10 Surprising Modern Cars That Will Reach Classic Car Status In 2025

Not many people would think so, but considering it's been only about 15 years since 2005, the vehicles that were manufactured around that time bear little resemblance to the modern cars on the road today.

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Alfa Romeo

Alfa Romeo is a well-known Italian car manufacturer. Notably, Enzo Ferrari started his racing career with the company, and at the time, Alfa Romeo was led by him, overseeing racing and racing teams. Established in 1920, the brand gained popularity in competitive racing and high-end sports cars, and became the first company to win the F1 Constructors' Championship in 1950. In the past 50 years, the ownership of Alfa Romeo has shifted several times until it is now part of Stellantis.

Founded June 14, 1910 (as A.L.F.A.)

Founder Ugo Stella, Nicola Romeo

Headquarters Turin, Piedmont, Italy

Owned By Stellantis

Current CEO Santo Ficili

Production Status Available

As we consign our 2024 calendars to the trash, we're on the eve of a milestone year for a host of vehicles introduced two decades ago. With 2005 models turning 20, which of them are earning their classic status, and do they still embody the characteristics that define a classic, or do they remain impressively contemporary?

For the purposes of this article, any vehicle older than 20 years can be considered a classic. We're highlighting some global models from 2005 that are now 20 years old, yet still appear modern and timeless today. Our list is presented alphabetically.

Alfa Romeo Brera

Key Specifications
Engine	3.2-liter V6
Power	256 horsepower
Torque	237 lb-ft
0 to 60 mph	6.8 seconds

This car, a Volkswagen Scirocco with an Italian touch, was initially rolled out more than three years before its German counterpart. The lineup offered a variety of engine and transmission options, but for those seeking thrills, there was one obvious choice: the robust 3.2-liter V6 engine paired with a time-honored six-speed manual transmission.

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However, it's maintained that original look over the years. The aggressive front end still appears sharp and modern, and the sloped silhouette is distinct and unconventional, unlike anything else that's been seen on the road for the past two decades. Walking past it and seeing its design for the first time, someone without any prior knowledge of its age might reasonably question being told that it's over 20 years old.

Audi S4 Avant

Key Specifications
Engine	4.2-liter V8
Power	339 horsepower
Torque	302 lb-ft
0 to 60 mph	5.3 seconds

Offering 339 horsepower from its naturally aspirated 4.2-liter V8 engine, this wagon boasts a thoughtfully designed interior with five seats and a spacious cargo area.

Expert Opinion

We suggest choosing the B7 because it stands out as the most fashionable of the available S4 wagons in the US, and it likely boasts the best reliability due to being the newest.

Apart from the special aluminum mirror covers, larger alloy wheels, and discreet 'S' emblems, this powerful V8 wagon has relatively little distinguishing it from its more basic base model. Typically, classic cars are thought of as being leisurely in their pace and less reliable, but this German-made vehicle challenges this notion as it celebrates 20 years and earns modern-classic status.

BMW M6

Key Specifications
Engine	5.0-liter V10
Power	500 horsepower
Torque	383 lb-ft
0 to 60 mph	4.1 seconds

This 5-Series Touring-driving convertibles have aged remarkably well and are now underappreciated performance cars. While it's not roomier than the S4 Avant, it's still practical enough to be used for daily driving responsibilities. However, the 500-horsepower V10 engine under the hood will probably lead you to get acquainted with the local gas station attendants. It's reportedly also able to reach speeds above 200 mph with the speed limit removed.

Bugatti Veyron

Key Specifications
Engine	8.0-liter quad-turbocharged W16
Power	1,001 horsepower
Torque	922 lb-ft
0 to 60 mph	2.4 seconds

Unlike most cars from 2005, the Bugatti Veyron was a truly game-changing hypercar when it was new, so much so that it's easy to argue that no other hypercar has made the same impact since. Even now, as a 20-year-old car beiginning to be considered a classic by some, the Bugatti Veyron can outrun most Ferraris, Lamborghinis, and Aston Martins produced over the past two decades. It can also hold its own for a long period against almost any other hypercar, which is truly the Veyron's crowning achievement.

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Chrysler 300

Key Specifications
Engine	5.7-liter Hemi V8
Power	340 horsepower
Torque	390 lb-ft
0 to 60 mph	5.3 seconds

The car remains fashion-forward, capable, and remarkably comfortable, even two decades after its introduction.

