Future Collectible Cars of India
I read a recent article on Popular mechanics “Jay Leno Predicts Future Collectible and Classic Cars”. I had to create a similar one based on cars available in India.
Long Post Warning: This is another long post ( I do have to learn to write shorter ones soon).
The vehicles I have listed match one or more of these criteria:
- Vehicles sold in India to the mass market not imported vehicles
- Car of the Year awarded (typically packed with features and are usually popular).
- Have some “first” attributed to them or some other unique characteristic, unusual engines or features or designs. Highest trim level versions are usual suspects since they have new features ahead of their time. (For e.g the Swift ZXI was the first Indian hatchback with steering mounted audio controls and climate control and airbags.)
- Special editions / signature editions.
- The first models or the last models of a car/brand.
- 4x4s, convertibles and coupes and higher engine powered variants.
- Shouldn’t cost more than 15 Lakhs (ex showroom) when new.
- Sold between 1975 till today April 20th 2009. Why 1975 ? Because that’s the year I was born. Simple ? :-).
In the order of Manufacturer/Brand I predict that in the year 2034 (25 years from now) these cars will be considered as collectible antique cars:
Fiat:
- The 2002 Fiat Palio 1.6 Sport (Car of the year for 2002). The S10 is collectible just for the signature.
- The Palio Adventure for being a station wagon with go anywhere looks. Unfortunately was not a 4×4.
- The 500 just made my list at 14.8 lakhs
- Upcoming: I predict the Grande Punto to be a collectible just for its looks. Hope it has an engine to match.
Force Motors:
- The Trax , Judo and the Ghurka all in 4×4 versions.
Ford:
- The Escort 1.6 and the Orion and Iris special editions – these are rare already you cannot find cars in good condition anymore.
- The 1999 Ford Ikon 1.6 SXI with ROCAM engine a popular enthusiasts car giving good performance for a reasonable price.
- The Fiesta Diesel from 2006 for having the best diesel engine from Ford. BSM Jury Award 2006. Fiesta special editions with weird stripes as well since just a few in number were released.
General Motors/Chevrolet:
- The Aveo U-VA. BSM Car of the year 2007. The only reason this can be a collectible is that very few actually sold.
- The Chevvy Spark(Daewoo Matiz reborn): Best Value award for 2008. Plus it looks really good for an Indian Chevy.
- Optra SRV: Sporty hatchback. Very poor sales makes this a collectible.
- Upcoming: Chevy Beat & Cruze both look good and could become really popular