8 Luxury Sports Cars From The 2000s That Could Become Future Classic Cars

When looking at classic cars, more and more people tend to go for the 2000s cars. This is when sportscar manufacturers became braver and tried new things. it is safe to say this era of cars is the bridge between old-school and modern. Sure, it is the time when car manufacturers started experimenting with automated manuals that featured F1-inspired paddle shifters, but it is also the period of some of the last analogue performance cars. While some 2000s cars have not aged as well as others, the vast majority are definitive for their era.

Coupling that with exclusivity and badge heritage gives you all the proper ingredients for future classic cars. The below-mentioned vehicles combined badge heritage, exclusivity, and performance. The best part is, most of these modern classic cars are still relatively affordable. Maintaining them is another thing entirely and you are taking a risk if buying one of these, especially if service records are not available. These luxury barges may not be as athletic as some of the upcoming Japanese sports cars, but these 2000s cars have the badge and the style.

Mercedes SL (R230) 

The SL has been one of Mercedes-Benz’s most iconic models for over half a century. The current R232 generation is the first SL developed by AMG. That said, the SL R230 is considered the last old-school Mercedes SL. Succeeding the iconic R129, the Mercedes R230 features an all-new design, but retains some of the iconic old powertrains.

The R230 Mercedes SL is more of luxury cruiser than an athletic sports car, but it still packs potent V-6, V-8, and V-12 engines. Most engines are reliable, although the M272 V-6 on Phase 2 models can suffer from worn-out piston rings. If left unchecked, this may lead to a complete engine overhaul. V-8 models, especially the SL500 and SL55 AMG, seem to be the most popular options as they are the perfect middle ground between reliability, cost of maintenance, and performance. 

Jaguar XKR (X100) 

The first-generation Jaguar XKR, internally dubbed the X100, is the last Jaguar sports car to feature the old platform, known from the 1970s. As future classic cars go, the X100 Jaguar XKR is already a popular option. We are particularly talking about the supercharged variants, which pack more power and give the British grand tourer the ability to cover great distances at great pace.

The XKR came out in 1999 – two years after the base XK came out. Models produced in 2002 to 2006 featured a more powerful engine and a new, ZF automatic instead of the Mercedes-derived 5G Tronic. Things to look out on the X100 Jaguar XKR are thermostats and water pump failures, which may cause overheating as well as the plastic timing chain tensioners that may become brittle with age. 

Aston Martin DB7 

The Aston Martin DB7 is in many ways a child of the 1990s, but some of its tech dates back to the 1970s. Like the Jaguar X100, the DB7 used a modified version of the 1970s Jaguar XJ-S chassis. Actually, the DB7 used plenty of Jaguar, Ford, and Mazda parts, and was internally dubbed the XK Project. If you look beyond the Mazda 323 F taillights and Ford buttons on the dashboard, you are getting one luxury grand tourer, limited to 7,000 units produced.

You can go for the AJ6 supercharged inline-six engine or the iconic Aston Martin V-12, which was based on two Ford V-6 Duratec engines. The larger engine is mated to better transmissions – a ZF automatic or a Tremec T56 – which is another reason to go for it.

As far as modern classic cars go, the DB7 is one of the more exclusive ones. Some known issues are related to the GM four-speed automatic, found on the base engine. These include vibration of the torque-converter cover and failing high-pressure oil pump. Aside from that, DB7 owners claim the British grand tourer is easy to work on and a great long-term investment if you are after future classic cars. If you are willing to spend more on the highly exclusive DB7 Zagato or AR1 variants, you are getting one of the most collectible DB7s ever produced

BMW M6 (E63/E64) 

Few 2000s cars are as defining of their era as the BMW M6. The German luxury coupe is a top contender to become one of the future classic cars mainly due to its powerplant. Its S85 engine is derived from Formula 1, but heavily adapted for road use, and is the same one powering the M5 E60/E61. The engine, alone, makes M6 one of the most desired future classic cars, but its grand touring capabilities are nearly as impressive.

