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Here’s what the judges will be looking for

Head judge Andy Reid will be looking to check some specific boxes before a car takes home the top honors at the upcoming Future Classic Car Show.

“I’m looking for, ideally, really great examples that are largely original of what we would call important cars of the more modern area,” he said. “Not a (Toyota) Camry.”

Reid said he and other judges wouldn’t be put off by cars with a lot of miles on the odometer. In fact, an oft-driven car could be a good thing.

“If it has 400,00 miles and it’s in extraordinary shape, all the better,” he said. “If it’s got 400,000 miles and it’s in extraordinary shape and it’s all-original … better yet.”

But originality won’t be the only determining factor in the judging process. Reid said the car’s story will play a part.

“The story is almost as important as the car,” he said. “Say we’ve got two equal third-generation Supras, right? They’re both equally quality cars and some guy just bought his at auction for $56,000 and the other guy bought his — it was a little rough — and he painted and stuff like that himself and he told us that story.

“They’re still equal cars but his story is going to make his car win over the other,” the head judge said, adding that the story has determined show winners in the past.

Reid also pointed out that modified cars aren’t automatically out of the running. He said changes that would, for example, create a car only sold overseas could be in the final conversation.

Still, those modifying their cars are urged to bring build sheets, photos or other documentation with them to demonstrate the car stands out from the crowd.

“If you’ve got documentation for the car and how you built it — whatever you did — bring it with you,” Reid said. “We’ll go over it. We’d love to see it.”

Though full tuners are unlikely to be considered, the build quality can change everything. A heavily modified 1998 Toyota Supra won the top prize last year.

Reid will oversee a group of judges, a few of whom have experience working at some of the world’s best car shows. He wants to re-create those experiences at the Future Classic Car Show.

“What I love to do is treat our Future Classic guys like the people are treated at Pebble Beach or Amelia Island, where it’s like, ‘Hey, don’t just tell us one-owner. Walk us around it. Tell the story. Do the whole thing’,” Reid said.

The final suggestion Reid offered seems to be simple: “Clean your car, and don’t just take it to a car wash,” adding that “clean” includes a full cleaning of the engine compartment and interior.

The fourth annual show will be held on January 13 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Scottsdale Quarter in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Upcoming show features vehicles from mid-‘70s to latest models

The upcoming Future Classic Car Show is about bringing together car lovers of all ages, the head of the company behind the event said.

“As we’re trying to introduce the younger folks to the collector car industry and hobby, we’re also trying to educate our existing classic car folks into what’s coming up next,” ClassicCars.com president and chief executive Roger Falcione said in explaining why his company stages the show each year.

He said past attendees have found a lot of common ground.

“What we’ve found is when a traditionalist sees the kind of passion these new folks have, it’s unbelievable,” Falcione said. “Guess who they see? Themselves. They see themselves at that age, so I think it’s a real eye-opener for them.”

The Future Classic Car Show is scheduled for January 13 — the start of Arizona Auction Week — at the Scottsdale Quarter parking garage in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Hundreds of cars made later than the 1975 model year will fill the four floors of the garage. Falcione said the top floor, which boasts beautiful views of the Phoenix and Scottsdale area, will have showcase between 65 and 70 cars hand-selected top entries.

“Seeing the cars is pretty exciting,” he said. “The cars are just spectacular.” But Falcione said his favorite part of the show is watching the interaction between young and old car lovers.

“When the old folks come around, the young guys love explaining what they’re doing and, guess what? They’re hearing a story about something they did 15 or 20 years ago,” he said. “When I hear that, I just feel awesome.”

This will be the fourth consecutive year of the show. Thousands of people are expected to attend, especially as the show will be hosted on a weekend for the first time. The previous three were held on a Monday night, which made attendance difficult for some. Falcione said he hopes the Sunday show make it easier on them.

“It’s going to be easier for people to bring their cars, easier for families to come,” he said.

While there will be cars dating to the mid-1970s, Falcione said attendees should expect a younger vibe at the show.

“If you go to a traditional classic car show, you might hear background music from the ‘50s, maybe going into the ‘60s,” he said. “This has got a pulse. We have DJ playing some more modern music. It’s a younger crowd.

“It’s got some energy to it.”

Falcione expects the Future Classic Car Show and other similar events to grow in popularity as more Gen Xers and millennials enter the hobby.

“Every year, there’s a little more interest, a little more energy behind it and so forth and I think it’s finally culminated into a movement and I think we’re right at the cusp of this right now,” he said. “There’s no question about it.”

Hagerty statistics indicate demographic shift during 2018

Fifty-five years after Bob Dylan sang that “the times they are a changin’,” Hagerty reports that during 2018 it has received more requests for classic car insurance quotes and more vehicle valuation requests from Gen Xers and Millennials than from Baby Boomers.

“This shift was inevitable given the combined size of these generations,” McKeel Hagerty, chief executive of the family owned insurance and valuation-tracking company, was quoted in the company’s news release.

“We say ‘welcome to the club’,” Hagerty added. “It’s great to see that younger generations are just as crazy about cars as their parents and grandparents.”

By the way, McKeel Hagerty is himself an Xer and part of that demographic shift.

“In the classic vehicle world, 2018 will be remembered as the year that younger car lovers took their share of the wheel from older generations,” the news release stated.

While the Xer/Millennial margin is only 53-47, “Given current trends, millennials, who comprise the nation’s largest generation, will become the hobby’s single largest group within five years,” the release continued.

A company spokesman said the shift became evident in September 2017 and has continued to build since then to the point that Hagerty could make its pronouncement.

