"Collector cars of tomorrow" revealed

The 2000 BMW M Roadster, 2003 Mini Cooper S and 2007 Ford Shelby Mustang are among the ten most likely cars of the decade to become collectors' items, according to a new list released Monday.

"The 2010 Hot List" was compiled by valuation experts from Hagerty Insurance, the largest agency for collector cars in the US. Experts from the firm have identified the ten US-sold cars that they believe will have collector appeal within the next 10-15 years, based on how influential a particular vehicle was in the automotive industry, its "cool or unique factor" and its potential value in the collector car market. To be considered for inclusion, cars must have been mass produced and sold at $100,000 (€69,822) or less.

"We believe in the years to come this car will be highly desired by collectors for its gracious curves and powerful engine," the authors said of the BMW M Roadster. The Mini Cooper, meanwhile, was praised "because anyone who drives one of these cars walks away with a silly grin" and the Ford Shelby Mustang was lauded as introducing "the younger generation to the glorious racing days of the 1960s."

Highlights from the list also include the 2005 Acura NSX, the first production car to feature an all-aluminum chassis, suspension and body and the 2009 Pontiac Solstice GXP Coupe, the final sports car ever to be produced by the now-defunct Pontiac.

Collector Cars of Tomorrow
Compiled by Hagerty Insurance Agency, Inc

1. 2000 BMW M Roadster
2. 2001 Corvette ZO6
3. 2002 Pontiac Firebird WS-6 "Ram-Air"
4. 2003 Mini Cooper S "JCW"
5. 2004 Cadillac CTS-V
6. 2005 Acura NSX
7. 2006 Dodge Ram SRT-10
8. 2007 Ford Shelby Mustang GT 500
9. 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8
10. 2009 Pontiac Solstice GXP Coupe