Ted's Future Classics

All car enthusiasts like to take a punt on which cars might become ‘future classics.’ Of course, picking which one really might be the appreciating classic is a bit like finding a needle in a haystack, however, there are certainly a small number of makes and models which really stick in people’s memories. A bit like tractors, we are finding that the market is heating up for the iconic cars of the 1980s and 1990s, even the early noughties and this could well be a part of the market to watch. For car buyers, picking the future classic has to be one of the most exciting elements of car collecting. Not only do they get to drive an icon but they can watch their asset slowly appreciate in the garage.

We sold a number of low mileage cars last year, many of which saw some really healthy prices paid, and now we have another series of potential future greats going under the hammer on 26^th April. These are the cars which may well quietly appreciate in value, or for those looking for something to just jump in and drive away, they would also suit. One particular car to note is a brilliant example of a Subaru WRX Sti which incredibly has only 124 miles on the clock, having lived in a garage since it’s purchase in 2016.

Here is my selection of the ones to watch in this month’s sale.

Lot 1795:

1988 BMW 318i (E30) 1795cc 4cylinder petrol CAR

Reg. No. E913 GRX

Chassis No. WBAAJ520203301523

Miles: 61,270

MOT: Expired

Local lady owner from new and always garaged, maintained by Murketts BMW of Huntingdon. Finished in 'Zinnoberrot' over an immaculate cloth trim and nicely optioned, this E30 saloon presents as a family friendly classic project that has the potential to be a future concours level restoration.

The 1987 facelifted version, sometimes called the series II, of the 318i features the improved M40 4cylinder engine, 5-speed Getrag gearbox, alloy wheels, rear spoiler, tilt/slide sunroof, electric heated mirrors, headlight wash/wipe system, central locking amongst a raft of subtle styling changes.

Being garaged, apparently since new, has meant the gleaming paintwork and black plastic trim has all survived incredibly well. Red BMW's of this era are often badly sun-faded and the plastics greyed and brittle, not so with this example. The front bumper lower lip, often mangled by this age, is in very good order. Moving inside, importantly, the dash is uncracked and the seats present with superb bolsters and without any tears. The driver is faced with a 3-spoke M-Tech steering wheel as a dealer fitted option and fitted mats reside in each footwell. The complete toolkit is present and appears unused together with a full-size alloy spare wheel, jack and towing eye in the boot. An aftermarket Sola-Larm alarm system has been installed, and the stereo has been disconnected, but is included. The 3-series was driven off the trailer for delivery to the sale but will require at least a new battery and a thorough service and check-over before any road use. It was last MOT tested in 2018 (expired 2019).

1 key, alarm fob and history file containing current and past V5Cs, service invoices and MOT certificates in office.

Estimate: Offered without reserve (Est £4,000 - £6,000)

Lot 1796:

2001 PORSCHE Boxster S (986) 3179cc 6cylinder petrol CAR

Reg. No. V1 MLR

Chassis No. WP0ZZZ98Z2U641126

Miles: 74,230

MOT: Expired

Local lady owner from new and always garaged, supplied and maintained by Cambridge Porsche. Finished in Arctic Silver and extremely well optioned from the factory, this pre-facelift 986 Boxster S presents as an excellent and easy project to be ready for drop-top motoring this summer!

Factory options include: Hard top & wind deflector, full black leather interior, heated sports seats, automatic air conditioning, 18" SportDesign split rim wheels, Litronic headlights, Porsche Stability Management (PSM), Sound Package and headlight washers.

The age correct cherished registration is included with the car together with a Wiesmann hard top stand, branded hard top cover and 2 oil bottle pouches complete with oil.

The 986 series Boxster is possibly the best value 2-seat sports car experience available today. The mid-engine layout achieves near perfect weight distribution and gives neutral, forgiving handling when compared to a similar age 911. Luggage space is surprisingly good with front and rear luggage compartments. The larger 'S' 3.2litre engine and 6-speed 'box offer up more than ample performance for modern motoring. This particular example, equipped with its hardtop, is poised to provide year-round service to its new owner.

The Boxster was driven on to and off the trailer for delivery to the sale but will require a thorough service and check-over before any road use. It was last MOT tested in 2019 (expired 2020).

3 keys and a history file containing V5C, original order form, bill of sale, historical V5s, service invoices and instruction book pack in office

Estimate: Offered without reserve (Est £4,000 - £6,000)

Lot 1798:

1993 TOYOTA Hilux 4wd 2446cc diesel 4X4

Reg. No. K787 GWC

Chassis No. JT131LNA409022222

Miles: c.64,500

MOT: 14th September 2025

Fitted with load liner and bed cover and BF Goodrich tyres. Supplied with bull bar. This low mileage single cab 5th generation Hilux is presented in very straight and original condition having been kept undercover for a majority of its life. Running and driving very well at time of cataloguing

Estimate: £20,000 – £22,000

Lot 1799:

2016 SUBARU WRX STi (Type VA) 2457cc petrol CAR

Reg. No. AF16 FWV

Chassis No. JF1VAFKH3GG011355

Miles: 124 (One Hundred and Twenty Four)

MOT: First MOT Due

Presented in essentially showroom condition, this Subaru has spent most of its life in a climate-controlled bubble. Now offered from the estate of the original owner, this 300+bhp 4WD family saloon presents a superb opportunity to acquire an ultra-low mileage example of the revered model. Finished in Ice Silver, this unusual colour sets this example apart from the mostly blue, white or grey others. Fitted with the multi-mode centre differential, keyless entry and trimmed with black Alcantara and leather with red piping. Subaru are known for their ergonomic and functional interiors, if they were not the most luxurious. Whilst the car has been driven off the trailer and into the auction hall, the battery is not holding charge for long, so this will need changing.

Previously called the Impreza, Subaru separated the WRX into its own model in 2015. Although it's based on a modified Impreza body/chassis unit, the WRX has sufficiently different brakes, suspension, front end, and many other panels to make it worthy of its own name. The STi version received an increased engine capacity and a corresponding jump in power output from c.270bhp in the WRX to 300+bhp in the STi.

The original keys were unfortunately lost so brand new factory keys have been programmed. 2 keys and book pack in office with a photocopy previous V5C. No current V5C is present, this will need to be applied for by the new owner. HPI checks confirm no previous owners

Estimate: Offered without reserve (Est £20,000 - £25,000)

For more information, contact Cheffins Machinery department on 01353 777 767 or email machinery@cheffins.co.uk