However, not only have Xers and Millennials surpassed Boomers in the volume of requests and purchases, but overall requests in 2018 grew by 17 percent compared with 2017 figures, Hagerty statistics show, “indicating a healthy market and continuing interest in cars and driving across generations,” according to Hagerty analyst John Wiley.

While the demographic shift is good for the collector car hobby overall, the Hagerty research indicates that younger buyers may have different tastes than Boomers.

Wiley noted that first-generation Ford Mustangs, Chevrolet Camaros and 1960s Chevrolet Corvettes are the most popular vehicles across all three demographic groups.

“Everyone loves late ’60s cars,” he said. “They just have that allure.”

However, “trucks and SUVs are proving to have strong appeal to younger buyers,” Hagerty’s news release noted. “The 1973-87 C/K Series Chevrolet pickup, for instance, is the second most popular among millennials and fifth most popular among Gen Xers. Gen Xers and millennials are 35 percent more likely to be interested in a truck or SUV compared to pre-boomers and boomers.”

“Vintage pickups offer a very affordable way into the hobby for a lot of collectors so it makes sense that as you move from older to younger enthusiasts you see pickups move up the list in popularity,” said Wiley.

And while American vehicles are most popular with all generations, “millennials, in particular, have a soft spot for Japanese cars,” the Hagerty statistics show. The company adding that millennials are four times more likely than boomers to seek information about cars produced in Japan. Meanwhile, the company noted, “German cars remain popular across generations.”

Show will coincide with Scottsdale Auction Week

ClassicCars.com will host the fourth annual Future Classic Car Show next month, it was announced Monday.

As in years past, the show will coincide with Scottsdale Auction Week, during which thousands of people pour into Scottsdale, Arizona, as some of the top collector car auction houses host sales.

The 2019 Future Classic Car Show will be held on Sunday, January 13. The show begins at 1 p.m. at the Scottsdale Quarter. A roll-in will begin at 11 a.m.

Awards will be given at 4:30 p.m. and the show wraps up at 5 p.m.

Entries will be limited to 65 cars. Participants can register their vehicles online for a $20 fee. Registration will close Dec. 21 at midnight MST.

There is no cost to attend the event for spectators, who can sign up for tickets online.

The show is open to all cars produced no earlier than the 1975 model year. Prizes will be awarded for best of show; best modified vehicle; best vehicle made between 1975 and 1985; best vehicle made between 1986 and 1995; best vehicle made between 1996 and 2005; and best vehicle made between 2006 and 2019.

A spectators’-favorite prize awarded by popular vote will also be given.

ClassicCars.com contributing editor Andy Reid will return as head judge. Special guest judges will be announced at a later date.

The 2018 Future Classic Car Show was the biggest one ever!

More than 150 cars were showcased on four floors of the Scottsdale Quarter parking garage. Only a lucky few took home awards, like Best in Show and Best of the decade, but everyone involved got the chance to express their passion for future classics.

Kicking Off Arizona Auction Week, The ClassicCars.com Event Presented by Gateway Classic Cars Assembled the Next Generation of Collectible American, Japanese and European Vehicles with everything from Toyota Starlets to GMC Syclones on site.

Amidst a competitive field of 163 domestics, imports and European models, a 1998 Toyota Supra was named “Best in Show” at the 3rd Annual Future Classic Show presented by ClassicCars.com and Gateway Classic Cars. Kicking off Arizona Collector Car Week, The Future Classics Car Show employs Concours-level judges, offering their expert opinions on meticulously conditioned vehicles in six categories, along with the overall “Best of Show” top honors. By popular demand, a new award was introduced this year – Best Modification.

Held under the picturesque Arizona skyline on the rooftop of the Scottsdale Quarter shopping district, the Future Classic Car Show featured vehicles from model years 1975 through 2018. Guests were offered a first-hand look at both stock and tuned Toyotas, BMWs, Lamborghinis, Mazdas, Hondas, Fords, Chevys, Mopars and more.

From a crowded field of entrants, the ’98 Supra was selected “because it was the most understated, heavily customized car I have ever seen,’ explained ClassicCars.com’s East Coast Editor and Analyst Andy Reid. “It exemplified all a Future Classic is supposed to be. Though it is modified, it’s been done at a level of expertise that we’d normally see through a dealer. This attention to detail exemplifies the passion of its owner, who loved the car so much, he actually bought it back from an enthusiast that he’d sold it to previously.”

In addition to the Supra winning “Best in Show” honors, “Future Classics” category winners included:

Best of the Decade 1975-1986: 1981 Toyota Starlet
Best of the Decade 1986-1996: 1991 GMC Syclone
Best of the Decade 1996-2006: 2003 Mitsubishi Evo
Best of Decade 2006-2018: 2015 Corvette Grand Sport
Best Original Vehicle: 1978 Corvette
Best Modified Vehicle: 2008 Acura RSX Type S
Fan Favorite: 1977 Toyota Celica


“Historically, Arizona Auction Week has catered to a more mature audience that is focused on traditional, pre-72 classic cars,” said Roger Falcione, CEO of ClasicCars.com. “The point of our event is to make enough people in the collector hobby feel that they have ownership, and expose traditional collectors to the passion and enthusiasm that a younger audience feels for these newer models. This year’s show exemplified how diverse this new sector of the hobby truly is, from a period-correct Toyota Starlet to a first-generation Corvette ZR-1 to an entire row of R35 Skylines and BMW M cars.”

The event is sponsored by Gateway Classic Hagerty classic vehicle insurance, Classic Auto Logistics and the Universal Technical Institute, which is training tomorrow’s automotive technicians and restorers.

Make a difference in the lives of children by supporting the adaptive bike and wheelchair programs at Shriners Hospitals for Children.

