MODERN COLLECTIBLES: Head-Turning Cars of Today That Could Be Classics of Tomorrow

January 8, 2024
Posted by Barrett-Jackson

LOT #1344 – 2012 MERCEDES-BENZ SLS AMG COUPE – NO RESERVE

Wouldn’t it be nice to look into the future sometimes? In the world of collector cars, it could mean a lot. Consider this: Those Mustangs, Camaros, Challengers, ’Cudas and Shelbys Barrett-Jackson has been selling for years – the cars that now are the sweet spot in the muscle car universe – were once the cars in the company’s parking lot 45 years ago.

While defining a future classic isn’t straightforward, there are certainly factors to consider. Is it a limited-production vehicle? Does it have great performance or a revolutionary design? Perhaps it has a connection with motorsports or has a distinctive appearance and downright good looks.

We’re now seeing hybrid electric drivetrains in performance cars. Who would have thought that a couple of decades ago? The cars of the 2000s could well be the last of the pure petrol-engine cars and, 20 to 30 years from now, we’ll probably still be talking about how amazing these cars were from a driving enthusiast’s perspective.

The 2024 Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction will showcase some exceptional examples of what we’d call “modern collectibles” – some of which are featured here. Chances are pretty good these cars of the 2000s are worth picking up and holding onto right now.

LOT #1344 – 2012 MERCEDES-BENZ SLS AMG COUPE – NO RESERVE Pictured above, this Gullwing is powered by a 6.2-liter naturally aspirated DOHC V8 engine that produces 563hp and 479 ft/lbs of torque. It has AMG Adaptive Suspension and speed-sensitive power steering, with stopping power provided by AMG-branded brake calipers clamping on drilled and slotted rotors. The iconic gullwing doors open to a luxurious leather interior with heated power-adjustable sport seats, Keyless Go, COMAND infotainment and dual-zone automatic climate control. Other features include bi-xenon headlamps and a speed-activated rear aerofoil. Between 2010 and 2014 Mercedes-Benz AMG produced just 1,837 SLS coupes for the U.S. market. This SLS AMG has 6,944 actual miles. LOT #1050 – 2022 DODGE CHALLENGER SRT HELLCAT REDEYE WIDEBODY JAILBREAK – NO RESERVE
Dodge’s Jailbreak process allowed the purchaser to order any combination of interior and exterior colors and configurations. This widebody-equipped Jailbreak was specifically ordered in Pitch Black with a Satin Black top, including the dual-scoop hood, a power sunroof and the trunk lid with a Satin Black SRT performance spoiler. It’s powered by an 807hp supercharged 6.2-liter V8 HEMI engine with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The leather interior includes power-adjustable seats, a Harmon Kardon 18-speaker audio system, an 8.5-inch touchscreen display with GPS navigation, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and a Jailbreak dash badge. This car has 17 actual miles. LOT #1083 – 2023 DODGE CHALLENGER SRT HELLCAT LAST CALL BLACK GHOST EDITION – NO RESERVE
This tribute to the 1970 Triple-Black Dodge Challenger RT/SE HEMI known as “The Black Ghost” that cruised Detroit streets in the 1970s is based on the Hellcat Redeye Widebody. It comes from the factory with the 6.2-liter 807hp engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, gaining 10 additional horsepower over the standard Hellcat Redeye. This Black Ghost is one of 300 built. Options include 6-piston Brembo brakes, Alcantara leather, carbon-fiber interior trim and several retro features, such as Mopar Satin Black hood pins, badging, a rear stripe matching that of the original Black Ghost and the gator-grain-style vinyl roof.

LOT #451 – SEAN “SUGAR” O’MALLEY’S 2021 TESLA MODEL Y – NO RESERVE This 2021 Tesla Model Y was recently owned and driven by “Sugar” Sean O’Malley, the UFC Bantamweight Champion. O’Malley’s unique driver profile is still intact, which includes personalized settings and preferences. O’Malley added an Orange Creamsicle wrap that protects the Pearl White paint of this Model Y. The sale includes a photo of O’Malley with the vehicle, along with a notarized Bill of Sale signed by O’Malley. This car has 29,562 actual miles.

LOT #1304.1 – 2019 CHEVROLET CORVETTE ZR1 CUSTOM HENNESSEY HPE1000 – NO RESERVE
Powered by a 6.2-liter engine with a 2650 Magnuson-supercharged engine paired with an upgraded 8-speed automatic transmission. Serial #01 of 24 produced. May not be emissions compliant in all 50 states.