The Cars Every Enthusiast Should Keep an Eye On
Some vehicles just have that spark—bold design, incredible performance, or the kind of personality that makes enthusiasts grin every time they see one on the road. While not all of today’s rides are destined for glory, these 20 models are already turning heads and will likely be collectible treasures by 2035.
#20 – Toyota GR86
Lightweight, rear-wheel drive, and built purely for driving joy, the Toyota GR86 channels the spirit of old-school sports cars. Its 2.4L flat-four delivers 228 hp with perfect balance and manual transmission availability. Affordable, fun, and raw—it’s a modern enthusiast’s dream that’ll age beautifully.
#19 – Ford Maverick
Compact pickups are back, and the Maverick revived the trend with practicality and character. Its hybrid powertrain (191 hp) and turbocharged EcoBoost option (250 hp) make it versatile and efficient. Collectors will love its cultural impact—it’s the truck that made small cool again.
#18 – Hyundai Veloster N
Before it was discontinued, the Veloster N brought hot-hatch magic to Hyundai. With a 275-hp turbocharged inline-4 and a playful exhaust crackle, it’s destined to be remembered as a budget-performance gem. Its rarity and quirky design will only add to future collector appeal.
#17 – Dodge Challenger Hellcat
The Hellcat’s supercharged 6.2L HEMI V8 churns out 717 hp—an era-defining symbol of pure American muscle. As EVs replace combustion beasts, this tire-shredding legend will stand as the last great roar of gas-powered power. Collectors already treat it like the modern ‘Cuda.
#16 – Volkswagen Golf R (Mk8)
All-wheel drive, 315 hp, and understated looks—this is the hot hatch that grew up but didn’t lose its spark. The Mk8 Golf R combines daily drivability with track-worthy precision. It’ll be remembered as one of the last true enthusiast hatches before full electrification.
Dinkun Chen, Wikimedia Commons
#15 – Chevrolet Corvette C8
Mid-engine layout, exotic looks, and attainable performance made the C8 Corvette a game-changer. Its 6.2L LT2 V8 (495 hp) delivers Ferrari thrills at a fraction of the price. Collectors love firsts—and this was the first mid-engine Vette, ensuring future classic status.
#14 – Toyota Supra (A90)
Reborn from legend, the A90 Supra’s BMW-sourced inline-six (382 hp) and sleek design divided purists but thrilled drivers. As the partnership era fades, its rarity and performance pedigree will solidify its status as a modern icon worth preserving.
#13 – Ford Bronco
The return of the Bronco in 2021 reignited America’s off-road passion. With its boxy retro styling, removable doors, and turbocharged power, it’s a modern classic in the making. The Bronco brought back adventure in an age of tech-heavy crossovers—and enthusiasts noticed.
Dinkun Chen, Wikimedia Commons
#12 – Kia Stinger GT
The Stinger GT shocked everyone with twin-turbo V6 power (368 hp) and rear-wheel drive from a brand known for economy cars. Its sleek fastback design and limited production run guarantee collector interest down the line. It’s the car that made Kia cool.
MercurySable99, Wikimedia Commons
#11 – Porsche 718 Cayman GTS 4.0
With a naturally aspirated flat-six and perfect mid-engine balance, the 718 GTS 4.0 embodies what driving purists love. As Porsche transitions toward EVs, this analog masterpiece will stand tall as one of the last truly visceral models from the brand.
Alexandre Prevot, Wikimedia Commons
#10 – Honda Civic Type R (FL5)
Precision-engineered and track-tested, the FL5 Civic Type R packs a 315-hp turbocharged four-cylinder with surgical handling. It’s already a cult favorite for enthusiasts who crave performance and daily usability. In 10 years, this will be remembered as the ultimate front-drive performance car.
Dinkun Chen, Wikimedia Commons
#9 – Ram 1500 TRX
The TRX is outrageous in every way—702 hp from a supercharged 6.2L HEMI V8, desert-ready suspension, and brute force design. It’s a last hurrah for internal-combustion performance trucks. Collectors will treat it like the muscle car of the off-road world.
#8 – Subaru WRX (2022+)
While controversial for its styling, the new WRX’s rally-bred turbocharged flat-four (271 hp) and AWD system keep the legend alive. Its enthusiast following guarantees collectible potential, especially as Subaru moves away from its raw rally roots.
Tokumeigakarinoaoshima, Wikimedia Commons
#7 – Tesla Model S Plaid
Say what you will, but the Plaid changed the game. With 1,020 hp and mind-bending acceleration, it redefined what “fast” means. As one of the earliest hyper-EVs, it’ll be viewed as a landmark car when electric speed became mainstream.
#6 – Mazda MX-5 Miata (ND2)
The ND Miata continues a legacy of simplicity and pure fun. Its 2.0L engine (181 hp) and perfect balance make it the gold standard for driving joy. Enthusiasts cherish Miatas, and this generation—likely one of the last gas-powered versions—will be a collectible gem.
#5 – Jeep Gladiator Rubicon
It’s part Wrangler, part pickup, and fully iconic. The Gladiator Rubicon’s 3.6L V6 and optional diesel combine adventure and practicality. Its removable doors, open-air capability, and Jeep DNA make it a future cult classic for off-road fans.
#4 – Lexus LC 500
Powered by a glorious 5.0L naturally aspirated V8, the LC 500 is a rare blend of luxury and soul. Its design and sound are pure art, standing out in an era of turbochargers and EVs. It’s the spiritual successor to grand tourers of old.
#3 – Rivian R1T
The first real electric adventure truck. With up to 835 hp, quad-motor AWD, and futuristic design, the Rivian R1T made EVs exciting again. Its early adopter status and off-road prowess will make it a prized collectible in the coming decade.
Mr.choppers, Wikimedia Commons
#2 – Dodge Charger Hellcat Redeye
The Redeye is unapologetically loud, fast, and over-the-top. Its 797-hp supercharged V8 makes it one of the last true American muscle sedans. When gas engines are gone, collectors will chase this monster for its audacity alone.
#1 – Ford Mustang Dark Horse
The Dark Horse represents the final chapter of pure gasoline Mustang performance. With a 5.0L Coyote V8 pushing 500 hp, a six-speed Tremec manual, and track-ready dynamics, it’s already a legend in the making. It’s everything enthusiasts love—raw, loud, and analog.
UltraTech66, Wikimedia Commons
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