Just the other day while making a run to the local parts store with a buddy of mine, the topic of which cars from our generation will become future classics spawned an interesting debate. In case you’re wondering, we were both born in the early ‘80’s, making us members of Generation Y.

His opinion is that nothing built between the Ronald Reagan and the W. Administrations will ever be worth anything, and the last collectible classic cars were assembled sometime in the early 1970’s. Being the owner of three modern musclecars myself, I was forced to disagree with him.

Although it might have offered economical performance in a sporty wrapper, the Cavalier Z24 will fail to raise much interest to future collectors.

Before we can establish what will become collectible and valuable, we first have to understand what makes something collectible and valuable –scarcity and desirability. Did they make a million copies like a Chevy Cavalier, or was it a car that was destined to become exclusive from its conception, like the Ford GT supercar?

Are there still tons of them left, or have most been raced into the junkyard? Then combine that with styling, the level of performance [for the era], and general popularity, and then draw your conclusion.

Kicking off our friendly argument were the Turbo Buicks, and although he appreciates them immensely, he fails to see how these could be the next big money cars at the Barrett-Jackson auction. Granted, I understand how he could have that perspective, given Buick made many more Regal T-Types and GN’s.

The GNX was a one-year only, limited production car. But unlike the NASCAR-inspired Road Runner however, the GNX was always coveted since the day it was created, and with low-mileage, pristine examples already well over the $100k mark, it’s safe to say they’re well on their way. In my opinion, the more common T-types and Grand Nationals will eventually follow suit.

Disregarded as a disposable muscle car throughout its life, the IROC-Z like this '90 convertible is quickly becoming a collector's item. Image: zorly.com

If you continue researching through ‘80s performance car history, you would notice that turbocharging was a popular trend, much like how it has become today with the high fuel prices. The ’89 Turbo Trans Am that packed the same ‘plant as the aforementioned Grand National is a shoe-in for collectible ‘80s performance cars. The TTA also receives bonus points for being a 20^th Anniversary Trans Am and an Indy Pace Car.

The TTA isn’t the only desirable late-model F-body, either. The Ram Air-equipped Firehawks, WS6 Formulas, Trans Ams, and the Super Sport Camaros easily fall into this category. Besides being rare, desirable, and fast, most have fallen victim to becoming race cars for the drag racing set. Many more have been totaled and/or stolen as well. If you have one, you should probably hang onto it.

Although these two currently offer a lot of performance for not a whole lot of cash, collector's will soon be seeking clean examples of both. Image:GMHTP

What about the third-generation cars, you might ask? Well few know about the original Firehawk of ’91-92, where only 25 examples were produced, making them much more rare, exclusive, and with their 350hp engine, a bit faster than the TTA. So they get a pass into the collector car arena.

The mainstream IROC’s, GTA’s, and Formulas will be collectible, particularly so if equipped with the L98, but I can’t see big money ever being handed over for them. They’re still considered a dime-a-dozen, but try finding a clean, all original example today.

The Corvette, despite the common misconception of it being a midlife crisis car made entirely of plastic, is, and always will be, America’s favorite sports car. I realize of course, how the more mainstream examples of the L98, LT1, and LS1-equipped models seem humdrum to some people, but their performance was impressive given their respective eras.

It’s not to say that there weren’t any collectible, ultra-special versions built during that time frame, either. If you can find a deal on a C4 Callaway Twin-Turbo, ZR-1, Gran Sport, or even a Collector’s Edition or Anniversary Edition, now’s the time to buy. Ditto, a C5 Z06 or any of the Pace Cars.

Having said that, you never know; Chevy Novas were the butt of jokes for years until just recently. Some enthusiasts tend to gravitate towards a car simply because it’s cheap, plentiful, RWD, offer a two-door body style, and pack a V8. Despite being down on power, that’s what the aftermarket is for.

Despite being overshadowed by it's older SS and Yenko versions, the '72 Nova Rally is a perfect example of an underdog car that is finally starting to get it's due. Image: stevesnovasite.com

Then again, who says it can’t have more than two doors to be desirable? Just take a look at the ’94-96 Impala SS and first generation CTS-V. All of these cars feature a proper engine, sport-tuned suspension, upgraded brakes, rear wheel drive, and room for your family.  These make affordable “family car” alternatives to a Toyota Camry, but given their rarity and vast performance, they’re still desirable as well. Are they future collectibles? I think so.

Since we’re on the subject of family car performance, let’s talk about front wheel drive for a moment. Now before you throw stones at me, we can’t forget about cars like the Grand Prix GTP, and the Regal GS. The former two were quite popular at the drag strip not too long ago, and with both of them packing a supercharged 3.8L Buick engine, I can see why.

These cars are now cheap to buy and easy to modify. But will they become collectible? Maybe to those who previously owned them will start feeling nostalgic in a decade from now, but I can’t ever see anyone forking over large amounts of cash for one either.

A perfect example of 4-door performance is the '94-'96 Impala SS.

Not all performance cars were loved or fully-appreciated –even when they were new. GTO owners probably think that I’m referring to their rides, and I am. The love it or hate it bland styling, its corporate engine, and its Australian roots angered many purists when the modern-day Goat was launched in 2004.

Those who knew how to see the inner beauty of something truly respected its clean-slate body, its LS engine, and high-level of build quality. Built for only three model years, and improved upon throughout its short life, GM made less than 20,000 “New GTO’s” in that time, making them more of a rare commodity than a 1987 Grand National.

Speaking of G-bodies, I have a feeling we should preserve the remaining examples of the Olds 442 and H/O, Monte Carlo SS’s, and the Pontiac Grand Prix 2+2 along with the aforementioned Buicks. With a combination of them being a drag car favorite, a high-theft item, and their recent popularity with the donk crowd, they’re getting a little hard to come by.

Last on our list are the performance trucks of last two decades. We’ve already covered the Lightning, but the Chevy 454 SS, SSR, Silverado SS, and Trailblazer SS and the GMC Syclone/Typhoon, offer tons of performance potential, and all the requirements we look for in a collector’s item, so I believe they’re included in the future classic category as well.

We all know of course that the C6 Z06 and ZR1, along with the Camaro ZL1, 2^nd generation CTS-V will be in the garages of future collectors, but will they command six-figure sums when they’re of age, who knows? So for those of you who mope because you can’t buy that rare LS-6 Chevelle from your favorite auction house, fret not. The next generation of classic musclecar may already be in your garage.

The king of all G-bodies, the GNX and it's tamer stablemates, the Grand National and Regal T-Type sit atop the heap of '80s American performance cars.