Top 10 Future American Collector Cars

Finally, a Commemorative Edition package was offered in 2004, and made available on all Corvette models.


Plus: For the combination of low build count (2,026), and high performance (405 hp), the 2004 Commemorative Edition ZO6 may be the pick of the litter. Adding to their cool factor, the ZO6 Commemoratives had an exclusive, carbon fiber hood.


Minus: As with any hi-po car, you're buying the owner as much as the automobile. Find a fussbudget. They may be a pain to deal with, but you're more likely to score a pristine car.

2000-2007 Dodge Viper

Viper's story is worthy of a Hollywood script. It was a concept car, never intended for production. But, such was the howl from those who saw it on the show circuit that Dodge decided they had to build it. Viper is a throwback: the combination of brute force in a barely civilized wrapper is both its main draw and principal fault. Production has always been low, which helps insure future value. Post-2003 cars are easier to live with. They have a few more concessions to civilization (a functional convertible top, roll-up windows), while still sharing the white knuckle driving characteristics of other Vipers.


Plus: Awe-inspiring performance cars and irresistible head turners.


Minus: Far from a relaxing ride, Viper requires an active driver. This is not a car for the faint of heart.

2007 Cadillac XLR-V

Put a hand-built, supercharged V-8 in an agile, supple chassis. Fill the cabin with prime cuts of leather, exotic wood and a boatload of creature comforts. Wrap the package in an edgy, convertible body. That's the formula behind the Cadillac XLR-V, and the $100,000 sticker price should assure that the exclusive roadster stays exclusive.


Plus: A reeeeally fine combination of luxury and performance, and likely to be one of the least seen cars on this list.


Minus: Rarely seen means hard to find. And, if you do, most of the ways to afford one will get you 10 years in the pen, if they catch you.

2006 Ford GT

In the Sixties, Ford burnished its brand with a string of racing victories at the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans. The 2002 GT40 concept car honored that heritage. Like Viper, the Ford concept was so well received on the show circuit that a production version soon followed. The body is a full-on homage to the '60s competition legend. Beneath the retro form, though, is a modern supercar. The supercharged, 505 horsepower GT can hit 60 mph from a standstill in 3.3 seconds, with a blistering top speed of 205 mph. Over its 2-year lifespan, some 4,000 were built.


Plus: Pricey ($140,000+) when new, and not getting much cheaper, any time soon. But, if you can catch up to one, it's an instant classic.


Minus: Helmet use should be mandatory, but not just for driving. Try getting in and out of a GT without smashing your head against the World's Largest Door tops.

2006 Chevy SSR

SSR was a cool concept, and just different enough that it might've spawned a cult following. A retro-styled pickup with a retractable hardtop roof, SSR's fatal flaws were being underpowered and overpriced at the outset. The former was fixed in the last two production years—too late to change its fate. SSR's price condemned it to compete with every 40-$omething, two seater in the marketplace—a payload that proved too heavy for the cool Chevy.


Plus: Early year Signature series are the most rare, but were underwhelming performers. The final year models (2006) were the most fun to drive. The LS2 motor made 400 hp when linked to a 6-speed stick; a strong powertrain with a great, V-8 rumble.


Minus: Dentistry bills. This truck has some big time cowl shake.

2000-2007 SRT Cars

The in-house, Mopar hot rod guys have spun out a parking lot's worth of tuner versions over this period. Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep models have all been given the once-over. The picks of the pack were the Mangum SRT8, 300C SRT8, Ram SRT10, Charger SRT8 and Neon SRT4. Less successful: Crossfire SRT6 and Grand Cherokee SRT8.


Plus: All the picks are a fast, a blast to drive, and none were made in large numbers.


Minus: Relative affordability makes them prime candidates for abuse. Buyer beware.