Thinking of buying a potential collectible from the last decade?
Consider the picks of McKeel Hagerty, CEO of Hagerty Insurance Agency, a leading insurance agency for collector vehicles. Each year, Hagerty compiles a Hot List of interesting vehicles — 10 cars that may emerge as collectibles in the years to come.
The company’s latest Hot List is composed of the Top 10 cars of yester-decade. Cars were selected based on four factors: the vehicle’s influence on the automotive industry; its “cool or unique factor”; its potential value in the collector car market, and a MSRP of less than $100,000.
It’s a good starting point. Without further ado, then, here’s Hagerty’s selection of possible collectible cars made from 2000 to 2009 – along with our own verdict regarding whether you really should “Get it” or “Forget it.”
1.2000 BMW M Roadster — With 240 horsepower and a 0-60 mph time of approximately five seconds, this is a Germanic Gen X Shelby Cobra. Says Hagerty: “This car will be highly desired by collectors for its gracious curves and powerful engine.”
Verdict: Forget it. Bimmer fans would be better served getting the much rarer 2000 M3 Coupe.
2. 2001 Corvette Z06 — While the 2001 Z06’s 385 horsepower is less than the current base-model Vette, this model nevertheless marked the return of the vaunted Z06 for the first time since 1963.
Verdict: Forget it. Alas, an ’01 Corvette Z06 is barely distinguishable from other Corvettes during the last dozen years.
3. 2002 Pontiac Firebird WS6 Ram Air — The most powerful Firebird ever produced — and with the demise of Pontiac, the last Firebird ever produced.
Verdict: Get it. This is a rare bird, and the exterior seems to suggest Pontiac was channeling the Batmobile.
4. 2003 Mini Cooper S John Cooper Works — “Anyone who drives one of thesecars walks away with a silly grin,” says Hagerty.
Verdict: Get it. A base-model Mini is thrilling enough; but with the JCW package, this Mini’s speed and cornering abilities make it resemble a midway ride.
5. 2004 Cadillac CTS-V — The CTS-V, with its 400-horsepower Z06 Corvetteengine, “will surely earn the respect of car collectors,” says Hagerty.
Verdict: Forget it. If you really want a Caddy that stands out, go for the XLR.
6. 2005 Acura NSX — The NSX was the first production car to feature anall-aluminum chassis, suspension and body. The NSX’s breakthrough designinfluenced other supercars, including the McLaren F1, notes Hagerty.
Verdict: Get it. Thanks to its gorgeous lightweight body, this car is an absolute thrill to drive and it will never look outdated.
7. 2006 Dodge Ram SRT-10 — Unlike any other Ram pickup, this one wasproduced solely for one purpose: speed. With (gasp!) 500 horsepower and evenmore torque straight from the factory, these “Viper” trucks would run lessthan a 14-second quarter-mile.
Verdict: Get it. If you’re a truck fan and don’t mind exorbitant gas bills, this baby sticks out from the pickup pack.
8. 2007 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 — With its retro looks, 500-horsepowerengine and Carroll Shelby’s autograph on the dashboard, this car introduceda new generation to the glorious racing days of the muscle-mad ’60s.
Verdict: Forget it. As powerful as this Mustang is, it has already been one-upped by the 540-horsepower 2010 Mustang Shelby GT500.
9. 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 — When compared with all the retro-inspiredmuscle cars, the 425-horsepower Challenger most closely resembles its first-generation ancestor.
Verdict: Forget it. We love this car, but the optional (and must-have) manual transmission was not available until the following year.
10. 2009 Pontiac Solstice GXP Coupe — With the demise of Pontiac, thedivision’s last true sports car was the Solstice GXP. This coupe version isa very rare bird, given it was produced for only half a year.
Verdict: Forget it: True, the coupe is rare. But the Solstice is more of a boulevard cruiser than a sports car. You’d have more fun driving a Mazda Miata with a retractable hardtop.
David Menzies writes from Toronto about automobiles for Boomer.
