Modern Sports Cars That Will Age Like Classics Soon

Beyond ultra-rare hypercars and bespoke million-dollar builds, it’s nearly impossible to know exactly which mainstream performance cars will evolve into true collector classics. However, history gives us clues. The strongest future classics usually share a few traits: limited availability, engaging driving dynamics (often including a manual gearbox), and a personality that sets them apart from ordinary models.

Using insights from owner communities, resale market trends, and reports like Hagerty’s bull market picks, we’ve highlighted ten modern performance cars that are still relatively attainable today but show strong potential to become valuable collectibles in the future.

10. BMW Z3 M Coupe

Produced between 1998 and 2002, the Z3 M Coupe is one of BMW’s most unconventional creations. Its quirky “clown shoe” shooting brake silhouette, aggressive styling, and rare production numbers helped it stand out immediately.

Under the hood sits a naturally aspirated inline-six—either the S52, S50, or the highly desirable S54 borrowed from the E46 M3. Only a small portion of the 6,291 units built received the S54 engine, making them especially valuable today. All versions came exclusively with manual transmissions, further boosting their enthusiast appeal.

Current prices generally range from the high $30K mark to well over $100K for rare variants, and market trends suggest continued appreciation.

9. Ford Mustang Shelby GT350

The modern GT350 remains one of Ford’s most remarkable naturally aspirated performance cars. Its centerpiece is the 5.2-liter “Voodoo” V8, producing 526 horsepower and revving to an extraordinary 8,250 rpm—making it the highest-revving V8 Ford has ever built.

Paired with a six-speed manual gearbox, the GT350 delivers a raw and engaging driving experience that enthusiasts strongly associate with future collectible status. Even though it was praised at launch as a potential classic, current market values remain surprisingly reasonable.

Standard models hover around the low $40K range, while the track-focused GT350R already commands significantly higher prices.

8. Toyota GR Supra (Manual)

When the fifth-generation Supra returned in 2019, it sparked controversy among purists. Toyota later responded with updates, including increased power in 2021 and the introduction of a manual transmission in 2023.

The manual versions represent the most refined form of the Mk5 Supra, offering the engagement enthusiasts wanted from the start. With production ending in 2026, scarcity is expected to drive long-term value upward.

Today’s average resale price sits just below MSRP, but manual examples are already showing stronger retention and likely future appreciation.

7. Honda S2000 CR

The Honda S2000 is already regarded as a modern classic thanks to its high-revving 9,000 rpm engine and exceptional manual gearbox. Its reputation for reliability only strengthens its appeal.

The rare CR (Club Racer) version is especially collectible. It features weight reduction, chassis upgrades, aerodynamic improvements, and a fixed hardtop configuration. With only 774 units produced, it stands as the most desirable variant.

Originally only slightly more expensive than the standard model, CR prices have now surged well beyond $70K, with pristine examples reaching several times that amount.

6. Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 (Sixth Generation)

The final generation Camaro ZL1 represents one of the last traditional American muscle cars. Its supercharged 6.2-liter LT4 V8 produces 650 horsepower and delivers massive torque instantly.

While both manual and automatic versions are available, the manual retains stronger enthusiast interest. However, the 10-speed automatic is slightly quicker in straight-line performance.

Early examples remain relatively affordable, but rare low-mileage or collector-grade cars are already commanding premium prices.

5. Lotus Emira

The Emira is expected to be Lotus’s final combustion-powered sports car, making it especially significant. It carries the brand’s traditional focus on lightweight design and driver engagement.

Buyers can choose between a turbocharged four-cylinder or a supercharged V6, with the latter paired to a manual gearbox being the most desirable configuration. Both versions deliver strong performance in the 400-hp range.

As the automotive world transitions toward electrification, the Emira’s role as a last-of-its-kind Lotus gives it strong future collectible potential.

4. Lexus LC500

The LC500 is a rare example of a luxury grand tourer powered by a naturally aspirated V8. Its 5.0-liter engine is widely praised for both performance and sound quality.

Producing 471 horsepower through a refined 10-speed transmission, it delivers smooth but emotional performance. Combined with Lexus’ reputation for reliability and strong build quality, it stands out in the GT segment.

Now that production has ended, prices have begun rising steadily and are expected to continue doing so.

3. Lamborghini Gallardo

The Gallardo remains one of Lamborghini’s most approachable supercars despite its iconic status. Produced from 2003 to 2013, it features a naturally aspirated V10 and classic Lamborghini styling.

Earlier models with manual transmissions are especially desirable, representing the final era of analog Lamborghini driving before modern automation and driver aids took over.

Values remain relatively accessible compared to other exotic cars, but long-term appreciation is widely expected.

2. Chevrolet Corvette C7 ZR1

The C7 ZR1 is the most powerful manual Corvette ever produced, featuring a 755-horsepower supercharged V8. It was also the final generation to offer a manual transmission in a top-tier Corvette.

Capable of reaching 60 mph in around 3 seconds, it delivers true supercar-level performance while retaining traditional American muscle car character.

With the transition of Corvette models to automatic-only configurations, the C7 ZR1’s status as the end of an era significantly boosts its collectible appeal.

1. Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 / GT4 RS

The 718 GT4 lineup may represent the final naturally aspirated Cayman models before Porsche fully transitions the series toward electrification.

Powered by a 4.0-liter flat-six engine revving up to 9,000 rpm, it delivers pure, analog driving excitement in a mid-engine layout. The standard GT4 offers a manual transmission option, while the RS focuses on maximum performance.

With strong demand already pushing prices into six-figure territory, both variants are widely considered future collector cars.

Final Thoughts

These modern performance machines sit at an important turning point in automotive history. As electrification reshapes the industry, naturally aspirated engines, manual transmissions, and driver-focused engineering are becoming increasingly rare.

That rarity, combined with emotional driving appeal and limited production numbers, is exactly what transforms today’s sports cars into tomorrow’s collectibles.