Dodge Viper SRT-10 Coupe

Key Specifications
Engine	8.3-liter V10
Power	510 horsepower
Torque	535 lb-ft
0 to 60 mph	3.9 seconds

The Dodge Viper wasn't introduced in 2005 by a long shot - some versions of this massive sports car have already become classics or modern classics, after all. This updated Viper sported a marginally more powerful engine than its predecessor, but over the years, Dodge continued to squeeze more out of the enormous V10, ultimately resulting in an 8.4-liter engine that produced 645 horsepower at its peak.

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Right alongside its predecessor, the original Viper, the 2006 SRT 10 Coupe appears significantly newer and more contemporary, enabling it to still look youthful and sporty even as a 20-year-old car.

S197 Ford Mustang

Key Specifications
Engine	4.6-liter V8
Power	300 horsepower
Torque	320 lb-ft
0 to 60 mph	5.2 seconds

Similar to its predecessors, the S197-gen Mustang gained global recognition, with units being sold worldwide.

The 2005 Ford Mustang design remained largely unchanged for a full decade, meaning the newest models are virtually unscathed for a full 10 years, which is unusual for the industry. As a result, cars from the initial 2005 model year still appear remarkably fresh, making it seem ironic that they are now becoming eligible to be classified as classic cars under the 20-year rule. Additionally, the S197 Mustang offered a comfortable and capable driving experience, making it feel like a much more modern car, especially when compared to the older SN95 models that came before it.

Porsche Cayman

Key Specifications
Engine	3.4-liter flat-six
Power	291 horsepower
Torque	251 lb-ft
0 to 60 mph	5.2 seconds

The Porsche Cayman is sometimes referred to as the more budget-friendly 911, or "baby 911", but these terms shouldn't be seen in a negative light. The S model packs a substantial 295 horsepower, which is ideal for the vehicle's lightweight, 2-seat sportscar design that comes in at around 3,000 lbs. They make excellent daily drivers and even better weekend play cars, especially when paired with a six-speed manual transmission.

Porsche's upcoming Electric Cayman supposedly prioritizes an exhilarating driving experience over environmental concerns.

Porsche has developed a solution to seamlessly integrate regenerative braking into the braking system while maintaining a natural brake pedal feel.

While Porsche often sticks to its signature style, you can't really tell the original Cayman, the 987 model, apart from a modern 718 in terms of design. As for the interior, the 987 is actually pretty comparable to the 718 in terms of comfort and practicality, thanks to features like heated leather seats, parking assistance, GPS navigation, and cruise control.

Range Rover Sport

Key Specifications
Engine	4.4-liter V8
Power	300 horsepower
Torque	313 lb-ft
0 to 60 mph	8.2 seconds

The Range Rover Sport truly embodies the term "do-it-all vehicle." Comparable to other SUVs, it handles rough terrain well, while also boasting a sumptuous interior and substantial comfort on paved roads. Internationally, the L320-gen Range Rover Sport earned a significant following, and some still consider it the peak Range Rover generation. Under the hood, owners had the option to select from a range of fuel-efficient diesel engines and high-performance V8 gasoline engines.

Thanks to a robust four-wheel-drive system, sumptuous air suspension, an impeccably appointed interior, and surprisingly low purchase expenses after twenty years of depreciation, the L320 Range Rover Sport remains a formidable competitor, and is arguably the most practical and versatile modern classic available.

Vauxhall Monaro VXR

Key Specifications
Engine	6.0-liter LS2 V8
Power	398 horsepower
Torque	390 lb-ft
0 to 60 mph	5.1 seconds

Depending on your location, Vauxhall or Holden is the automaker behind the final entry on this list. Known as the Monaro, it's a powerful V8-powered vehicle that makes it a type of muscle car, albeit for those who prefer not to go with the numerous American options in its class. Prior to 2005, the VXR Monaro model was built with a 5.7-liter V8 engine, which generated almost 400 hp. For this model year, however, the engine increased in size to 6.0 liters, resulting in a peak power boost.

These cars were relatively rare when first released, and are increasingly difficult to locate now. However, most surviving units have been meticulously cared for by devoted owners, contributing to their rarity. As time passes, the Monaro is likely to solidify its reputation as a sought-after modern classic from the early 2000s, making it worth holding onto.