Cars To Watch For On The Classics Markets

How does a vehicle qualify for the ultimate classic car? Well in some states, a vehicle is required to be at least 25 years old before gaining classic car status. Depending on how old you are, you may be waiting for one of the cars from your youth to get that deserving title, or it could already have reached that milestone. You might even be wondering what the classic car market could look like in the near future. We've got you covered with a promising list of vehicles that could be reaching classic car status before we know it.

1991-2005 Acura NSX

The first production runs of the NSX are achieving the 25-year-old classic status, with auction prices now exceeding original sticker prices of $60,000. The NSX was introduced to the US in 1991 and has earned its right to go down in history as a classic, after a time when people couldn't decide if Japanese vehicles should even be considered classics. The Acura NSX supercar was a prime example of the critical performance and styling that set the benchmark for Acura. This vehicle was developed out of years of racing experience and is revered for its exceptional drivability.

Up next we have one of the most iconic BMW's ever built.

1986-1991 BMW M3

The M3 is one of BMW's most coveted and iconic vehicles to be introduced. The car is reaching its thirty-year mark and is considered to be "a car everyone must drive before they die." Even by today's standards, the car's second-to-none performance and handling make it a prized possession in the collector car market. The M3 was first introduced at the Frankfurt Motorshow in 1985 and was an instant hit. If you're going to be looking for one in pristine condition, expect the prices to be as high as more recent models.

Coming up, a vehicle that didn't get the attention many think it deserved.

1991-1995 Mazda RX-7

The RX-7's popularity, peak performance, and timeless look couldn't save it from being discontinued in the US in 1995. It was the first Japanese sports car with a twin turbo setup, which made the car faster than the Acura NSX. While the car couldn't keep the attention of the American market due to high prices and burning premium fuel, the vehicle continued to be sold in Japan until 2002. Despite sales ceasing, the RX-7 is still sought after and to this day is considered to be one of the best sports cars to come out of Japan.

The next slide showcases a car that is considered a rarity.

1993-1997 Land Rover Defender

This one is a hot commodity. People have been trying to get their hands on a Defender for quite a while, some even spending almost $90,000 to be a proud owner. Safety regulations forced the rugged four-wheeler to have a short lifespan on lots, spending only four years on the American market. While the Defender is still for sale in the UK, popular demand in the US has some folks looking into smuggling the Defender into the country. Homeland security has taken away nearly 40 illegally imported units trying to cross the border. It's no surprise why the mighty beast could be a classic since its rarity has been sending fans into a frenzy trying to get one.

Up next we have a vehicle that was considered the best sports car of its era.

1982-1991 Porsche 944

This high-performance sports car was introduced in 1982 and was produced to replace the Porsche 924. The 944 is regarded as one of the top sports cars of its time and was a significant success for the German brand. The entry-level model wasn't popular with everyone, Porsche enthusiasts often criticised the somewhat affordable sports car. Despite that negativity, the performance of the "bargain" vehicle was its saving grace. Over time, prices have risen due to the 944 being in higher demand by a younger generation of money savvy drivers. Better maintained and pampered models are hard to find, as potential money pits of heavily driven cars that earned their retirement flood the used markets in an ironic testament to the car's legacy.

The next vehicle was a '90s cult classic.

1992-1994 Volkswagen Corrado VR6

What is considered Volkswagen's "last true sports car" didn't always have the recognition its been receiving over the years. The car came at a time when Volkswagen was in talks to becomean anomaly in the American auto industry. The Corrado VR6 had seriously good performance, and while it was quite the looker, it came at a very high price. That meant more window shoppers and little to none sales.There's been an increase in interest in the Corrado over the years, and the fact that they are scarce makes it another high collecter car and potential classic.

The next slide features a rather unusual, lesser known vehicle.

1991-1996 Subaru Alcyone SVX

This one was designed by the man who was behind the BMW 1 and the Delorean DMC-12, Giorgetto Giugiaro. The Alcyone was either loved or hated in its era, and many didn't understand the buzz around it. Not to mention a high price made interested buyers especially hesitant. The vehicles '90s styling, rarity and performance car capabilities has car enthusiasts getting more and more interested in buying the elusive Subaru. The company's goal was to combine comfort and performance in efforts to move into the luxury vehicle market. The name Alcyone is taken from the brightest star in the Pleiades constellation, which Subaru's logo is based on.

In the final slide, we have a vehicle that was common among big-ticket racing cars and exotics.

2000-2005 Toyota MR2 Spyder

Initially introduced in 1984, the original MR2 was taken off the market in 1995 and returned in 2000 revamped as a convertible version. This era of the modern Toyota Spyder offered drivers a smooth sailing experience, but its lack of storage space and hardtop put off buyers and affected sales. The vehicle didn't fare well against its competition, and it was pulled off the Toyota lineup in 2005. The Spyder has seen a re-emergence now as enthusiasts aren't looking for sensibility or storage space to enjoy what is considered "the purest driving experience."

This is just a small chunk of what the collector car market offers, and it's growing continuously. You might not even consider these classics, but the younger, newer generation of buyers are pushing past the mold and trying to give cars of their youth a new lease on life.