There were about 200 cars at Sunday’s Future Classic Car Show in Scottsdale, Arizona. When I was asked to write this article, only one thing came to mind: “This is going to be tough.”
The show, which is in its fourth year, only allows cars produced later than 1975 to enter, which coincides perfectly with my love of wedge-shaped cars from the 1980s. How could someone ask me to narrow down so many awesome cars to just this short list?
Before I get to my list, I have to say there were a lot that just barely missed the cut. Many owners I spoke with have done really amazing things with the next generation of classic cars, and I’m excited to see the future of the hobby.
OK, that’s out of the way. Now, here are my favorite cars at the 2019 Future Classic Car Show:
1992 Subaru SVX
This car, imported from Canada, was one of the coolest I’ve ever seen – not just at the show, I mean in general.
If you haven’t heard of them, the SVX was basically Subaru’s first attempt to break into the luxury performance car market. They were designed by Italian designer Giorgetto Giugiaro and marketed as a concept car that was actually produced, including the window-within-a-window design on the driver and passenger doors.
Interestingly, this one actually had a decal on the side featuring Giugiaro’s name, something I’d never seen before. I’ve always liked these because, well, they’re just weird and I find that super cool.
1988 Mazda RX-7
Parked right next to the SVX was a white Mazda RX-7 that had some custom work done and, after all, who doesn’t like the ‘80s RX-7?
The current owner said he bought it straight from Mazda after it was repossessed from the original buyer in 1991. He’s kept it ever since and said it “makes a lot of neat noises.” I love that.
2006 Cadillac XLR
This car deserved more attention than it got and is bound to be a classic convertible we’re going to see more of over the years. It has a magnetic ride system and 320 horsepower, which the owner said makes it super fun to drive.
I didn’t get to take it for a spin (I really should have asked) but I loved the look of the custom-cut rims paired with the dark blue paint.
1977 Toyota Celica
There’s only one way to describe this car: dreamy.
The restomod had all sorts of custom work done, including a sourced inline-6 engine swap from a JDM Toyota and a great-looking paint job. I mean, look at it. It’s fantastic.
1992 Dodge Stealth
If I were going to take home any car I saw at the Future Classic Car Show – even including the SVX – this would be it. It’s just a great car.
I’m slightly more partial to its sister car, the Mitsubishi 3000GT, but the Stealth has those ‘90s design touches that are really cool and I’d imagine the twin turbo would be great to drive.
1993 Nissan Skyline
To me, the Skyline has always been a near-perfect unicorn. It’s the car so many tuners fall in love with, not only because they perform when it counts but do so with great classic style.
The fastback look of the car is a great fit for simple spoilers. When I would draw cars as a kid, this wedge shape is what they would look like.
1985 Toyota Celica Supra
Yes, this car has the wedge look that I love, but this car made my list for a different reason: family.
My sister had one that was very similar. I remember sitting on her lap when I was little and “driving” down the street with her and thinking I was the coolest kid on the block. It’s a memory I’ll never forget and isn’t that what makes cars so special?
Read more about the Future Classic Car show:
What about the 2cd gen 1979-1983 datsun 280zx’s They are great cars and gaining in popularity
The Subaru SVX is a great car doomed because it was produced during Subaru’s "bad years". The RX-7 will be a tough one since so many of them were thrashed within an inch of their lives by multiple owners, few of whom studied the manual of operation. The Cadillac XLR is a flawed gem, my Dad had one. Great car; fantastic performer, ride, creature comforts. The downside? Even when the top is up it has a marginal sized trunk and when the top is down it has no trunk – or storage space – at all. No top down trips to the golf course for you with a friend, since you can either take a passenger OR the clubs but not both….by the way, hold out for the "V" version.
The thing about the XLR is that it’s so fun to drive, & the attention it still draws, makes it so that you dont want to bother to stop for a round of golf! LOL! So, although very true about the trunk space limitations, there’s enough there to hit the road with a buddy for a few day road trip & plot out the golf coarses you want to hit when you’re in your sedan! Been there, done that! (Yeah, that’s my blue one featured in the article. 😁)
I own a 2006 -V- 8,300 miles as new i,d say if you could grab one now may be time. many destroyed in storm,s last few years low numbers produced = rarity plus there great cars if,.. you do your homework when searching! Good luck…
..Nick!!..You’ve got to get out more!!..With the exception of the XLR, which would handily ‘smoke’ everything BUT the GT-r, NONE of your picks would appeal to ANYONE EAST of the Rockies!!..Too many so -called-rice-burners!..I know California considers itself Japan West, but come on now!!
I agree with Dave Baily everything U have mentioned will not become Collectable! I don’t think U know anything about Colle tor Cars. None of these will Appreciate to become worth much more then the MSRP. Of when Sold.Better U keep to your Day Job.
I appreciate your picks. I am retired and have a Mitsubishi 3000GT VR4 with only 3800 miles. This car is just like new and has never even been out in the rain. What do you think it is worth?
Pretty heavy on the Japanese side. The Audi TT and Porsche boxter and cayman have to be included. The lotus Elise and exige with their fantastic looks and low production are a cant miss. And the Alfa 4c …
First gen Supra pretty cool, Subie SVX just a neat but prone to rust oddity. Seems a bit off not to include the ’04-’06 Holden (Australia) made Pontiac GTO, if you’re including the XLR. I remember the car mag hysteria over it’s "too bland not-a-GTO" styling (which also excluded the plastic cladding Pontiac was mad for; one wag even called it a "bloated Cavalier").
Got an ’04 6spd in Torrid red, and not only has the subdued styling held up over time, I am constantly given the thumbs up or complimented on it, often by people who aren’t even certain what it is- including the very young, who seem to see it as Lightning McQueen without the racing numbers.
And I’d put it up against any car on the list, quarter mile or road. Lotsa aftermarket in my not still a 5.7 LS1 over the last 14 years.
Cheers!
I am 51 years old and sorry, I am just not seeing any classic status here. I don’t even see my 80 z28, 4 spd survivor with 60K miles as a classic.