Shriners Hospitals for Children and ClassicCars.com have formed a partnership that will provide children with physical disabilities with their first set of wheels.

The wheelchair, seating and mobility program at Shriners Hospitals has helped children with physical challenges increase their mobility through high-tech tools and advanced physical therapy techniques.

The #WheelsforLove campaign is a fundraiser to provide adaptive bikes to children with mobility issues so they can continue their therapy at home, and give them a chance to experience that sense of freedom that comes with riding a bike. It’s a feeling that all kids crave.

“Our company slogan is ‘drive your dream’. Most people think that means driving your dream car, but our passion is for the dreams that drive us, and that’s where Shiners and ClasssicCars.com intersect.” said Roger Falcione, ClassicCars.com Chief Executive, “We’re proud to be their partners in helping children and their families drive their dreams of living healthy, fulfilling lives.”

Make a difference in the lives of children by supporting the adaptive bike and wheelchair programs at Shriners Hospitals for Children.

Donate today! And join the conversation on Twitter with #wheelsforlove.

A collector car show for model year 1975 to the present, the Scottsdale event focuses on what's ahead.

A new generation of car collectors is making its presence known, and the cars it cherishes and desires are the ones it focused on in the late-1970s and into the ’80s and ’90s. It’s the natural progression of collector vehicles, seen before when the baby boomers took charge and the muscle cars, Corvettes, street rods and European sports cars they covet became regular fare at auctions and car shows.

Looking ahead, the millennial crowd has a penchant for Japanese, European and American muscle cars of their era, and those will be well-represented during the third annual Future Classic Car Show, to be held Monday, January 15, on the two top levels of a parking garage in the Scottsdale Quarter at the start of Arizona Auction Week.

Sponsored by ClassicCars.com and Gateway Classic Cars, the Future Classics show is an unusual event in that it focuses on cars produced since 1975, with a strong contingent of Japanese performance tuners and all-out race cars, and custom Europeans. More than 150 of them, ranging up to the latest exotics, are expected for the colorful event, which is designed to attract younger enthusiasts into the hobby.

While few Japanese cars generally are seen at collector car auctions, aside from the occasional Toyota 2000GT, Mazda Cosmo or pristine Datsun 240Z, the new collectors celebrate the entire run of cars from the Land of the Rising Sun, from the hottest sports models to the simplest economy cars.

Joe Haven of Glendale, Arizona, is one of those hobbyists with a penchant for old-school Japanese cars. The custom ride of his choice is 1978 Toyota Cressida that he’s transformed from a fairly routine family sedan into a fast tuner loaded with eye appeal.

Haven’s attractive gold-colored sedan has been radically lowered on coilover springs and fat chrome wheels and tires. The custom work provides an entirely new look for the Toyota while working with the styling features that attracted Haven to this particular model.

"I've always liked the way the first-gen Cressida's looked," Haven said. "Originally, I just wanted something cool to drive around town."

But as time went by, more custom features were added, he said, such as the lowered suspension and wheels, a rear axle from a Toyota Supra sports coupe and the front end from a Nissan 240SX.

Then the custom urge totally took over, and the Cressida was gradually turned into a showpiece. Under the hood, Haven fitted a custom-built Toyota DOHC straight-six engine fed by a Garrett turbocharger, which he says dyno’d out to 535 horsepower. So no, this is not your father’s Cressida.

The manual transmission is from a Nissan 350Z; Haven is partners in a company that produces adapter plates for custom engine/350Z transmission installations. The Cressida was professionally rewired from front to back, Haven said. He applied the custom paint over bare metal.

"I never really intended to make it as nice as it is," Haven said. "I just wanted something fun to drive, but once I started taking it apart, it just kind of happened."

Future classics showgoers will have the chance to judge for themselves on Monday.

Another featured appearance at the show will be that of a young woman who has made a name for herself in national racing circles. Sally McNulty, who drives for Team Snail Performance, competes on a national level in the Global Time Attack series. She runs in the Street AWD class, driving a tricked-out 20o7 Subaru WRX.

"I got into motorsports about seven years ago when a friend asked me to attend a track day at the local road course race track," McNulty said. "Even though I had a Chevy Cobalt at the time, I had an absolute blast and was hooked from then on.

"Well, flash forward to today and now I have a fully built race car and compete on a national level. If someone would have told me that several years ago, I would have told you that you are crazy. I am very passionate about my sport and I don’t see that changing anytime soon.

"Over the few years I have been competing, I have had 16 podium finishes," she added. "Just recently I had a podium finish at the largest Time Attack event in the United States, called Super Lap Battle, which was a goal of mine that I have been working at for three years."

McNulty's WRX has been fully worked over, with a built 2.5-liter turbo four with custom headwork from IAG Performance. It has a 20g turbocharger with a front-mount intercooler by Cobb Tuning, and is set up to run on Ignite E85.

"It has full suspension work from coilovers to sway bars and solid bushings in the rear," McNulty said. "It also features a 4-point bolt-in cage and racing seats. Also, custom front splitter for downforce and chassis mounted rear wing.

"There is a ton more, but there are the basics."

McNulty’s WRX should inspire some of the tuners at the Future Classics show to apply the same kind of workmanship to their street machines. McNulty said she also wants to inspire young women to take up racing.

"I want to show other females that racing isn't just a man’s sport or even having an interest in cars isn't just for men, but for everyone,” she said. “No one comes into the ring swinging, everyone has to start somewhere. I hope that I can inspire someone to take that step and not be afraid.”

The Future Classics Car Show runs from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday in the top-two floors of the parking garage at 15037 Scottsdale Road, adjacent to the Herman Miller furniture store.