With adaptive suspension and a cosy, yet driver-focused cabin, the BMW M6 V-10 is equally enjoyed on a twisty course and a long-distance cruise. The main thing here is to service the rod bearings if there is no proof of maintenance. Other S85 problems related to faulty throttle actuators, cracked fuel rails, faulty thermostats (they typically fail in an open position), idle actuators, various sensors, and CCV valves. 

Bentley Continental GT 

The first-generation Bentley Continental GT is also the first Bentley car developed under Volkswagen ownership. The big grand tourer screams opulence, elegance, and excess. It’s big, packed with tech, and has a behemoth of an engine. The 6.0-liter W-12 unit is derived from the VAG group’s flagship models but has been reworked to make more power in the Bentley. Later models also offer a V-8 engine, but the W-12 is the one that would become a true classic. Just be aware that what looks like a bargain may quickly bankrupt you.

These cars require meticulous maintenance. The W-12 generates a lot of heat and if not properly taken care of can overheat, develop leaks, or problems with the turbochargers. The plethora of electronics is also prone to failure. Many reports have been about faulty steering-angle sensors, door control modules, and more. A well-maintained Bentley Continental GT can be one the best modern classic cars you could buy and a luxury GT in the truest sense. If you are a true “Bentley boy”, you could opt for one of the more high-performance variants like the GT Speed or the Supersport, but those would set you back even more.

Mercedes CL (C215) 

If you want something with a German barge that screams 2000s luxury V-8/ V-12 barge, the Mercedes CL (C215) is a perfect choice. You have Mercedes’ distinctive, 2000s design as well as some of the brand’s greatest engines. The CL500 is your entryway, featuring the bulletproof M113 V-8 engine. Mercedes Benz models equipped with this engine are currently some of the most sought-after due to the powertrain’s relative simplicity and reliability.  

The CL55 AMG features a supercharged variant of the same engine while the CL600 and CL65 come with two different variants of the M275 V-12. Regardless of which engine you choose there are common problems with the C215, including ignition coils, cooling issues, ECU failure, ABC suspension leaks, oil cooler failure, transmission speed sensor failure, and more. Now that these cars are 20-plus years old, the Mercedes C215’s common issues have been widely discussed in forums. Know that while still relatively attainable, this is one of the most popular future classic cars in the luxury sports segment, and people already know it. The C215 may not be as attainable as it is at the moment.

Maserati 4200 GT/ GranSport/ Coupe 

Maserati’s V-8 grand touring models have been largely overlooked on the used market, but the 4200 GT has all it takes to be a future classic. The 4200 GT/ Coupe was what the 3200 GT should have always been. It came with a better engine – an F136 Ferrari, cross-plane V-8 – better gearbox, and better suspension. There is also a Spyder variant, which came out a year earlier and is 220 mm shorter than the Coupe.

In 2005, the GranSport name was attached to the model. It was the same car, but with slightly more power, retuned suspension, and tweaked aerodynamics. A total of 13,423 Maserati 4200 GT were produced. At the same time, the Ferrari-derived V-8 has proven to be one of the more reliable Italian powertrains. Some common Maserati Coupe issues concern the leather headliner, F1 transmission pump (or pump fuse), clutch pack (can randomly go in neutral), dash lights/ errors due to low battery voltage. 

Aston Martin V-12 Vanquish 

The first-generation Aston Martin V-12 Vanquish is an all-time classic. Known for its role in the James Bond movies, more specifically “Die Another Day”, its stunning design, and its normally-aspirated V-12, this British sports car is substantial in every way. In typical Aston Martin tradition, the V-12 Vanquish is hand-built. Between 2001 and 2007, a total of 2,578 cars were built. Of those, 1,492 are the regular Vanquish and 1,086 are the Vanquish S.

Given the limited production numbers, the original V-12 Vanquis is a true rarity, and manual swaps are only raising the prices more. The normally-aspirated V-12 is no longer available as it is replaced by a smaller twin-turbocharged equivalent. Keep in mind that, like all the other future classic cars on the list, this is far from being one of the most fuel-efficient sports cars. When new, these cars cost £160,000 (£287,000 in 2025 money), which is still far more than the current average – £65,837 (Classic.com), but some examples go for way more. Manual examples are particularly sought-after, so some companies have dedicated their efforts to converting automatic models to manual.