What defines a classic car? Something old, something rare, or just something special? While there are a myriad of definitions of the term, some would see it as something that is worth investing in. Something special that’ll get your heart rate up as you start it up on a cold morning. Oftentimes, a person’s perceived value of such cars may draw the ire of some, while others may stand in agreement and admiration. We have compiled a list of what we think are the best future classics in Singapore. Cars that were hot favourites of their time, and adored by many even today.

Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Black Series

Ahh the Mercedes C63 Black Series, Affalterbach’s super coupe, complete with a massive rear wing, obscenely flared arches, and one of the last great naturally-aspirated V8 engines to come out of Mercedes AMG. A reminder of the good old days of free-breathing V8s, before stricter emissions laws and forced induction became the inevitable norm.

The glorious 6.2-litre lump of AMG goodness under the hood produces 510 horsepower and 620Nm of torque. Plenty of power to allow the C63 Black Series to accelerate from 0-100km/h in just 4.2 seconds, on to a top speed of 300km/h. Optionally, you could turn off traction control and look in your rearview as your rear tyres turn to smoke. Mercedes initially intended to build just 650 of these Überschnell coupes, but that number was raised to 800 due to its popularity. All the better for us petrolheads.

Ferrari 430 Scuderia

Ordinarily, I don’t fancy track-focused road cars. You know the sot, stripped out, bare metal surfaces, devoid of leather or refinements. Cars like these are usually overly loud, brash, often too visceral, and most times just plain uncomfortable. But the Ferrari F430 Scuderia is something that doesn’t quite live up to the bad rep that these track-day cars get. You’d appreciate the lack of refinement, and instead, be too focused on the performance

Now, I would’ve loved to put the 458 on this list. It’s a pretty car, marginally more attainable, and as Jeremy Clarkson himself said it, “It really is absolutely, unbelievably, mesmerizingly brilliant.” But I was overruled by my editor when he picked the Scuderia. Much as it pains me, I’ll admit that he’s right. The 430 Scud is a more special vehicle.

(Click HERE to find out why I was overruled)

Yes, it’s loud, but not deafeningly so. It has hooligan-ish tendencies but never oversteps into the boundaries of being unsafe. But start this up on a cold morning, and you’ll get more of a kick than a double shot of espresso.

(Click HERE to find out why I agreed to include the F430 Scuderia)

BMW E90 M3 CRT

The E90-generation BMW M3 was truly in a class of its own. It was the very first M3 in the model’s history to be fitted with a V8 engine, and the only one to do so since. Enter, the M3 Carbon Racing Technology, CRT for short. The M3 CRT was a testbed of sorts for BMW’s carbon fibre technology intended for the brand’s electrified vehicles of the time, the i3 and the i8 hybrid sports car.

The M3 CRT may be a decade old. But unlike cathode-ray tube television sets of yesteryear, this particular bit of kit will stand the test of time. Under the hood is the famed naturally-aspirated BMW V8 out of the BMW M3 GTS. That’s the 4.4-litre V8 motor, which produces 450 horsepower and emits a rather raucous but harmonic roar.

(Click HERE to read about the BMW E90 M3 CRT)

The good old combination of lightweight parts and more power make the CRT a rather unique specimen for BMW M cars of the time. Matter of fact, only 67 were ever built, and 3 examples reside here in Singapore. Think of it as, a remastered M3 sedan. Or an M3 greatest hits. You can be damn sure that this will fit the bill of a classic for decades to come.

Porsche 911 R

The 991-generation of Porsche 911s are superb. Beautifully proportioned, well balanced, modern yet retaining the allure of the classic 911-esque silhouette. Of course, top spec GT3s or 911 Turbos deviate from the simplicity and timeless styling of the “ordinary” 911. In that respect, the 911 R is an amalgamation of the aforementioned top tier models. At a glance, it may appear to be your bog standard 911, albeit with a GT3 inspired front and rear end, twin-exhausts poking out from the middle of the diffuser, and centerlock wheels. All subtle cues that hint at the car’s capabilities.

(Click HERE to read about the Porsche 911 R)

Round back, you’d find the same 4.0-litre flat-six in a 991 GT3 RS. A manual 6-speed gearbox, no massive rear wing, 500 horsepower, 460Nm of torque, and a top speed of 323km/h. This is a car that was designed to appeal to petrolheads for generations.

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

The Mercedes Super Leicht Sport. A mouthful, but a magnificent car. The SLS AMG harks back to the glorious 300SL Gullwing, with the requisite gullwing doors and long bonnet. Despite having its V8 engine mounted up front, the engine is situated aft of the front axle, which makes it a front-mid engine vehicle. Coupled with its double-clutch gearbox mounted in the back and short rear overhangs, the SLS AMG is as well balanced as a canoe, yawing from side to side when you give it a little more throttle than necessary.

(Click HERE to read how the SLS AMG compares to the newer Mercedes-AMG GT S)

The 6.2-litre dry-sumped V8 produces 563 horsepower, one more horsepower than the Ferrari 458 that reigned at the time. These days, you’d be hard-pressed to find one in good nick, or for cheap on used car ads. Plus, you can't deny the theatricality of those gullwing doors.