Entrants will be competing for awards in five categories:

• Best In Show
• 1975-1994 (Import, Domestic, Euro)
• 1955-2005 (Import, Domestic, Euro)
• Instant Classic 2006-2018 (Import, Domestic, Euro)
• Best Modification

Attendees will be able to pick the Fan Favorite by submitting raffle tickets. Spectators also will get the opportunity to learn more about the up-and-coming collector cars that fuel a new generation’s passion.

~ Written by Bob Golfen

Come pick up some Hoonigan apparel and see their epic creations up close at the 2018 Future Classic Car Show. Hoonigan \ hoon-i-gan \ noun Definition: A person who operates a motor vehicle in an aggressive and unorthodox manner, consisting of, but not limited to drifting, burnouts, doughnuts as well as automotive aeronautics. One who hoons.

The term is actually a mash-up of “hooligan” and “hoon”–Australian slang for aggressive motorists.

As hoonigan stunt driving gained popularity with the “Fast and the Furious” generation, the term broke into the mainstream, but it was DC Shoes Co-Founder Ken Block and 0-60 Magazine Editor-in-Chief Brian Scotto who turned it into a lifestyle.

The Hoonigan brand has thrived since its establishment in 2011 by “creating authentic products for the rebellious gear head”. Their product and apparel lines capture the essence of car enthusiasts who are in it for the thrills. Whether that’s tuning up cars to ludicrous levels or testing their flying capabilities.

Hoonigan’s commitment to the lifestyle is apparent on their YouTube channel (they perform these stunts on their private course, not in public. We do not promote reckless driving!)

Come pick up some Hoonigan apparel and see their epic creations up close at the 2018 Future Classic Car Show on January 15 at Scottsdale Quarter from 5 PM-8 PM.

The 3rd annual Future Classic Car Show is less than a week away, so we thought now would be a good time to answer the most frequently asked questions about the event.

What is the Future Classic Car Show?
The Future Classic Car Show is a night dedicated to cars manufactured post-1975 through today. The show features a wide range of vehicles, from beautifully maintained 1975 vehicles to modern, souped-up racers. The show was created to bring together generations of car lovers. It’s a chance for veteran collectors and young enthusiasts to share their passion, expand their knowledge and grow their community.

Where is it?
Scottsdale Quarter – 15037 N Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, Arizona 85254
(East Garage next to Herman Miller)

When is it?
Monday, January 15, beginning at 5 p.m. and ending at 8 p.m.

What’s the price of admission?
Not a penny. This is a free car show, one of the few such automotive events in Scottsdale during Arizona Auction Week.

Can I bring my kids?
Of course! This is one car show created with youngsters in mind. We hope they get excited about the impressive cars on display, but we’re also bringing in a live DJ and Game Trucks R Us will roll up with their mobile arcade of racing games.

Will there be food?
Grimaldi’s Pizzeria will be taking orders at the show and making deliveries from their location across the street. A designated eating area with chairs, tables and space heaters will be provided so you can enjoy your dinner in comfort. If pizza isn’t your preference, Scottsdale Quarter is packed with a variety of great restaurants.

Will there be prizes?
What’s a show without prizes? The vehicles at the show will compete in five judged categories: Best in Show, Best 1975-1994, Best 1995-2005, Instant Classic, Best Modification.

Andy Reid, one of the editors from the ClassicCars.com Journal, and his team of judges will determine which cars receive awards, but everyone in he audience will be judging as well. A sixth prize for “Fan Favorite” will be decided by the attendees, so come and vote for your favorite.

Why should I come to the Future Classic Car Show?

• Approximately 150 vehicles displayed on two stories of a luxury parking garage
• Guest appearances by The Hoonigans and other celebrity cars and drivers
• Ambassadors from Shriners Children’s Hospital will be there for a special announcement
• Join a community of car lovers
• Great family environment
• Free to attend
• Free games, activities and prizes for attendees
• Delicious food

All of that packed into just three hours on January 15th!

There’s something for everyone at the Future Classic Car Show. Save the date and we hope to see you this Monday!

Kickoff Arizona Car Week right at the Future Classic Car Show.

The 3rd annual Future Classic Car Show is expected to be the biggest show yet! Sponsored by Gateway Classic Cars and ClassicCars.com, this unique show will bring together generations of muscle cars, racers and modified imports. There is something here for everyone.



What is the Future Classic Car Show?

The Future Classic Car Show is one of the only car shows dedicated to vehicles manufactured post-1975. This show will be held on January 15 at Scottsdale Quarter from 5-8 PM. It’s a family event, and it’s free for all ages.

What’s so exciting about this show is the diversity of the cars and the people showcasing them. Emerging classics have captured the hearts and minds of car enthusiasts of all ages. Those who value tradition and restoration showcase alongside heavily modified performance vehicles. There’s no arguing whose methods or preferences are better; just love and appreciation for amazing future classics.

What to expect at the 3rd Annual FCCS?

Expect a car show like no other! This year is much bigger than the previous two, with two stories of showcase space and over 150 cars. The vehicle mix ranges from newly restored future classics to ultra modern racing machines.

Showcase vehicles are competing for the top prize in five different categories:

Best In Show
1975-1994 (Import, Domestic, Euro)
1955-2005 (Import, Domestic, Euro)
Instant Classic 2006-2018 (Import, Domestic, Euro)
Best Modification

And attendees will be part of picking the “Fan Favorite” by submitting raffle tickets, so come vote!

Come hungry! Scottsdale Quarter is packed with delicious restaurants, and FCCS attendees will get exclusive deals to Grimaldi’s pizza for the night.

Bring the family! The FCCS caters an environment of fun for all ages. There will be attractions specifically for kids like prizes, video game competitions and free stuff from our sponsors. It’s the perfect show for parents who want to get their kids excited about cars.

