[Keithy]

Been hunting through the bay of 'e' in search of something to scratch that un-reachable itch and it strikes me that there are a lot of cars that fall into the 'OK' category and a few more that are 'meh' basic transport, but what would you go for as the one you would want?

We have had a few "future classic" threads and even a poll, but they mainly reside in lounges for each model. I have the ole Snortwagon and I always feel conflicted because it should be a 'future classic garage queen' but it gets thrashed to within an inch of it's life and has to lug bricks, sand, cement, luggage (heavier than any of the preceding) etc. The thing is it is just so great to drive, even with the suspension squeaking, exhaust blowing, airbag light blinking etc. So this is where it all goes wrong (again), I want another car, something to take the strain off the wagon, but having driven a **cough rover cough** I don't want a euro box. So I think 'get an Alfa' then I think 'might as well get a good 'un,' then I think 'what is going to go the distance?'.

I know by now you think I have lost the plot but remember, I'm driving a 250hp 5 seater estate. I just want the next 'GTA' that is out there, worth it, and a good investment.

So, what do you reckon it is?

Feel free to search "future classic" in thread titles

 

[plastic penguin]

Tricky one to answer directly. One person's classic is another's 'old banger'. It's a very personal thing; I think my 156 SW could be classed as a classic in the (not too distant) future. There's a priviso: It needs to be good or mint condition.

Best way to judge is with prices. I've noticed over the last year SW prices have been creeping up slowly.

 

[Cuore_Sportivo_155]

to get a classic woth anything it needs to be a powerful car built in low enough numbers. there's none made like that anymore since the mid-nineties at least, in my opinion. not with any brand.

the days of delta integrales and escort cosworth and the likes are behind us. it's all blandness now

 

[raul]

I once road tested a 156GTA selespeed, which I loved. Felt like a junior Ferrari. Now that could be a future classic.

Sent from my EVA-L09 using Tapatalk

 

[chrishendrix]

Been hunting through the bay of 'e' in search of something to scratch that un-reachable itch and it strikes me that there are a lot of cars that fall into the 'OK' category and a few more that are 'meh' basic transport, but what would you go for as the one you would want?

We have had a few "future classic" threads and even a poll, but they mainly reside in lounges for each model. I have the ole Snortwagon and I always feel conflicted because it should be a 'future classic garage queen' but it gets thrashed to within an inch of it's life and has to lug bricks, sand, cement, luggage (heavier than any of the preceding) etc. The thing is it is just so great to drive, even with the suspension squeaking, exhaust blowing, airbag light blinking etc. So this is where it all goes wrong (again), I want another car, something to take the strain off the wagon, but having driven a **cough rover cough** I don't want a euro box. So I think 'get an Alfa' then I think 'might as well get a good 'un,' then I think 'what is going to go the distance?'.

I know by now you think I have lost the plot but remember, I'm driving a 250hp 5 seater estate. I just want the next 'GTA' that is out there, worth it, and a good investment.

So, what do you reckon it is?

Feel free to search "future classic" in thread titles

As you've posted this in the GAD section, I assume you mean a future classic Alfa?
In which case I don't think anything from the current range will qualify except perhaps the Giulia QF, though probably too soon to tell - and I'd wait for the SW anyway

As you already own a future classic in the GTA SW, maybe you should retire it from utility duties, spend some cash bringing her back into the condition appropriate for such a rare and great car, and with the 'change' get a car for carting stuff you won't feel guilty loading up for runs to the dump or builders merchant. Maybe a V6 Mondeo Estate, which still has some poke, loads of room and common enough that you'd have no qualms if its condition should suffer in the course of duty....?

 

[chrishendrix]

I'm also hoping my 2.5 V6 SW will be a future classic, it's in pretty great condition for its age, and I aim to keep it that way! (definitely no dirty carting duties :tut: )
Shelling out on a new clutch and quaiffe dif later this year.

 

[Keithy]

That's why I end up going in circles Chris, much as like the idea of something else I do keep thinking 'but I could get an Alfa'

The Panda 100hp started to look tempting but then I think 'well isn't a MiTo a possibility then?', that starts with you looking at a cheap little twin air and end up with 170hp beasties.

I'm so conflicted







.....and a bit of a faffer.

 

[Verbout]

That's why I end up going in circles Chris, much as like the idea of something else I do keep thinking 'but I could get an Alfa'

The Panda 100hp started to look tempting but then I think 'well isn't a MiTo a possibility then?', that starts with you looking at a cheap little twin air and end up with 170hp beasties.

