Could You Be Driving a Future Goldmine?

We have teamed up with classic car experts Great Escape Cars to create a list of the cars most likely to become collectable in 30 years’, along with a set of guidelines for prospective classic car owners and buyers.

Top 10 Future Classics

1. Ford Focus ST170 – £1,000-£2,000

Why? The Ford Focus followed in the footsteps of the famous first-generation Ford Escort, resetting the bar for family car handling. Prices have begun to pick up in recent months and will more than likely continue to rise as people rediscover the value of this underdog.

What to look out for? They are generally well built and reliable cars, however electrical gremlins and hidden rot are the main issues to look out for. The ST70 has been on the lower end of the pricing scale for a while so the likelihood is many won’t have been maintained well or will have been messed about with in some way. Unmodified versions will be rare, but much more valuable in the long run.

2. Jaguar XJS V12 – £9,000+

Why? Convertibles have already shot up in value and the prediction is that coupes will soon follow. The V12 is arguably Jaguar’s greatest engine while the XJS model is a superlative GT car – the combination is gold. As with the Focus, good condition models are rare, so if you are lucky enough to have one in your garage, you’ll need to look after it to make a pretty penny.

What to look out for? As a buyer, you should know that the V12 engine is prone to head gasket failure and the XJS bodywork can rot easily, so poor maintenance can lead to some pretty hefty bills. If you own an XJS, make sure you take your car to a reliable garage regularly to keep everything in good working order.

3. Fiat Coupe 20V Turbo – £1,400+

Why? The Coupe 20V Turbo is arguably the prettiest and most capable Fiat of the last 30 years. It’s scintillating performance, clever interior detailing and practicality as a four-seater car has no-doubt left a lasting impression on petrol-heads and will see it appreciate over the next three decades.

What to look out for? Rust and neglect. The engine is durable and capable of high miles but needs regular servicing. The body rots around the arches and because these cars are on the cheap side, they have often been poorly repaired. Parts supply can be difficult although there are specialists around and a good owners’ network.

4. Aston Martin DB7 V12 – £20,000+

Why? All Aston Martins appreciate and the DB7 is no different! The model has been unloved for a while due to its Jaguar XJS underpinnings, however that will change. It’s best to avoid the six-cylinder cars as they will be much slower to increase; ideally go for a Vantage convertible.

What to look out for? Poor maintenance is the main issue with Astons as cheap cars tend to mean owners with shallow pockets. Be ready for big bills. An Aston Martin needs a recognised specialist servicing it to maintain its value.

5. MGF – £1,000-£3,500

Why? It’s easy to laugh at, but once upon a time MGBs were worth peanuts. Once the glut of ropey MGFs have been cleared out, the remaining cars will appreciate – in fact, this has already begun. They are a cheap, capable and fairly reliable weekend convertible and there aren’t many modern classics in that category.

What to look out for? There’s a trend appearing here – rust is a big issue with the MGF. Head gasket failure is another one to watch out for and while easy fixes are inevitable, it tends to happen more often than not. Finally, the quality of the build in later cars is just not the same, so you shouldn’t pass up an opportunity to purchase an earlier model.

6. VW Golf MK2 GTI – £6,000+

Why? The MK 2 is arguably the best GTI of the lot – practical and fun in a three or five door trim. It’s a late 80s / early 90s icon. Ever popular with VW fans, we’re likely to see this car rise in value as it’s popularity grows.

What to look out for? There are a lot of these cars about, but very few have been well cared for, have low mileage and haven’t had some kind of modifications. These are the cars to go for if you’re looking to buy. However, if you’re already a lucky owner of a MK2 GTI, it’s important to keep and eye out for rot and ensure you get parts from a trusted supplier.

7. Jaguar XJ6 Series 1-3 – £5,500-£20,000

Why? The Jaguar XJ6 is possibly the best saloon car of the last 40 years – beautiful and a superlative ride. It’s no wonder that Jaguar kept recycling the design until the early 2000s. Despite their age, this Jag remains refined and stylish, and is enjoying a real surge in popularity.

What to look out for? Rust in an issue on the XJ6, particularly around the wheel arches, screen surrounds and scuttle. A lot of this is down to neglect, so if you’re considering purchasing this car, you might want to take a closer look if you do spot any rust. Electrical issues and deterioration of the interior trim can also be fairly common.

8. Audi RS6 C5 Avant – £8,000-£15,000

Why? This is the car that inspired the fast estate. A watermark for executive cars in the early 2000s, the C5 Avant rivals the performance of the Porsche 911 while providing a spacious ride for a family. Over the next few years, as the number of original RS6s on the road dwindles, values will start to rise, so buying a mint example now will prove a good long-term investment.

What to look out for? With the value of the Avant currently at the lower end of its curve, poor maintenance and cheap parts are expected. Worn suspension and gearbox issues are also common. As an owner of this Audi, it’s certainly worth channelling a little extra cash into this car as it will pay off in the long-run.

9. Renault Clio Williams – £7,500-£15,000

Why? The Clio Williams was the high watermark of Renault’s hot hatch period and is possibly the best small hatch of its time. The value of a similar rival, the Peugeot 205 GTI, has already taken off and the Renault Clio Williams won’t be far behind.

What to look out for? As with the majority of hot hatches, many of these cars have been well used and therefore have pretty high mileage. Good quality and original parts are also becoming more difficult to obtain.

10. MG ZT V8 – £7,000-£12,000

Why? The last ‘real’ Rover was also the best. Converted to RWD and fitted with a Ford Mustang V8 engine, the ZT V8 wasn’t especially fast (260 bhp) but it was rare and a silly answer to a question nobody asked. Its rarity and place in the MG Rover story surely guarantee its classic status.

What to look out for? There are very few of these cars still about and those that are have typically been used as normal daily cars, so also have high mileage as well as general wear and tear. As these cars become more difficult to get hold of, so do the parts, so be prepared to fork out a little more money to keep your motor in good nick.

Top tips to keep your car in good condition

• Keep your engine oil topped up

• Never miss a service

• Ditch bad driving habits

• Remove unnecessary weight from your car

• Don’t ignore warning lights or strange noises

• Keep the interior clean

• Take care of bodywork

•  Make sure your tyres are properly inflated

• Check and service your brakes

• Always use a reputable mechanic