Paul Jolly: My golden rule for predicting future classic cars

Thinking about future classics with potential to increase in value is something I look out for constantly with some simple guidelines to adhere to.

Firstly, there is no sure way to guarantee future growth of any commodity, and just because a car is 30 years old does not mean it is worthy of investment. A 1995 Vauxhall Corsa doesn’t do it, I am sorry to say, even with low miles and a current MOT test.

But one golden rule seems to stick, which is that if it was culturally significant and took the market by storm when new, then in all probability it will gain classic status later in life. Think Citroën DS (1955), Jaguar E-Type (1961), Ford Capri (1969) and yes, even the Mini (1959). Sporting credentials also help with any car.

Another factor appears to be the age, and here we find modern classics peaking in value at around 40 years old, so ones to watch are perhaps 25 years old and onwards.

One such car came my way a year ago, which I would normally not consider. However, coming direct from its one and only owner and with just 49000 miles, I could not turn it down.

The Alfa Romeo Spider/GTV was designed by Pininfarina and introduced just over 30 years ago. Jeremy Clarkson described it as one of the best sports cars of its time. It continued a long tradition of Alfa Romeo sports cars, and these are definitely in the ascendency now. Galvanised bodies with composite panels and aluminium subframes to eliminate corrosion came as standard.

This 2.0 Twin Spark Lusso version features leather seats, an electric folding roof and an unusual metallic green finish which changes shade in different light. A refreshing alternative to the more common red, blue or white.

Now recommissioned after a long spell in storage, I would like to keep this for the summer myself but have learnt over the years that you cannot keep them all, even though this ticks all the investment boxes for a future classic car.

Time to let it go and start the search once again.