I'm so conflicted .....and a bit of a faffer.

Saved for posterity:thumbup: :lol:

 

[bazza]

The risk with trying to buy something as a load lugger to rest the GTA is that you might end up driving the GTA all the time anyway because it's much more fun.

 

[chrishendrix]

Maybe get a knacked 2.5 156 SW and make it a "PUD Special" with a 3 litre engine swap :scratchchin:
:xmas:

 

[symon]

A couple of future classics I can think of which are cheap now.

Ford Puma, especially the limited edition Thunder and Black versions.
Renaultsport Clio 172/182, especially cup models
BMW E39 5 series, especially in 3.0 S6 or 4.4 V8 versions with sport kit and manual gearboxes.
Decent Alfa 156's, especially pre-facelift in Veloce or SP spec. 2.0 TS and 2.4 Diesels are not as sought after as V6's but as time goes on and V6's get rare people will look at the other models.
A couple of others which are about as cheap as they are likely to get..
Ford Focus ST170
Renault Megane R26
VW Golf Mk4 R32

 

[Cuore_Sportivo_155]

there's too many to become a valuable classic. certainly not worth investing, but probably worth buying to drive!

 

[symon]

The fact that Mk3 Escorts, Austin Allegros and Morris Itals can become classics means that anything will be a classic if it survives long enough.

I would also tip the 145 Cloverleaf to be a future classic. Probably more so than the 156.

 

[steveisfrowning]

Been hunting through the bay of 'e' in search of something to scratch that un-reachable itch and it strikes me that there are a lot of cars that fall into the 'OK' category and a few more that are 'meh' basic transport, but what would you go for as the one you would want?

We have had a few "future classic" threads and even a poll, but they mainly reside in lounges for each model. I have the ole Snortwagon and I always feel conflicted because it should be a 'future classic garage queen' but it gets thrashed to within an inch of it's life and has to lug bricks, sand, cement, luggage (heavier than any of the preceding) etc. The thing is it is just so great to drive, even with the suspension squeaking, exhaust blowing, airbag light blinking etc. So this is where it all goes wrong (again), I want another car, something to take the strain off the wagon, but having driven a **cough rover cough** I don't want a euro box. So I think 'get an Alfa' then I think 'might as well get a good 'un,' then I think 'what is going to go the distance?'.

I know by now you think I have lost the plot but remember, I'm driving a 250hp 5 seater estate. I just want the next 'GTA' that is out there, worth it, and a good investment.

So, what do you reckon it is?

Feel free to search "future classic" in thread titles

Haven't I given you enough inspiration? :irked:

 

[Verbout]

Haven't I given you enough inspiration? :irked:

You do me Steve:thumbup:

 

[steveisfrowning]

:jester:

 

[Verbout]

:evil:

 

[rodt]

:evil:

Try a Lexus LS400 or LS460. Loads of oomph, supreme comfort, all the equipment will work - even the electrics.

Mine at 140,000 miles would still cruise - where legal - at 120mph with plenty in reserve - and it was fun at a track day when the Spider let me down. A few regulars were not best pleased at two tonnes of Jap barge coming past them on the straight and holding its' own in the corners. However, I did eventually have severe brake fade.

You can get a good one for 3 figures now and that won't last long as word gets out.

 

[Verbout]

Try a Lexus LS400 or LS460. Loads of oomph, supreme comfort, all the equipment will work - even the electrics.

Mine at 140,000 miles would still cruise - where legal - at 120mph with plenty in reserve - and it was fun at a track day when the Spider let me down. A few regulars were not best pleased at two tonnes of Jap barge coming past them on the straight and holding its' own in the corners. However, I did eventually have severe brake fade.

You can get a good one for 3 figures now and that won't last long as word gets out.

It's Keithy that's looking faffing for a car. Not me.

I've got a Lexus thank you, don't need another, yet.:thumbup:

 

[symon]

Try a Lexus LS400 or LS460. Loads of oomph, supreme comfort, all the equipment will work - even the electrics.

Mine at 140,000 miles would still cruise - where legal - at 120mph with plenty in reserve - and it was fun at a track day when the Spider let me down. A few regulars were not best pleased at two tonnes of Jap barge coming past them on the straight and holding its' own in the corners. However, I did eventually have severe brake fade.

You can get a good one for 3 figures now and that won't last long as word gets out.

Good call.

Also BMW E38 7 series (750IL) would be the one to have, and the Jaguar XJ series are also criminally cheap. The 4 litre V8 with or without the blower would be a great drive.