THE Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione has been voted the car most likely to become a future classic, in a survey of the UK’s top motoring media.
Revolutionary designs, timeless appeal, iconic in its generation and an ability to re-define a brand were all considered criteria.
The survey featured more than 30 different cars sold in the UK from the last ten years, ranging from supercars to superminis.
Making the top ten was a mix of luxury and reasonably-priced models from the 253mph Bugatti Veyron to the retro-styled Fiat 500 Mk II - the original of which is also considered a classic by many.
Limited to a run of just 400, the Enzo Ferrari already has the demand of a classic car. Originally sold for $650,000, the model typically trades above a million dollars at auction, an increase of more than 50 per cent in value since it was launched in 2002.
Alfa’s 8C Competizione stunner, launched in 2007 and limited to 500 models, took the top spot with more thgan 30 per cent of the votes.
The stylish two-seater cost around £110,000 new and is powered by a 4.7-litre V8 petrol engine delivering 450bhp. Only 41 examples made it to UK shores.
“Britain has a love affair with the classic car. Stories of vintage Bugattis discovered in barns, James Bond’s Aston Martin DB5 going to auction or Chris Evans spending £12m on a Ferrari really captures the public interest,” said Alistair Jeff of Carsite, who organised the poll.
The top ten ‘future classics’ were: 1. Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione, 2. Ford Focus RS, 3. Bugatti Veyron, 4. Fiat 500 Mk II, 5. Honda S2000, 6. Nissan Skyline GTR, 7. Enzo Ferrari, 8. Audi TT Mk I, 9. VW Scirocco Mk III, 10. Tesla Roadster.
HM Revenue and Customs deem a car to be a classic if it is 20 years old and still retains a value of £15,000 or more.