FCCS Event Information:

FREE ADMISSION
Monday January 15, 2018
5 PM-8 PM
Scottsdale Quarter, Scottsdale Arizona
15037 N Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, Arizona 85254 (East Garage next to Herman Miller)


Kickoff Arizona Car Week right at the Future Classic Car Show.

A bona fide Future Classic, the second-gen Supra is a full-fledged GT with plenty of power and finesse

On January 15, ClassicCars.com will be holding its third annual Future Classics car show in Scottsdale during Arizona Car Week.

In honor of the event, the Pick of the Day is a car that would easily qualify for that show, a 1984 Toyota Supra, offered by a dealer in Houston.

The second-generation Supra was the first real sports car Toyota built since the 2000GT. It was a huge update from the first generation, with a twin-cam inline 6-cylinder engine displacing 2,755cc with 160 horsepower and 163 pounds-feet of torque. Combine this with a solid chassis and Supra was the perfect car to take on the Nissan Z and Mazda RX7.

Unlike earlier and more-traditional sports cars, the Supra not only performed well but delivered in ergonomics and build quality as well. I remember driving one of these that my college girlfriend owned and thinking that it was so much better in just about every category than my old Alfa Romeo Giulia.

David E. Davis, writing for Car and Driver magazine called the 1984 Supra, “an absolutely delightful car, very much in the classical tradition of front-engine, rear-drive, six-cylinder GT coupes, but it replaces their fractious temperaments with all the angst of an anvil.”

This Supra is a true time capsule, the seller says, with all-original paint, interior and driveline that have somehow held up exceptionally well, the perfect car for preservation class at a Japanese car show.

The bumpers, trim and glass are still in amazing original condition, the seller adds, and it still has its original alloy wheels, which also look to be in great shape. They do disclose that the steering wheel and shift boot are worn and should be replaced.

The engine is strong through the power band, according to the ad on ClassicCars.com, and the 5-speed manual transmission shifts smoothly up and down through the gears, The engine recently had the top end rebuilt, my guess would be to replace a blown head gasket, something these Supras tend to do over time.

The car has traveled 132k since new even though it looks like a car that has traveled half that. The seller has receipts for engine work and other service items that have been done.

These second-gen Supras have a growing following and this car with an advertised price of only $8,595 looks to be a great deal for a Future Classic.

~ Written by Andy Reid

The third annual ClassicCars.com Future Classic Car Show will kick off Arizona Collector Car Week on Monday, January 15 2018.

Following the success of the 2017 event held at Scottsdale Quarter, the show will return to the rooftop location at one of the upscale shopping district’s parking garages.

To meet demand for space, the 2018 event will spill over from the rooftop to also include the fifth floor of the parking structure. More than 150 cars are expected to be on display, with multiple vendors and over 2,000 guests expected.

The Future Classics show has become a unique addition to the annual flurry of automotive activity taking place throughout Scottsdale and Phoenix each January. What makes this show different is its core mission — To actively bridge the gap between members of the sometimes-exclusive collector car world and younger automotive enthusiasts, the collectors and enthusiasts of the future.

In 2017, future proofing the collector car hobby and industry is a topic of conversation in board rooms and parking lots alike. As the demographic traditionally involved in the collector car hobby begins to “age out,” how to best engage the next generation of classic and collector car buyers, sellers and enthusiasts is both a concern and a challenge.

In 2015, the team at ClassicCars.com already was discussing the issue. From the conversation the idea for a car show that celebrated both the classics and enthusiasts of the future was born.

Last year, Ford Performance joined the event as a supporter of the mission. “All of the cars that are now viewed as ‘classic’ were all just cars at one point.” said John Clor from Ford Performance. “At Ford, we want to give the joy, the freedom, and that awesome driving experience to everyone.”

Accessibility is a key component of the Future Classic Car Show experience, for the car owners and event attendees. Post-1975 vehicles and their owners are treated with respect at a spectacular urban-show location, and there is concours-level judging, and an open field of show cars encouraging all to get involved.

“The cars that show up to Future Classic Car Show events are truly outstanding examples of the passion for the automobile.” said Roger Falcione, chief executive of ClassicCars.com “We are greatly encouraged by the enthusiasm that the car owners and the attendees have for these vehicles. The future of the classic car hobby is in good hands.” Registration for cars will open December 1 2017.

~ Written by Dawn Antestenis

Set during Arizona Car Week, the second Future Classics Car Show, presented by ClassicCars.com, drew more than 100 produced since the mid-1970s to be displayed and appreciated atop a parking garage at the Scottsdale Quarter.

The show featured vehicles that may be overlooked by some collectors but that are celebrated not only by millennials, but by others as well.

The featured marque this year was Ford.

“All of the cars that are now viewed as ‘classic’ were all just cars at one point,” said John Clor, enthusiast communications manager for Ford Performance.

“People collect with emotion and they save what pushes their buttons.”

Clor noted that several years ago, the general consensus was that Japanese cars would never be “collectable.” Yet the Datsun 240Z has become a cherished part of many collections and other formerly misfit cars, like the Honda S2000, are being restored on television shows such as Wheeler Dealers.

“We were so honored to be your featured marque because we can tell the show is based on passion, the love of cars, and we share that passion” Clor said.

“We believe the ST, the RS, and the Ecoboost Mustang are the collector cars of tomorrow for the future generation. We want to give the joy, the freedom, and an awesome driving experience to everyone. We want it to be accessible to everyone.”

