Discover which modern vehicles could become tomorrow’s classics!

  • Classic cars are defined as vehicles 25-45 years old, with around 31 million in the U.S.
  • The Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance awards the Best of Show to a standout classic car each year.
  • Future collectible cars may include the Tesla Cybertruck, Ferrari Daytona SP3, and Aspark Owl.
  • The automotive landscape is shifting towards electric and autonomous vehicles.
  • The Concours must evolve to attract younger collectors and adapt to changing tastes.

In the world of classic cars, a vehicle aged between 25 to 45 years is often considered a classic and is typically exempt from emissions and safety regulations. In the U.S. alone, there are approximately 31 million classic cars, with many more worldwide. Each August, the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance selects one exceptional car as the Best of Show, a title that celebrates automotive artistry and history. As an honorary judge at this prestigious event, I’ve witnessed firsthand the evolution of car collecting. nnThis year, I posed a thought-provoking question to several car designers: Which modern car could potentially win Best of Show in 2080? The overwhelming response was the Tesla Cybertruck, a vehicle that some may view as an eyesore but could be seen as a cultural landmark in the future. nnAs we look ahead, the automotive industry is on the brink of significant change, especially with the anticipated bans on internal combustion engines in the 2030s. By 2080, traditional gas-powered cars may be viewed similarly to steam cars of the early 20th century—obsolete yet still present. nnSeveral modern vehicles are predicted to shine in the future collectible market, including the Tesla Cybertruck, Ferrari Daytona SP3, Aspark Owl, and others. These cars represent a shift towards electric and high-performance vehicles, which may dominate the collector scene as tastes evolve. nnThe Concours d’Elegance has historically favored European and American luxury brands, but as the audience ages, the event must adapt to remain relevant. This year, a special class was introduced to celebrate the imaginative designs of the 1960s-1980s, showcasing the need for the Concours to evolve with its audience. nnUltimately, while the Tesla Cybertruck may not be the favorite among traditional judges, its unique design and cultural significance could make it a future classic. As the automotive landscape continues to change, the Pebble Beach Concours will likely reflect these shifts, showcasing the greatest cars of all eras.·

Factuality Level: 6
Factuality Justification: The article provides a mix of factual information about classic cars and the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, but it also includes personal anecdotes and opinions that may detract from its objectivity. While it does not contain outright misinformation, some statements reflect personal perspectives rather than universally accepted facts, and there are instances of tangential details that could confuse readers about the main topic.·
Noise Level: 7
Noise Justification: The article provides a detailed overview of the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance and discusses the future of classic cars, including thoughtful insights into generational shifts in car collecting. It includes expert opinions and predictions, which adds depth. However, it occasionally veers into anecdotal content and personal experiences that may detract from the main topic, leading to a slightly higher noise level.·
Public Companies: Tesla (TSLA), Ferrari (RACE), Lucid Motors (LCID)
Private Companies: Hagerty Insurance,Gordon Murray Automotive,Koenigsegg,Rimac Automobili
Key People: Dan Neil (Honorary Judge), Ed Gilbertson (Chief Judge Emeritus), Colin Feichtmeir (Chief Class Judge and Selection Committee Member), Ken Gross (Head Judge), Paul Hageman (Chief Class Judge and Selection Committee Member)


Financial Relevance: Yes
Financial Markets Impacted: The classic car market and companies involved in luxury and electric vehicles may be impacted by trends in collector preferences and future car valuations.
Financial Rating Justification: The article discusses the classic car market, the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, and predictions about future collectible cars, which are all relevant to financial topics concerning asset valuation and market trends.·
Presence Of Extreme Event: No
Nature Of Extreme Event: No
Impact Rating Of The Extreme Event: No
Extreme Rating Justification: The article discusses classic cars and a car competition, but does not mention any extreme events that occurred in the last 48 hours.·
Move Size: No market move size mentioned.
Sector: All
Direction: Neutral
Magnitude: Medium
Affected Instruments: Stocks

Reported publicly: www.wsj.com