Those that say cars are a depreciating asset should know to appreciate these Blue Chip and Blue Collar bad boys that will likely be future (if not already modern-day) classics
Words by Karan Karayi
They say you shouldn’t invest with your heart. But in the automotive world, the heart is often the smartest analyst. As the era of pure internal combustion draws to a close, these six modern legends offer not just driving joy today, but the promise of becoming sought-after collectibles tomorrow.
For the true enthusiast, a car is never just a depreciating asset. It is a time capsule of engineering; a peculiar flavour of mechanical soul that, once gone, cannot be replicated by computerized replacements. These six cars represent the “last of their kind”: machines that prioritized character over compliance and moved your soul as much as it did you.
The Unicorn: Volkswagen Polo GTI (3-Door)
A pure distillation of the spirit of the “Hot Hatch”
In 2016, Volkswagen did something wonderfully irrational: they brought the 3-door Polo GTI to India in a limited run of just 99 units. With a 1.8-litre TSI engine putting out 189 bhp and a 7-speed DSG gearbox, it was a rocket ship in a tea cup.
As a 3-door hatchback in a 5-door market, it instantly took on the status of a unicorn for those who knew less was more. As emission norms tighten, a sub-4-meter car with a 1.8L engine is almost a regulatory impossibility today. It is rare, it is fast, and it has the badge cachet to command a premium at auction houses in 2035. If you keep an eye, you’ll already see owners quoting crazy prices for it on online forums.
The idea: Buy it for the exclusivity; keep it for the sheer absurdity of its power-to-weight ratio.
The Cult Icon: Skoda Octavia RS 245
The everyday performance sedan for the Indian family man who refuses to grow up
While the regular Octavia is a sensible executive saloon, the RS 245 (launched in 2020) is its evil twin.
It wasn’t just a “sticker job”; it featured a proper mechanical limited-slip differential (vRS Mode), 242 bhp, and a chassis that begged to be thrown into corners. And it’s not half-bad looking either.
The RS 245 was part of the wave of “last hurrahs” of pure internal combustion performance sedans before hybrids took over. Little wonder why it has a rabid cult following in India. And unlike luxury German marques that depreciate like falling stones, the RS holds its value because of its rarity and huge mod potential that could give many a blue-eyed boy a bloodied nose.
The idea: Look for stock examples. The tuning community loves these, but a pristine, unmodified RS 245 will be the gold standard for collectors.
Meet The Muscle: Ford Endeavour 3.2L
America’s brute in a suite is still loved long after Ford left the centerstage
Before Ford’s exit left a hole in the Indian market, the Endeavour 3.2-litre diesel was the undisputed king of torque. It rumbled on and set many an auto enthusiast’s heart aflutter. With a 5-cylinder engine (a rare configuration) pushing out 470 Nm of torque, it felt like driving a tank dressed in a tuxedo.
The 3.2L engine was a victim of downsizing even before Ford left. You simply cannot buy a mass-market SUV with a 3.2-litre 5-cylinder engine anymore. Ford’s departure has, paradoxically, cemented its status. It is now “forbidden fruit”—a reminder of an era when displacement was the only replacement.
The idea: A low-mileage 3.2 Titanium+ is extremely hard to find, but even well-run examples are being coveted over younger contemporaries. It is an asset class of one.
The Pocket Rocket: Fiat Abarth Punto
Flawed, ergonomic Italian eccentricity, but a heart of pure gold
The Abarth Punto was an ergonomic disaster; the driving position was odd, and the gear throw was long. But none of that mattered when the turbo spooled. It was the first affordable car in India to crack the 10-second 0-100 km/h barrier, bringing 145 bhp to the masses.
It represents the spirit of “Italian passion” that is now absent from the affordable segment. It was a car built for drivers, not commuters. With Fiat gone, the Abarth Punto is the last tangible piece of that legacy. It is raw, mechanical, and analog in a way modern cars are simply not.
The idea: Prices are currently at their bottom. It is an accessible entry point into classic ownership that offers maximum smiles per mile.
The Collector’s Edition: Mahindra Thar 700 “Signature Edition”
The final, numbered salute to the original Indian off-roader
In 2019, just before the new-generation Thar arrived to polish the brand’s image, Mahindra released a “final edition” of the old-school CRDe Thar.
Known as the “Thar 700,” it was limited to (you guessed it) exactly 700 units. It featured unique decals, specific alloy wheels, and most importantly, a badge on the fender bearing the signature of Anand Mahindra.
While the new Thar is a better car in almost every way, the Thar 700 is a better collectible. It marks the definitive end of an era. It represents the last of the raw, mechanical, wind-in-your-hair Jeeps that built the Mahindra legacy. Its value lies in its scarcity and its story.
The idea: Verify the plaque number. A genuine Thar 700 is a rare piece of Indian automotive history.
The Last ///Mohican: 2025 BMW M2
The swansong of the compact, rear-wheel-drive manual coupe is loud and proud
In a world rapidly moving toward electrification and automatic gearboxes, the 2025 BMW M2 stands as a defiant, glorious anachronism. It adheres to the sacred formula that built the M division’s reputation: a potent 3.0-litre twin-turbo inline-six engine (the S58) at the front, power sent exclusively to the rear wheels, and (crucially) a 6-speed manual transmission available as an option. With 473 bhp on tap, it is a statement of intent.
The M2 is widely acknowledged as the “Last of the Mohicans”. It is likely the final non-hybrid, manual M car BMW will ever produce. While its larger siblings (the M3 and M4) have grown in size and complexity, the M2 retains the compact, punchy dimensions that recall the legendary E30 M3, E46 M3, and the 1M Coupe. It is an “instant classic” the moment it leaves the showroom floor.
The idea: The manual will go down as an all-timer, even if the automatic is faster. Keep it stock, drive it hard, and never sell it.
- The Analog Detox. A travel feature on the new wave of ultra-luxury, “undiscoverable” resorts where the ultimate amenity is being completely disconnected—no Wi-Fi, no tracking, and a focus on restorative, human-led experiences.
- Future Classic. For the high-achieving collector, we profile five modern automobiles that combine cutting-edge performance with a timeless, analog driving feel that will ensure their value for decades.