~ Written by Nicole James

ClassicCars.com, with support from Car Street Journal and the show sponsors, celebrated Future Classic cars with a show of their own Monday, set during Arizona Car Week atop a parking garage at the Scottsdale Quarter, an upscale shopping district.

More than 100 cars, produced from 1975 to 2017 model years, glistened against a backdrop of the McDowell Mountains, with a view of WestWorld, and Scottsdale’s glimmering city lights.

Asian, European, and domestic brands were represented at the show, along with a blending of generations, from baby boomers to millennials and those in-between.

At the conclusion of the show, the cars rolled out together in a parade lap and then dispersed once they hit the street level.

Cars were judged by a panel led by Classic Car News East Coast editor Andy Reid. The winners were:

Best of Show – 1998 Toyota Supra, Alek Heit

Featured Ford Class – 2017 Shelby GT350R, Jonathan Fonggee

Instant Classic (2006-2017) Domestic – 2016 Corvette Z06, Ryan Barstad

1995-2005 Domestic – 2005 Pontiac GTO, Kyle Baker

1975-1994 Domestic – 1981 Trans Am, Mark Miller

Instant Classic (2006-2016) Euro – 2011 E82, Bally

1995-2005 Euro – 2001 VW Jetta custom truck, Chris Kingston

1975-1994 Euro – 1976 BMW 2002, Rav Sandln

Instant Classic (2006-2017) Import – 2014 Nissan GT-R, Nathan Ricci

1975 – 1994 Import – 1977 Datsun 280Z, Keith Ross

Diamond in the Rough – 2005 Scion Xb, Chris Wilson


~ Written by Nicole James, classiccars.com

When he was in high school in the mid-1980s, John Garza bought a used 1977 Toyota Celica. By the turn of the century, however, the car had rusted to the point that Garza obtained a replacement. But it would be a decade before Garza got around to that car, which he gave a resto-mod treatment that earned best of show honors last year at ClassicCar.com‘s inaugural Future Classics Car Show.

Garza has made a few updates to his car since that victory and will display it again January 16 at the second Future Classic show in Scottsdale, Arizona.

The project began when Garza decided it finally was time to begin tearing his car down so he could paint it.

“But then I decided to swap engines and that became my resto-mod project,” he explained.

Garza knew he didn’t want a car that felt cheap or was overly done up, so he created what he called the “Celica for grownups” – a Supra in its own right from an era without a comparable equivalent.

Garza said everything on the car was replaced or rebuilt. Many of the changes he made were inspired by the Toyota Supra, including a leather-lined interior, power steering, power four-wheel disc brakes, and great stereo.

Clor noted that several years ago, the general consensus was that Japanese cars would never be “collectable.” Yet the Datsun 240Z has become a cherished part of many collections and other formerly misfit cars, like the Honda S2000, are being restored on television shows such as Wheeler Dealers.

However, the most Supra-inspired component of the car lies under the hood.

Imported from Japan after just 50,000 miles, a 3.0-liter 2JZ-GE inline six-cylinder Toyota engine appears as if it were stock despite being installed in a space designed for two fewer cylinders. Garza was able to do the installation without extending the car’s nose, relocating the firewall or doing any other extensive fabrication work.

The result was a boost from 95 horsepower in the stock Celica four-cylinder to 227 with the inline six, which is hooked to a 5-speed manual transmission from a Lexus IS300 while the rear end came from a 1981 Supra with limited slip differential.

The car’s underbody is coated with Rhino liner and Dynamat also was used throughout to keep the car’s interior as quiet as possible while also helping keep it cool, despite summer temperatures in Arizona.

The interior features leather and microsuede as a replacement for the factory vinyl on the seats. Those materials also were used as trim on the car’s wool carpeting. The console also was leather-wrapped. Speed Hut Revolution-series gauges are used to monitor the car’s various systems.

The Celica’s body is adorned in Lexus Glacier Frost Mica Pearl White paint and has Celica dragon rockers painted on.

Exterior highlights include early Celica “smile” bumpers, re-chromed trim. A GT badge was added to the grille.

According to Garza, the build took 3 1/2 years and he is enjoys being able to show the car as much as he can, “because I’m bored out of my mind without a true project car to work on now.”

The car has been featured in several articles and earned third place in the Celica class at the Japanese Classic Car Show in Long Beach, California, and was given “best modified” honors along with second place in the Celica class at ToyotaFest.

Since the inaugural Future Classic Car Show, Garza has made a few updates, including adjustable control arms and a quieter exhaust. He plans to show the car at the second annual Future Classic Car Show, to be held the evening of January 16 at the Scottsdale Quarter.

~ Written by Dawn Antestenis

After the success of last year’s show, ClassicCars.com continues the conversation about future classics during Arizona Car Week 2017 with the 2nd annual Future Classics Car Show, taking place January 16th 2017.

“Our first show exceeded all expectations and showed clearly that the future of the collector car hobby is in very safe hands with the next generation,” said Roger Falcione, CEO of ClassicCars.com. “We are excited to keep the conversation going in January 2017 with our second annual Future Classics Car Show.”

“It made sense for Ford Motor Company to be the featured marque for our 2017 show,” Roger Falcione continued. “We saw a great turnout of Japanese future classics at the 2016 show and wanted to encourage Ford owners to come out in force and join in the fun. The show is designed to be inclusive and we look forward to seeing domestic vehicles, alongside imports and exotics – all future classics are welcome!”

“All of the cars that are now viewed as ‘classic’ were all just cars at one point,” said John Clor, enthusiast communications manager for Ford Performance.

