Future Classic Cars to Buy in the UK

BMW’s Z4 continued a long line of sporty soft-tops for the brand and while you may think of the curvaceous first-generation car as our ideal pick, we’re actually opting for the often-overlooked second-generation model. Built between 2009 and 2017, it may not have had the eye-catching looks of the original, but it delivered a great driving experience which leant more on refinement and comfort than out-and-out sportiness.

It’s available with a great range of engines, too, from an entry-level 2.0-litre unit right the way through to a powerful 3.0-litre straight-six. Well maintained, the Z4 is a car which should run and run, too. Plus, the folding metal roof makes the Z4 more refined to drive than a traditional soft-top when things do – eventually – turn a bit rainy.

The Honda S2000 is the kind of car which is well-known in motoring circles. It’s a performance-orientated convertible which has a great reputation for its reliability and exciting driving experience, with this car’s high-revving engine being core to its appeal.

Like most Hondas, the S2000 should run forever when serviced correctly, and though it did get a reputation for being a little spiky to drive in the wet, it’s still a car which will make the most of a sunny day out on the roads. Prices for the S2000 are only on the increase, too, so this is definitely one to watch.

We turn to yet another Japanese icon in our list of future classics to buy now – the Mazda RX-8. The famously rotary-powered sports car established a new tone for Mazda, with this dynamically-designed model acting as something of a flagship for the brand when it first arrived.

The rotary engine continued a long line of Mazda models with the same-style engine and you’ll find lots of styling nods to its powertrain – even the headrests are designed to look like the rotary engine. Known for their heavy use of oil, the RX-8 is another performance model that’ll need consistent servicing to ensure that it’s at its best.

A little like the BMW Z4, Audi’s TT really entered iconic status thanks to its first generation model. However, we’re big fans of the most recent version – which ran until 2024 when it was discontinued – as it still has the same great sense of style but brought a new-found driving focus.

With tip-top S and RS versions delivering the kind of experience you’d expect from more hardened sports cars, the TT found a new edge for this generation. While its popularity has meant that there are lots of the road, we reckon that this is one to watch – particularly those more potent S and RS versions which will likely command a premium as the years pass.

Honda’s tiny e is probably one of the most recognisable electric vehicles built in recent times. It managed to combine futuristic in-car tech with a semi-retro design which seemed to capture the imagination of buyers. Though let down by a slightly poor range, the e’s character is really what sells it – and it’s what we think will make this into a future classic.

A great inner-city option, it’s easy to see the little e as a star of future classic car shows too. Inside, there’s an amazing full-width screen which can be used to show a variety of things – including an aquarium design which will no doubt still wow drivers of the future.

Alfa has been behind some all-time classics and many of these command high prices today. While the modern-day Giulia may be a relatively common sight on our roads at present, we’re predicting that this car’s current good value in the used market will lead to some big increases further down the line.

Regardless of which model you opt for, you’re in for a driving treat. All versions of the Giulia deliver a sublime driving experience, while the tip-top Quadrifoglio model remains one of our all-time favourite performance saloons. It’s that tip-top QV version which we can see being an all-time great when it reaches classic status, too. We’re big fans of the trademark green and red colours available on the Giulia, too.

The Citroen Ami was never a vehicle destined for the UK. It was, as you might expect, only meant to go on sale in France, but demand for the tiny electric quadricycle was so great that Citroen saw reason and brought it to these shores.

With a range of just 46 miles and a top speed of 28mph, the Ami is only suitable for use around town, but its loveable design and no-nonsense construction means that it has a character which is far larger than its compact dimensions. It’s not something you see too often in the UK – despite its popularity – and we can see it going down as a very quirky future classic.

The Jaguar F-Type will undoubtedly go down as one of the firm’s most successful performance cars. It marked a rebirth moment for Jag, introducing a fresh wave of styling which drew inspiration from the past while still injecting it with modern touches. Available both in coupe and cabriolet layouts, the F-Type continues to be a go-to for drivers after a performance car that can be used day in, day out – but while still putting a grin on your face.

Classic Jaguar models continue to experience a lot of demand and we expect the same to apply for the F-Type as it grows older. Sure, the V6-powered model will still be sought-after, but we’d expect the full-fat V8 model to draw the crowds at classic car shows of the future.

The Ford Fiesta ST continued a long line of Blue Oval hot-hatches when it flashed onto the scene in 2013. We’d had previous generations of Fiesta ST, of course, but none came close to matching the sheer brilliance of this generation.

Sparking to drive, the ST can get the very best from any type of driver but still leave something on the table for more experienced motorists looking for a competent performance car. The 1.5-litre engine is bristling with character, too, while the ST’s compact proportions mean that it’s ideal for use every day. With a decent boot it’s even reasonably practical – meaning that this could be a future classic that you may want to use a lot.

So bear with us. Quirky it may be, but the Range Rover Evoque Convertible has all the hallmarks of a future classic. It got people talking when it first went on sale in 2016 and, due to limited demand, it was only available for a handful of years. As a result, there aren’t too many about – and a lack of availability can often lead to prices soaring once cars like these get older.

Sure, the Evoque Convertible was a bit of a flop when it was released, but it’s still a very interesting car – not least because it still keeps all of Land Rover’s clever off-road tech so you can take the Evoque off the beaten track with the roof down.