I find it easy to forget that a lot of super-desirable (and super-expensive) classics simply used to be not-so-old sports cars people sold to get the latest and greatest.
By David S. Wallens
Jul 21, 2024
|
Mazda Miata,
Chevrolet Corvette,
Buyer's Guide,
Flyin' Miata,
BMW M4,
Blue Chips,
Porsche 911 GT2 RS,
Blue Chip Classic,
Ferrari F430,
Mercedes-AMG GT
| Posted in
Buyer's Guides
,
Features
| Never miss an article
Photography Credits: Courtesy Chevrolet (lead), Courtesy respective auction houses
Today’s blue-chip collectibles are easy to list: Cobra, Gullwing, early Corvette. But what about tomorrow’s?
That’s where the crystal ball gets a little hazy. We can assume a few things, though: They’ll be rare, storied, desirable cars from beloved brands, with firsts and lasts getting a little extra attention.
Can we apply that same formula to more recent machines? If so, here are a half-dozen modern cars that will likely serve as cornerstones of tomorrow’s collections.
To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the M3, BMW released 700 copies of the M4 GTS in 2016.
Each one featured high-tech speed parts–like water injection, a titanium muffler and threaded spring perches–not normally seen at the local dealer. And then there was all the carbon fiber: buckets, roof, hood, splitter, rear diffuser and adjustable wing.
A roll bar–done in Acid Orange–plus a six-point harness and fire extinguisher came optional.
With a base price of $134,000, it cost nearly double a standard M4.
Pictured here: 2016 BMW M4 GTS sold via Bring a Trailer for $80,000
First and last models always hold special significance, and the Ferrari F430 represents the end of the line in the Ferrari lineage.
It was the final model offered with a traditional manual transmission, and its maker ran up the score by pairing it with the brand’s iconic gated shifter.
Only 216 manual-equipped cars were reportedly sent stateside during the 2005-’10 run.
Pictured here: 2005 Ferrari F430 six-speed sold via Bring a Trailer for $185,000
Will this 2018 release go down in the history books as the most powerful road-going 911 ever offered–until, possibly, the line is electrified?
Porsche rated the twin-turbo, 3.8-liter flat-six found in the 911 GT2 RS at 691 horsepower with 553 lb.-ft. of torque, good for a 2.8-second blast to 60.
The optional Weissach package’s carbon roof and deck lid helped drop weight to 3241 pounds.
Pictured here: 2018 Porsche 911 GT2 RS Weissach sold via RM Sotheby’s for $412,000
Can a Miata ever be a true collectible? How about one fitted with an LS-spec V8 by Flyin’ Miata? Maybe call it a modern take on the famed Cobra.
Lots of people have shoved big engines into little cars, but these Habus conversions were done to a very high standard. The shop completed just 40 swaps between 2008 and 2018.
Pictured here: 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata Flyin’ Miata Habus sold via Bring a Trailer for $99,787
Corvettes have always been hot, so how about the most radical version of the last front-engine model?
Released for 2019, just before the end of the C7 run, this version of the Corvette ZR1 featured a V8 fed by a giant blower plus the wing, carbon-ceramic brakes and lots of carbon fiber.
Two numbers that might seem at odds: a top speed north of 180 mph and a base price of $122,095.
Pictured here: 2019 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 sold via Cars & Bids for $185,000
Meet the final, meanest version of the most recent Mercedes-AMG GT model line: the 2021 Black Series, a machine brutal enough to grab the title of fastest street-legal production car at the Nürburgring.
All that speed came courtesy of a 730-horsepower, twin-turbo V8 and plenty of aero add-ons. Only 1700 copies were offered.
Pictured here: 2021 Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series sold via Mecum for $473,000
I find it easy to forget that a lot of super-desirable (and super-expensive) classics simply used to be not-so-old sports cars people sold to get the latest and greatest.
David, while I don't disagree with your choices, I feel you have looked over a couple. The BMW Alpina B6 for one. Beginning with 2016, the B6 came with all wheel drive, sophisticated suspension and sport modes for almost every driving situation. It's a car with everything mixed into a design that will never go out of style, blazing fast, and has now lost enough value to be affordable to most drivers seeking a luxury sport car that will seat 4, is luxurious without being ostentatious and built from the finest materials. No, I don't own one (yet) but have driven and drooled on several. Their exclusivity will make them a sure bet for auto collections in the future. Don't tell anyone--wait 'til I have mine!!
That Mercedes would be easy to resist - other than an off-putting price, it looks like a bunch of clowns should pile out of it when it pulls up and stops. You could get the same look for less money with a Viper (or several other wet dream schoolboy fantasy cars).
David, what about the BMW I8? Sophisticated, very few around, fast enough to impress, and economy unheard of in a performasnce car. Not to mention it is so easy on the eyes. Starting prices were $150k++. Now fijnd a good one with low miles for $45-50K. Can't imagine why, they are reliable, starship technology, and did I mention flat-out gorgeous?
David, what about the BMW I8? Sophisticated, very few around, fast enough to impress, and economy unheard of in a performasnce car. Not to mention it is so easy on the eyes. Starting prices were $150k++. Now fijnd a good one with low miles for $45-50K. Can't imagine why, they are reliable, starship technology, and did I mention flat-out gorgeous?
In reply to bimmerbob :
The i8 is stunning and, yes, I could see that being a future collectible as well.
Displaying 1-6 of 6 commentsView all comments on the CMS forums
You'll need to log in to post.
