That headline does not reflect the opinion of the folks who’ve created this fine site.  It’s actually the opinion of celebrity car-guy, Jay Leno.  In a recent article he wrote for Popular Mechanics magazine, he outlines what he believes will be collectible in the future.  In cluded in the list, the comedian and former late night host,  also believes the 1st generation Toyota Prius will be a future collectible.

His thought is that any vehicle deemed as cute, a 1st in it’s industry, interestingly flawed, or a vehicle that captures youthful exuberance, is a candidate for future collectability.  And while I agree with him, I’m not sure I agree with his picks.  Take the Prius for example.  In 25 years, will it be easy to purchase a suitable battery replacement for the huge stack of cell hidden within a Prius?  Will the diagnosis and repair of the complex set of sensors and ecu’s be manageable by a back yard mechanic?  I certainly don’t think so.

I also believe he is missing a whole genre of vehicles that will make for future collectibles, Japanese import tuner cars.  Just as the Model T served as the basis for the hot rod youth culture of the 50’s, the Honda Civic and Acura Integra filled the same role in the 90’s and 00’s.  In 20 years, 40-50 year old former import tuners will be financed properly to live out the childhood they never had.  They will be seeking out Honda’s, Toyota’s, and Nissan’s.  They will be searching out the rare trim levels, the Si’s, the Sti’s, the Type R’s.  They will want the cars they couldn’t afford in their youth like the NSX, the Skyline, and the Supra.  Or maybe I’m completely wrong and I’ll be the only one looking for these cars?

Link to the Popular Mechanics article

http://www.popularmechanics.com/automotive/jay_leno_garage/4312877.html