The second annual Future Classic Car Show details are as follows:

• Date: Monday, January 16th 2017
• Time: 5pm – 8pm
• Location: Scottsdale Quarter’s rooftop parking deck
• The Future Classics Car Show will feature Domestic, Euro and Japanese cars from 1975 to 2005 with a special award for Instant Classics 2006 – 2017
• The featured marque will be Ford Motor Company

If you have a Future Classic you can register your ride here: https://www.futureclassicscarshow.com

~ Written by Dawn Antestenis

Every generation has had its love affair with cars, it seems, until we got to the millennials. Cars of the 1980s and ’90s didn’t have the futuristic fins of the ’50s, the flashy style of the ’60’s, nor anything quite like muscle cars of the ’70s… or so we thought.

At the start of 2016, ClassicCars.com offered collectors with an appreciation for the cars produced from the mid-1970s into the early 21st Century an event of their own: The Future Classics Car Show.

The inaugural show, produced with support from Car Street Journal and NicoClub.com, was staged during Arizona Auction Week and attracted more than 100 primarily Japanese and European vehicles to High Street in North Phoenix..

Brian Styles, a Florida-based car collector, pointed out that ’90s Japanese muscle cars “kind of took over where American muscle left off, and they did it in such a way that was ingenious.”

“Kids can afford them, adults can afford them, they have reasonable insurance costs because they have 300 horsepower, but we just gave birth to the whole tuning scene” Styles said.

His words were illustrated by the inaugural Future Classics Car Show Best of Show winner, a 1977 Toyota Celica GT Notchback with a twin-cam Toyota engine swap.

ClassicCars.com continues to celebrate the next generation of collector cars by hosting the secondFuture Classics Car Show, scheduled for January 16, 2017, atop a parking garage at the Scottsdale Quarter, located on the northeast corner of Scottsdale Road and Greenway-Hayden in the heart of auction activity.

Classic Car News’ East Coast Editor Andy Reid returns as head judge for the event, which runs from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., which provides more time for judging and for people to view the cars. The earlier start is made possible because January 16 also is a holiday, Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Ford will be the featured marque, though all makes and models post-1975 are welcome to participate. With limited space, pre-registration is encouraged and a $10 registration fee is payable on the day of the event.

Those interested in having a booth or sponsoring part of the show can submit contact details.

Spectators can enjoy the show at no cost.

Anyone can join the conversation via the event hashtag #FCCS2017 and can share a Future Classic or see others going to the show.

~ Written by Dawn Antestenis

If you have read my stories in the past or checked out my Picks of the Day you will know that while I love established classic cars, I also love cars that are either up-and-coming classic cars or cars that have yet to be discovered by the classic car community. Monday evening I had the opportunity to put that knowledge and love of these future classics to work by being the head judge of the Future Classics Car Show staged by ClassicCars.com.

I have judged at quite a few major concours and other car shows but have never been a head judge before. I can say that there is a lot more to do when you are the head judge.

First, you have to find other judges to assist. My coworkers at ClassicCars.com found a few for me but I had to fill out the rest of the judging field. What I did was to enlist other friends to help. These included friends from Hagerty Insurance and some of my collector car insurance clients. Hagerty also had its youth judging program on hand and provided us with excellent judges from that program who made our job that much easier.

Finally, when we started to tallly the results, they were not in order of class so we had to very quickly figure out who won which award. Again, my judging team dove right in and assisted with this.

The show itself was surprising in the number of cars that attended this first year event, 105, and the quality of the cars and the great enthusiasm of the owners simply blew me away. Many of the cars were no more that a single point apart and we had quite a few ties. To me, this makes for a great show but for difficult judging.

The other amazing thing I noticed was the great range of ages of the owners, with some in their teens while others were of retirement age. And for those who think that the car hobby is not attracting the younger audience, this show demonstrated to me that young people are very definitely in the hobby and are as enthusiastic about it as older and more seasoned collectors. Not only that, but a vast number of the owners of these great cars actually did most of the work on their cars themselves.

I won’t go over the entire list of class winners but will let you know that the best of show was a unanimous decision among my judging team. It was a fantastic 1977 Toyota Celica GT Notchback with a twin-cam Toyota engine swap that looked as though the factory did it. The car was immaculate and would hold up in sheer quality of workmanship against most cars I have given awards to at top tier concours events.

I want to thank all the great car owners I met, my fantastic co-workers at ClassicCars.com and my amazing judging team for the amazing job they did!

I am grateful to have been given the opportunity to serve as the head judge of what is bound to be a yearly event during Arizona Auction Week.

The 2016 Future Classics Car Show took over High Street in Phoenix to stage the inaugural show Monday evening.

All 100 spaces along the street through the upscale shopping district were filled with cars dating from the 1975 through 2005 model years.

And the audience was as diverse by age as the vehicles were from a variety of sources, with Asian, European and domestic brands well represented. Those attending the show were able to enjoy more than the vehicles as the shops and restaurants lining High Street extended hours and many provided discounts during the event.

“We are overwhelmed by the response to ClassicCars.com first Future Classics Car Show” said Roger Falcione, CEO and president of ClassicCars.com. “It is a true example of how the collector car hobby is alive and well with the next generation. The enthusiasm from the 100 plus car owners and the huge crowd that came out to the event represents a vibrant car community around collector cars from 1975-2005 that we are proud to be a part of.”

Other highlights included a “paint a Mustang” station where anyone was able to apply their painting talents to 2015 Ford Mustang GT supplied by San Tan Ford (yes, the paint could be washed off afterward). Clowns handed out balloon animals and flowers and a DJ played a mix of music that inspired some to dance.

Cars were judged by a panel led by Classic Cars News East Coast editor Andy Reid.

