 8-Balls and complied their annual “Hot List” of current models for which “Signs point to yes.”
All are 2015 vehicles and feature a suggested retail price of $100,000 or less. Extra attention was placed on newly released models that had not appeared on previous years’ Hot Lists.
“We hear a lot of chatter about how cars made today are boring,” says company CEO McKeel Hagerty. “The cars that made this list prove there are still cars to be excited about. They are true drivers’ cars that are definitely enjoyable now, but each one that made the list has that special something that will make it a collectible in the years to come.”
2015 ALPHA ROMEO 4C As one might imagine, hot-blooded performance cars populate the collection, but they range in price from an affordable $25,000 to a still reasonable $79,000. Best of all, these are investments that can be appreciated as few appreciable assets can — out on the open road.
Here’s the Hagerty Hot List of future collectible cars for 2015 with our own commentary:
Alfa Romeo 4C Launch Edition ($69,865). Alfa Romeo returned to the U.S. market for 2015 with this low-slung sports car that’s arguably the most beautiful Italian to reach our shores since Sophia Loren.
BMW M4 Convertible ($73,450). The open-air alternative to BMW’s high-performance M3 sedan exacts maximum thrust from a high-tech twin-turbo inline-six engine. With myriad steering, suspension and braking upgrades along for the ride, the M4 Convertible goes fast, holds the road and looks good doing it. Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 ($75,000). This racetrackcapable version of Chevy’s venerable Camaro packs the 7.0-liter 505-horsepower V8 engine from the previousgeneration Corvette. It’s a lot of car to handle, but it’s also a lot of performance for the money and is built in small enough numbers to ensure exclusivity.
Chevrolet Corvette Z06 ($78,995). With the base ’Vette already delivering ample bang for the buck, the Z06 coupe and convertible up the ante with a 650 horsepower supercharged V8 to become the most capable Corvettes ever.
Dodge Challenger Hellcat ($58,295). This latter day muscle car packs an outrageous 707-horsepower supercharged V8 engine. Those wanting the same insane levels of performance in a sedan can alternately choose the Hellcat edition of the Dodge Charger. Either way, the crazed cats should be coveted for years to come.
Ford Mustang GT Performance Package ($37,125). A 2015 redesign celebrates the original “pony car’s” 50th anniversary and adding the Performance Package to the rip-roaring V8-infused GT makes it a true driver’s car. Hagerty says it could become more valuable than the limited-production 50th Anniversary Edition.
Mazda MX-5 Miata 25th Anniversary Edition ($33,000). The pert and peppy Miata roadster is being redesign for 2016, but in the meantime, this limited-production version celebrating the current generation’s swan song is sure to be coveted by collectors.
MINI John Cooper Works Hardtop ($24,950). The most affordable model on Hagerty’s Hot List is also the most powerful MINI to date, with a 228-horsepower engine that enables a brisk 5.9-second 0-60 mph time. It’s also appropriately quirky looking and can out-maneuver many far costlier cars.
Subaru WRX STI Launch Edition ($38,190). This “fast and furious” rally-ready upgrade to the all-wheeldrive Impreza is quick and nimble, but retains its innate sedan sensibility; choose this limited-release version for top collectability.
Volkswagen Golf R ($36,595). The top R version of the compact Golf hatchback packs a punch with 292 horsepower and holds the road via all-wheel-drive and assorted upgrades. Hagerty says the Golf R is, “bound to excite collectors now and in the future.”
© CTW Features