It's a gamble, and although there may not be a definite formula when it comes to choosing future classics, one has to go with a gut feeling ? but of course there's always the limit of how much money you're willing to splash out.

And when considering classic cars, the question of whether it should be an old model comes up, but a contender for classic car status doesn't necessarily have to be something from the late 1950s or '60s.

What the experts say

"Personally, I would always describe an interesting new car as a future classic rather than a classic, because to be a classic needs an element of age," reckons Michael Bowler from Classic Car magazine.

Luxury car favourites like Mercedes and BMW would also make a good choice, but one has to choose wisely. The Mercedes SLK55 AMG, reckons Bowler, is a perfect choice for a future classic ? it not only has a timeless look, but it's fast on the road as well.

Cars In Action publisher Michele Lupini shares this sentiment. "Any car that is in demand and on a longer than usual waiting list is a likely future classic ? cars like the BMW M5 and M6, Ferrari F430, Porsche 911 and the Aston Martins among others, cars that already have a sort of cult status will inevitably become future classics."

BMW's Z4 and its predecessor the Z3 are also likely contenders ? their unusual aesthetics and lines are enough to keep them in the record books for years to come.

Cult status

But a marque's heritage alone isn't enough to propel a model into a class of its own. Sometimes popular culture and the media have a hand in deciding what's "cool enough" to be hailed as legendary.

Remember the '70s television hit, 'The Saint' starring Roger Moore? In the cult show he drove a Volvo P1800. What about the Ford Torino driven in 'Starsky And Hutch'? Today, these are two of the most sought-after classic sports cars on the market, and the one thing that Volvo and Ford have to thank for this is television.

And because James Bond is famous for his love for the ladies, Martinis shaken, not stirred, and fast cars, Aston Martin's Vanquish from 'Die Another Day' should be on your Christmas wish list.

"Performance oriented cars generally attain cult/classic status as a matter of course, so you could include the likes of the Subaru Impreza among them as well ? they are all special cars," says Lupini.

Another classic car expert, Len Ward who heads the Crankhandle club in Cape Town, believes that today there are too many cars on the market for any of them to be considered a future classic.

"A lot of the current models are too ordinary, nothing stands out. Even VW?s Golf4 will dissipate into oblivion."

The investment aspect

"Investing in an old car for a quick buck is risky if you don't know the ropes, but buying an old car to enjoy it ? whether via the challenge of restoration or to get involved in the old car (classic) scene ? all can be extremely gratifying and socially rewarding," states Lupini.

But if youre intentions are strictly for investment purposes, he recommends that you watch overseas auction results to get a feel for what is in demand. "BMW M3 or Kadett Superboss will always be in demand, but the normal run of the mill models will essentially retain little value."

He also adds that most cars will drop in value even if they initially demand premiums ? an M5 costing R85 000 off the floor may fetch over R1-million on the market today, but it could slip down in time before likely escalating again in twenty to thirty years time.

"Performance and image in the car's time is vital, while as in the case of Yankee muscle cars ? the original Mustangs, Camaros and the like ? their value is skyrocketing," he says.

What to look out for

Len Ward's personal list of future classics includes the Ferrari Testarossa, BMW Z3 and Z4, Rolls Royce Silver Shadow and the Bentley Arnage.

While Michele Lupini suggests Lamborghinis, Audi S and RS models, Mercedes AMG and even the new Golf GTI, he also advises keen enthusiasts to watch out for the Ford Focus ST and the Opel OPC.

Classic Car Africa magazine, he reckons, is a pretty good place to start ? to find out more about the classic car movement in South Africa and to find an old car that will suit your wants and needs beyond "just a speculative investment".

"If you do it that way, then you will totally enjoy your old car and it will become an object of your lifestyle and before you know it, yes, it will likely become an investment too."

But if you're still confused about what makes a future classic car, or if you plan on investing in one in the future, consider these pointers from Classic Cars Magazine:

1. Does it have a prestige badge?
2. Does it have motorsport pedigree?
3. Is it aesthetically appealing?
4. Is it exclusive, but not to the degree of uniqueness?
5. Was it desirable when it was released?
6. Does it have cultural significance?
7. Does it have design or engineering significance?
8. Does it have driving appeal?
9. Is it good at what it's supposed to do?
10. Is it worth investing time or money in?