The winners in each category were:

• Best of Show – 1977 Toyota Celica, John Garza
• 200-2005 Import class – 2002 Acura Rsx Type-S, Nathan Nellessen
• 1995-1999 Import class – 1991 Acura NSX, Arnie Press
• 1975-1983 Import class – 1977 Toyota Celica GT
• 2000-2005 European – 1999 BMW M-coupe, Lena Norberg
• 1995-1999 European – 1996 Volkswagen Cabrio, Brian McCauley
• 1984-1994 European – 1987 Saab 900S, Dave Karsten
• 2000-2005 Domestic – 2004 Chevy Corvette Z06, Joe Martoccia
• 1995-1999 Domestic – 1996 Ford Cobra, Tim Brudler
• 1984-1994 Domestic – 1988 Pontiac Fiero GT, Dave Karsten
• Diamond in the Rough – 1985 Mitsubushi Starion
• Hagerty Youth Judging – 1977 Datsun 280Z, Mark Small

Photography by Hans Marquez ~ Written by Dawn Antestenis

The Honda S2000, or S2K, is one of the most likely future classics out there. The car first showed up in 1995 as a Sports Study Concept that was put into production as a 2000 model in 1999, named S2000 in relation with Honda’s S500, S600 and S800 sports cars from the 1960s, as well as designating its 2.0-liter engine.

The S2K had a respectable 240 horsepower motor and 153 pound-feet of torque. The motor had the highest specific output of any normally aspirated production engine in the world with 120 horsepower per liter.

And the audience was as diverse by age as the vehicles were from a variety of sources, with Asian, European and domestic brands well represented. Those attending the show were able to enjoy more than the vehicles as the shops and restaurants lining High Street extended hours and many provided discounts during the event.

The S2000 was capable of zero to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds for drivers willing to beat up on the 2,750 pound car. Revving is what the S2K did best; the car could rocket all the way up to an unbelievable 9,000 rpm. Of course, all that power comes on at a lofty rpm.

The S2000 was built to hoon. With the car’s high rev limit and agile handling, the S2K is thought of as what Formula One engineers might build into a sports car. There are no luxuries. Inside this rocket you got a trick digital gauge, a steering wheel and a six-speed manual. The S2K didn’t even have a clock in its earliest years. One of the best features of this minimalist car: the top goes down.

The S2000 was largely unchanged throughout its production run. The biggest tweak came in 2003 when the second-gen AP2 model was introduced with a slightly larger 2.2-liter motor for the American market. Production stopped in 2009.

What makes the S2K an irreplaceable Future Classic is that nothing ever took its place. What other roadster gave you the hard-edged handling, no-frills interior and insanely revvy engine package you got from the S2K? The Miata comes to mind as being the most similar, but it’s just not as hardcore as the S2000.

The car was made for a decade and is relatively easy to find if you are looking to buy one. Early ones have even dropped below $10,000 in price for now, which is a fantastic bargain. However, years from now, when people are looking for fun used sports cars, the S2000 will no doubt be a very popular choice due to it being the only one of its kind.

As the millennials are getting older, and their interest in cars continues to grow, Japanese cars should continue to skyrocket in price and collectability.

When the movie The Fast and the Furious came out in 2001, the import tuner industry was in full swing in the United States. The movie featured a 1997 Nissan 240SX with Advan wheels and a huge spoiler, and driven by Michelle Rodriquez, it really caught everyone’s attention.

The first 240SX was produced in 1989, and Nissan ended production in the summer of 1998. During that timeframe, Nissan produced well over two million 240s for the American market.

There are two separate generations of the 240, thus creating many names that car enthusiasts can choose to call this car.

The 240SX has been called the S13, S14, Silvia (the Japanese market name), S, 180SX (Japanese market) and the 200SX (the European and Australian markets). With the similarities between all models and names, American 240 owners are a distinct and very individual group that idolizes their cars for the things that they can do.

The first generation 240SX, or the S13, was produced from 1989-94. The S13 has three separate models: the coupe, the fastback and the convertible.

The middle period of the first generation was a time of a few minor body changes. Enthusiasts were more excited about the 15-horsepower boost that came with the double-overhead-cam engine upgrade. However, even with the power boost, critics said the 240SX was underpowered for its size, forcing many tuners and drifters to special order the higher-powered Japanese-model engines or experiment with domestic V8s.

For the second generation 240SX, the S14 from 1995-1998, Nissan replaced the fastback and convertible with SE and LE versions of the coupe. The major differences from the first generation were predominately in the body design, making it look more like its Japanese market counterpart. However, Nissan also gave the new 240 a two-inch-wider wheelbase and a stiffer suspension.

What do millennials love about the 240SX? It’s easy to drift. The 240SX is one of the most popular cars used for the sport. While drifters love and respect their 240SX just as much as a tuner, they demand a lot more from the SX than others.

Their modifications often entail engine and performance upgrades that are done in an effort to make drifting easier. Popular modifications include installing a limited slip differential and coilovers. And, of course, you can expect to replace a lot of tires due to the awesome hoonage.

Losing body parts while drifting is not exactly uncommon… so in the unfortunate event of damage to the 240 during drifting, replacing body kits and intercoolers may be necessary. There are many companies’ around that have custom parts for the 240 as well as all the regular mechanical replacement parts to keep the car running or revert back to stock.

While the Hagerty Price Guide lists only 300ZX among collectible Nissan models, prices for the 240SX are steadily going up as the millennials get older and drifting becomes more popular. Kelley Blue Book’s Collectors Edition has 240SXs from less than $5,000 to as much as $8,250 for a 1993 or 1994 convertible.

Today when looking for a 240, most buyers are looking for an unmolested vehicle so they have a clean platform to modify and make their own. As the car gets older, buyers are going to pay more and more for those rare untouched 240s, so be sure to keep all the original parts.